Words tell you how things should be, action makes it happen.
If rules and regulations truly governed people, those ten commandments would be all that's needed. As extremists have shown us, the pen is NOT mightier than the sword.
We need the right people, doing the right things and doing them well...a job description doesn't make that happen. Words don't either.
While it is of value to encourage an exchange of views in determining the best course of action...some communicate via actions that words cannot combat. If they did, if talking with zealot enemies did any good, Neville Chamberlain would be the hero in WWII and Gen. Patton would just be a tank commander.
Prepare for action.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Beauty does not exclude ability or brains
Having once been a beauty queen does not make you stupid or unable to play the game.
presidential nominee since 1976, except for Lloyd Bentsen, went to law school. Look at the
vast social class-action suit. We are citizens of a republic that promises us a great deal of freedom from laws, from courts, and from lawyers.
Supreme Court decision, who was the beneficiary ... the lawyers who got paid...no child gained a
thing.
Of course, that's just my opinion...I could be wrong.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Image USA - Not good?
Recently I was asked to comment on the image of the United States globally considering it is so negatively viewed and often reviled:
The USA image isn't reality but perception molded by media and political forces, many of which are greatly biased. History reveals that of the evils (as you might choose to say) committed by the USA, there are many other countries who have done the same. The point is not that the USA is no worse than others, but that it too has made mistakes.
However, no country has undertaken the restoration of countries damaged by warfare as greatly as the USA. No country has sustained an international forum for global care like the USA has with the UN, Red Cross, WHO etc. Charitable actions by NGO's from the USA are in more places and with more resources given, than ANY other country. The education institutes of the USA provide opportunity for more foreign students than any other country.
For all that is wrong of the USA, there is much more than equal good which is extended globally.
My view of the USA is that it suffers from an excess of riches that have rapidly come to a decline; that its citizens are apathetic, ungrateful, spoiled and naive; that its government is lethargic by its immense size and bureaucratic entanglements; and that it has wasted its resources and damaged its land with pollutants. These are the same faults as can be found in most countries. However, the USA is judged to be the worst because its citizens are generally better off that those of other countries and they are expected to behave better for it.
USA sins are deemed greater than the same sins of other countries, because of its greatness.
My $.02
The USA image isn't reality but perception molded by media and political forces, many of which are greatly biased. History reveals that of the evils (as you might choose to say) committed by the USA, there are many other countries who have done the same. The point is not that the USA is no worse than others, but that it too has made mistakes.
However, no country has undertaken the restoration of countries damaged by warfare as greatly as the USA. No country has sustained an international forum for global care like the USA has with the UN, Red Cross, WHO etc. Charitable actions by NGO's from the USA are in more places and with more resources given, than ANY other country. The education institutes of the USA provide opportunity for more foreign students than any other country.
For all that is wrong of the USA, there is much more than equal good which is extended globally.
My view of the USA is that it suffers from an excess of riches that have rapidly come to a decline; that its citizens are apathetic, ungrateful, spoiled and naive; that its government is lethargic by its immense size and bureaucratic entanglements; and that it has wasted its resources and damaged its land with pollutants. These are the same faults as can be found in most countries. However, the USA is judged to be the worst because its citizens are generally better off that those of other countries and they are expected to behave better for it.
USA sins are deemed greater than the same sins of other countries, because of its greatness.
My $.02
Monday, June 23, 2008
Monday, June 09, 2008
Why people behaved the way they did
Well, I suppose that everyone cared what their neighbors thought of them and at least tried to be civil to those that didn't. While a rich kid with lots of toys was great to visit, we still preferred to go home. And if visiting us, that kid threatened to take his marbles and go home if we didn't let him win...he went home. Your value system wasn't about things...it was who was a good baseball player, ran the fastest, swam farthest and even that wasn't enough if you were a mean kid or had an attitude. You were what you could and did do, not what you had.
Kids that got into fights at school - were often taken to the corner of the field and forced to fight it out until what ever wrong was less than the beating you were getting...coaches just watched. Principals at school paddled kids for infractions that warranted it ... and if the kid's parent(s) complained they were told to make their kids behave or they would be banned from school for a few days - such kids misbehaved like that home enough, the parents did what they had to, so their kids could go back to school.
If you broke a window with a rock, ran across a neighbor's flower garden, mistreated an animal, left trash in the neighbor's yard...any adult would tell your parents. If the parents didn't fix that, their reputation suffered to be no better than their kids and were shunned.
AND TODAY?
AND TODAY?
I blame it on Mister Rogers...he liked them "just the way you are"...so the bad ones kept on...and the good ones didn't think they had to improve.
I blame it on a liberal society that made being liked and politically correct more important than being honorable and respected.
I blame it on adults who were more concerned about making their children happy than good, who felt they had to entertain bored children or they didn't love them as parents...to stop them from whining.
In a previous generation if you were whining it was usually for having to do some chore and it mattered not one whit...because you still had to do it and if you didn't stop there would be no allowance on Saturday...and you knew there wouldn't be. Teens were grounded for cursing. Younger ones got their mouths washed out with soap - it wasn't considered poisoning and it was a nasty taste in your mouth that was harder to get out than those words..
I blame it on a liberal society that made being liked and politically correct more important than being honorable and respected.
I blame it on adults who were more concerned about making their children happy than good, who felt they had to entertain bored children or they didn't love them as parents...to stop them from whining.
In a previous generation if you were whining it was usually for having to do some chore and it mattered not one whit...because you still had to do it and if you didn't stop there would be no allowance on Saturday...and you knew there wouldn't be. Teens were grounded for cursing. Younger ones got their mouths washed out with soap - it wasn't considered poisoning and it was a nasty taste in your mouth that was harder to get out than those words..
What does this all mean?
Successively worse from one generation to the next, parents parent less and children rule more. The older generation enjoyed prosperity and good times and therefore could afford to provide more for their children and did. Their children as parents thought it natural to give their children more than just the necessities...to be loved as they loved their parents and giving equated to love...but both parents had to work in order to afford that. The next generation felt entitled to more than the necessities and demanded them...from any adult, teacher, care giver (remember Mister Rogers said it) or it was permissible to disrespect, vandalize and steal. The Ten Commandments weren't taught, respected...or even understood except that it was what "the man" dictated to be ignored when it suited.
Successively worse from one generation to the next, parents parent less and children rule more. The older generation enjoyed prosperity and good times and therefore could afford to provide more for their children and did. Their children as parents thought it natural to give their children more than just the necessities...to be loved as they loved their parents and giving equated to love...but both parents had to work in order to afford that. The next generation felt entitled to more than the necessities and demanded them...from any adult, teacher, care giver (remember Mister Rogers said it) or it was permissible to disrespect, vandalize and steal. The Ten Commandments weren't taught, respected...or even understood except that it was what "the man" dictated to be ignored when it suited.
What it means is that people expect to receive, not give, and they don't have to earn it ! Respect, money, friendship, love, property, food, medical care and you name it whether necessity or more...earning it is more difficult than demanding it, if that works. Many people living "off the system" actually believe that they have earned their public dole for having stood in line waiting for it.
Many people enjoy national security, but because they didn't earn it themselves, they think they are just entitled to it...or they can just pay mercenaries for it (professional soldiers in an all volunteer versus citizen Army, or pseudo-military organizations that hire out to protect in foreign lands)
Many people enjoy national security, but because they didn't earn it themselves, they think they are just entitled to it...or they can just pay mercenaries for it (professional soldiers in an all volunteer versus citizen Army, or pseudo-military organizations that hire out to protect in foreign lands)
When does that change?
When prosperity and luxury is replaced by impoverishment...and that day is rapidly approaching...and that applies to children, adults, towns, states and nations. Yet today we still are "politically correct" to encourage the taking of what we have by those unwilling to earn it.
Mother said, the road to hell is paved with good intentions. Amen!
When will it get better?
When we earn it!
When prosperity and luxury is replaced by impoverishment...and that day is rapidly approaching...and that applies to children, adults, towns, states and nations. Yet today we still are "politically correct" to encourage the taking of what we have by those unwilling to earn it.
Mother said, the road to hell is paved with good intentions. Amen!
When will it get better?
When we earn it!
Thursday, June 05, 2008
A schism of Catholicism in the making...in America?
Word spread like wildfire in Catholic circles: Douglas Kmiec, a staunch Republican, firm foe of abortion and veteran of the Reagan Justice Department, had been denied Communion.
His sin? Kmiec, a Catholic who can cite papal pronouncements with the facility of a theological scholar, shocked old friends and adversaries alike earlier this year by endorsing Barack Obama for president. For at least one priest, Kmiec's support for a pro-choice politician made him a willing participant in a grave moral evil.
Kmiec was denied Communion in April at a Mass for a group of Catholic business people he later addressed at dinner. The episode has not received wide attention outside the Catholic world, but it is the opening shot in an argument that could have a large impact on this year's presidential campaign: Is it legitimate for bishops and priests to deny Communion to those supporting candidates who favor abortion rights?
A version of this argument roiled the 2004 campaign when some, though not most, Catholic bishops suggested that John Kerry and other pro-choice Catholic politicians should be denied Communion because of their views on abortion.
The Kmiec incident poses the question in an extreme form: He is not a public official but a voter expressing a preference. Moreover, Kmiec -- a law professor at Pepperdine University and once dean of Catholic University's law school -- is a long-standing critic of the Supreme Court's Roe v. Wade decision.
Kmiec, who was head of the Justice Department's Office of Legal Counsel in the late 1980s, is supporting Obama despite the candidate's position on abortion, not because of it, partly in the hope that Obama's emphasis on personal responsibility in sexual matters might change the nature of the nation's argument on life issues.
Kmiec has drawn attention because he is one of the nation's leading "Obamacons," conservatives who find Obama's call for a new approach to politics appealing. Kmiec started life as a Democrat. His father was a soldier in the late Mayor Richard J. Daley's Chicago political machine, and Kmiec's earliest political energies were devoted to Robert F. Kennedy's 1968 campaign.
But like many Catholic Democrats, Kmiec was profoundly attracted to Ronald Reagan. For him, five words in Reagan's 1980 acceptance speech summarized the essence of a Catholic view of politics: "family, work, neighborhood, peace and freedom."
In an interview over the weekend, Kmiec argued that 35 years after Roe, opponents of abortion need to contemplate whether "a legal prohibition" of abortion "is the only way to promote a culture of life."
"To think you have done a generous thing for your neighbor or that you have built up a culture of life just because you voted for a candidate who says in his brochure that he wants to overturn Roe v. Wade is far too thin an understanding of the Catholic faith," he said. Kmiec, a critic of the Bush administration's Iraq policy, added that Catholics should heed "the broad social teaching of the church," including its views on war.
Kmiec shared with me the name of the priest who denied him Communion and a letter of apology from the organizers of the event, but he requested that I not name the priest to protect the cleric from public attack.
The priest's actions are almost certainly out of line with the policy of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. In their statement"Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship," issued last November, the bishops said: "A Catholic cannot vote for a candidate who takes a position in favor of an intrinsic evil, such as abortion or racism, if the voter's intent is to support that position."
The "if" phrase in that carefully negotiated sentence suggests that Catholics can support pro-choice candidates, provided the purpose of their vote is not to promote abortion.
Already, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of Kansas City has played an indirect role in the 2008 campaign by calling on Kathleen Sebelius, the popular Democratic governor of Kansas who has been mentioned as a possible Obama running mate, to stop taking Communion because of her "actions in support of legalized abortion."
But because Kmiec is a private citizen and has such a long history of embracing Catholic teaching on abortion, denying him Communion for political reasons may spark an even greater outcry inside the church.
Kmiec says he is grateful because the episode reminded him of the importance of the Eucharist in his spiritual life, and because he hopes it will alert others to the dangers of "using Communion as a weapon."
I suppose using Communion as a weapon by denying it is still better than being ex-communicated...or is it the same? This was a violation of Canon Law.
However, other meddlesome priests have been thwarted in past history with significant impact. The USCCB is not in control, nor (allegedly) is Cardinal Roger Michael Mahony Archbishop of Los Angeles? This is the Cardinal who advised his priests to ignore the immigration bill and accepted a settlement of $660 million to victims of clerical sexual abuse in that archdiocese (Boston was just a mere $157 million).
This begs the question, has Catholicism been denied to America by the very men who administer it? I do not ask for defense, denial or otherwise speak against/for Catholicism ... or errant priests. I also remember that in 2004, our local priest spoke from the altar that is was morally wrong for anyone to vote for a candidate who espoused/accepted legal abortion.
"Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship A Call to Political Responsibility " (USCCB) is so obtuse as to confuse a high school graduate, and possibly even a legal scholar like Professor Douglas Kmiec former Dean and St. Thomas More Professor of the law school at The Catholic University of America. Somehow I doubt the priest who denied Communion to Kmiec nor my local parish priest acted against the direction of their bishop...of course the bishops can claim plausable deniability.
Is there another schism of Catholicism in the making in America?
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
"Undisclosed Recipient" emails from a person who has never ever sent me a personal note.
Some people have a group name which includes most of the addresses they have and they send anything of interest to everyone in that group name...
Sometimes when I receive such an email, I know that the person who sent it was just broadcasting and the email really isn't something the author thinks would be of interest to me.
EXAMPLE: I got an email addressed to "Undisclosed Recipient": It was an article telling people who wish to, how to gain weight. If you know me, that email was not applicable to me at all.
I have chosen to send emails to several people in a single email addressed to "Undisclosed" which is not a group address...then I BCC people from my address book that I think will specifically benefit...for that email.
SO! You know this email is specifically meant for you...and no one else sees your address in the TO: or CC: block (to maintain any privacy for your address).
Each time I send to Undisclosed, I select exactly to whom it will go...EACH TIME. It takes a minute or so extra time for me, but it avoids sending you an email about how to gain weight (if you are even slightly as heavy as I am - grin).
I urge you to consider a similar method of your own. Why? Because broadcasting to everyone in your address book or to a large number of them, indiscriminately, is like telling a story out loud in the middle of a bus station :
(1) some people don't think you are talking to them and don't listen
(2) some people disregard any email not specifically addressed to them (unless they know you have purposely selected them)
(3) some people broadcast everything they get in email as a forwarded item
(4) persons who you really want to read the email for important information often put off reading such emails.
(5) I grow weary of receiving emails addressed to "Undisclosed Recipient" from people who I would like to think are thinking of me, only to realize I was put on a distribution list long ago; the sender is just doing a "quick and dirty" mailing to a group that hasn't been updated and I've really been forgotten (which is okay, just update your group listing and quit bugging me). I have received dozens of Undisclosed emails from a person who has never ever sent me a personal note and to whom I have not written in years.
Sometimes when I receive such an email, I know that the person who sent it was just broadcasting and the email really isn't something the author thinks would be of interest to me.
EXAMPLE: I got an email addressed to "Undisclosed Recipient": It was an article telling people who wish to, how to gain weight. If you know me, that email was not applicable to me at all.
I have chosen to send emails to several people in a single email addressed to "Undisclosed" which is not a group address...then I BCC people from my address book that I think will specifically benefit...for that email.
SO! You know this email is specifically meant for you...and no one else sees your address in the TO: or CC: block (to maintain any privacy for your address).
Each time I send to Undisclosed, I select exactly to whom it will go...EACH TIME. It takes a minute or so extra time for me, but it avoids sending you an email about how to gain weight (if you are even slightly as heavy as I am - grin).
I urge you to consider a similar method of your own. Why? Because broadcasting to everyone in your address book or to a large number of them, indiscriminately, is like telling a story out loud in the middle of a bus station :
(1) some people don't think you are talking to them and don't listen
(2) some people disregard any email not specifically addressed to them (unless they know you have purposely selected them)
(3) some people broadcast everything they get in email as a forwarded item
(4) persons who you really want to read the email for important information often put off reading such emails.
(5) I grow weary of receiving emails addressed to "Undisclosed Recipient" from people who I would like to think are thinking of me, only to realize I was put on a distribution list long ago; the sender is just doing a "quick and dirty" mailing to a group that hasn't been updated and I've really been forgotten (which is okay, just update your group listing and quit bugging me). I have received dozens of Undisclosed emails from a person who has never ever sent me a personal note and to whom I have not written in years.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Give 'em a Big Mac and Fries
Sunday, May 04, 2008
Legalize Prostitution
I advocate a legalized form of prostitution !!! | |
| Differences betwen a married couple and a prostitute with her John: | |
| Married Couple | Prostitute and John |
| Sanctioned by the church | Illegal IAW local laws |
| Government licensed | Government enforces prohibition |
| Woman has papers on man | Woman profits by pleasing man |
| Children - sometimes | Children not desired |
| Failure = havoc on all forever | Failure = one time |
| Minimal STD | Excessive STD |
| Taxed, federal and state | Untaxed |
| Minimal crime | Excessive crime |
Prostitution exists and will continue to exist as the oldest profession. | |
| If prostitution in some form was legal, no governmental costs to enforce; unwanted children avoided; safeguards against STD could be established; income taxable by federal and state; and crime reduced where aided by black market sex. | |
So WHY don't we make some form of legal prostitution? If your average Joe just wanting sex, could get it at competitive prices with less fear for disease, crime or police arrest - the result would include less undesirable marriages; less sex related abuse; less man vs. woman hate; more employment; less welfare costs and a lot less undesired children requiring welfare support etc. Many want ownership and guarantee of support from a chosen partner...probably acceptable where children result...but the arrangement can be one of slavery...for either sex. None of this excludes the equal opportunity for males - just substitute men where women are mentioned above. | |
Friday, April 25, 2008
Let us re-examine the use of punishments not often used:
the words that come to mind are banishment, deportation, exile, and expel among others.
An efficient, practical and productive answer to resolve many of our social ills is to banish individuals to underpopulated or unpopulated areas or outside our borders.
Citizenship implies entitlement, responsibility and rights. The rehabilitation of citizens who have committed certain crimes requires restoration of respect for these rights and entitlements. When these rights are diminished by natural environment an individual gains appreciation for the advantages of a protective society. When individuals are placed in a subculture devoid of the rights they violated they gain appreciate for and knowledge of their value.
Let’s deport any alien who commits a crime. Let’s banish alien repeaters.
Let’s banish our more serious, repetitive or incorrigible criminals to an area too practically remote to escape, where they can live with the rights of a subculture commensurate with their willingness to respect them. Banish incorrigible thieves to a colony of thieves, murderers to a colony of killers, sexual offenders to a colony of their ilk and etc. When the prospect of becoming victim of their own offenses at the hands of like offenders, banishment becomes a deterrent or at least a practical solution.
With the reduced incarcerations, and the associate costs, funding could be secured for transport, minimal self-reliant materials for survival, and oversight. In fact there should be savings.
In this manner, at least two land masses have been civilized and become nations of worldwide contribution with respect. The United States of America is one.
You might want to see these:
Native American Indian Justice
Indian tribes revive punishment of banishing
Eastern Band of the Cherokee Nation (North Carolina) Creates a New Law to Banish Drug Dealers
We need to go back to our old ways.
Banishment - Further Readings
the words that come to mind are banishment, deportation, exile, and expel among others.
An efficient, practical and productive answer to resolve many of our social ills is to banish individuals to underpopulated or unpopulated areas or outside our borders.
Citizenship implies entitlement, responsibility and rights. The rehabilitation of citizens who have committed certain crimes requires restoration of respect for these rights and entitlements. When these rights are diminished by natural environment an individual gains appreciation for the advantages of a protective society. When individuals are placed in a subculture devoid of the rights they violated they gain appreciate for and knowledge of their value.
Let’s deport any alien who commits a crime. Let’s banish alien repeaters.
Let’s banish our more serious, repetitive or incorrigible criminals to an area too practically remote to escape, where they can live with the rights of a subculture commensurate with their willingness to respect them. Banish incorrigible thieves to a colony of thieves, murderers to a colony of killers, sexual offenders to a colony of their ilk and etc. When the prospect of becoming victim of their own offenses at the hands of like offenders, banishment becomes a deterrent or at least a practical solution.
With the reduced incarcerations, and the associate costs, funding could be secured for transport, minimal self-reliant materials for survival, and oversight. In fact there should be savings.
In this manner, at least two land masses have been civilized and become nations of worldwide contribution with respect. The United States of America is one.
You might want to see these:
Native American Indian Justice
Indian tribes revive punishment of banishing
Eastern Band of the Cherokee Nation (North Carolina) Creates a New Law to Banish Drug Dealers
We need to go back to our old ways.
Banishment - Further Readings
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Suppose you didn't vote "for the lesser of two evils"
Suppose "not voting" for the lesser of two evils, responsible citizens could vote NO to the candidates presented by the parties?
On JULY 4, 1776 The thirteen united States of America made a declaration.
This declaration began with these words.
When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
If you extract some of the more salient phrases from the remainder of the document you can understand some of the motivation which should now motivate the American people. We should revolt against the current two party system which dictates our representatives in government for the same reasons we chose to revolt against King George.Here are some:
...Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed...
...whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends [ie. Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness], it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it...
...has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people and eat out their substance.
We declare to be absolved from all allegiance to the existing political parties and that all political connection between them and the American public is and ought to be totally dissolved.
Remember, our constitution established three branches of government (with the intent to instill checks and balances). Neither the Republican party, nor the Democratic party, are established or defined in our constitution.
Should there be political parties to foster public service? Yes. Should these parties effectively prevent independent political candidates, voters or administration? No.
The reality, with historical support, is that in the past century allegiance to one of two political parties and it's methodology in selecting candidates for office has become mandatory. Candidates must adhere to the objectives of party insiders in order to be elected...a ruling class not ordained by our constitution. Our elected officials follow the wishes of their party more than the expectations for the good of the public...the governed from whom powers are derived. The parties manipulate, shape, focus and directs public opinion...it doesn't go from the bottom up.
We can't do that! Some will suggest. The two parties are so ingrained in our system that there would be chaos if they were completely abandoned. Not completely true but worthy of consideration.
Here is my revolting idea. Have another party...call it the independent party, the people's party or even the unaligned party. This party would have a simple platform. It would not select a candidate nor provide funding/support for a candidate. It would be comprised of independent citizens seeking alternatives to the existing parties. They would create caucuses and primaries via internet which would become a popular vote view; BUT the party itself would create only a phantom candidate. Suppose neither existing party could gain a plurality of the popular vote, but the popular vote was so great against their candidates that the phantom candidate (not representing either existing party) received a plurality.
Suppose "not voting" for the lesser of two evils, responsible citizens could vote NO to the candidates presented by the parties?
The constitution's requirements for president indicate only that the person be a native citizen, over 35 years of age and have resided in this country for 14 years. No where does it require the person be alive...George Washington or Thomas Jefferson meet the requirement.
If the public favored a phantom or a dead George Washington over the candidates being proposed by Republicans, Democrats, Green Party or whatever...might that influence the quality of the candidates? Might a candidate favor the interests of "the people's party" or whatever name is chosen over a political party? Would candidates "suck up" to the public more than to party fat cats?
For the first time ever, the average Joe or Jill, not only has access to information but the ability to voice himself to everyone who might be interested regardless of their location, financial status etc. via the internet. The internet is the most democratic tool available...and that is why some countries have implemented restricted access for their citizens.
Some of the framers of our constitution felt the citizenry too beholden to local interests, too easily duped by promises or shenanigans, or simply because a national election, in the time of oil lamps and quill pens, was just impractical...and the Electoral College was the compromise reached. Today a national election by popular vote is not impractical. And the citizenry is still too easily duped by promises or shenanigans...which is an effect of the competition between only two parties without recourse.
Imagine the impact of an Internet Party with no allegiance to anyone except to those citizens who are not satisfied with the candidates proposed by existing parties. Citizens who can and will vote - but not for their candidate.
Well, the Declaration of Independence, did not include the answer to all questions and this proposed declaration doesn't either. What it did do is voice opposition to an existing political system and intent to alter it.
As for me, during the early days of our political parties' process I would have joined the Internet Party as a primary/caucus to tell Republicans and Democrats to present better candidates. Look at what they have presented in the last fifty years. Is this the best we can do?
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Revise the Federal Reserve Act of 1913
At 2:39PM EST today, March 16, the Federal Reserve lowered the Key Interest Rate another .75 percentage points to 2.25%.
This further denotes a recession in the United States. We have all become "comfortable" with the way the Federal Reserve affects our economy and few of us understand how it does its job. However, it may be that time has come for us to be more knowledgeable of that organization and its functions.
The following URL reaches a "plain language" explanation of the Federal Reserve system, according to one of the twelve Reserve Banks [designated 10J].
Although it is anything but "plain and simple" it does give information that will help to explain.
http://www.stls.frb.org/publications/pleng/default.html
In my not so humble opinion, the Federal Reserve system has failed. I should say, that at least in one of its functions to examine the viability of each bank you and I use, regarding risk and liability...a sound and responsible performance. As each bank is examined, a rating is assigned which indicates the bank's processes and performance and further denotes if there are areas which require corrective action. So what happened regarding the fifth largest banking concern, Bear Stearns, that it was kept from collapse only by urgent action supported with special $30 billion Federal Reserve backing (bailout).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Facts:
Bear Stearns has never reported an annual loss.
At the close of the quarter in February it claims a profit.
At the end of 2007 the "book value" of its shares of stock was $84.09 per share.
Mid-March Bear Stearns agreed to be acquired by J.P. Morgan at $2 per share.
This was the fifth largest banking concern in the United States!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To use the imagery of a political candidate, the $30 Billion effort to get the bus out of the ditch doesn't concern me as much as how the bus got driven into the ditch in the first place with Federal Reserve oversight and examination.
Congress who oversees the Federal Reserve, established the Federal Reserve Act in 1913. Since then its responsibilities has been expanded and of course so has the infrastructure to carry out these functions...and like most such bureaucratic organizations it has metastasized into a maze of structure, regulations, personnel and officiousness. Banking reform was the reason it was created.
Time has come again to reform.
This further denotes a recession in the United States. We have all become "comfortable" with the way the Federal Reserve affects our economy and few of us understand how it does its job. However, it may be that time has come for us to be more knowledgeable of that organization and its functions.
The following URL reaches a "plain language" explanation of the Federal Reserve system, according to one of the twelve Reserve Banks [designated 10J].
Although it is anything but "plain and simple" it does give information that will help to explain.
http://www.stls.frb.org/publications/pleng/default.html
In my not so humble opinion, the Federal Reserve system has failed. I should say, that at least in one of its functions to examine the viability of each bank you and I use, regarding risk and liability...a sound and responsible performance. As each bank is examined, a rating is assigned which indicates the bank's processes and performance and further denotes if there are areas which require corrective action. So what happened regarding the fifth largest banking concern, Bear Stearns, that it was kept from collapse only by urgent action supported with special $30 billion Federal Reserve backing (bailout).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Facts:
Bear Stearns has never reported an annual loss.
At the close of the quarter in February it claims a profit.
At the end of 2007 the "book value" of its shares of stock was $84.09 per share.
Mid-March Bear Stearns agreed to be acquired by J.P. Morgan at $2 per share.
This was the fifth largest banking concern in the United States!
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To use the imagery of a political candidate, the $30 Billion effort to get the bus out of the ditch doesn't concern me as much as how the bus got driven into the ditch in the first place with Federal Reserve oversight and examination.
Congress who oversees the Federal Reserve, established the Federal Reserve Act in 1913. Since then its responsibilities has been expanded and of course so has the infrastructure to carry out these functions...and like most such bureaucratic organizations it has metastasized into a maze of structure, regulations, personnel and officiousness. Banking reform was the reason it was created.
Time has come again to reform.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
The Us Constitution defines the necessary qualifications for president as:
No person except a natural born Citizen, or a Citizen of the United States, at the time of the Adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible to the Office of President; neither shall any Person be eligible to that Office who shall not have attained to the Age of thirty-five Years, and been fourteen Years a Resident within the United States.That includes a lot of people. However, the public at large defines further what is expected of a president for whom they will vote into office. Or do they? The current two-party process has generally presented candidates which have lead to the premise of "the lesser of two evils." The public so expects corruption in the political process that it is rare for a candidate to espouse honesty without a chorus of snickers. To say a candidate wins the presidency is not to claim selection of the best citizen for the executive job and at best only attests to the appearance of ability.
So just what are qualities a president should have? Candidates are quick to point to qualities they have that an opponent does not have. Th standard would seem to be whatever makes a candidate appear better than an opponent. And that reinforces the "lesser of two evils" perspective.
It is doubtful that it would be possible to establish criteria for the performance of the functions of the executive office that would endure from one election to another. Citizens usually call out present day concerns for solutions, for which candidates make promises to resolve, although there is no means by which to enforce delivery of the promises. Yet history gives evidence that current problems are often overshadowed by new problems for a president and for which he is unaware. The concept of voting for the candidate with the best solutions for today's problems is like driving by looking into the rear view mirror while traveling around a blind curve...even if the solution(s) are effective.
Would it not be better to examine candidates based upon qualities that will serve the future?
Let us begin with honesty. How many presidents of the past have been dishonest to the citizenry about significant issues?
Then perhaps integrity? How many presidents of the past have waffled to appease a poll or special interest despite previous positions stated?
How about leadership? Well Adolph Hitler, Joseph Stalin etc. were effective leaders in the broad sense of the word...even if their vision was poor.
Character? Conduct that conforms to an accepted standard of right and wrong would appear as character for one man and immoral conduct for another.
Decisiveness surely is a quality needed of an executive. How many presidents have been able to decide significant matters which failed regardless of their confidence?
How does one determine if a presidential candidate "has what it takes" to successfully execute the functions of office in light of uncertain future issues as well as the known ones?
Experience then? What experience approaches the ability to set off thermonuclear war at the press of a button?
What qualities has history deemed in past presidents that made one a better president than another?
The ability to choose and charge a supporting staff of intelligent, capable and honorable people to address the needs of the public with selfless dedication and intent. In this manner both lesser and greater of two evils have been good presidents. Even the best quarterback cannot achieve victory without a team of good players backing him...but the worst can, with such a team.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Politics in the American process is based on garnering votes during elections to the promotion of advantage of one group's interest as opposed to others. A vote for candidate xyz is to insure that the government's funds will be expended with emphasis on your special interest and not others, because as of yet,
no government is capable of satisfying all of the people all of the time.
And money votes before people do...it is even a measure of a candidate's "electability" for most news sources and political pundits...reported as such. The measurement offends the populace but is accurate nonetheless.
Why does money vote? Money buys presence, the image of power and
the concept of winning.
In America, the general wisdom is that the candidate with the most money backing is more likely to win and Americans want to side with winners regardless of their character, experience or ability.
Who wins? Not the public at large. Polls, which are an undue influence as it is, indicate that Americans expect corruption and thus favor that corruption which most meets their wishes. The beauty pageant of campaigns is entirely image because the public believes that perception is reality. This is a very weak link in the United States of America national security.
Even our reviews of politics by "experts" concentrates on how well the media is handled and the perceptions of the public, versus issues of government or the ability of a candidate to fulfill the needs of the office they seek.
Our government elected officials will behave with conscience
when the populace votes on conscience.
Revolution is in order...if it is not too late.
no government is capable of satisfying all of the people all of the time.
And money votes before people do...it is even a measure of a candidate's "electability" for most news sources and political pundits...reported as such. The measurement offends the populace but is accurate nonetheless.
Why does money vote? Money buys presence, the image of power and
the concept of winning.
In America, the general wisdom is that the candidate with the most money backing is more likely to win and Americans want to side with winners regardless of their character, experience or ability.
Who wins? Not the public at large. Polls, which are an undue influence as it is, indicate that Americans expect corruption and thus favor that corruption which most meets their wishes. The beauty pageant of campaigns is entirely image because the public believes that perception is reality. This is a very weak link in the United States of America national security.
Even our reviews of politics by "experts" concentrates on how well the media is handled and the perceptions of the public, versus issues of government or the ability of a candidate to fulfill the needs of the office they seek.
Our government elected officials will behave with conscience
when the populace votes on conscience.
Revolution is in order...if it is not too late.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
United States "American/English" biased issue
Let me begin by denoting this is an United States "American/English" biased issue that might well apply to other peoples and should be considered in that fashion. Just substitute your own nation/language(s) into the logic.
I stumbled upon the DoNotCall register regarding the US FTC's online process and registered my phone with the government's program. While there, I noted a special section for those who required their information En Español.
Although I have no negative feelings about Spanish or those who speak it, I am gobsmacked by the lack of equal opportunity. Here's what I think:
For those of you who do not speak English or Spanish, PLEASE complain to your US congressman that you are not receiving equal opportunity as the English/Spanish speaking and want all government communication presented in your language of choice as well. Since there are over 750 languages in daily use, you can imagine the instruction "press 749 for Aragonese." Since Aragonese is spoken in Aragon Spain, not even all Spanish peoples are satisfied with "press 2 for Spanish."
For those of you who think the idea of the U.S. Government trying to speak in tongues...(as if they weren't incomprehensible already) is a silly irony...but see a need for translation at times, let me introduce you to a free on line translator of text and even websites:
http://babelfish.altavista.com/
Try it! Also if you didn't know AltaVista, just know that AltaVista developed the first search able, full-text database on the World Wide Web in 1995 and was THE search engine of its day. (otherwise you'd have no search capability via Yahoo, Google, AskJeeves, AllTheWeb, etc.)
Gemmelsmerch!
And for those of you who are innovative, imagine that instead of spending millions reproducing information in Spanish (and whatever language comes after that ad infinitum) , the United States government instead funded a project to build a universal translator for the world...much like GPS serves the world. Just maybe the rest of the world should help doing this universal translator ability.
Oh, one more thing. Spanish speaking people have some of the richest cultures on this planet and their inclusion at least in America (north and south) is essential. And the same goes for English speaking people specially in the United States of America.
I stumbled upon the DoNotCall register regarding the US FTC's online process and registered my phone with the government's program. While there, I noted a special section for those who required their information En Español.
Although I have no negative feelings about Spanish or those who speak it, I am gobsmacked by the lack of equal opportunity. Here's what I think:
For those of you who do not speak English or Spanish, PLEASE complain to your US congressman that you are not receiving equal opportunity as the English/Spanish speaking and want all government communication presented in your language of choice as well. Since there are over 750 languages in daily use, you can imagine the instruction "press 749 for Aragonese." Since Aragonese is spoken in Aragon Spain, not even all Spanish peoples are satisfied with "press 2 for Spanish."
For those of you who think the idea of the U.S. Government trying to speak in tongues...(as if they weren't incomprehensible already) is a silly irony...but see a need for translation at times, let me introduce you to a free on line translator of text and even websites:
http://babelfish.altavista.com/
Try it! Also if you didn't know AltaVista, just know that AltaVista developed the first search able, full-text database on the World Wide Web in 1995 and was THE search engine of its day. (otherwise you'd have no search capability via Yahoo, Google, AskJeeves, AllTheWeb, etc.)
Gemmelsmerch!
And for those of you who are innovative, imagine that instead of spending millions reproducing information in Spanish (and whatever language comes after that ad infinitum) , the United States government instead funded a project to build a universal translator for the world...much like GPS serves the world. Just maybe the rest of the world should help doing this universal translator ability.
Oh, one more thing. Spanish speaking people have some of the richest cultures on this planet and their inclusion at least in America (north and south) is essential. And the same goes for English speaking people specially in the United States of America.
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I got this from a friend's email. But I have comments to this below.
Trinity United Church of Christ adopted the Black Value System written by the Manford Byrd Recognition Committee chaired by Vallmer Jordan in 1981. They believe in the following 12 precepts and covenantal statements. These Black Ethics must be taught and exemplified in homes, churches, nurseries and schools, wherever Blacks are gathered. They must reflect on the following concepts:
1. Commitment to God
Please read the "Black Value System" again -- only this time, substitute the word "White" for "Black."2. Commitment to the Black Community
3. Commitment to the Black Family
4. Dedication to the Pursuit of Education
5. Dedication to the Pursuit of Excellence
6. Adherence to the Black Work Ethic
7. Commitment to Self-Discipline and Self-Respect
8. Disavowal of the Pursuit of "Middleclassness"
9. Pledge to make the fruits of all developing and acquired skills available to the Black community
10. Pledge to Allocate Regularly, a Portion of Personal Resources for Strengthening and Supporting Black Institutions
11. Pledge allegiance to all Black leadership who espouse and embrace the Black Value System
12. Personal commitment to embracement of the Black Value System.
If your church had such a "White Value System" Jesse and Al and the NAACP would have 10,000 demonstrators out front in a heartbeat.
So I read up to this point and started to agree when I realized that both perspectives were flawed in consideration of the problems we face.
Try substituting American instead of white or black ...we are all in this together and white versus black never solved anything then or now.
1. Commitment to God [ But our judicial system and legislative bodies have denigrated reference to God]See it this way:
2. Commitment to the American Community [ So many immigrants now wish to be Mexicans or Latinos in America and not to be an American]
Commitment, dedication and allegiance used so often above, are sadly unused in real life today except towards the self.3. Commitment to the American Family [ How many "whole" families versus how many "single
parent/broken/dysfunctional" families?]
4. Dedication to the Pursuit of Education [ Americans in our institutions of learning
consistently score less than foreign students]
5. Dedication to the Pursuit of Excellence [ Made in USA no longer means good quality and hasn't for thirty years]
6. Adherence to the American Work Ethic [ We have three and four generation families who have all lived entirely based on welfare]
7. Commitment to Self-Discipline and Self-Respect [ Too many athletes in sports prove this is not a goal they desire or their fans expect ]
8. Disavowal of the Pursuit of "Middleclassness" [ Whever this means, middleclass is a very
narrow target and getting slimmer daily]
9. Pledge to make the fruits of all developing and acquired skills available to the American Community [ Only if the salary/price is right ]
10. Pledge to Allocate Regularly, a Portion of Personal Resources for Strengthening and Supporting American Institutions
[ We're still trying to support outselves while our government supports other nations that
despise us and panders to multinational corporations that bleed us of jobs, skills, and money]
11. Pledge allegiance to all American leadership who espouse and embrace the American Value System [ This is probably the hardest one. Too many of our "leaders" and political organizations
are in a foreign nation's pocket]
12. Personal commitment to embracement of the American Value System. [ Not if they can't shop at Wal-Mart ]