Economist Milton Friedman wrote that some “businessmen believe that they are defending free enterprise when they declaim that business is not concerned merely with profit but also with promoting desirable social ends; that business has a social conscience and takes seriously its responsibility for providing employment, eliminating discrimination, avoiding pollution and whatever else may be the catchwords of the contemporary crop of reformers.”
Friedman added, “In fact, they are . . . preaching pure and unadulterated socialism (emphasis mine). Businessmen who talk this way are unwitting puppets of the intellectual forces that have been undermining the basis of a free society these past decades.”
He's always been my favorite economist.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Reflections About Obama
I have thought about the election of Obama quite a bit since the election - who hasn't? I've made a few conclusions about this . . .
1) Obama won the election fairly and decisively. I did not vote for him and do not really care for him either, BUT now that he will be President it becomes my job to pray for him to have wisdom and integrity and ask God to bless his presidency. I doubt any Hollywood leftist ever prayed for President Bush, but that is not an excuse for me to do the same. As a Christian we are told to submit to the authority (rulers) God has placed in our lives. I believe this means to obey the law and pray for our leaders - although it's almost impossible to pray for Senator Durbin, Kennedy, Harry Reid, Biden and so on. Still as a Christian I believe that I am to pray for our leaders' success in leading our country.
2) I believe that Obama's presidency will be as bad or a close second to that of Jimmy Carter's. Carter, arguably, was the worst president of the 20th century. Only those of us who were adults during those terrible days remember just how bad it was. Inflation, interest rates and unemployment were out of control. There were price controls on gas which meant long lines at the gas stations. There was a malaise and discouragement in the nation. Carter was one who naively believed that just being kind and talking to our enemies would keep us protected. Sound like anybody else? His administration had undercut the CIA's ability to keep up with what was going on in Iran and in 1979 our embassy in Tehran was overtaken by Islamic militants and the embassy personnel were held hostage for 444 days. Carter tried one military action that was an utter failure and then did nothing other than try to negotiate the hostages release. We were humiliated internationally. I believe Obama and liberals will negotiate until they are blue in the face, which will ultimately fail because we are dealing with Islamic fascists. I believe Obama will be a one-term president - although that will depend on whether the Republicans have a unified vision for our country and are able to get that vision to the people.
3) Obama was not my guy because I do not trust him. We know very little about him. He is not transparent. He has questionable associations which say a lot about his character. He did not release his birth certificate nor has he released his college records. If there is nothing to hide, then why not release them. President Bush has been transparent in his Presidency and in particular, during his campaign. Even John Kerry released his university records. If he refuses to be transparent it is easy to assume he is hiding something. However, I do not know what is in his heart and therefore must give him the benefit of the doubt - although liberals never gave President Bush the benefit of the doubt.
3) I am suspicious of his character because we know very little about the man. We do know he has accomplished little during his government service, yet has lied about what he has done. I repeat that I do not trust him or his character.
There are many things about Obama that are questionable, but that does not relieve me of my burden to continue to pray for him, his leadership and our great country. God is in total control and knows exactly what He is doing though we may not be able to see it now.
Have faith and pray, pray, PRAY!
1) Obama won the election fairly and decisively. I did not vote for him and do not really care for him either, BUT now that he will be President it becomes my job to pray for him to have wisdom and integrity and ask God to bless his presidency. I doubt any Hollywood leftist ever prayed for President Bush, but that is not an excuse for me to do the same. As a Christian we are told to submit to the authority (rulers) God has placed in our lives. I believe this means to obey the law and pray for our leaders - although it's almost impossible to pray for Senator Durbin, Kennedy, Harry Reid, Biden and so on. Still as a Christian I believe that I am to pray for our leaders' success in leading our country.
2) I believe that Obama's presidency will be as bad or a close second to that of Jimmy Carter's. Carter, arguably, was the worst president of the 20th century. Only those of us who were adults during those terrible days remember just how bad it was. Inflation, interest rates and unemployment were out of control. There were price controls on gas which meant long lines at the gas stations. There was a malaise and discouragement in the nation. Carter was one who naively believed that just being kind and talking to our enemies would keep us protected. Sound like anybody else? His administration had undercut the CIA's ability to keep up with what was going on in Iran and in 1979 our embassy in Tehran was overtaken by Islamic militants and the embassy personnel were held hostage for 444 days. Carter tried one military action that was an utter failure and then did nothing other than try to negotiate the hostages release. We were humiliated internationally. I believe Obama and liberals will negotiate until they are blue in the face, which will ultimately fail because we are dealing with Islamic fascists. I believe Obama will be a one-term president - although that will depend on whether the Republicans have a unified vision for our country and are able to get that vision to the people.
3) Obama was not my guy because I do not trust him. We know very little about him. He is not transparent. He has questionable associations which say a lot about his character. He did not release his birth certificate nor has he released his college records. If there is nothing to hide, then why not release them. President Bush has been transparent in his Presidency and in particular, during his campaign. Even John Kerry released his university records. If he refuses to be transparent it is easy to assume he is hiding something. However, I do not know what is in his heart and therefore must give him the benefit of the doubt - although liberals never gave President Bush the benefit of the doubt.
3) I am suspicious of his character because we know very little about the man. We do know he has accomplished little during his government service, yet has lied about what he has done. I repeat that I do not trust him or his character.
There are many things about Obama that are questionable, but that does not relieve me of my burden to continue to pray for him, his leadership and our great country. God is in total control and knows exactly what He is doing though we may not be able to see it now.
Have faith and pray, pray, PRAY!
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Like It Is
I've added a new link to my blog. It's a little right-wing, but it's my son so what can I do? The link is here: Like It Is - you know as in he's going to tell you "Like It Is!"
Friday, November 7, 2008
New Link
I am adding a link to Victor Davis Hanson's website. He is a prolific writer and a regular guest on Hugh Hewitt's radio show. He writes for National Review Online and is an expert on military and classical history. When he is on Hugh Hewitt's show, he talks about terrorism and matters concerning it. I urge all of you to visit his site: victorhanson.com.
What Is Conservative?
Matt Lewis at Townhall.com gave this answer to a reader asking about the core principals of conservatives:
"In his classic book, "The Conservative Mind," Russell Kirk established six "cannons" of conservatism, which on Wikipedia, Russello (2004) has abbreviated as follows:
1) A belief in a transcendent order, which Kirk described variously as based in tradition, divine revelation, or natural law;
2) An affection for the "variety and mystery" of human existence;
3) A conviction that society requires orders and classes that emphasize "natural" distinctions;
4) A belief that property and freedom are closely linked;
5) A faith in custom, convention, and prescription, and
6) A recognition that innovation must be tied to existing traditions and customs, which entails a respect for the political value of prudence. "
I think that pretty well sums it up. After reading that who wouldn't want to be a conservative?
"In his classic book, "The Conservative Mind," Russell Kirk established six "cannons" of conservatism, which on Wikipedia, Russello (2004) has abbreviated as follows:
1) A belief in a transcendent order, which Kirk described variously as based in tradition, divine revelation, or natural law;
2) An affection for the "variety and mystery" of human existence;
3) A conviction that society requires orders and classes that emphasize "natural" distinctions;
4) A belief that property and freedom are closely linked;
5) A faith in custom, convention, and prescription, and
6) A recognition that innovation must be tied to existing traditions and customs, which entails a respect for the political value of prudence. "
I think that pretty well sums it up. After reading that who wouldn't want to be a conservative?
More On Attacks on Sarah Palin
Last night, CNN's Campbell Brown had this to say about the attacks on Sarah Palin:
"I find it so stunning that the very people who introduced us to Sarah Palin, who told us she would make a great Vice President, have now turned on her with a vengeance..."
There is speculation that it may have been some McCain staffers who have a "horse" in the 2012 elections and want to eliminate any competition from Palin in favor of their unnamed candidate. Interesting.
"I find it so stunning that the very people who introduced us to Sarah Palin, who told us she would make a great Vice President, have now turned on her with a vengeance..."
There is speculation that it may have been some McCain staffers who have a "horse" in the 2012 elections and want to eliminate any competition from Palin in favor of their unnamed candidate. Interesting.
Startling Facts About Election Numbers
Michael Medved has brought to light how much the actual turnout was to what was estimated in his post "CNN FINDS 26 MILLION MISSING VOTERS!" Even the day-after estimations were wrong. Check it out.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
McCain's Attack Dogs
Yesterday Carl Cameron of Fox News reported that McCain staffers were sniping about Sarah Palin. This is an attempt to destroy any future in national politics she might have. I wonder if they resent the fact that Palin was more popular than McCain; that were it not for Palin energizing the base, McCain would have lost by a landslide. Let me add that Cameron seemed to revel in reporting this gossip and failed to mention the possibility that this was simply gossip.
Rush Limbaugh speculates that these campaign staffers are covering themselves for running a lousy campaign and want to be hired for future campaigns. For the most part these staffers are "moderate" Republicans and we know from the results of the election, moderates didn't win; conservatives won. Limbaugh says it's interesting that these McCain staffers are not attacking Palin's ideas, they are attacking her personally.
Ronald Regan's 11th Commandment "Thou shalt not speak ill against your fellow Republican" fell by the wayside not long after he left office. At this point it's just a distant memory as Republicans eat their own. Democrats don't really have to try to destroy our Party - we'll do it ourselves.
To get more information abou this story, check out this link at townhall.com. Part of this article states: "Meanwhile, RedState launches "Operation Leper," focused on, "tracking down all the people from the McCain campaign now whispering smears against Governor Palin to Carl Cameron and others."
The best site to get the most information is at Michelle Malkin's site:
"The McCain campaign’s classless cowards; Update: Palin reacts."
"The McCain campaign’s classless cowards; Update: Palin reacts."
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
The Future of the GOP
I believe the future of the Party lies with strong conservatives. Sarah Palin will be leading the way. Bobby Jindal, Governor of Louisiana, will be right behind her. Mitt Romeny is also a bright star of the Party.
Silver Lining
There is a silver lining to our defeats. Harry Reid did not get his super-majority in the Senate. Republicans will be able to filibuster and I hope they use it. The most important filibuster they can use is against judicial appointments. Obama will appoint far-left judges and the Republicans must use the "nuclear option." Back when Bill Frist was Senate Majority Leader he threatened it, but John McCain went around him to form the "gang of 14." I pray John McCain will stay out of it, but I'm not holding my breath. I hope he learned something from the election. I'll bet for the majority of conservatives who voted for him were actually voting for Sarah Palin. I know I did. I believe Mitch McConnell will follow through if he does threaten to use the nuclear option. Republicans need to start growing a pair.
Lessons Learned from the 2008 Elections
First, and most importantly, Republicans need to toss out the current RNC officials. We must learn from the Democrat party about how they got to this point starting in 2006. They raised a bunch of money and were able to saturate the airwaves with Congressional ads, not including Obama's $500 million he spent on his campaigns. Did you notice all the ads with the tag line "Paid by the Democratic Congressional Committee?" Did you hear any "Paid by the Republican Congressional Committee?"
The Republican National Committee needs a top-to-bottom house cleaning. There needs to be a well-known Conservative at the head of the party - Newt Gingrich, Mitt Romney, Karl Rove - who will be out there speaking and giving interviews everywhere. All are strong conservatives, and let's face it, moderate Republicans lost to liberal Democrats everywhere. Conservatives won. Those who proclaimed conservatism in the Republican party dead must be confused today. All those who proclaimed that the Party must become more moderate in order to win independent votes have been shown to be wrong. There must be changes made now in order to regroup for the next midterm election in 2010. Party officials must go back to Ronald Reagan conservatism and study the 1994 Republican takeover in Congress. There needs to be another "Contract With America." And we Republicans must start donating to the RNC as well as the Senate and Congressional Campaign Committees. Give until it hurts.
The second lesson I learned is that one can buy the Presidency. Obama reneged on his promise to take public funding like John McCain and raise something like $500 million for his primary and president campaigns. He was able to inundate the airways with ads. Public funding for presidential campaigns may be irrelevant. It will take nominees who are charismatic with organizations who can fundraise like crazy among those who are only able to donate small amounts.
Thirdly, the influence of the press can get a specific candidate elected. Those are the facts and we Republicans must find a way to counteract the left-wing press. Talk radio is one way, but there must be more outlets.
The fourth thing I gathered was to question whether the GOP has too many PACs. Might it not be better to consolidate some and have 2 or 3 huge PACs? I say this due to the success Move-On has had the past 2 elections. It took the awhile, but they are now considered successful even though their beliefs are off the charts on the left. Now it's well known that Move-On is as dirty as they come and Republicans should (and would) never duplicate their standard. My question is perhaps some PACs should join forces?
These are the immediate musings that have come to me in the day after the election. I hope all Republicans are thinking hard enough about the changes we need.
The Republican National Committee needs a top-to-bottom house cleaning. There needs to be a well-known Conservative at the head of the party - Newt Gingrich, Mitt Romney, Karl Rove - who will be out there speaking and giving interviews everywhere. All are strong conservatives, and let's face it, moderate Republicans lost to liberal Democrats everywhere. Conservatives won. Those who proclaimed conservatism in the Republican party dead must be confused today. All those who proclaimed that the Party must become more moderate in order to win independent votes have been shown to be wrong. There must be changes made now in order to regroup for the next midterm election in 2010. Party officials must go back to Ronald Reagan conservatism and study the 1994 Republican takeover in Congress. There needs to be another "Contract With America." And we Republicans must start donating to the RNC as well as the Senate and Congressional Campaign Committees. Give until it hurts.
The second lesson I learned is that one can buy the Presidency. Obama reneged on his promise to take public funding like John McCain and raise something like $500 million for his primary and president campaigns. He was able to inundate the airways with ads. Public funding for presidential campaigns may be irrelevant. It will take nominees who are charismatic with organizations who can fundraise like crazy among those who are only able to donate small amounts.
Thirdly, the influence of the press can get a specific candidate elected. Those are the facts and we Republicans must find a way to counteract the left-wing press. Talk radio is one way, but there must be more outlets.
The fourth thing I gathered was to question whether the GOP has too many PACs. Might it not be better to consolidate some and have 2 or 3 huge PACs? I say this due to the success Move-On has had the past 2 elections. It took the awhile, but they are now considered successful even though their beliefs are off the charts on the left. Now it's well known that Move-On is as dirty as they come and Republicans should (and would) never duplicate their standard. My question is perhaps some PACs should join forces?
These are the immediate musings that have come to me in the day after the election. I hope all Republicans are thinking hard enough about the changes we need.
Amending My Comments About Gray's Anatomy
I failed to mention in yesterday's blog post regarding Gray's Anatomy that I rarely watched it live. I Tivo'd it to watch later in order to watch The Office at its broadcast time. It is, after all, my favorite show! Last week I discovered 30 Rock which follows The Office. In my opinion everyone is much better off spending that hour with NBC than with ABC. And that's all I have to say on the subject!
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Amputating Your Arm . . .
Thomas Sowell has written a great article "A Sound Economy?" about the soundness of our economy. The article begins with an answer to that question:"Yes. We’re not even in a recession, much less a depression." It deas with how liberals seem to always mess the economy up. To put it in simple terms he states, "If the Left succeeds, it will be like amputating your arm because of a stomach ache." Over time we've sure lost a lot of arms. Read it. Sowell gets it right!
Voting Troubles
I honestly can not figure out why so many states have so many problems with voting. Arizona, I believe, has no problems or minute ones that don't affect the outcome. Our ballots are easy to fill out and easy to count. What's happening with the rest of the country? Today there are numerous problems with voting machines and ballots. Maybe we should hold a seminar for the rest of the states.
The Future Is Today
Well, the interminable campaign season is finally over. The choice is so clear, but it looks like more people have been more taken with fancy rhetoric than with rational thought. Of course I can understand their need for someone to "fix everything" and provide them with a couple of chickens in their pots. This morning I was listening to talk radio as I made my coffee and the host played an interview with a woman who had just voted for Obama. She said, and I quote, "With Obama I won't have to pay for gas or pay my mortgage anymore." WOW! No more personal responsibility. I can't wait to not pay my mortgage, too! What a wonderful world. Tomorrow I'm going to call American Express and notify them that the government will now pay my bill. I'll also call all my utilities and tell them the same. I want a car I can't afford because Obama will bail me out.
A lot of people have been hurt by the economic fallout and I understand that they blame the Bush Administration. And I also understand that because McCain is a Republican they wrongly associate him with Bush and FEEL a need for a change. That's a problem with electing a president and every other official for that matter. Our feelings change with every situation. Every situation. We wake up on the wrong side of the bed and don't feel like being nice. Just because we don't feel like being nice doesn't mean we shouldn't be nice. Doing the right thing has absolutely nothing to do with feelings, but our country now counts feelings better than rational thought.
Congress is forever enacting feel good laws without counting future costs. Why? Because being touchy-feely makes them feel good. It really is about them; getting re-elected specifically. Great harm is being done to our country. It will only get worse with an Obama presidency and Democrat majorities in Congress. Especially if Republicans lose enough Senate seats to no longer be able to filibuster bad ideas.
I'm not looking forward to this Obama presidency, but I have great comfort in the assurance that God is in control. In fact should Daffy Duck (aka Joe Biden) become President I still have assurance that God is in control. He is in control and He knows everthing that will happen. He wants us to have faith in Him that He knows what He's doing. And pray.
A lot of people have been hurt by the economic fallout and I understand that they blame the Bush Administration. And I also understand that because McCain is a Republican they wrongly associate him with Bush and FEEL a need for a change. That's a problem with electing a president and every other official for that matter. Our feelings change with every situation. Every situation. We wake up on the wrong side of the bed and don't feel like being nice. Just because we don't feel like being nice doesn't mean we shouldn't be nice. Doing the right thing has absolutely nothing to do with feelings, but our country now counts feelings better than rational thought.
Congress is forever enacting feel good laws without counting future costs. Why? Because being touchy-feely makes them feel good. It really is about them; getting re-elected specifically. Great harm is being done to our country. It will only get worse with an Obama presidency and Democrat majorities in Congress. Especially if Republicans lose enough Senate seats to no longer be able to filibuster bad ideas.
I'm not looking forward to this Obama presidency, but I have great comfort in the assurance that God is in control. In fact should Daffy Duck (aka Joe Biden) become President I still have assurance that God is in control. He is in control and He knows everthing that will happen. He wants us to have faith in Him that He knows what He's doing. And pray.
Goodbye Gray's Anatomy
Gray's Anatomy has been one of my favorite shows from the first episode, but episodes this season have greatly disturbed me. Two of the main characters have embarked on a lesbian relationship. And shockingly the writers have been educating us on just how to have lesbian sex. There has never been anything about how to have heterosexual sex, so why this? (I would be just as offended.) I hurt for young children whose parents let them watch this. They are being bombarded with confusing messages about sex. Instead of learning about healthy sex within the bounds of marriage, they are being told that anything goes.
I no longer watch Gray's Anatomy I'm sorry to say because its stories and character development have been compelling. This story-line, however, is not. So, goodbye Gray's Anatomy.
I no longer watch Gray's Anatomy I'm sorry to say because its stories and character development have been compelling. This story-line, however, is not. So, goodbye Gray's Anatomy.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Lingo
Today I heard a snippet of a speech of Obama's. Don't worry; the context doesn't matter. Anyway he used a phrase that he and his wife use over and over: "... get it." As in "John McCain just doesn't get it." Or "You need someone who gets it." Gets what? I 'get it' when it comes to Obama - just say no.
This is kin to the phrase, "I'm just not feeling it." "I'm not feeling this video game right now." Or "I'm not feeling this dress." Well, I'm just not feeling Obama.
It's somewhat comforting that John McCain is a grown-up and isn't trying to relate to the kids all the time. Could you imagine him saying, "I'm just not feeling this immigration thing right now."
Obama needs a few more years around the grown-ups before he'll be ready for the top job.
This is kin to the phrase, "I'm just not feeling it." "I'm not feeling this video game right now." Or "I'm not feeling this dress." Well, I'm just not feeling Obama.
It's somewhat comforting that John McCain is a grown-up and isn't trying to relate to the kids all the time. Could you imagine him saying, "I'm just not feeling this immigration thing right now."
Obama needs a few more years around the grown-ups before he'll be ready for the top job.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
The US Women's Soccer Team
Congratulations to out women's soccer team for taking the gold medal in Beijing last week at the Totalitarian Olympics. I congratulate all our medal winners, but the women's soccer team deserves a special mention. As they stood with their gold medals around their necks they actually sang our National Anthem as it played in honor of them. Of the events I watched where the US won gold medals no one knew ALL the words. I saw a "Oh say, can you see" here and there. But every member of the soccer team knew every word and they all sang. It touched me to the point of tearing up. To me this said that their win was for the country as well as the team. It also showed pride in our great country. Our country truly is the "land of the free and the home of the brave." Congratulations and God bless you!
I Am Not a Racist
Contrary to what liberals are saying, I am not voting for Barack Obama because I'm a racist. I'm not voting for him because he is a radical to the left of the far left wing of the Democrat party. Also based on statements made by Barack and especially Michelle Obama I believe he is a Marxist. Socialism solves not one problem. It's too bad they didn't learn the lessons from the decades of the Union of the Soviet Socialist Republic.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Lord Obama
In an excellent article Charles Krauthammer writes of Obama's grandiose image of himself. I, personally, have never seen a candidate like him and I've seen alot of presidential candidates. It takes powerful ambition along with a strong ego to take on the task of running for President. However, ambition and ego must be balanced with the knowledge that as President one is only human and not god-like. Obama is not the messiah although it appears that he and his wife may think he is. It also appears that there are many who agree. And the press is so invested in his candidacy that they don't have an objective eye. As the campaign goes on we're seeing more of who Obama thinks he is and it's not a pretty picture.