What Do You Want From Your Government?

The basic decision in this year's election is whether you want the federal government to grow, or grow faster. In an effort to provide full disclosure I'll be voting for John McCain tomorrow morning when the polls open, however, if there were a candidate on the ticket who would shrink government, I'd be voting for them. And I don't mean a candidate who has no hope of attaining the presidency.

I feel like an orphan at this point. Left on the door step of the monastery by W, now 4 years later they are coming back pandering for my vote. Sad part is that just like an abused child who no matter how injured by the parent, continues to seek after their approval. Okay I'm getting off topic. Here is what I want my government to do.

1. Provide a military so powerful no one dares threaten our security.

2. Provide for a court system to settle disputes both civil and criminal.

3. Provide an interstate transportation system second to none.

4. Protect citizens abroad.

5. Ensure states make no law infringing on rights granted in the constitution and bill of rights.

I do not want my federal government to get involved in:

1. The economy

2. Education

3. Making life fair

4. Health care

5. Providing a safety net

If a state wants to get involved in those areas, great. As long as they don't infringe on your rights. What do you want your federal government to "do" for you?

I'm No Economist, But I Can Do Math

I'm going to warn you at the outset. There are a lot of numbers in this post, but I'm going to try to keep this simple. When I first heard about Obama's plan to give a tax cut to 95 percent of Americans and raise taxes to "fair" levels on everyone else I couldn't see how the numbers would pan out. So here they are. I have taken these numbers from the United States Census, National Taxpayers Union Foundation, and the Federal Government. I'll state at the outset that these are numbers from 2006 and will admittedly be a little off from 2008, but they are the most recent available when all needed information is considered. Please read this post as it is important to Barack Obama's plan for your taxes, health care, and the economic future of our country.

2006 Revenue $1,397,800,000,000 just from income tax.
Total Income is $2,407,000,000,000
2006 Expenditures $2,655,400,000,000
Top 1% AGI is $389,000 and pays 40% of all taxes.
Top 5% AGI is $153,000 and pays 60% of all taxes.
Bottom 50% make less than $32,000 and pay less than 3%
2006 population estimate 298,754,819..... 25% under 18

So let me break this down for you. There are 224,066,114 adults in the United States. 1% of that is 2,240,661 people. That means the average person in the top 1 percent pays roughly $250,000 in taxes. Remember the top 1 percent starts at only $389,000. Seems a bit extreme doesn't it. That leaves just $139,000 for raising their kids, paying their student loans and maybe even creating more jobs for other Americans. And that doesn't even include state and local taxes.

What about the top 5 percent who start at only $153,000 per year. Excluding those in the top 1 percent who have already been tallied; The average person in this category pays $31,191

How high do you want to raise taxes on the top 5 percent, so that we can give a tax cut to everyone else. Remember roughly half of all Americans pay virtually NO income taxes to the federal government. If you were to raise taxes an additional 10% on the top 5% of wage earners it would raise an additional $83,868,000,000 that is a heap of money. No question about it. But how much is that for the 95% of Americans who will get that money. That is right after raising taxes another 10 percent on those who create jobs we could cut a check to everyone else for a cool $394.

Remember Obama has also promised to provide you with health care and a slew of other spending programs that would either increase our indebtedness or come out of your 394 dollar check.

You could elect Barack Obama. You could get the check. But is it worth the damage it would do to our economy.

These are the facts. I didn't make them up. I did the math.

Wouldn't It Be Nice?

Wouldn't it be nice if we lived in a world with out hunger?

Wouldn't it be nice if you had a car as nice as your neighbors'?

Wouldn't it be nice if no one went without health care?

Wouldn't it be nice if you were paid as much as that CEO from Lehman Bros?

Wouldn't it be nice if the super rich had a little bit less, so that everyone else could have just a little bit more?

I'm talking about making life a little bit easier for those at that bottom. Those at the top have enough, don't they?

These are the thoughts I imagine liberals to have. They sound reasonable don't they. In fact Barak Obama's words echoed these thoughts when he spoke to "Joe the Plumber". "It's not that I want to hurt you, but if you're doing well, we need to spread the wealth around a little bit."

And so they make policies in order progress this ideal. This ideal, however, is communism.

Com"mu*nism\, n. [F. communisme, fr. commun common.] A scheme of equalizing the social conditions of life; specifically, a scheme which contemplates the abolition of inequalities in the possession of property, as by distributing all wealth equally to all, or by holding all wealth in common for the equal use and advantage of all.

It sounds like a noble idea, equality for all. They love the idea, even if they won't admit it.

Attn Socialists, The Free Market Works

The housing bubble has been fingered by most economic experts as the root cause for what we are experiencing through out the financial world. It has also been the main point of contention by those who say that free market capitalism is ineffective. In reality it was the governments involvement that was forcing banks to make loans to folks who had no business receiving home loans, but that is a subject for another post.

It was announced today that as prices have began to fall on overpriced homes. Sales are increasing, and we're not talking about a little bit.

LA JOLLA, Ca. -- Southern California home sales shot up by an unprecedented
65 percent last month from the dismal, record lows of a year ago, when a credit
crunch slammed the brakes on home financing. September sales also posted a rare
gain over August as price cuts lured more buyers. Foreclosure resales rose to
half of all transactions.

Here is the full story if you care to read it. Here is the point. The free market works. We don't need a bail out. We don't need the government stopping foreclosures. We don't need more government intervention. We need less. The market will correct itself. Government intervention will only prolong the downturn.

Welcome to Fall in Montana

It began snowing here in Billings, MT Friday afternoon. Since that time it has not stopped. Early Saturday morning this picture was taken as a few of the neighbor children took an opportunity to make the first snow man of the year.


This morning as I awoke I was shocked to see the amount of snow on the ground as we are not even to the half way point in October. I love snow in the trees. There is something honest and pure in the virgin snow, before it is molested by the throng of kids eager to play in the snow are loosed by their parents.

The snow has yet to stop. I may take a few more when the flakes cease to fall. Have a great Sunday afternoon. Mine will entail sipping hot chocolate, watching football, and turning a few pages in my current read, John Adams.

Drastic Times Drastic Measures?

Scary when the only politician I see taking the side of the people in this recent financial crisis is Ron Paul. During the primaries I was sure Ron Paul was a kook. He still might be. In fact it's likely. Yet he is the only person I have seen speaking straight forward about this problem. How it was caused. How it could have been prevented. Who is responsible. What should be done.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YBVB1Uc0nko

With both conventional parties selling out American principles it might be time to send an historic message by sending a third party candidate into the white house.

What has happened to the Republican Party when I'm considering a vote for Ron Paul.

700 Billion Just Not Enough

Many of us said this would happen and here it is. Wall Street looking for more. Even with you committing 700 billion from your grandchildren's future to stop the bloodletting of the markets, Wall Street insiders say the big traders are still looking for more.

Open up your pockets again. You are going to see more and more stories in the news shortly regarding the need for a second package to help bail out the "Global Economy".

I am against a bail out. I am for capitalism. I am for a free market, and I am for the people of the United States of America. However, I am realistic enough to know there will be real consequences for not providing for a bailout. Here is what I believe they will be.

1. Lots of families losing their homes.

2. Even those who are making payments will see the note on their home called "due in full".

3. You will not be able to get a loan for ANYTHING for some time, possibly years.

4. Business will not be able to get loans, grow business, create more jobs.

5. Unemployment would rise as high as 15 percent. (That is double the current rate)

6. Many would see their retirements dwindle in the face of a diminishing dollar and shrinking market.

These are just a few of the costs of not bailing out wall street. You may agree with me that the bailout is a bad idea, but you must be ready to face the consequences. Remember the fall of Russia was one of reckless financial spending. Have we learned the lessons of the great depression and the downfall of Russia, or are we destined to repeat those lessons?

Capitalism: A Failed Policy

"Capitalism doesn't work in today's market place." This was a phrase I heard yesterday as I was standing around the coffee pot before any actual work began. This from the brain of a college student majoring in BUSINESS. I could hardly believe my ears, but yes this is the wisdom being taught at our colleges and universities today. Here is the thought process.

Due to the cold war the media went on a massive propaganda campaign to demonize socialism. It really isn't a bad thing, it's a good thing, in fact it may be the best thing. You just believe it is a bad thing because you have been brainwashed by the media. Capitalism doesn't work. It is only good for the employer, not the employee. As proof of why capitalism doesn't work this person then pointed to the collapse of the current banking system in the United States. "See that is what capitalism gets you. And it just hurts the common people."

Although I am tempted to explain why this kid is ignorant, uninformed and just plain wrong. I'll let this one stand on its own.

Fighting News Depression

There is no doubt that our country is in one of the worst financial positions we have seen since the seventies and possibly the thirties. This is scary for me. I love this country and feel we are walking a tight rope. We are holding on tightly but on every side looms danger. I have been seeing it on the news. Talking about it with coworkers and fellow bloggers. I have been consumed with the idea of stopping this financial bailout. For fear of what it will do to our country. Is it a step towards socialism? Yes. Is it going to forever change our country if passed? Yes. As I have been considering the magnitude of the decision congress is about to make, and feeling that it's passage is all but inevitable, I have begun to feel a bit depressed.

So, to combat that I would like to blog for a moment about why our country is great.

Our country is great because it provides opportunities to every citizen unlike any country in history.
Our country is great because you can pursue any dream you desire for you and your family.
This country is great because of the sacrifice of those who have gone before us.
This country is great because we stand up for what is right regardless of the cost.
This country is great because you can worship your God in any manner of your choosing.
This country is great because you can achieve your dreams regardless of your upbringing.
This country is great because you have the freedom to express conflicting views.
This country is great because we value human life.
This country is great because we were founded on biblical principles.
This country is great because we allow for diversity in people and thought.

This country is great because we have risen to every challenge that comes our way. Though the cost may be great we have stood to face every enemy whether it be from outside our borders, or even within. We will make it through this crisis as well. We will endure.

There may be difficult times ahead. You may be asked to sacrifice. You may be required to give everything you have gained over a lifetime in sacrifice for your family and the generations that follow. But if you do, you will be joining other great men and women in America's past, men and women in the armed forces, spouses who have raised children alone to allow their loved ones to fight, children who have helped their parents endure through tough times. Great men like our forefathers; John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and Thomas Payne who though they had much risked it all for what they knew was going to be a great nation. A nation whose promise of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness has caused whispers of dreams fulfilled all around the world. America is a dream that caused only the most brave, only the most strong of heart to board vessels with little more than that dream in their heart. Ladies and gentlemen that is a dream so strong people are still coming to fulfill today.

This is a great country, and though we may have tough times ahead, I know that Americans will rise to this occasion just as they have so many times before. Don't lose heart my friends though we have work to do, we are still the United States of America.

The ATM is CLOSED!

Shortly after turning 18 I made my first trip into a casino. I remember being overwhelmed when I walked through the doors to find all the bright flashing lights, all around be were the sounds of gamblers winning at the machines. Interesting isn't it that when the machines give you a little more than you put it, the bells begin to sound, the lights flash and you envy the person whose machine is announcing their big win.

I remember sheepishly asking my brother, "How do these things work?", a little embarrassed that I didn't know how to use the machine instinctively. "Easy", he said, "put your money in here", I did, "and pull the lever". I did. Soon what appeared to me to be a random group of pictures appeared on the machine, the bells flashed and 20 dollars in quarters came spilling out of the machine. My first quarter and I was a winner. If this is what gambling is all about, I like it.

It didn't take long, however, to discover that my first experience was not the norm. Shortly thereafter I had extinguished the 20 dollars I had won and was just enjoying the free pepsi. Can you imagine? All the soda you want.. for free. This place is great.

A friend of mine had a little bit different story. You see he had an endowment. So instead of 20 dollars, he put in 100. Hey, I guess if you can afford it, good for you. Then after that he went to the ATM and took out another hundred, followed by another hundred. All to chase after that original hundred dollars the house now owned in addition to the extra money he sent in after it. My friend had a gambling problem. The only way to stop him was to keep him away from the casino, AND the ATM.

My friends we, the United States of America have become that man. We have lost our tail in risky ventures in the financial industry and now we are going back to the ATM making a withdrawl of almost a trillion dollars more, hoping a fools hope that we can recover what we have lost.

If we are to save this country we love lets admit we have a problem, accept the loss, and tackle congress before they make it to ATM. After all, it is not only our money on the other side of that ATM it is also our kids and grand kids.

I'm Still Alive...

I had the opportunity to fulfull a life long dream yesterday. As you readers are very astute I'm guessing you figured out I'm talking about skydiving. What an experience. My brother and sister-in-law called to let me know that they were going to jump, and my intention was only to go watch them land.

When I arrived I learned they had one extra spot available if someone wanted join in. While this wasn't exactly a cheap endevour I thought, "What the heck". I called my wife. She did not answer, I took that to mean, "It's okay dear, what ever you think".

I watched my family land and then it was my turn. You would think it might be a good idea to get more than a 1 minute breifing on what you are about to do. Aparently that is something you shouldn't really worry about as you prepare to dive head long out of an airplane.

The airplane took off and I was sitting in the tail of small plane strapped to the front end of a very large man. At least he asked my name before cinching down the straps that brought us closer than any first date should bring two people. As we reached 10 thousand feet, about 6 thousand off the ground the door was opened and before long the first set of jumpers were out the door. Do I really want to do this? It was my turn.

We waddled towards the door and I was dangling my feet out the door and under the plane. The wind was intense. I tucked my hands under my shoulder straps and put my head back on the shoulder of the big burly man named Jeff into whose expertise I was about to place my life. Three times Jeff told me to arch my body, and the next thing I knew, I was hurling groundward at 120 miles per hour.

I had wondered why they didn't prep me further as to what to do during the fall, and now I know why. Even the few things I was told in the 1 minute prep period went flying out the window the moment my body was falling out of the sky.

My heart was beating faster than I could ever have imagined, and I lost complete sense of my surroundings. I believe we did one forward flip as we exited the plane. This was the most unnerving portion of the whole experience. Following the flip we arched our bodys and began to fall straight down. Slowly spinning counter clockwise during the fall. I'm pretty sure my instructor was causing this intentionally. I freed my armes and allowed them to float next to my head as I fell. This was my favorite part of the jump. It lasted for about 30 seconds.

I had no warning, when suddenly the straps between my legs went taught and I quickly began to slow. I looked up and sure enough the bright green shoot was filling with air and was saving our lives as advertised.

During the fall Jeff placed us into a couple of tight spins. Amazing to feel as the g-forces once again pressed the harness tight against my body much like the carnival rides you experience that caused you to lose your lunch as a youngster. I watched the first jumper land flawlessly below me.

It was time for us to prepare to land. My instructor now told me to stand up on his feet much like a 6 year old girl dancing with her father. When I did he unhooked the lower harnesses which would allow my lower body to move independent of his. We were now on final approach, and the ground was closing quickly.

We were planning on doing what is called a sliding landing, where you land on your butts. At the last minute Jeff pulled the cords we slowed up and were able to simply place our feet back on solid ground.

As I recount the experience my hands almost begin to shake and I can feel the adrenilene once again pump through my vains. I checked to make sure all vital parts were still attached they were, then I realized, I should call my wife......

Is the Number 2 Enough for You?

For days following the selection of Palin as the running mate for McCain I heard democrats salivating over how this was the "dumbest" pick in presidential election history, and how this choice had squashed any chance McCain may have had to win the presidency.

Um.. maybe not. See my liberal friends the polls are now showing McCain and Obama in a dead heat and here is the thing. Palin is actually a conservative. Something the ticket had been lacking. So, many of the conservative folks out there who were considering a vote for Barr or simply staying home are now energized to see someone with strong moral character and real conservative principles representing the party.

The question I find myself asking is if having a conservative in the number 2 spot is enough of a consolation to cast a vote for McCain. Should I forget that McCain has sold me out on border security. Should I forget that McCain didn't care about energy independence until it was politically expedient. Should I allow amnesia to set in regarding McCain-Feingold.

I hate to be the stick in the mud of the republican party, but I'm not voting whether or not I want Palin for vice-president, which I do. I'm voting whether or not I want McCain for president.

Coming Out of Darkness

As some of you know it has been a long time since I have opined here at "All In". I have missed it. Some of you have even called as to ascertain why I had fallen off the grid, only to find that I wasn't answering my phone either. Thank you for your thoughts.

I had been dealing with some very difficult things in my personal life and couldn't muster the strength to talk with anyone. It feels odd to write that as I know it is the strength of friends that will get you through the tough times.

I don't want to get into what the decisions were, but the long and short is that I had to make some serious and possibly life altering decisions. And for reasons I don't care to share, I couldn't use some of my most trusted counselors to make that decision.

Thank you to those who checked back with my blog on occasion to see if I was still writing. I look forward to getting back to my usual posts several times a week, if not daily.

Solutions to Poverty and the Welfare State

In recent posts I have given some examples of abuse and fraud in our social welfare system. It is not my goal to hurt those who need the system. It is not my goal to keep poor people in their place. It is my goal to help more individuals attain the American dream. The difference between myself and the democrat party is simply how to get there.

Here are some problems that need addressing if we are to move people away from poverty. Generational poverty. Lack of education. Diminished moral. I know there are more, but we are going to take this slow.

First of all there has to be some sort of motivation to move from poverty to standing on your own. That is the reason living on the public dole must be difficult. It isn't harsh. It is the best thing we can do for a person in need. After the birth of a baby giraffe the mother runs up and kicks the baby until it stands on it's own feet. This is done only out of love, for if it does not learn to quickly stand and run it will be devoured by predators.

I remember walking down the sidewalk as a kid and every so often you would see a plaque on saying this was built by the WPA in 19-whenever. It was all part of the new deal instituted by FDR. I propose a return to this system. If you want to be included in the system you must work your scheduled hours. Many city, county, and state labor jobs could be included here. Saving the state money, and giving those on the system, a sense of accomplishment. Those unable or not wishing to participate can either forgo the assistance or attend classes in parenting, a trade, or something else to aide in a job in the future. If you aren't participating in one or more you will not receive services. Period. Even single mothers can find time to attend classes.

I believe this system would go a long way to solve many of the problems listed below. It isn't the end game, or all that must be done, but it is my first step.

Life... Taking a Poo on Me

Have you ever been driving down the city street and wished the vehicle next to you would, "do something" about that noise emitting from their vehicle. That was the thought running through my mind as I rode my motorcycle home following a wonderful dinner with friends.

After a couple of blocks though, I realized it was my vehicle making the noise. Not only was it making a noise, I began to smell fire. A scary prospect when riding on only 2 wheels. My wife and I quickly pulled into a nearby parking lot. That is when I discovered the most horrifying fact. Someone had "hit and run" me while I was enjoying my meal in the restaurant. They had backed into my bike, severely denting the fender and pushing it up against the tire, causing the noise, and the friction causing the paint to burn. I was not pleased. I called the authorities.

Now I don't know if you know it or not, but the police have more important things to deal with than simple hit and runs. Matter of fact, they won't even send an officer to take a report. I went from "not pleased" to very angry. I called my insurance company.

After going through the mind numbing prompts, I got an agent on the phone. She told me that I could pull the fender off the tire if I wanted to, but if I did, she couldn't guarantee they would pay for the damage. She could have someone out to look at the damage the following day. Due to the fact that I didn't feel much like walking the 5 miles home, I asked how in the world she expected me arrive home this evening. She asked if I was expecting a tow. Apparently she thinks a city wrecker can tow a motorcycle. If you are wondering... they can't. At this point I went from "very angry" to livid. I pulled the fender off the tire and drove back to the restaurant cringing at every bump.

To my surprise there were some witnesses to the accident in the outside seating area. They identified the vehicle and license plate. Suddenly the police decided this was worth their time. They would send a patrolman. The anger barometer began to decline, I called back the insurance company.

This time I spoke to a very reassuring agent named Wes. Wes was very kind and assured me that though the adjuster would not be able to look at the vehicle until the following day they would most assuredly pay for the damage. Almost back to tolerable to be around. We drove home.

The accident happened around 6:30PM, at roughly 11:30 the police arrived to take a statement. They have tracked the offending vehicle to a rent-a-car company, and believe they can ascertain who was driving at the time. I am gleeful at the idea of putting behind bars whoever may be responsible for the damage to my precious motorcycle. If only the death penalty could be extended to hit and run.

Today's sermon was about forgiveness. Darn you preacher.

Only 53

The late Tony Snow with President GWB. Tony Snow was a great american. From his speech writing days with Bush 1 to his radio show or his serving as the White House Press Sec. He always seemed to be spot on. Even if it meant disagreeing with the administration, party or both. Tony Snow, you were a great father, patriot and Christian, you will be missed.

Wrong on Ramsey Case

Officials cleared the immediate family of JonBenet Ramsey in her death Wednesday thanks to new DNA evidence that links the murder to a still unknown man.

I believe I'm the kind of person that can admit when I'm wrong. I'll have to admit I've thought all this time that one of the Ramsey's committed the murder of this little girl. I mean there is just too much funny stuff with this case. Perhaps they had something to do with it, but the recent DNA evidence to come back suggests otherwise. Were you wrong too?

Reporter Doesn't Get It

The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ has been called into question by a
radical new interpretation of a tablet found on the eastern bank of the Dead
Sea.
The three-foot stone tablet appears to refer to a Messiah who rises from
the grave three days after his death — even though it was written decades before
the birth of Jesus.
The ink is badly faded on much of the tablet, known as
Gabriel's Vision of Revelation, which was written rather than engraved in the
1st century B.C. This has led some experts to claim that the inscription has
been overinterpreted.
A previous paper published by the scholars Ada Yardeni
and Binyamin Elitzur concluded that the most controversial lines were
indecipherable.
Israel Knohl, a biblical studies professor at the Hebrew
University of Jerusalem, argued Monday that line 80 of the text revealed Gabriel
telling an historic Jewish rebel named Simon, who was killed by the Romans four
years before the birth of Christ: "In three days you shall live, I, Gabriel,
command you."
Professor Knohl contends that the tablet proves that messianic
followers possessed the paradigm of their leader rising from the grave before
Jesus was born.
He said that the text "could be the missing link between
Judaism and Christianity in so far as it roots the Christian belief in the
resurrection of the Messiah in Jewish tradition." -Fox News

What? This is the most ridiculous article I've ever seen. Really? "the missing link for the Christian belief in the resurrection of the Messiah in Jewish tradition." Hey Fox News, Next time let some one who has read the bible write the story.

Where I'm coming From

While working in Missouri a woman strolled through the doors carrying a baby and pushing a stroller at the same time. This is a feat. Much respect for moms all across the country toting with them their youngsters. I had known both this woman and her husband for some time now. They were excellent customers. On most occasions they were a cheerful lot bringing joy to those around them. Such was not the case during this incident, which was about to get ugly. She wanted my opinion.
She was wagging her finger in the her husbands face saying her paycheck was getting cut because of him. Let me explain. This couple, though pleasant and fun to be with, had been on the public dole from the time they moved out on their own, about 5 years at this point. The mother had taken a test when she was in middle school and had been identified as learning disabled. An apparent disability that I was unable to see from my vantage point, and it certainly hadn't hampered her ability to mother two children. So, at this point in addition to her "disability" she received food stamps, housing assistance, wic, and a host of other financial incentives. I had been to their home. They had two cars, sat elite tv, a flat screen bigger than my twenty inch and of course 3 video game systems to pass the time not spent working.
Here is where the trouble began. A few days prior I had encouraged the husband to get a job at a local car dealership, a position he took and loved. This simple act however cut her "paycheck" as she called it, in half. Now I was in the middle of a marital war. She demanded he quit, He demanded she get off her lazy but and get a job. I was in a pickle.

Poor in America

What does it mean to be poor in America? Hungry? Overworked? Thirsty? Cold? No, No, No and No. Here is a picture of the average poor person in America.

The typical American deemed poor in the United States has a car, air conditioning, refrigerator, stove, clothes washer and dryer, microwave, 2 televisions, cable or satellite, DVD player, and a stereo. He has access to medical care, his home is in good repair, and doesn't have to live with a house full of people. Don't believe me. This is compiled from information submitted by the "poor" who indicated as such to the census bureau and compiled by the Heritage Foundation.

Here are more results...

Forty-six percent of all poor households actually own their own homes. The average home owned by persons classified as poor by the Census Bureau is a three-bedroom house with one-and-a-half baths, a garage, and a porch or patio.

Only 6 percent of poor households are overcrowded. More than two-thirds have more than two rooms per person.

The typical poor American has more living space than the average individual living in Paris, London, Vienna, Athens, and other cities throughout Europe. (These comparisons are to the average citizens in foreign countries, not to those classified as poor.)

Nearly three-quarters of poor households own a car; 30 percent own two or more cars.

24 percent of poor households have a cell phone.


I have been saying for some time now that poor people are given too much by the federal government. They live too well to receive public assistance. Up until this point though, my evidence has only been anecdotes from my personal experience. A weak argument at best. So, in response I would always hear, "Sure you will get a few people who take advantage of the system, but it's worth it to help the masses."

As it turns out however I was right all along. Abuse of the system is not the exception to the rule. It is the rule. This is why when poor families receive their earned income credit, which they have not earned, they are able to spend it on a brand new 4-wheeler. Living on the government dole should be painful. It should be a very miserable existence. No cable, no cars, and no cell phones. There must be some incentive to work your way out of poverty.

You can't work your way out of poverty Jay. Really?

The average American poor family with children works only 800 hours a year. In case you don't want to do the math that is about 16 hours a week. Most of us do that in 2 days or less. If those same families were to have just one wage earner working 40 hours a week 75 percent of poor children would be lifted out of the poverty range.

Coming soon. My solution to poverty and the welfare state.

Separation of Church and State

The separation of church and state, a phrase thrown about today to keep churches from putting up Christmas decorations on public ground, or from preaching regarding politics from the pulpit, but what is that phrase all about.

Though we have adopted this phrase as constitutional doctrine it can be found nowhere in the constitution or bill of rights. It was written in a letter from Thomas Jefferson to the Danbury, Connecticut Baptists on the first day of 1802. The entire letter is only 3 short paragraphs. Two of which contain a gracious open and close. Here is the body of the letter which has dictated the separation of church and state for 200 years now.


Believing with you that religion is a matter which lies solely between Man & his God, that he owes account to none other for his faith or his worship, that the legitimate powers of government reach actions only, & not opinions, I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should "make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof," thus building a wall of separation between Church & State. Adhering to this expression of the supreme will of the nation in behalf of the rights of conscience, I shall see with sincere satisfaction the progress of those sentiments which tend to restore to man all his natural rights, convinced he has no natural right in opposition to his social duties.

It would appear to me from this letter quoting the constitution that Jefferson is trying to clear up what is meant by, "make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof" is protection of the church from the government. Both the establishment clause and the free exercise clause limit the state, not the church.

In fact wouldn't nearly every assault against the church, regardless of denomination be easily defended with the phrase, "or prohibiting the free exercise thereof", a phrase actually found in the constitution, and supported by this letter from Jefferson.

I am not one to think as a pastor I would want to endorse a candidate, However, should a pastor wish to do so, I believe he would be under his rights to do so.

You Have the Right

I have almost always voted republican. I have told you that before. It is mostly due to the fact that I believe democrats would erode away most of your personal rights in the name of fairness and love if you gave them the chance. I have taken a short break from writing about your rights, but this latest post from who many of us simply call Rguy reminds me of how important it is that we keep every last right enumerated in the constitution.

http://renaissanceguy.wordpress.com/2008/06/27/why-dc-v-heller-is-important/

Obama: A New Level of Hypocrisy

Today the Democratic Party is filing a lawsuit in U.S. District Court in to
compel the Federal Election Commission to investigate McCain's decision to
unilaterally withdraw from the matching funds program -- after he had used the
promise of public funds to help secure a loan, and also to get on the ballot in
some states. In addition, for a candidate to get out of the agreement, a request
would need to be granted by the FEC. (This is straight from the DNC website)

I intentionally didn't write a blog about Obama's "change of heart" when he decided to forgo his promise to accept public financing in favor of taking WAY more money from his donors. It was a gigantic reversal, some would even say flip-flop, but I let it go. Mostly because had I been his advisor I would have made the same recommendation. Sure he is going to take a hit from the media for changing this position after his bashing the private financing system, but the added money to his campaign will almost surely secure his victory in November.

This on the other hand is so far beyond hypocrisy that I just couldn't let it go unchecked. Obama this is the most hypocritical thing you could do. Yes I know this is the party and not you. However are you not the parties nominee, and if you can't control them, how can you claim to be a leader of anything, let alone the president of the United States.

Obama's slogan should be: Obama, a new level of hypocrisy.

Marriage Contracts In Saudi Arabia

Saudi marriage officiant Dr. Ahmad al-Mu’bi told Lebanese television viewers last week that it’s permissible for girls as young as 1 to marry — as long as sex is postponed.
Al-Mu’bi’s remarkable comments also included an explanation that “there is no minimal age for entering marriage.”
“You can have a marriage contract even with a 1-year-old girl, not to mention a girl of 9, 7 or 8,” he said. “But is the girl ready for sex or not?” What is the appropriate age for sex for the first time? This varies according to environment and tradition,” al-Mu’bi said. - Fox News

Obama Pay Attention

JERUSALEM — Palestinian militants on Tuesday fired three homemade
rockets into southern Israel, the first such attack since a cease-fire between
Israel and Gaza militants took effect last week.
Israel condemned the attack as a "gross violation" of the
truce, but did not say whether it would retaliate.
The barrage wounded two
people and capped a day of violence that presented the truce with its first
serious test.

Barak Obama pay attention you will likely be the next president of the United States. This is why you can't reason with Iran, Venezuela, Cuba or just about any other tyrannical dictator. They have no honor and will break the truce just as soon as they sense weakness. They have vowed to wipe Israel off the map. If they accept a cease fire it is a strategic decision based on achieving the goal of domination, nothing more.

Close Encounter with 4 Gay Women

The vehicle rolled in slowly though it was still running. Just as soon as the Ford Explorer stopped people started hopping out. The first two were ordinary bubbly young ladies. The second two on the other hand gave away what this was all about. Not the flat tire on the rear drivers side, not yet visible from my vantage point, but that this group was in town for the gay pride rally.

With me were two other guys. We watched for a moment as these 4 women, 2 of which looked like women, made an attempt at solving the problem that ailed them. It was not going well. They quickly located the jack and a tire iron, but looked at them with bewilderment as it was one of those factory installed contraptions with many pieces which must be connected before use. They could not locate the spare tire, despite 2 of them apparently wanting to be men.

Off my companions and I went to the rescue. We quickly removed the spare tire from its neatly hidden location, and replaced the flat with its full size spare. Problem was the spare was low on air. Not an issue for us. As men are required to have at all times an air compressor within arms reach. The spare was inflated to its proper level and all in under 5 minutes.

2 of the women dressed in flowing sun dresses were grateful for our efforts, and thanked us sincerely. The remaining half of their party, dressed in baggy clothes to hide any hint of a womanly figure, scowled at us scarcely uttering a word.

I am only left to presume this look was intended as some sort of "man to man" intimidation. It is good to know that no matter how perverse our society becomes, no matter what gender a woman decides to see romantically, there will always be a place for a man when it comes to changing tires... and killing spiders.

The Boots of a Millionaire

Have you ever wanted to know what it feels like to walk in the boots of a millionaire. Well I have done just that, and let me tell you... It Hurts. I guess I should start from the beginning.

I recently went on a trip. It was fathers day. During my visit it was the consensus that we would go hiking. Right in the middle of bear season mind you, but that wasn't the big problem. Big problem was that along with my dress shoes I only had a pair of sandals. Neither suitable footwear for a trek into the mountains. Even though my wearing sandals would be the equivalent of bear repellent it didn't seem like a good idea.

I could get into whose fault it is that I didn't have boots with me but for the sake of my marriage I'll only say that if I had wanted boots I should have packed them myself. ;)

Anyway, It just so happens that a multi-millionaire who frequents the location had left a pair of boots he no longer wears. They were left under orders that anyone who could fit them were welcome to them. As it turns out this little Cinderella was the only person with size eleven feet who tried them on. Perfect fit. Or so I thought.

Adorned with my new to me boots we set out on a trek up the mountain with a couple of cans of bear mace and .45 just in case. Our goal was to make it to waterfall by following the stream to it's source. Off we go, through the field filled with cactus, through the tree line, to where we run into large boulders which must be scaled in order to continue our journey. Here is where our little party divided into 2 separate teams. Those wishing to push on toward our goal, and those wishing for a more leisurely wait in the shade of large pine while watching the rushing stream roll by.

Always one wanting to take a challenge onward and upward I go. Along with me my brother and his wife, my sister, and my wife. Over and under we go navigating ever so carefully through the maze of boulders knowing that one wrong move with my new boots could send me sailing off the ever growing cliff downward to the stream below.

Yep they still fit, only I think this millionaire might have a little swelling in his right foot. About this time I notice the right boot is much more loose on my foot than the left. On occasion as I leap from one rock to the next I can feel my foot roll over the outer edge of the sole. Still doing okay.

Soon we reached the pinnacle of our journey. No not the base of the waterfall where we could frolic about, but where the danger of going on far out weighed the benefits of reaching the base. Sounds sensible doesn't it. That's right, my wife told me we were going back. Somehow I think I missed out on the part of common sense that says, reaching a waterfall is not worth risking your life.

We started back. Soon, after a few wrong turns and complaints from my sister about my not even knowing what direction we were headed our party met back up with the first. It was a good day. Some amazing pictures were taken.

So what does all this have to do with these fancy new boots? Blisters. Blisters is what I received walking in the shoes of one of the richest men in the country.

Is this a problem?

Two Muslim women were prohibited from sitting behind the podium at Barack
Obama’s Monday rally in Detroit, apparently so their headscarves would not
appear in photographs with him, according to a report Wednesday in the
Politico.com.
The Washington-based Web site reported that Obama campaign
volunteers said the women could not wear the hijabs behind the candidate, though
they gave different reasons for the rule.
One volunteer said that one of the
women could not be seen on TV with Obama “because of the political climate and
what’s going on in the world and what’s going on with Muslim Americans,”
according to the Muslim woman’s friend.
The other volunteer gave a less
political explanation to the other woman, according to the article, claiming
nobody with any kind of headpiece could sit behind the stage. -foxnews

You know this really isn't surprising to me. In addition I really don't care. If I were Obama's campaign advisor I would have done the same thing. Campaigns are won based on image, not on policy. Here however is the rub. The double standard. If John McCain were to tell those women they had to sit elsewhere due to there head attire there would be a political firestorm calling him racist.

Should these women have had to move?

Are you offended Obama isn't more idealistic in his campaign?

Would it be OK for McCain to do the same? Why, Why not?

Is a campaign more about image than truth?

Would a woman with a headscarf in the background make you uneasy?

Proud Uncle

My sister-in-law sent some pictures to me the other day of my niece and nephew. I won't subject you to too many of these, but I just think they are the cutest little tikes on the planet.

Just doin' a little fishin in the front yard. No water though. ahh who needs it.

I'm sure all parents are suckered in by the look on the face of their children. I don't know how I would say no to that face.

Yep, I like the hair-do too. Thanks for puting up with me showing you the pictures in my wallet.

Sin

Which sin is the worst?

Value?

This is a hand made coffee table. The base is made from elk and the table top is a piece of river wood split down the center and then married to it's opposite to create a flat surface and show off it's amazing grain and color. What value would you attach to a piece like this?

Has Sufferage Gone Too Far?

This is something I've been thinking of blogging about for some time now. After having it come up in at least a couple blog threads now I thought I'd throw out my official opinion which has changed quite a bit over the years. So here ya go.

First of all, individuals races in local elections. In my opinion these should be up for all voters who can pass a basic government test. You should know how many branches of government there are, how many Supreme Court justices, how a bill becomes a law. I don't care if you are 5 or 500 if you can get that far you should be able to vote in local races. Issues are another story. In local bond or levy issues you shouldn't be allowed to vote unless it will affect your pocket book. If you don't own property, you don't get to vote in the property tax issue. Sorry. No more stealing out of my pocket to finance your project. Just that simple.

National and State elections. Pretty much the same just some minor differences. You must be at least 18, pass the short government exam located at the top of each ballot, and answer a multiple choice (2 options) question at the top of each race asking what the position is responsible for. Sorry don't get to vote for the Secretary of State if you don't know they are the chief election official in the state.

I don't want to change the outcome of elections. If republicans win great, if democrats win fine, if independents or libertarians win hurray. I really don't care. I just want those going to the polls to be informed.

No really, every one shouldn't vote. If you think everyone needs to vote then you apparently haven't taken a look around in a while. You obviously haven’t watched Jay Leno's Jay Walking routine. Seriously there are a lot of people out there who are not ready to vote. First they need to have at least a basic understanding of how our government works. Am I asking too much?

Not Because You're Christian

I love politics. Really for me the presidential elections rival the Super Bowl in excitement, and the primaries are on par with playoffs. While the NFL playoffs come around every year like clockwork, presidential elections are so exciting that they are only allowed to occur every 4 years. This years' contenders, Barak Obama and John McCain.

You may think I'm just kidding but I'm not. If you talk to my wife you'll understand her misery. I subject her to various news channels day and night, and when the news is done it's time for analysis. It really is 24 hours a day with me. Some people yell at the TV during scary movies, others yell at the refs on television when they perceive a poor call. I yell at the TV when I see Olbermann or OReilly "miss a call". I've got a problem, no question about it.

You hear sometimes how as Christians you have an obligation to vote this way or that. How even has a Christian you have an obligation to vote. Really? I would disagree. As an American over the age of 18 you have the RIGHT to vote, not an obligation to vote. If you do vote you have an obligation to know the issues, but that is a topic for another post.

My point today is that if you call yourself a Christian you aren't required to vote, you aren't even required to be patriotic. In fact I would suggest that as a Christian we should be more concerned about individual people and their salvation on a global level rather than whether you are a republican or democrat. Rather than whether you are an American or Frenchman. Rather than whether you are for capitalism or socialism.

I know I'm stepping on some toes here, but would someone please show me where Jesus took a stance on a political issue. Sure, He caused a little riff between Pharisees and Sadducees, but he never took a position regarding roman occupation. He didn't address the national pride of the Jewish people. Instead He avoided the issue of taxes, and went straight to the heart of the people to whom He was speaking.

You might be a republican, you might be a democrat, conservative, libertarian, liberal, American, member of the military, but it isn't because you are a Christian.

Sure you may select your party based on biblical principals, but you are not commanded by God to join any political parties.

Vote Republican;)

What's Up With the Picture Changes

Okay, so more than one of you have noticed the changes regarding some of the pictures on my blog. I admit the picture replacing mine is more than a tad disturbing. So here's the deal. My wife is currently working on some "projects" that to say the least differ in opinion from that of "All In". In order to safe guard her employment I have cleansed the blog temporarily from our identities. But Jay you say your name right on the front page! I've always written under an assumed name, not a problem there.

For those of you who know the nature of this job, or are inquisitive enough to attempt to discover it, I would appreciate your assistance in keeping this matter off the blogosphere. At least for the time being.

Sir Maximus

My mother took this photo of our cat over the weekend with her new Cannon Rebel. What a camera.

Why Whites Don't Engage on Race

With the unprecedented opportunity to have a black man at the helm of our country it seems that race issues are coming more and more to the forefront of our minds. At least the blogs I read would lead me to believe that is the case. There are a number of blogs that would fall into that category. I will take a look one of those today.

"The Black Sentinel". Let me say up front, I like this blog quite well. I feel it gives me a window into how the average black person might feel about race relations in this country. I have added this site to my blogroll for the time being so that if you wish to visit there you can. However, please be warned there is language on this site I would not allow on my own, and wouldn't want children to see.

Topics covered on The Black Sentinel are all race related with headlines such as; How Is Pfleger Connected To Obama?, White Bigots A Plenty, Enabling Co-Dependency, and Doomed Black Community. The vast majority of commenters on this blog, of which there are many, appear to be in agreement. I do not know if they are black. On occasion there is a comment from someone professing to be white. Sometimes those comments are on track in my opinion. Sometimes they are racist rants. Either way any disagreement with the "Sentinel" or its’ commenters is usually met with an accusation of racism. I’m not saying this to change “The Black Sentinel”. I’m saying it merely as an example of how the discussion of race takes place in this country.

This is the reason white people refuse to engage on the issue of race. It's simply not worth the cost to most folks. Let me be frank, the average white person has little to gain by the discussion. I'm not going to say individual racism doesn't exist, I'm not saying black people shouldn't fight against it, I'm only saying that most of the time it isn't worth the fight. White people are fearful of even the debate because at the slightest disagreement they are told they are racist. A label no one wants, that can be difficult to live down. So instead of true debate black and white together discussing apparent disparities you have white people giving up, shrugging their shoulders and walking away from the table.

I'm not blaming the "Sentinel", Again, I like this site. I hope you'll visit it. I'm only making an observation as to why it seems that most whites are apathetic to the current state of race relations in our country.

As a result, the discussion rarely occurs in mixed company. It happens without the presence of a dissenting voice. Allowing stereotypes to go unchecked, not out of malice, but out of ignorance. What say you?

Democrat? Part 2

Some of you have read the previous post entitled Democrat? If you haven’t read that one yet take just a moment before you continue here as it is important to this story. As I sat talking to this woman she continued to list off the litany of problems plaguing this country as she sees it as a prominent older woman. Some of those problems included the war in Iraq, our economy, welfare, poverty, housing market... etc.

I have told you already that this woman is a democrat. But I didn't tell you her other solution to all these problems. Put women in charge. That is why she is voting for Hillary. Not any woman will do though. It must be a woman over the age of 50, through menopause, and not taking ANY hormone pills. Her reasoning, they are all *mean. (*her wording was far more crude)

Aside from her reasoning being absurd is she on to something. What kind of world would we live in if women ran the country? Can a woman run the free world? I think so. Are there inherent differences between men and women? I think so. Would those differences have an impact on the ability of a president to function? Maybe. Should a woman be elected solely due to her gender?

How Whites Get Everything

This is the secret white people don't want blacks to know. When we are born after a dna test to confirm there is no black dna that has crept into our bloodline we are bestowed a manual. This is a handbook designed to show you how to get the advantage over other races in all situations. Unfortunately there is no section in this book regarding how to dance, dunk a basketball or sing the blues. Apparently those are sections our white ancestors failed to master.


In reality I've been reading lately in a few blogs about "white privilege". In the name of full discloser, I am a white guy of Scottish ancestry. That doesn't mean I wear a kilt and play bagpipes in the same way a black person doesn't automatically eat watermelon.


Here are my thoughts on the subject of white privilege. I didn't ask to be born white. I'm not going to feel guilty about something that I can't control. I think there is some modicum of racism left in America. It is not what it used to be. It is getting better with each passing generation.


Part of the definition of "white privilege" describes this as an advantage not shared by all. A person who didn't grow as tall also shares a disadvantage they can't control. Normal sized models have a disadvantage. Bald actors share a disadvantage when it comes to getting leading roles in major motion pictures. I am not saying that these are all equal but they have the same premise. A person with a disadvantage being discriminated against by the general population.


Here is what I want those complaining about race to understand. You are not helping your cause when you group white people into a category that is deemed "racist". Not all whites are racist. In fact most are not. Not all whites are rich. Many of us don't have much money at all and live paycheck to paycheck. So when we hear that whites are granted jobs/money, we wonder why we were left out. Am I not white enough? Many of us had our own handicaps that caused discrimination. Perhaps the discrimination you encounter is worse.


I don't know of a law that can be changed that would make things more equal. In the letter of the law things are equal, even if not in its enforcement. When it comes to the masses there may still be prejudice lurking within. That is easing with the passing of time as whites and black spend more time with one another and with the Asian and Hispanic. That is what the United States is all about. The melting pot. What is black is American. What is Scottish is American. What is Mexican is American. America takes what is great from all of us and makes it her own. We are all Americans and we are in this together. Life is hard enough with out seeing the hyphenated race.


So from one white guy. Will you please stop calling me racist? If you have a problem with an individual, even me, call him by name. You might be surprised how many white people join along side you.

Democrat?

The other day I was sitting at the bar of a well known chain restaurant waiting for my take out food. The place was quite packed for a Monday evening. As I sat sipping on a pepsi the conversation around the bar turned from casual sports chit chat to politics. I promise I was not the instigator of this conversation. It was a matronly woman sitting one over to my right. I believe with the exception of the bartender she was the only woman in our little section of the restaurant.

The first statement had to do with the recent visit from Barak Obama to a local high school then to an Indian Reservation. The woman glowed as she spoke about how he dripped with charisma. I thought for sure I was in the presence of an Obamamaniac. However, she followed this up by saying, "of course I'll be voting for Hillary in the primary". This is when her husband got up and left.

Those of you who know much about me understand that holding my tongue is only rarely a quality which I espouse. This was not one of those occassions. As I proceeded to grill this woman about what she believed, why she believed it, and why she was voting democrat, this is what I learned.

She's voting for Hillary because:

She is tired of the government handouts.
She believes in the swift enforcement of the death penalty.
She doesn't belive in abortion.
She believes gun rights should be protected.
Wants lower taxes.
Wants to secure the border.

Wants to end the war.
Wants free healthcare.

She has never voted republican. Hates George W. Bush. I wonder how many other democrats don't know what their party really believes.

Kennedy has Tumor

Senator Ted Kennedy has been diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. Prognosis: Not Good. Survival rates are 1 year for advanced aggressive tumors and up to 5 for the slower kinds. Most pro-life, defend the border, cut social program conservatives have found Sen. Kennedy to be one of their biggest hurdles in the past. So I ask, is your compassion for this man bigger than your desire to see your political agenda come to fruition? I hope so.

Obama Wows Em

Living in Montana I have learned something very quickly. As a resident of this state you have no say in presidential politics. At least until this year. With Hillary vowing to take this the distance both candidates have been spending a good deal of time in Montana. Barak Obama spoke here yesterday at a local high school. This morning the headline reads, "Obama Wows Em". http://www.billingsgazette.net/articles/2008/05/20/news/local/18-obama_s.txt

What strikes me there is the blatant opinion of the editor. Obama Wows Em. All of them? That is impressive. Surely this reporter didn't interview everyone at the event. Perhaps that one little statement isn't so bad. After all the whole point of that headline is to sell newspapers. Then I got into the body of the story where I found the following....

He got a standing ovation Monday for calling for more school, more homework and on a 70-degree day less than two weeks before graduation.- Not bad. This is a fact.

When he declared that no military veteran in America should ever be reduced to sleeping on the street in a cardboard box, the crowd roared as if they'd all, at some point, put cheek to concrete in exhaustion. - This is colorful, but presumptive.

Even when the boo birds booed, which they did when Obama evoked high oil prices and tax breaks for the rich, their catcalls flattered the front-runner for the Democratic presidential nomination. - Translation. Obama can do no wrong.

With all that said, after the first 4 paragraphs the writer for the Billings Gazette was factual and striaght foreward. Not appearing to take sides. Problem is most readers don't get past the first few paragraphs of the story where things are wrapped up in a neat little bow.

This isn't the worst example of opinion creeping into journalism by any stretch. It occurs everywhere, Yes including fox news.

I attended a workshop at the Missouri School of Journalism where the professor told those in attendance that the reporter has the duty to explain for the reader/viewer whether the results of the story are good or bad for them. I couldn't disagree more. That statement encourages reporters to editorialize their work. This is supposed to be one of the best journalism schools in the country.

That statement works off the basis that readers/viewers are to stupid to understand the ramifications of the story. If it is complicated bring in experts to explain. That is not the job of a reporter.

Life Isn't Fair

What a load of crap. Seriously where in the world do these people get their law degrees. What is wrong with the justice system today when "paper money" discriminates against the blind. We will now follow the fate of Russia as we spend our country into the toilet attempting to right every wrong that has happened through out life.

You will be forbidden from speaking because you might be discriminating against a deaf person in the room. At first you will think sign language is the answer but, no, there may be a blind person in the room missing out. The last straw will be the systematic adjustment of all toilets to a mere 11 inches off the floor. Sure it will be uncomfortable for you, but all those midgets around the country will be far more comfortable.

Terrible things happen. You can't fix them all. That is life. When I was a child a can remember crying because my brother had gotten more (insert whatever here). I bawled to my mother who told me "life isn't fair". Was my mother the only person in the country teaching this lesson?

The Gun

This is a 50 caliber Barrett sniper rifle. It's range is pretty much limited only by the curvature of the earth. Okay, so maybe I'm exagurating a little, but not much. It was a birthday gift for my friend at a cost of roughly 7 thousand dollars. As shown it would probably sell for around 6 thousand, but this one is custom built.

What on earth does a private citizen need with a gun like that. Well, I'll be honest. You don't "need" it. There is nothing in the United States that can be legally hunted with this gun. It isn't practical for home defense. Unless of course you are Randy Weaver (search Ruby Ridge).

Still, I want one. I am told shooting this gun is amazing. The change in barometric pressure alone is like being slapped in the face.

At 3 dollars a round this isn't a cheap hobby by any stretch. So, I think I'll wait for now. Hopefully it won't be outlawed by time I get around to affording it.

My List

I was "tagged" by Godfather at The Slow Bleed. I don't normally participate in things like this, however, I am making an exception for the following reasons.

1. I like The Slow Bleed and want to promote the site and ideas found therein.
2. I enjoyed finding out a little bit more about the individuals who responded.
3. It only takes a minute.

So here goes. And just one more thing according to the rules I am not required to explain any of the following.

1. Family
2. Good friends
3. Riding my motorcycle
4. Playing baseball/football
5. Children laughing
6. Adrenaline
7. Good Debate
8. Flying
9. Being outdoors
10. Making a difference

No tags on this one. Hope you enjoyed the list.

Blood Sport

Let men be men. Lets face it, guys enjoy fighting. Most guys anyway. We enjoy the battle even if we lose. On May 24th I'll be watching the latest Ultimate Fighting Championship fights. Yes it is brutal and sometimes bloody. So what is wrong with that.

Stop feminizing men. Let us be warriors. Let us fight for what is right. Let us celebrate what it is to be a man.

To be a man you should;

Show love to your family sometimes through physical affection.
Support your wife if you have one.
Encourage your kids if you have them.

Some would like to end the list there. However, There is more to this story.

Be the provider for your family. (Shelter, food, clothing..etc)
Be the spiritual leader for you family.
Protect your family from harm.
Fight for what is right.

Usually fighting for what is right just means standing firm and using words. On occassion, however, it means using force.

This was not a complete list. Feel free to ad to it if you like.

A Scope We Do Not Understand

In the United States of America we were devastated on 9-11 when the world trade center buildings were struck by terrorists and came crashing to the ground ending the lives of around 3 thousand people. This was one of the most horrific scenes we had ever seen, and one of the most deadly on our soil ever. Then came hurricane Katrina and we lost another 1500 or so in Louisanna and Mississippi. Thousands more were displaced from their homes. A disaster, yes.

However, In other countries when natural or man-made disasters occur the death toll often rises much higher, much faster. In China right now 15,000 have been confirmed dead following a massive earthquake. Another 40,000 are buried under the rubble. Many of those are likely to be confirmed dead in the days following.

In Burma the International Red Cross is estimating a death toll between 68 and 127 thousand. What!? To put that into perspective for you that is more than 42 times the death toll of the attacks on 9-11.

What causes the death toll to rise so dramatically. I can pinpoint a couple factors. First is the concentration of population. With more people in the area you are no doubt going to have a higher casualty rate.

Second is wealth. In very poor areas you don't have warning systems on television and radio blaring instructions for you to take cover. If you did you wouldn't have a basement in which to take cover. You can forget about evacuation because there are so few roads in and out of these places, and the number of individuals owning vehicles is very slim. When it comes time for rescue efforts, there are fewer helicopters, boats, generators for light, equipment.. etc to enhance the ability of the volunteers, military or other rescue staff.

In this country we simply do not understand magnatude of these disasters. You can say what you will about how our government mismanaged the response to Katrina, however 90 percent of those in the area were evacuated. Something not possible in other countries. There was warning of the impending threat on television and radio. Something not available in many countries.

Were there mistakes, sure. Should "Brownie" have lost his job, not for me to decide. I can say however, that had this been another country many more would likely have lost their lives. For that I am thankful.

Economy Depressed?

Factor number one on the minds of most Americans today is the economy. Lets just clear something up to start with. We are not currently in a depression. We might be heading for one. It may be inevitable, With out a doubt our economy is slowing down. We are not in a depression. Yet.

I have a couple of theories on this. First is the election cycle. In my theory the election cycle causes economic slowdowns through self fulfilling prophecy. Polititions on both sides of the aisle berate how the other side is going to hurt us financially. When that happens americans pull closed the purse strings.

Second, we have as a country and individually borrowed ourselves into oblivion. At some point we must pay the piper. Whether or not you agree with the recent wars on terror, we have spent alot of borrowed money to finance it. We spend money as though there is an endless supply. There is not. It comes from the pockets of hard working Americans. Our leaders would do well to remember that.

So, other than end the war, how will our democratic candidates fix our economy. Through healthcare, through allowing more immigrants into the system, through government subsidies on stem cell research, and research into alternative energy sources. All I have heard are options that cost money.

On the other hand I'm not sure McCain has a sure fire solution to the economic situation either. The one thing I know is that spending money in the form of loans to the Chinese that our children must repay is not the answer.