You can download this 27-page e-book by Leo Babauta for free. Chapters include:
A Simple Lifestyle
Focus on the Essentials
Thriving on Less, not Struggling
Focus on Enough, not More
Make Small Financial Changes First
Look at Large Expenses for the Long Term
Changing Your Spending Habits
A Guide to Getting Out of Debt
Tools for a Frugal Life
Download the book here: http://media.thepowerofless.com/ThrivingonLess.pdf
Monday, October 26, 2009
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Have Americans failed the prosperity test?
Over the past few years, there has been an erosion in the country’s -- AND individual's -- financial values. Government-approved gambling, personal and public debt explosion, grossly huge compensation packages to executives.... These and more have become acceptable practices.
The solution is to restore an economic value system, but that may be impossible because it would have to take on "we the people's" greedy, self-indulgent demand for low taxes and high spending -- don't tax you, don't tax me, tax that man behind the tree!
Economic self-restraint would require taking on the current entitlement attitudes exhibited by lobbyists and "we the people" and embracing national policies like energy taxes and spending cuts, as well as personal virtues such as discipline, restraint and self-reliance.
John Adams said human nature couldn't handle prosperity. I think he was right...
See article that inspired my comment here: www.nytimes.com/2009/09/29/opinion/29brooks.html?_r=1
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
The power of an icon; the cult of personality
Have you seen this very powerful video on PJTV? It's only 8 minutes long, but it clearly demonstrates the power of logos and icons. The Power & Danger of Iconography: The Resistance Steals Obama's Weapons.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Dog days of summer are coming and your public servants are coming home. They need to hear from YOU
"We the People" are riled up about Obama's rationed healthcare plan and most of our so-called "representatives in Congress are apprehensive about talking to us face-to-face!
A group of retirees refused to leave Sen. Dianne Feinstein's West Los Angeles office until she talked to them about health care reform. They were ultimately escorted out by police. www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2009/07/30/state/n184320D61.DTL.
Town halls across the country "go wild" with people demanding their "representatives" listen to them for a change (and politicians fearing for their safety!) www.politico.com/news/stories/0709/25646.html.
What exactly is in the bill? While House Judiciary Chairman John Conyers (D-Mich.), questioned the point of lawmakers reading the health care bill, many bloggers have taken the time to read the 1000+ pages and are documenting what they are finding, and it ain't pretty www.economicpolicyjournal.com/2009/07/whats-in-healthacre-bill.html.
Betsy McCaughey says the bill will affect EVERY individual in the United States www.youtube.com/watch?v=--DbIZlJyvo.
Mark Levin and others are encouraging people to "turn up the heat" on their representatives in Congress during their August recess www.youtube.com/watch?v=4IKlSKWM8j0.
Acton Institute discusses the problems with socialized government health care www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4f-rftBek8.
John Stossel comments on health care reform www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdx_2cuPgQQ.
Investor's Business Daily says government-run health care is a prescription for FAILURE www.ibdeditorials.com/series26.aspx.
Here is a conservative action plan for the August recess www.examiner.com/x-3704-Columbia-Conservative-Examiner~y2009m7d30-A-conservative-action-plan-for-the-august-recess.
Dog days of summer are coming. Time to nip at the heels of our congress critters!
Saturday, July 25, 2009
The Blue Dog Days of Summer, Blue Dog Days of Rage by L.L. Brown IV
In 1969 Obama's buddies and ideological predecessors in The Weather Underground organized the "Days of Rage" in Chicago. The SDS resolution which ultimately led to these planned riots was titled "The Elections Don't Mean S**t—Vote Where the Power Is—Our Power Is In The Street".
When Congress comes home for their August recess during the dog days of summer we need to make it clear to the Blue Dogs and other vulnerable Dems, where the power is. We shouldn't riot like lefties but we must make this a VERY HOT summer for the doggies.
In order to defeat Obama and derail his radical agenda we must pursue a two part assault: 1) Undermine Obama and the Democrat leadership (Harry Reid, Nancy Pelosi, et al) through ridicule, mockery and by exposing their policies, shortcomings, ineptitude, lies, and broken promises. 2) Terrify Blue Dog Democrats (and others who are vulnerable) in Congress. Put the fear of God into them and DON'T LET UP. Call, harass, write, intimidate, protest, e-mail, and hit up local media with memes about how massive the backlash will be in 2010 against anyone who supports cap-and-trade, government takeover of health care, or any of the other radical agenda items being pushed by the left wing. But of course be polite and civilized. We're not lefties so we don't act like animals or unruly children.
Congress works on fear, not math. By pressuring the representatives and senators and driving down approval ratings for the President and his policies Congress can be made to back away from the far left.
"When a president loses the approval of the majority of the voters and polls reflect that his ratings have fallen substantially below 50 percent, he loses his power. In this context, polls are like parliamentary votes of no confidence in European systems. While the government does not fall if it loses in the polling, it limps on until either its ratings improve or it is voted out of office at the next election." - Dick Morris.
Here is a great example of how to communicate to your elected officials. The guy at 3:37 in is particularly good.
Below are the Dems in the House of Representatives who need to feel the most heat. Each website contains the contact information (phone, email, fax, address) for their local district offices rather than calling the D.C. number. This is where you should encourage others to focus their efforts. Also, you can find information about upcoming town hall meetings and other opportunities to interact with your representatives.
Blue Dogs In Districts McCain Won (These people are top of the hit list. They are both members of the Blue Dog Coalition AND represent districts that McCain won.)
Bobby Bright (AL-2) http://www.bright.house.gov/
Parker Griffith (AL-5) http://griffith.house.gov/
Harry E. Mitchell (AZ-5) http://mitchell.house.gov/
Gabrielle Giffords (AZ-8) http://giffords.house.gov/
Marion Berry (AR-1) http://www.house.gov/berry/
Mike Ross (AR-4) http://ross.house.gov/
John T. Salazar (CO-3) http://www.house.gov/salazar/
Allen Boyd (FL-2) http://www.house.gov/boyd/
Jim Marshall (GA-8) http://www.house.gov/marshall/
Walt Minnick (ID-1) http://minnick.house.gov/
Brad Ellsworth (IN-8) http://ellsworth.house.gov/
Baron P. Hill (IN-9) http://baronhill.house.gov/
Ben Chandler (KY-6) http://chandler.house.gov/
Charlie Melancon (LA-3) http://www.melancon.house.gov/
Frank Kratovil (MD-1) http://kratovil.house.gov/
Collin C. Peterson (MN-7) http://collinpeterson.house.gov/
Travis W. Childers (MS-1) http://childers.house.gov/
Gene Taylor (MS-4) http://www.taylor.house.gov/
Mike McIntyre (NC-7) http://www.house.gov/mcintyre/
Heath Shuler (NC-11) http://shuler.house.gov/
Earl Pomeroy (ND-1) http://www.pomeroy.house.gov/
Charlie Wilson (OH-6) http://charliewilson.house.gov/
Zachary T. Space (OH-18) http://space.house.gov/
Dan Boren (OK-2) http://www.house.gov/boren/
Jason Altmire (PA-4) http://altmire.house.gov/
Christopher Carney (PA-10) http://carney.house.gov/
Tim Holden (PA-17) http://www.holden.house.gov/
Stephanie Sandlin (SD-1) http://hersethsandlin.house.gov/
Lincoln Davis (TN-4) http://www.house.gov/lincolndavis/
Bart Gordon (TN-6) http://gordon.house.gov/
John S. Tanner (TN-8) http://www.house.gov/tanner/
Jim Matheson (UT-2) http://matheson.house.gov/
Democrats In Districts McCain Won (These people are not officially Blue Dogs but they do represent districts that went for McCain)
Ann Kirkpatrick (AZ-1) http://kirkpatrick.house.gov/
Vic Snyder (AR-2) http://www.house.gov/snyder/
Betsy Markey (CO-4) http://betsymarkey.house.gov/
Susan Kosmas (FL-24) http://www.kosmas.house.gov/
Ike Skelton (MO-4) http://www.house.gov/skelton/
Harry Teague (NM-2) http://teague.house.gov/
Michael McMahon (NY-13) http://mcmahon.house.gov/
Eric Massa (NY-29) http://massa.house.gov/
John Boccieri (OH-16) http://boccieri.house.gov/
John P. Murtha ( PA-12) http://www.murtha.house.gov/
John M. Spratt Jr. (SC-5) http://www.house.gov/spratt/
Chet Edwards (TX-17) http://edwards.house.gov/
Tom Perriello (VA-5) http://perriello.house.gov/
Rick Boucher (VA-9) http://www.boucher.house.gov/
Alan B. Mollohan (WV-1) http://mollohan.house.gov/
Nick J. Rahall Jr. (WV-3) http://www.rahall.house.gov/
Blue Dogs In Districts Obama Won (These people are generally less vulnerable but still can be pressured to live up to their rhetoric of moderation and fiscal responsibility.)
Mike Thompson (CA-01) http://mikethompson.house.gov/
Dennis Cardoza (CA-18) http://www.house.gov/cardoza/
Jim Costa (CA-20) http://costa.house.gov/
Adam Schiff (CA-29) http://schiff.house.gov/
Jane Harman (CA-36) http://www.house.gov/harman/
Joe Baca (CA-43) http://www.house.gov/baca/
Loretta Sanchez (CA-47) http://www.lorettasanchez.house.gov/
Sanford Bishop (GA-02) http://bishop.house.gov/
John Barrow (GA-12) http://barrow.house.gov/
David Scott (GA-13) http://davidscott.house.gov/
Joe Donnelly (IN-02) http://donnelly.house.gov/
Leonard Boswell (IA-03) http://boswell.house.gov/
Dennis Moore (KS-03) http://moore.house.gov/
Mike Michaud (ME-02) http://michaud.house.gov/
Mike Arcuri (NY-24) http://arcuri.house.gov/
Kathy Dahlkemper (PA-03) http://dahlkemper.house.gov/
Patrick Murphy (PA-08) http://patrickmurphy.house.gov/
Jim Cooper (TN-05) http://www.cooper.house.gov/
Henry Cuellar (TX-28) http://cuellar.house.gov/
Glenn Nye (VA-02) http://nye.house.gov/
Dems In Districts That McCain Lost But Bush Won In 04 (These folks rode the Obama wave and they are going to be in a difficult position in 2010.)
Jerry McNerney (CA-11) http://mcnerney.house.gov/
Alan Grayson (FL-8) http://grayson.house.gov/
Mark Schauer (MI-7) http://schauer.house.gov/
Tim Walz (MN-1) http://walz.house.gov/
Dina Titus (NV-3) http://titus.house.gov/
Carol Shea-Porter (NH-1) http://shea-porter.house.gov/
John Hall (NY-19) http://johnhall.house.gov/
Larry Kissell (NC-8) http://kissell.house.gov/
Steve Driehaus (OH-1) http://driehaus.house.gov/
Mary Jo Kilroy (OH-15) http://kilroy.house.gov/
Kurt Schrader (OR-5) http://schrader.house.gov/
Steve Kagen (WI-8) http://kagen.house.gov/
These are the Dem Senators up for re-election:
Blanche Lincoln (AR) http://lincoln.senate.gov/
Barbara Boxer (CA) http://boxer.senate.gov/
Michael Bennet (CO) http://bennet.senate.gov/
Chris Dodd (CT) http://dodd.senate.gov/
Daniel Inouye (HI) http://inouye.senate.gov/
Evan Bayh (IN) http://bayh.senate.gov/
Barbara Mikulski (MD) http://mikulski.senate.gov/
Harry Reid (NV) http://reid.senate.gov/
Kirsten Gillibrand (NY) http://gillibrand.senate.gov/
Charles Schumer (NY) http://schumer.senate.gov/
Byron Dorgan (ND) http://dorgan.senate.gov/
Ron Wyden (OR) http://wyden.senate.gov/
Arlen Specter (PA) http://specter.senate.gov/
Patrick Leahy (VT) http://leahy.senate.gov/
Patty Murray (WA) http://murray.senate.gov/
Russ Feingold (WI) http://feingold.senate.gov/
When Congress comes home for their August recess during the dog days of summer we need to make it clear to the Blue Dogs and other vulnerable Dems, where the power is. We shouldn't riot like lefties but we must make this a VERY HOT summer for the doggies.
In order to defeat Obama and derail his radical agenda we must pursue a two part assault: 1) Undermine Obama and the Democrat leadership (Harry Reid, Nancy Pelosi, et al) through ridicule, mockery and by exposing their policies, shortcomings, ineptitude, lies, and broken promises. 2) Terrify Blue Dog Democrats (and others who are vulnerable) in Congress. Put the fear of God into them and DON'T LET UP. Call, harass, write, intimidate, protest, e-mail, and hit up local media with memes about how massive the backlash will be in 2010 against anyone who supports cap-and-trade, government takeover of health care, or any of the other radical agenda items being pushed by the left wing. But of course be polite and civilized. We're not lefties so we don't act like animals or unruly children.
Congress works on fear, not math. By pressuring the representatives and senators and driving down approval ratings for the President and his policies Congress can be made to back away from the far left.
"When a president loses the approval of the majority of the voters and polls reflect that his ratings have fallen substantially below 50 percent, he loses his power. In this context, polls are like parliamentary votes of no confidence in European systems. While the government does not fall if it loses in the polling, it limps on until either its ratings improve or it is voted out of office at the next election." - Dick Morris.
Here is a great example of how to communicate to your elected officials. The guy at 3:37 in is particularly good.
Below are the Dems in the House of Representatives who need to feel the most heat. Each website contains the contact information (phone, email, fax, address) for their local district offices rather than calling the D.C. number. This is where you should encourage others to focus their efforts. Also, you can find information about upcoming town hall meetings and other opportunities to interact with your representatives.
Blue Dogs In Districts McCain Won (These people are top of the hit list. They are both members of the Blue Dog Coalition AND represent districts that McCain won.)
Bobby Bright (AL-2) http://www.bright.house.gov/
Parker Griffith (AL-5) http://griffith.house.gov/
Harry E. Mitchell (AZ-5) http://mitchell.house.gov/
Gabrielle Giffords (AZ-8) http://giffords.house.gov/
Marion Berry (AR-1) http://www.house.gov/berry/
Mike Ross (AR-4) http://ross.house.gov/
John T. Salazar (CO-3) http://www.house.gov/salazar/
Allen Boyd (FL-2) http://www.house.gov/boyd/
Jim Marshall (GA-8) http://www.house.gov/marshall/
Walt Minnick (ID-1) http://minnick.house.gov/
Brad Ellsworth (IN-8) http://ellsworth.house.gov/
Baron P. Hill (IN-9) http://baronhill.house.gov/
Ben Chandler (KY-6) http://chandler.house.gov/
Charlie Melancon (LA-3) http://www.melancon.house.gov/
Frank Kratovil (MD-1) http://kratovil.house.gov/
Collin C. Peterson (MN-7) http://collinpeterson.house.gov/
Travis W. Childers (MS-1) http://childers.house.gov/
Gene Taylor (MS-4) http://www.taylor.house.gov/
Mike McIntyre (NC-7) http://www.house.gov/mcintyre/
Heath Shuler (NC-11) http://shuler.house.gov/
Earl Pomeroy (ND-1) http://www.pomeroy.house.gov/
Charlie Wilson (OH-6) http://charliewilson.house.gov/
Zachary T. Space (OH-18) http://space.house.gov/
Dan Boren (OK-2) http://www.house.gov/boren/
Jason Altmire (PA-4) http://altmire.house.gov/
Christopher Carney (PA-10) http://carney.house.gov/
Tim Holden (PA-17) http://www.holden.house.gov/
Stephanie Sandlin (SD-1) http://hersethsandlin.house.gov/
Lincoln Davis (TN-4) http://www.house.gov/lincolndavis/
Bart Gordon (TN-6) http://gordon.house.gov/
John S. Tanner (TN-8) http://www.house.gov/tanner/
Jim Matheson (UT-2) http://matheson.house.gov/
Democrats In Districts McCain Won (These people are not officially Blue Dogs but they do represent districts that went for McCain)
Ann Kirkpatrick (AZ-1) http://kirkpatrick.house.gov/
Vic Snyder (AR-2) http://www.house.gov/snyder/
Betsy Markey (CO-4) http://betsymarkey.house.gov/
Susan Kosmas (FL-24) http://www.kosmas.house.gov/
Ike Skelton (MO-4) http://www.house.gov/skelton/
Harry Teague (NM-2) http://teague.house.gov/
Michael McMahon (NY-13) http://mcmahon.house.gov/
Eric Massa (NY-29) http://massa.house.gov/
John Boccieri (OH-16) http://boccieri.house.gov/
John P. Murtha ( PA-12) http://www.murtha.house.gov/
John M. Spratt Jr. (SC-5) http://www.house.gov/spratt/
Chet Edwards (TX-17) http://edwards.house.gov/
Tom Perriello (VA-5) http://perriello.house.gov/
Rick Boucher (VA-9) http://www.boucher.house.gov/
Alan B. Mollohan (WV-1) http://mollohan.house.gov/
Nick J. Rahall Jr. (WV-3) http://www.rahall.house.gov/
Blue Dogs In Districts Obama Won (These people are generally less vulnerable but still can be pressured to live up to their rhetoric of moderation and fiscal responsibility.)
Mike Thompson (CA-01) http://mikethompson.house.gov/
Dennis Cardoza (CA-18) http://www.house.gov/cardoza/
Jim Costa (CA-20) http://costa.house.gov/
Adam Schiff (CA-29) http://schiff.house.gov/
Jane Harman (CA-36) http://www.house.gov/harman/
Joe Baca (CA-43) http://www.house.gov/baca/
Loretta Sanchez (CA-47) http://www.lorettasanchez.house.gov/
Sanford Bishop (GA-02) http://bishop.house.gov/
John Barrow (GA-12) http://barrow.house.gov/
David Scott (GA-13) http://davidscott.house.gov/
Joe Donnelly (IN-02) http://donnelly.house.gov/
Leonard Boswell (IA-03) http://boswell.house.gov/
Dennis Moore (KS-03) http://moore.house.gov/
Mike Michaud (ME-02) http://michaud.house.gov/
Mike Arcuri (NY-24) http://arcuri.house.gov/
Kathy Dahlkemper (PA-03) http://dahlkemper.house.gov/
Patrick Murphy (PA-08) http://patrickmurphy.house.gov/
Jim Cooper (TN-05) http://www.cooper.house.gov/
Henry Cuellar (TX-28) http://cuellar.house.gov/
Glenn Nye (VA-02) http://nye.house.gov/
Dems In Districts That McCain Lost But Bush Won In 04 (These folks rode the Obama wave and they are going to be in a difficult position in 2010.)
Jerry McNerney (CA-11) http://mcnerney.house.gov/
Alan Grayson (FL-8) http://grayson.house.gov/
Mark Schauer (MI-7) http://schauer.house.gov/
Tim Walz (MN-1) http://walz.house.gov/
Dina Titus (NV-3) http://titus.house.gov/
Carol Shea-Porter (NH-1) http://shea-porter.house.gov/
John Hall (NY-19) http://johnhall.house.gov/
Larry Kissell (NC-8) http://kissell.house.gov/
Steve Driehaus (OH-1) http://driehaus.house.gov/
Mary Jo Kilroy (OH-15) http://kilroy.house.gov/
Kurt Schrader (OR-5) http://schrader.house.gov/
Steve Kagen (WI-8) http://kagen.house.gov/
These are the Dem Senators up for re-election:
Blanche Lincoln (AR) http://lincoln.senate.gov/
Barbara Boxer (CA) http://boxer.senate.gov/
Michael Bennet (CO) http://bennet.senate.gov/
Chris Dodd (CT) http://dodd.senate.gov/
Daniel Inouye (HI) http://inouye.senate.gov/
Evan Bayh (IN) http://bayh.senate.gov/
Barbara Mikulski (MD) http://mikulski.senate.gov/
Harry Reid (NV) http://reid.senate.gov/
Kirsten Gillibrand (NY) http://gillibrand.senate.gov/
Charles Schumer (NY) http://schumer.senate.gov/
Byron Dorgan (ND) http://dorgan.senate.gov/
Ron Wyden (OR) http://wyden.senate.gov/
Arlen Specter (PA) http://specter.senate.gov/
Patrick Leahy (VT) http://leahy.senate.gov/
Patty Murray (WA) http://murray.senate.gov/
Russ Feingold (WI) http://feingold.senate.gov/
Friday, July 17, 2009
CONGRESSIONAL GUIDE: Is mass resignation too much to ask?
From: Jimmy L. Cash, B/G, UFAF, Retired, Bigfork, MT
Sent: 7/16/2009 9:39:09 PM
Folks, I have finally reached the exalted position of extreme disgust. Would it be OK if I just vent for a bit? To those who have websites, feel free to post this as you see fit, and to all, forward at will. I am totally convinced conservatives must become even more vocal. I see a crack in the far-left insanity. They are going too fast and too far. I have a feeling the American people are beginning to question and are about to awaken. Power crazed incumbents beware!!! I think your days are numbered.
CONGRESSIONAL GUIDE: Is mass resignation too much to ask?
One of the things I learned a long time ago, is that I am so average that my thinking is very similar to at least 75% of the American people, regardless of political party affiliation. Let's see if that holds true in this case. If so, politicians beware!!!
You know, I am not a Bush fan. However, I am really tired of hearing his name still repeated over and over by the far-left, and always associated with something bad. If President Obama is as astute as the far-left would have us believe, he would never mention the name Bush, or refer to "the mess he inherited" again. George Bush is history. Nothing can be done to change history. Might as well get over it, and let's look to the future, the only thing that can be changed or controlled. In my opinion the damage to this nation by the Obama insanity in his first 130 days is 100-fold worse than everything both Bush Presidents did combined.
We must get a grip on our government. We are beginning to resemble the chaos I observed in the Philippines while attending Snake School enroute to Vietnam in the 1967.
That was an unpleasant memory! Have you ever seen a 12-foot King Cobra? ... but, that is another story...
The current path chosen for our country is more dangerous that I have observed in my lifetime. That is saying something, as I was trying to command a F-15 Fighter Squadron when Jimmy Carter was President. I thought times were bad then!!!
After observing the most far-reaching far-left changes in our country's history occur in the past 130 days, there are a few things I would like to see changed again, and very soon. How about you, Mr. and Mrs. America?
* I just want Obama's insane spending to stop. We must stop listening to the far-left politicians and staff members who are paid to support this nonsense. Our debt is already beyond ever being repaid, unless the dollar is devalued to the point where it is worthless. Maybe that is the plan. If not, there is no plan.
* I would like to see our President stop apologizing for America. It makes me believe he does not understand and appreciate the enormously positive role this country has played in maintaining freedom around the world. For example, Europe would be speaking German twice over, if it were not for American blood and treasure. The WWII generation was the last generation to truly understand sacrifice for freedom. We should treasure them, and never apologize for their contribution to saving those to whom our President appears to be constantly apologizing to.
* I would like to see the majority of both Democrats and Republicans voted out of office, and replaced with young patriots who support term limits. A good place to look for replacements is our returning soldiers who have served in the Middle-East. They understand and appreciate life in this country. They were willing to die to protect that way of life. How may of our present elected officials can make that statement?
* I would like to see strict term limits set at six two-year terms for the House and two six-year terms for the Senate. And for goodness sake, leave the President's term limit alone at two four-year terms.
* I would like to see even the mention of ear-marks and pork-spending become a felony!!!
* I would like to see our military rebuilt so strong that no country on this planet would dare attack us. Deterrence prevents war. And while we are at it, let's insure this nation buys the right stuff. For example, I would like to see the buy on our new F-22 fighter increased to the point of maintaining air-dominance for the next 50 years, as it has been for the past 50 years. I like lots of insurance when it comes to protecting this great nation. Boy, will that one burn Obama and his cronies' whiskers!!! They are destroying our military as we speak, as they are convinced Obama is gifted to the point of talking his way out of anything. North Korea, Iran, China and Russia are all laughing their butts off over that one.
* I would like to see us completely pull out of Afghanistan. The Soviet Union proved many points there, and none were good. It is a totally different situation than Iraq. To win in Afghanistan, first we must win in Pakistan, and the American people are not willing to pay that price. It will become Obama's Vietnam, and for what reason? Enough of our young have died in the Middle-East. Please see the above concerning building our military strong enough that it will never need to be used.
* I would like to see our health care system left alone. Let's offer a plan for those not covered, but do it through the private sector. Government should be kept as far away from this program as possible. I lived under a socialized medical program for over 30 years. It was called military health care and it sucked.
* I would like to see our government severely limited and forced out of the auto and banking business. If a company can't cut it, let them use bankruptcy as our law allows. Who came up with this idea of too big to fail? It had to be someone in government drawing a salary far too large for their level of thinking.
* I would like to see taxes reduced and in proportion to what is paid. If we want to reduce unemployment and see the economy soar, reduce tax rates on small business and provide assistance at that level, as opposed to General Motors. Where do we get these Harvard lunkheads who can only suggest government intervention and massive spending? This is not Rocket Science. They just want you, the American people, to think it so.
* Did I say already that even the mention of pork-spending by our Congress should be considered a felony---and retroactive?
* I would like our guns left alone. There is no controversy here. We have an Amendment to our Constitution clearly giving gun rights to American citizens. By the way, did I already say that to even allude to a "living Constitution", or suggest any deviation to our Constitution should be considered a felony offense?
* I think we should maintain separation of Church and State. But, we should fully understand what that means. It does not mean that we cannot post the Ten Commandments anywhere we wish, use white crosses to mark the graves of our fallen soldiers, use the word "God" on our coins, and let those among us worship as they please. Does that not ring a bell even for those who skipped high school and went directly to Harvard? One of the factors leading to the founding of this nation was the search for religious freedom. I often wonder what is really being taught in our schools, when basic thought like this is not understood.
Well, there is so much more I would like to add, but I am already worried about the far-left, attack and destroy tactics being planned for me, and Hobbs (my Chinese Pug). However, those guys had best be careful. Those high-paying government jobs are probably going to no longer be available when Sarah is elected President. They might want to start hiding in the woodwork now.
Sent: 7/16/2009 9:39:09 PM
Folks, I have finally reached the exalted position of extreme disgust. Would it be OK if I just vent for a bit? To those who have websites, feel free to post this as you see fit, and to all, forward at will. I am totally convinced conservatives must become even more vocal. I see a crack in the far-left insanity. They are going too fast and too far. I have a feeling the American people are beginning to question and are about to awaken. Power crazed incumbents beware!!! I think your days are numbered.
CONGRESSIONAL GUIDE: Is mass resignation too much to ask?
One of the things I learned a long time ago, is that I am so average that my thinking is very similar to at least 75% of the American people, regardless of political party affiliation. Let's see if that holds true in this case. If so, politicians beware!!!
You know, I am not a Bush fan. However, I am really tired of hearing his name still repeated over and over by the far-left, and always associated with something bad. If President Obama is as astute as the far-left would have us believe, he would never mention the name Bush, or refer to "the mess he inherited" again. George Bush is history. Nothing can be done to change history. Might as well get over it, and let's look to the future, the only thing that can be changed or controlled. In my opinion the damage to this nation by the Obama insanity in his first 130 days is 100-fold worse than everything both Bush Presidents did combined.
We must get a grip on our government. We are beginning to resemble the chaos I observed in the Philippines while attending Snake School enroute to Vietnam in the 1967.
That was an unpleasant memory! Have you ever seen a 12-foot King Cobra? ... but, that is another story...
The current path chosen for our country is more dangerous that I have observed in my lifetime. That is saying something, as I was trying to command a F-15 Fighter Squadron when Jimmy Carter was President. I thought times were bad then!!!
After observing the most far-reaching far-left changes in our country's history occur in the past 130 days, there are a few things I would like to see changed again, and very soon. How about you, Mr. and Mrs. America?
* I just want Obama's insane spending to stop. We must stop listening to the far-left politicians and staff members who are paid to support this nonsense. Our debt is already beyond ever being repaid, unless the dollar is devalued to the point where it is worthless. Maybe that is the plan. If not, there is no plan.
* I would like to see our President stop apologizing for America. It makes me believe he does not understand and appreciate the enormously positive role this country has played in maintaining freedom around the world. For example, Europe would be speaking German twice over, if it were not for American blood and treasure. The WWII generation was the last generation to truly understand sacrifice for freedom. We should treasure them, and never apologize for their contribution to saving those to whom our President appears to be constantly apologizing to.
* I would like to see the majority of both Democrats and Republicans voted out of office, and replaced with young patriots who support term limits. A good place to look for replacements is our returning soldiers who have served in the Middle-East. They understand and appreciate life in this country. They were willing to die to protect that way of life. How may of our present elected officials can make that statement?
* I would like to see strict term limits set at six two-year terms for the House and two six-year terms for the Senate. And for goodness sake, leave the President's term limit alone at two four-year terms.
* I would like to see even the mention of ear-marks and pork-spending become a felony!!!
* I would like to see our military rebuilt so strong that no country on this planet would dare attack us. Deterrence prevents war. And while we are at it, let's insure this nation buys the right stuff. For example, I would like to see the buy on our new F-22 fighter increased to the point of maintaining air-dominance for the next 50 years, as it has been for the past 50 years. I like lots of insurance when it comes to protecting this great nation. Boy, will that one burn Obama and his cronies' whiskers!!! They are destroying our military as we speak, as they are convinced Obama is gifted to the point of talking his way out of anything. North Korea, Iran, China and Russia are all laughing their butts off over that one.
* I would like to see us completely pull out of Afghanistan. The Soviet Union proved many points there, and none were good. It is a totally different situation than Iraq. To win in Afghanistan, first we must win in Pakistan, and the American people are not willing to pay that price. It will become Obama's Vietnam, and for what reason? Enough of our young have died in the Middle-East. Please see the above concerning building our military strong enough that it will never need to be used.
* I would like to see our health care system left alone. Let's offer a plan for those not covered, but do it through the private sector. Government should be kept as far away from this program as possible. I lived under a socialized medical program for over 30 years. It was called military health care and it sucked.
* I would like to see our government severely limited and forced out of the auto and banking business. If a company can't cut it, let them use bankruptcy as our law allows. Who came up with this idea of too big to fail? It had to be someone in government drawing a salary far too large for their level of thinking.
* I would like to see taxes reduced and in proportion to what is paid. If we want to reduce unemployment and see the economy soar, reduce tax rates on small business and provide assistance at that level, as opposed to General Motors. Where do we get these Harvard lunkheads who can only suggest government intervention and massive spending? This is not Rocket Science. They just want you, the American people, to think it so.
* Did I say already that even the mention of pork-spending by our Congress should be considered a felony---and retroactive?
* I would like our guns left alone. There is no controversy here. We have an Amendment to our Constitution clearly giving gun rights to American citizens. By the way, did I already say that to even allude to a "living Constitution", or suggest any deviation to our Constitution should be considered a felony offense?
* I think we should maintain separation of Church and State. But, we should fully understand what that means. It does not mean that we cannot post the Ten Commandments anywhere we wish, use white crosses to mark the graves of our fallen soldiers, use the word "God" on our coins, and let those among us worship as they please. Does that not ring a bell even for those who skipped high school and went directly to Harvard? One of the factors leading to the founding of this nation was the search for religious freedom. I often wonder what is really being taught in our schools, when basic thought like this is not understood.
Well, there is so much more I would like to add, but I am already worried about the far-left, attack and destroy tactics being planned for me, and Hobbs (my Chinese Pug). However, those guys had best be careful. Those high-paying government jobs are probably going to no longer be available when Sarah is elected President. They might want to start hiding in the woodwork now.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Did the Washington Post’s plan for money-making, off-the-record sessions violate White House ethics rules?
You've heard about the controversy over The Washington Post’s abortive attempt to hold “salons” with lobbyists and Obama administration officials at the home of publisher Katharine Weymouth? Here's just one of dozens of stories about it: Washington Post cancels lobbyist event amid uproar.
The White House, while trying to distance itself from the controversy, did state that the meetings would not violate Obama's ethics executive order, which he boasted to be the "strictest government ethics policy ever" when he signed it on his first full day in office.
But less than three weeks later, according to an article at Politico.com, the independent agency tasked with implementing the order, the Office of Government Ethics, in consultation with the counsel’s office, issued a little-noticed memo inserting a number of exemptions into the order’s provision banning gifts – including meals and tickets – from lobbyists. Among the exemptions were gifts from media organizations – even those that employ lobbyists, like the Post does. The memo cited “the unique constitutional role of the press in gathering and disseminating information” but also the desire to protect administration official’s ability to attend “certain press dinners,” presumably referring to the annual black-tie soirees thrown by the White House Correspondents' Association and the Radio and Television Correspondents' Association.
The most ethical, transparent administration? Guess it depends on how Obama's cabal of lawyers defines it...
The White House, while trying to distance itself from the controversy, did state that the meetings would not violate Obama's ethics executive order, which he boasted to be the "strictest government ethics policy ever" when he signed it on his first full day in office.
But less than three weeks later, according to an article at Politico.com, the independent agency tasked with implementing the order, the Office of Government Ethics, in consultation with the counsel’s office, issued a little-noticed memo inserting a number of exemptions into the order’s provision banning gifts – including meals and tickets – from lobbyists. Among the exemptions were gifts from media organizations – even those that employ lobbyists, like the Post does. The memo cited “the unique constitutional role of the press in gathering and disseminating information” but also the desire to protect administration official’s ability to attend “certain press dinners,” presumably referring to the annual black-tie soirees thrown by the White House Correspondents' Association and the Radio and Television Correspondents' Association.
The most ethical, transparent administration? Guess it depends on how Obama's cabal of lawyers defines it...
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