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OK, I don't consider myself to be of ultra high intelligence, but I am thoroughly convinced that I am more intelligent than more than a handful of those who hold high office throughout our country; most notably the Speaker of the House and the Senate Majority Leader.
I mean COME ON! Who are we kidding with these people. This is a great example of why we are a Republic and not a pure Democracy. Seriously, could you imagine...? So I call for a few policies to help clean out the trash:
1. Term Limits on all elected officials
2. A reversal to the 17th Amendment to have state legislators select US Senators
3. IQ Tests, Drug screening, and in-depth audits of federally elected officials.
And tack those requirements onto appointees to federal positions!
This makes me laugh, but there's nothing funny about it:
@ 45 seconds
Friday, January 30, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Neighbors
I wanted to go a little deeper into a thought that I had earlier this week. When people look to government to take care of others, fewer and fewer people will take part in helping the less fortunate. And the sad truth is that more and more people will become "less fortunate."
Those who see government as the solution to the problems of society are contributing to the bigger problem. I like how the Preamble of the Constitution states:
We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
The framers knew that the federal government should be a promoter of welfare and not a provider of it. The communities and the churches, the people of towns and cities, we are supposed to impart of our riches to help lift up others until they can in turn do the same for others. That is the basis of a thriving society. When your let others shoulder your responsibility, even insist on it in the name of compassion, not only are you shirking in your duty, but you also substantiate the need for the perpetuation and expansion of social enslavement that is the Welfare State!
Those who see government as the solution to the problems of society are contributing to the bigger problem. I like how the Preamble of the Constitution states:
We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
The framers knew that the federal government should be a promoter of welfare and not a provider of it. The communities and the churches, the people of towns and cities, we are supposed to impart of our riches to help lift up others until they can in turn do the same for others. That is the basis of a thriving society. When your let others shoulder your responsibility, even insist on it in the name of compassion, not only are you shirking in your duty, but you also substantiate the need for the perpetuation and expansion of social enslavement that is the Welfare State!
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Sheep!
Today I heard a college freshman make the comment, "I started listening to NPR recently, and I've discovered how important it is to know what's going on in the world. It is important for us to realize that we are part of a bigger world around us."
Now, I applaud this young man for stepping out of the bubble of life where you believe that: the world ends at the horizon, politics is boring, and "my vote doesn't count." But I've HAD IT! with people who have good morals and values who believe in sound principles that fill their heads with propaganda contrary to what they believe.
Too many good people do not think for themselves. Don't you remember your parents telling you that "you can't believe everything you see on TV." I don't want to take direct issue with NPR right now, but I have listened to it; and the way they report the "news" is biased in a direction that leans contrary to my principles.
So why is it that tens of thousands of people will listen and watch garbage and allow their minds to sponge up every word without having a single independent thought? Truth be told I don't like to see that even if people are sponging up my ideas. THINK FOR YOURSELF!!!
The beauty of Conservatism is that you cannot soundly arrive to its principles and ideas without much deep thinking and introspection. It is not a populist ideology for the masses of SHEEP out there. Start thinking, God gave you a brain, USE IT!
Now, I applaud this young man for stepping out of the bubble of life where you believe that: the world ends at the horizon, politics is boring, and "my vote doesn't count." But I've HAD IT! with people who have good morals and values who believe in sound principles that fill their heads with propaganda contrary to what they believe.
Too many good people do not think for themselves. Don't you remember your parents telling you that "you can't believe everything you see on TV." I don't want to take direct issue with NPR right now, but I have listened to it; and the way they report the "news" is biased in a direction that leans contrary to my principles.
So why is it that tens of thousands of people will listen and watch garbage and allow their minds to sponge up every word without having a single independent thought? Truth be told I don't like to see that even if people are sponging up my ideas. THINK FOR YOURSELF!!!
The beauty of Conservatism is that you cannot soundly arrive to its principles and ideas without much deep thinking and introspection. It is not a populist ideology for the masses of SHEEP out there. Start thinking, God gave you a brain, USE IT!
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Stimulus
I was thinking today that there is no difference between the government running a budget deficit because they spend more than the treasury takes in and running a budget deficit because the treasury takes in less than the government spends.
With that being said, it is a proven fact that when the federal tax rates are reduced, revenues to the federal government increase (I am sure this phenomenon occurs at other levels as well).
So in light of that, instead of spending $1 Trillion+ this next year to "stimulate" the economy, why don't we cut taxes dramatically? Put a moratorium on all corporate taxes, capital gains taxes, payroll taxes, income taxes, death and estate taxes, etc. and let that stimulate the economy. Then after the moratorium lower all of those to historic levels and watch the revenues soar, and at that point the government can go waste all the tax revenue that our booming economy is bringing in.
Obviously this is a broad proposal that wouldn't work in exactly this way, but why give the auto companies a bailout when you could give them more room to breathe by eliminating their tax burden. And if for them, why not for all American business? And if for American business, why not for the American worker?
Lower taxes = more money for people and business to spend = stimulated economy = more tax revenue = more government spending (which is the only proposal on the table)
IT MAKES SENSE!!!
The best suggestion on the table is the FAIR TAX, visit: www.fairtax.org
With that being said, it is a proven fact that when the federal tax rates are reduced, revenues to the federal government increase (I am sure this phenomenon occurs at other levels as well).
So in light of that, instead of spending $1 Trillion+ this next year to "stimulate" the economy, why don't we cut taxes dramatically? Put a moratorium on all corporate taxes, capital gains taxes, payroll taxes, income taxes, death and estate taxes, etc. and let that stimulate the economy. Then after the moratorium lower all of those to historic levels and watch the revenues soar, and at that point the government can go waste all the tax revenue that our booming economy is bringing in.
Obviously this is a broad proposal that wouldn't work in exactly this way, but why give the auto companies a bailout when you could give them more room to breathe by eliminating their tax burden. And if for them, why not for all American business? And if for American business, why not for the American worker?
Lower taxes = more money for people and business to spend = stimulated economy = more tax revenue = more government spending (which is the only proposal on the table)
IT MAKES SENSE!!!
The best suggestion on the table is the FAIR TAX, visit: www.fairtax.org
Monday, January 26, 2009
Winners
In life, the people who win do not worry about who's to blame for a problem and do not find fault with others. Instead, winners take responsibility for the reality of their problems and they do something different to solve those problems.
Much can be said about the business of crating a victim class in our country. Too many people are sold the bill of goods that they are being taken advantage of and that they can do nothing about it. They become victims of their environment. The pitch is that someone else who has power and is "all benevolent" will step in and change your environment so that you can then go and succeed.
The truth is that regardless of your environment, the quality of your life is completely up to you. The reality of your surroundings is something that only you can change. Surrendering your liberty to someone else who promises to take care of you will become the greatest detriment to your potential, not to mention a hindrance to the potential of everyone else around you.
You must accept that you are part of the problem and that no one else can do what you can do to change that. With Freedom comes responsibility and you must be responsible for yourself. And to restate it one more time, as you turn certain responsibilities over to the government you lose freedom.
So to win in life take ownership of your problems. If you want to continue to be a loser, keep finding fault in others and blaming them for your misery and for anything that is wrong with your life.
Much can be said about the business of crating a victim class in our country. Too many people are sold the bill of goods that they are being taken advantage of and that they can do nothing about it. They become victims of their environment. The pitch is that someone else who has power and is "all benevolent" will step in and change your environment so that you can then go and succeed.
The truth is that regardless of your environment, the quality of your life is completely up to you. The reality of your surroundings is something that only you can change. Surrendering your liberty to someone else who promises to take care of you will become the greatest detriment to your potential, not to mention a hindrance to the potential of everyone else around you.
You must accept that you are part of the problem and that no one else can do what you can do to change that. With Freedom comes responsibility and you must be responsible for yourself. And to restate it one more time, as you turn certain responsibilities over to the government you lose freedom.
So to win in life take ownership of your problems. If you want to continue to be a loser, keep finding fault in others and blaming them for your misery and for anything that is wrong with your life.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Federalism
Look it up!
No better, I will look it up for you.
From Merriam-Webster's Dictionary:
Federalism - Main Entry: fed·er·al·ism Listen to the pronunciation of federalism
Pronunciation: \ˈfe-d(ə-)rə-ˌli-zəm\
Function: noun
Date: 1787
1) a. often capitalized : the distribution of power in an organization (as a government) between a central authority and the constituent units — compare centralism
b: support or advocacy of this principle
2) capitalized : Federalist principles
We do not send people to Washington so they can steal our money and waste it on whatever they will, including giving it to the lazy and indolent of society; we can take care of our own communities.
We send representatives to Washington to protect our liberty and freedom from all enemies, foreign and domestic, and to uphold the Constitution of The United States of America.
Get it right or we'll send someone who will. That is both a promise and a threat!
No better, I will look it up for you.
From Merriam-Webster's Dictionary:
Federalism - Main Entry: fed·er·al·ism Listen to the pronunciation of federalism
Pronunciation: \ˈfe-d(ə-)rə-ˌli-zəm\
Function: noun
Date: 1787
1) a. often capitalized : the distribution of power in an organization (as a government) between a central authority and the constituent units — compare centralism
b: support or advocacy of this principle
2) capitalized : Federalist principles
We do not send people to Washington so they can steal our money and waste it on whatever they will, including giving it to the lazy and indolent of society; we can take care of our own communities.
We send representatives to Washington to protect our liberty and freedom from all enemies, foreign and domestic, and to uphold the Constitution of The United States of America.
Get it right or we'll send someone who will. That is both a promise and a threat!
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Inauguration
I wanted to share this before too much time passed after Inauguration Day. It comes from the year of my birth when the country was facing challenges like those we are facing today.
These are only a few words from a great man:
"So, as we begin, let us take inventory. We are a nation that has a government--not the other way around. And this makes us special among the nations of the Earth. Our government has no power except that granted it by the people. It is time to check and reverse the growth of government, which shows signs of having grown beyond the consent of the governed.
It is my intention to curb the size and influence of the federal establishment and to demand recognition of the distinction between the powers granted to the federal government and those reserved to the states or to the people. All of us need to be reminded that the federal government did not create the states; the states created the federal government.
Now, so there will be no misunderstanding, it is not my intention to do away with government. It is, rather, to make it work—work with us, not over us; to stand by our side, not ride on our back. Government can and must provide opportunity, not smother it; foster productivity, not stifle it.
If we look to the answer as to why, for so many years, we achieved so much, prospered as no other people on Earth, it was because here, in this land, we unleashed the energy and individual genius of man to a greater extent than has ever been done before. Freedom and the dignity of the individual have been more available and assured here than in any other place on Earth. The price for this freedom at times has been high, but we have never been unwilling to pay that price.
It is no coincidence that our present troubles parallel and are proportionate to the intervention and intrusion in our lives that result from unnecessary and excessive growth of government. It is time for us to realize that we are too great a nation to limit ourselves to small dreams. We are not, as some would have us believe, doomed to an inevitable decline. I do not believe in a fate that will fall on us no matter what we do. I do believe in a fate that will fall on us if we do nothing. So, with all the creative energy at our command, let us begin an era of national renewal. Let us renew our determination, our courage, and our strength. And let us renew our faith and our hope."
I encourage you to read the entire address or listen to it below. It is very inspiring!
These are only a few words from a great man:
"So, as we begin, let us take inventory. We are a nation that has a government--not the other way around. And this makes us special among the nations of the Earth. Our government has no power except that granted it by the people. It is time to check and reverse the growth of government, which shows signs of having grown beyond the consent of the governed.
It is my intention to curb the size and influence of the federal establishment and to demand recognition of the distinction between the powers granted to the federal government and those reserved to the states or to the people. All of us need to be reminded that the federal government did not create the states; the states created the federal government.
Now, so there will be no misunderstanding, it is not my intention to do away with government. It is, rather, to make it work—work with us, not over us; to stand by our side, not ride on our back. Government can and must provide opportunity, not smother it; foster productivity, not stifle it.
If we look to the answer as to why, for so many years, we achieved so much, prospered as no other people on Earth, it was because here, in this land, we unleashed the energy and individual genius of man to a greater extent than has ever been done before. Freedom and the dignity of the individual have been more available and assured here than in any other place on Earth. The price for this freedom at times has been high, but we have never been unwilling to pay that price.
It is no coincidence that our present troubles parallel and are proportionate to the intervention and intrusion in our lives that result from unnecessary and excessive growth of government. It is time for us to realize that we are too great a nation to limit ourselves to small dreams. We are not, as some would have us believe, doomed to an inevitable decline. I do not believe in a fate that will fall on us no matter what we do. I do believe in a fate that will fall on us if we do nothing. So, with all the creative energy at our command, let us begin an era of national renewal. Let us renew our determination, our courage, and our strength. And let us renew our faith and our hope."
I encourage you to read the entire address or listen to it below. It is very inspiring!
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
The Beginning of a New Era...
Today is a special day for me, and in honor of my older brother I am planting a seed that I hope will grow into a very fruitful tree.
Mission: To promote the principles set forth in the Constitution, established "by the hands of wise men" who were raised up unto this very purpose (D&C 101:80).
This Blog will regularly share insights into the principles of Liberty and Freedom as taught throughout our history. We will discuss the theological and philosophical underpinnings of the Constitution and other founding documents of our Republic, which will serve as a foundation for further discussion about Classical Liberalism, Modern Conservatism, Capitalism, Free Market Economics, and the vision and destiny of America.
May we all be as a beacon of hope shining throughout the world, even as "a city set on an hill."
And may God Bless America!
Mission: To promote the principles set forth in the Constitution, established "by the hands of wise men" who were raised up unto this very purpose (D&C 101:80).
This Blog will regularly share insights into the principles of Liberty and Freedom as taught throughout our history. We will discuss the theological and philosophical underpinnings of the Constitution and other founding documents of our Republic, which will serve as a foundation for further discussion about Classical Liberalism, Modern Conservatism, Capitalism, Free Market Economics, and the vision and destiny of America.
May we all be as a beacon of hope shining throughout the world, even as "a city set on an hill."
And may God Bless America!
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