Worst Economy Ever?

KY3, Springfield, Missouri's NBC affiliate, is reporting that holiday sales are up 3% over last year's numbers during the same Thanksgiving period. How could this be? Obama said this is the worst economy since the Great Depression.

Walmart in the Crosshairs: Ready, Aim, Fire

It's officially the holiday season, and with little doubt, Christmas shoppers will head to Walmart for low costs and lots of savings. While I haven't always agreed with Walmart philosophically, they have become a vital part of our economy by providing consumers with conveniences that might not have been affordable without Walmart.

This holiday season may be the last in which you can take advantage of these savings. Walmart faces the dangers of unionization. This threat will increase now that Democrats are in power.

Members within the Democratic party support an open union ballot. Currently, employees have the right to vote for unionization through closed paper ballots. This prevents mob like tactics that bully employees and the repercussions for an employee who casts a nay vote. An open ballot would cause unions to spread like California wild fires throughout businesses everywhere and especially Walmart.

We should be very thankful when the economy is slow that Walmart still provides the necessities of life, clothes, food, and toilet paper, at prices that help consumers get through tighter times. An open ballot places these prices in jeopardy. The Democrats ran on the economy, and this clearly is another issue they fail to understand. Force Walmart in to unionizing, and the prices will go up further slowing the economy.

I was told that an entry level person at Walmart, who works his or her entire career at Walmart, would make as much as the CEO makes in two weeks. A lifetime of work versus two weeks in the executive suite -- this is not America, this is not fairness, this is not the basis of a strong middle class that is essential for our democracy. We must change that in our country. Nancy Pelosi

Unionizing has become the rallying cry for Democrats like Pelosi, who use Walmart to spread their class warfare rhetoric. They are on the outside looking in. I know people who started in entry level positions at Walmart that are doing quite well after working their way up in the company, even without a union. Democrats have successfully demonized Walmart. Do a Google search if you don't believe me. If they win this battle, the cost of living will rise drastically.

The Reagan Quote of the Day (11/30/2008)

I'm afraid that I have to confess to you that one of the sins of government, and one with which we must deal and never be completely successful with, and this includes our own government, is that the bureaucracy once created has one fundamental rule above all others: preserve the bureaucracy. June 1, 1988.

If the Economy is so Bad, Why is Steve & Barry's Filing Bankruptcy?

I think the fact that Steve & Barry's clothing stores have filed bankruptcy is solid sign that the economy isn't on the brink of collapse. As strange as that statement sounds, a store like Steve and Barry's (S&B) should flourish in a famished economy, and stores like Macy's, Bloomingdale's, Nordstroms, and other high-end stores should be suffering.

I first discovered S&B a couple of years ago when they began opening stores in the Chicagoland area. Nothing in the store was over $6.97. I stocked up on sweatshirts and t-shirts, and I even tried a pair of their jeans out. I walked out with more clothes for a $100 than at any other time in my life.

If the economy is as bad as they are making it out to be, wouldn't you think parents would be forced to shop at places like S&B, but apparently the economy isn't nearly that bad. That's why S&B is bankrupt and the stores that over sexualize teenagers like Hollister and Abercrombie and Fitch are still chugging away. Have you seen their prices? How about their quality?

Perhaps the economy is bad, but this generation of parents still haven't learned to say no. Time will tell.

A Reagan Quote of the Day Extra

I found this video today on the Can you be a Part of My Life? blog. In times where Democrats like Joe Biden are defining patriotism by the amount of taxes you pay, where Americans trample a janitor at Walmart to save a few bucks on Christmas presents, and where trivial issues divide us when we should be unified for the defense of our Constitution and our country, we should review these words of Ronald Reagan to remind us what America is.



Reagan had the wisdom to warn us of the days to come, and he was right. Take the time to listen to his message and spend a lifetime applying it to your life and your family's life.

God bless you Ronald Reagan.

I Dream, You Lead

If anyone had any doubt that Barack Obama was just clever packaging delivered with a few catchphrases, those doubts should be erased. The insight he shared about himself during his day before Thanksgiving press conference proved everything that I have known about him to be correct. From W.E.B. DuBois veil to Martin Luther King's Dream, black leadership has been dependent on symbolism. During the campaign, symbolism over substance directed the Obama campaign to victory. Weeks after the election, we know now that Obama doesn't lead, he dreams and has visions--symbolism over substance. Obama's vision is nothing more than veil that masks his lack of leadership.

But understand where the -- the vision for change comes from first and foremost. It comes from me. That's my job. Barack Obama, November 26, 2008

There are so many items you could point out with this arrogant statement. The first, and most importantly, Mr. Obama fails to understand the vision comes from hardworking Americans who invest in the American dream to achieve greatness for themselves which transfers to greatness for the country. The President's job is not to force his vision on us. His job is quite limited. It's his job to get out of the way, and allow freedom to inspire people to be their best. The vision of change should come from every one of us, not Obama.

Even more alarming, is how it seems that Obama is passing off his responsibilities to lead. In this statement, it's as if he's saying I see an America that is economically strong, but to get there, I am passing my responsibilities off on others, so I can continue to have these Utopian dreams. He says it's his team's job to fulfil his vision. In reality, it's supposed to be the other way around. His team is should provide him with factual information, and he should make the tough choices based on their findings.

Love him or hate him, George W. Bush led, at least until he started his own socialist movement through the work of Henry Paulson. He received advice and made tough decisions throughout his Presidnecy, even if they were unpopular. I get a far different picture of Obama what the Obama Presidency will be about. I dream. You lead.

The truth is the less Obama dreams and his group of Washington insiders tinker, the better off the economy will be. Obama's narcissistic visions threaten our free-market economy whose foundations are strong enough to heal themselves, even if the Big Three fail and a few banks falter.

The government is now regulating responsibility. There was a time when bad business practices, poor quality, and bad decisions had a price to the business. Now they have a price to the taxpayer. This second guesses the power of the markets. Many people are concerned about the Big Three going under, but they never look to see if there is a bright side if they do fail. Similarly, Obama's dreams and visions are only bright if the government has it's hammers and wrenches out hoping to fix things. If Obama was a real leader, he would allow this to run its course and place the government tool bag back in the shed.

Now, we have insight on how Obama will run his office. I hope during the next four years, he gains wisdom beyond a vision he passes off to others.

The Reagan Quote of the Day (11/29/2008)

With Americans in the lead, entrepreneurs have created a global electronic network, on-line 24 hours a day, sending capital, ideas, goods, and services around the world at near the speed of light. January 11, 1988

Do you think he was referencing Al Gore? ;) (I couldn't resist, and besides, it's a slow news week.)

The Reason for the Season has Nothing to do with Violence

Walmart advertised an Xbox 360 combo with guitar hero for $199. This led to a rush of shoppers in the Camdenton, MO, Super Walmart at five this morning. A man and a woman grabbed the last Xbox combo. The man fought it from the woman and broke her wrist and then walked away without the decency to ask if she was okay. I think most of know what the right thing would have been, but this guy obviously is lacking some manners. Apparently, he forgot the reason for the season.

So Congress Gives the Big Three the Dough, But...

A strange thing happened earlier this summer. Gas prices rose to some of the highest prices seen in this country's history. Higher gas prices slowed down the auto industry. Many cars sat on the lot. Trucks and SUVs experienced the curse of under 20 miles per gallon and sat dealers' lots throughout the summer. Smaller cars sold, and that's a problem. Trucks and SUVs are where the largest profits are made--not small economy cars. So Congress gives the Big Three to dough, but what happens next summer when gas prices rise again?

Sure, gas prices are down now. In southwest Missouri, gas is marked $1.51 a gallon. I am enjoying it while I can. In two months, Obama runs the show, and Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid will compete for attention. When America elected a Democratically controlled federal government, they insured gas prices will remain high. I bet they will reach levels that make us wish for last summer's prices. I predict you will see $6 a gallon at the pump.

Remember, Obama wants to label carbon dioxide a dangerous pollutant. Pelosi has invested in windmill technology and she wants cars off the road. If the Democrats continue their anti oil policies, the auto bailout amounts to nothing more than a bandage on an oozing wound. When fuel prices begin to soar next year, cars and trucks will once again sit on lots. Come next fall, the automakers will be right back to where they started--in trouble.

Of course, Pelosi's plan is to force the automakers to make cars we don't want and don't meet our needs. This is not going to solve the issues facing Detroit. These cars have always provided the automakers with little profit. Have you noticed lately the attacks on the SUV now includes the pickup truck? The family car won't be far behind now. Enjoy the days you have left of taking your entire family on vacation in the family car. Those days are numbered.

Congress will bailout the automakers, but they won't provide an immediate solution to the energy problems that plagued the industry. Detroit faces more than just solving UAW wages, benefits, and pensions, it must deal with the insanity of government and the self interest within. That's two strikes. It's a full count, and the next pitch will be perfectly placed in the strike zone. Makes you wonder who's at bat, doesn't it?

The Reagan Quote of the Day (11/28/08)

We have long since discovered that nothing lasts longer than a temporary government program. Herbert Hoover Library, West Branch, Iowa, August 8, 1992

I Have so Much to be Thankful For

America gives every one of us opportunities to achieve and become successful. My American path shines, but also has had it's times where I have had to tighten the belt and push myself to get to the next stage without much choice. Now I have that choice to tighten my belt and push myself not to just the next stage, but to stages much higher.

They tell us the economy is weak; yet, opportunities continue to present themselves giving me the opportunity to learn and fine tune my skills. For this I am thankful. I recently saw an online store that I designed go live and start receiving orders. Others that are connected to me also are finding new ways to step up in what they call the worst economy since the great depression. (I am not buying into this, because I saw how the Carter administration destroyed the economy.)

I have a great job as a technical writer (please check out my new Web site and let me know what you think). My employer provides beyond what any employer is expected to provide. We have a fitness facility and a personal trainer on staff, a break room complete with two plasma televisions, Wii, shuffleboard table, and comfy leather furniture. If we meet our goals this year, the whole staff is going on a Caribbean cruise. Once again, I am thankful and most of this developed during 'the worst economy since the Great Depression.'

Today my family will come together for Thanksgiving. I am thankful that we are healthy and able to come together and nourish our bodies with a table full of food. The way the mainstream media talks, you would think we would be in soup lines.

America is still the place people from all over the world come for opportunity and freedom. It's hard to think of what life would be like without America. I see the possibility of that happening as we carelessly allow people to walk all over our Constitution which guarantees our freedoms. I see that possibility when we don't take the threats of the world around us seriously, and dismiss a leader, sworn to an oath to protect us from enemies, promise to cut defense spending and missile defense. I see that as we continue to borrow money to bailout companies who no longer benefit our country--but burden it.

We do have a lot to be thankful for today. Most importantly we need to be thankful for our way of life. We need to realize that in 2008, our way of life is fragile and it's under the threat of both internal and external forces. We need to work on insuring that Thanksgiving day is something we pass on to many generations, and I am not just talking about eating turkey. I am talking about the truth of Thanksgiving. The truth that individual efforts, not collectivism, made the Pilgrims a better society and that message continues today.

Giving Thanks: The True Story of Thanksgiving

By Jennifer James November 23, 2008 LA Times

It was Thanksgiving, and for the first time our whole family was together. Mom and Dad had to drive all night just to get here, but boy was it worth it! The Grandsters really know how to do it up right. The Grandsters being Grandpa and Grandma. We were all seated at the table, and I couldn't wait to dive into those mashed potatoes and gravy. And the smell of the turkey -- I thought I was going to faint with happiness."What's that, Mindy?" demanded my little cousin Sam. He can be such a pain. He is 8 years old, two years younger than I am.

"What's what?" I asked.He pointed to a little paper cup containing just three kernels of corn beside Grandpa's plate. I opened my mouth to answer and then realized I didn't know. Ugh! How I hate admitting that I don't know something!Grandma answered, "It is to pay tribute to the Pilgrims."

"But why three kernels?" asked the always curious Sam. Give it a rest, I thought.Grandpa answered, "It reminds me of what a tough time the Pilgrims had. In the beginning, three kernels of corn was each person's daily food ration."

The table got real quiet after he said that.Grandpa continued, "Against all odds, they made a life for themselves in the wilderness. Let's talk more about it after dinner."

Sure enough, dinner was over and Sam wanted to know more." Squanto taught the Pilgrims to grow corn!" Sam exclaimed. He's never going to forget that -- he played Squanto in the Thanksgiving Day play at school.

"That's right," Grandpa said. "But at first the Pilgrims were terrified of the Indians, as they called them. Then one day a tribesman named Samoset ventured into their encampment. He was tall and dark and by many accounts quite handsome. Loudly and plainly he proclaimed, 'Welcome!' in perfect English."

"The Pilgrims must have freaked!" shouted Sam.Grandpa laughed and agreed. "I'm sure you're right. He had learned the language from English fishermen. For the Pilgrims, life was a constant battle for survival.

Later, Governor William Bradford made a decision. Instead of the colonists sharing their crops equally, he assigned a parcel of land to each family and told them they could keep whatever they produced for themselves."

"Then what happened?" asked Sam."

At last the Pilgrims began to prosper. Governor William Bradford wrote in his book 'Of Plimoth Plantation,' 'This had very good success, for it made all hands industrious, so as much more corn was planted than otherwise would have been.' "

"Shoot! If you can keep everything you make, of course you're going to work harder. Everybody knows that."Grandpa answered, "The first seed had been planted for the American Revolution. People were free to practice their religions as they saw fit and were free to keep the fruits of their labor.

This had never happened before in the history of mankind. In the words of William Bradford, 'As one small candle may light a thousand, so the light here kindled hath shone unto many, yea in some sort to our whole nation.' ""That William Bradford sounds like a pretty cool guy," said Sam."He was a pretty cool guy," Grandpa said with a chuckle.

The Reagan Quote of the Day: Thanksgiving 2008

People from every race, culture, and creed on the face of the earth now inhabit this land. Their presence illuminates the basic yearning for freedom, peace, and prosperity that has always been the spirit of the New World. Thanksgiving 1988

Mental Illness and Liberal Democrats Go Together

I discovered this car in the parking lot of Walgreens on East Sunshine in Springfield, MO, yesterday. The license plate reads NAMI: The National Alliance on Mental Illness. I wonder if Dr. Michael Savage diagnosed these mentally ill, but hopeful people.

(click on the image for better resolution)

Obama Admits he Looks to Washington for his Brand of Change

Do you think the Kool-Aid drinkers feel the slightest bit of betrayal yet?

From today's news conference, we see Obama looks to Washington insiders to bring about change. WOW! It's so obvious, and something tells me they still won't get what Obama is all about.

Q And finally, you were talking about changing Washington. Your campaign was that. Paul Volcker has been around a long time. Tom --

PRESIDENT-ELECT OBAMA: Paul, Paul, I think that's an insult there. (Cross talk.)
(Chuckles.)

Q He's very highly respected, I want to add -- very highly -- very wise man. But --
PAUL VOLCKER: I haven't been in Washington for a while. (Chuckles.)

Q But sir, you talked about John McCain was going to come back to Washington if he won, and it would just move people into different chairs. You've got Tom Daschle, Hillary Clinton, Bob Gates --
PRESIDENT-ELECT OBAMA: Wait, wait, wait, wait. Hold on! Hold on!
Q -- we hear, anyway. We hear. So --

PRESIDENT-ELECT OBAMA: You hear that.

Q Right.

PRESIDENT-ELECT OBAMA: So the -- first of all, that's not the topic. We're not talking about my Cabinet, because I haven't made those appointments yet. And I'm happy --

Q So can we talk about Paul Volcker? He's been around a long time. So it's -- he's somebody who knows the ways of Washington. But what do you say -- you know, say to your supporters who were looking for change?

PRESIDENT-ELECT OBAMA: Actually, Paul Volcker hasn't been Washington for quite some time, and that's part of the reason he can provide a -- a fresh perspective.
Austan Goolsbee, from my -- my understanding, you've never worked in Washington?

AUSTAN GOOLSBEE: Yeah. I've been on vacation --

Q So he was chairman of the Fed.

PRESIDENT-ELECT OBAMA: This is about a -- this is -- this -- this -- this is about as fresh a face as you can get. (Chuckles.) Although -- well, that's all right. (Laughter.)
Look, let me take the questions in turn.

Number one, with respect to the details of the economic plan, as I've said before, we are going to be working over the next several months to put those details together. I've described for you the framework within which we are going to put that -- that legislation forward. We're going to have a strong stimulus, a(n) economic recovery plan that is designed to put people back to work. That's priority number one.

It is going to be large enough to jump-start the economy. That is what I talked about on Monday.

On Tuesday, I talked about the fact that we are going to have to pare back on programs that do not work. And I -- I think would hardly be expected to provide you a detailed list now; that's why I have Peter Orszag, our budget director, who's going to be going through that budget page by page, line by line. And the expectation is, is that we will identify those programs that are not working, make sure that those are eliminated, and put money into programs that do work, around things like health care modernization, making sure that we've got the first-class schools that our kids need in order to compete in the 21st century, start putting a down payment on a new energy economy.

When it comes to the people that we've pulled together -- because I know this has been sort of conventional wisdom floating around Washington -- that, well, you know, there's a recycling of people who were in the Clinton administration, although Paul dates before that, the last Democratic administration that we had was the Clinton administration. And so it would be surprising if I selected a Treasury secretary who had had no connection with the last Democratic administration because that would mean that the person had no experience in Washington whatsoever. And I suspect that you would be troubled and the American people would be troubled if I selected a Treasury secretary or a chairman of the National Economic Council at one of the most critical economic times in our history who had no experience in government whatsoever.

AIG CEO to Work for $1 Next Year: It's Time for our Leaders to Step up to the Plate

The truth of the matter is that we are in trouble...It's time to be patriotic, Kate (Katie Couric). It's time to jump in. Time to be part of the deal. Time to get America out of the rut. - Joe Biden on the campaign trail, 2008.

On my way to work today, I heard Obama tell Barbara Walters that CEOs need to cut their own salaries and bonuses. He continues to state that CEOs who lay off workers need to feel some of the pain too. Well Mr. Obama, Edward Liddy of AIG has agreed to work for $1 until the end of 2009. (Of course, Mr. Obama doesn't plan on laying of people in the government. He plans on hiring to produce a bigger government)

Everywhere, I look, it appears that the United States is deeply troubled by it's current business operations, please look at the government as a business for a moment. CEO Obama, CFO Biden, and the board members known as Congress has mismanaged our great company (country) for far too long. They are going to ask (force) the tax payers to bail them out. So, why don't they do the 'patriotic' thing and follow Mr. Liddy's footsteps and agree to work for $1 until this mess is cleaned up? It's time to jump in, Joe, and be part of the deal of the deal to get America out of the rut. The mismanagement of Washington has cost Americans far too much, and you all should lower you salaries to $1.

The Absurdity of the Fairness Doctrine

Sitting back in the heartland and observing what goes in Washington, you quickly realize something horribly goes wrong with our Representatives when they step off that airplane and walk the Capitol steps. Perhaps, its the Washington air, or maybe it's in the water. Whatever it is, it affects the brain power of people that actually seemed to show some intelligence before they left (of course there are exceptions to this rule--Nancy Pelosi--liberalism is substituted for intelligence in districts like San Francisco).

The Fairness Doctrine requires media sources like radio to balance their programming with equal views. Take for instance, if a radio station broadcast Rush Limbaugh, who brings in large amounts of revenue for the station, they have to give someone who didn't generate ratings, like Al Franken, equal time. What certain politicians hope for is that the stations who air shows like Limbaugh's lose revenue to a show like Franken's, and they eventually get sick of regulation and move to safer programming. In essence, it's censorship without an iron fist.

To show how absurd this is, we have come up with some possible Fairness Doctrine scenarios:

• Under the Fairness Doctrine, theoretically you should get an hour of Jesus balanced by an hour of Satan.


• National Football League games will have to share the spotlight with the local Pee Wee League.


• An hour of Mozart gets matched with an hour of Metallica


• An hour of Reverend Jeremiah Wright should be paired with an hour a Grand Dragon(Robert Byrd where are you?), but there would probably be a clause written to prevent Reverend Wright from participating under the Fairness Doctrine.


• An hour of eating healthy programming is followed by the Ronald McDonald radio hour.


• Christmas programming would just be deleted because it's so offensive according to this politically correct world. (By the way, I think a great way to offset this is ask to see a manager anytime a paid employee wishes you Happy Holidays. Just let the manager know that you celebrate Christmas and that you were offended and the generic greeting the employee delivered.)


• Mancow Muller would just be set aside for further review since he believes that both the Republicans and Democrats are off track. (He tends to be on the right side.)


• Robin Givens would be forced to give up her position on the Howard Stern show to Oprah Winfrey.


• Sean Hannity is forced to true exile. (Dear Leader Chairman Obama has his number.)

The Fairness Doctrine sounds absurd when you think about what it's supposed to do, but I assure you it has some serious consequences that will dig into the First Amendment. It will be abused to shut the mouths of political opponents. Keep an eye out for it in the early days of the Obama administration.

The Reagan Quote of the Day (11/26/08)

This is the backbone our our country: Americans helping themselves, and each other. Reaching out and finding solutions--solutions that governments and huge institutions can't find. National Charity Awards Dinner, Phoenix, AZ, January 23, 1992

The Peace of Mind Letter Campaign: The Obama Birth Certificate

As December 15 approaches (the day the electoral college meets), there is more discussion about the birth place of Barack Hussein Obama. Kenyan leaders and Obama's grandmother have been quoted that Obama was born in Kenya. If so, he is not eligible to be President.

The leaders of this country owe the American people the peace of mind. I myself, do not understand why Obama hasn't come forward with a physical birth certificate to clear this matter. Sure, they produced an electronic scan of a birth certificate for the election, but ask any female celebrity, and they will tell you Photoshop created pictures of them that they never posed for or wanted on the Internet. They can easily do the same thing with a birth certificate.

If the Obama birth certificate concerns you, and if you know that the sanctity of our Constitution is in danger if we allow a man or woman who isn't qualified into office, then simply cut and paste the letter that I recently sent to Roy Blunt, Congressman of the seventh Congressional district of Missouri, and send it to your Congressman.

Here's the letter:

Dear Mr. Blunt,

I tend not to follow conspiracies, but there is an issue that concerns the sanctity of our Constitution, a document I once took an oath to protect. I am sure you are aware of the Obama birth certificate discussions taking place around our country. We owe it to ourselves to be certain that Mr. Obama holds the qualifications the Constitution lists to be President. Our Constitution has taken a few blows in recent years, and I feel it’s time to speak up before it suffers a blow it may not recover from. If Mr. Obama produces a legal birth certificate that proves he is a natural born citizen of the United States, then he is owed the oath of office. If a birth certificate doesn’t exist or is a forgery, the leaders of both parties swore on the Bible to protect the Constitution, and Obama must not be sworn in as the 44th President of the United States. Members of Congress owe the people the United States this peace of mind. Our country can’t afford the regret of not upholding the United States Constitution.

Sincerely,

Clayton Bowler

For more information on the Obama birth certificate fraud, visit http://maggiesnotebook.blogspot.com/2008/11/final-report-pressing-issue.html.

Russian Predicts Breakup of the United States

I told you the bear was back. They think they never even have to fire a shot. Be sure and thank Pelosi for keeping us dependent on foreign oil, and the rest of the democrats for demanding easy credit in exchange for votes. Obviously, Pelosi hasn't studied the Russian economy. Remember, Obama is taking us down the wrong path with higher taxes and more government. BTW, it's interesting he made this prediction first when Bill Clinton was president.

From the Russian News Source 11/24.2008

MOSCOW, November 24 (RIA Novosti) - A leading Russian political analyst has said the economic turmoil in the United States has confirmed his long-held view that the country is heading for collapse, and will divide into separate parts.

Professor Igor Panarin said in an interview with the respected daily Izvestia published on Monday: "The dollar is not secured by anything. The country's foreign debt has grown like an avalanche, even though in the early 1980s there was no debt. By 1998, when I first made my prediction, it had exceeded $2 trillion. Now it is more than 11 trillion. This is a pyramid that can only collapse."

The paper said Panarin's dire predictions for the U.S. economy, initially made at an international conference in Australia 10 years ago at a time when the economy appeared strong, have been given more credence by this year's events.

When asked when the U.S. economy would collapse, Panarin said: "It is already collapsing. Due to the financial crisis, three of the largest and oldest five banks on Wall Street have already ceased to exist, and two are barely surviving. Their losses are the biggest in history. Now what we will see is a change in the regulatory system on a global financial scale: America will no longer be the world's financial regulator."

When asked who would replace the U.S. in regulating world markets, he said: "Two countries could assume this role: China, with its vast reserves, and Russia, which could play the role of a regulator in Eurasia."

Asked why he expected the U.S. to break up into separate parts, he said: "A whole range of reasons. Firstly, the financial problems in the U.S. will get worse. Millions of citizens there have lost their savings. Prices and unemployment are on the rise. General Motors and Ford are on the verge of collapse, and this means that whole cities will be left without work. Governors are already insistently demanding money from the federal center. Dissatisfaction is growing, and at the moment it is only being held back by the elections and the hope that Obama can work miracles. But by spring, it will be clear that there are no miracles."

He also cited the "vulnerable political setup", "lack of unified national laws", and "divisions among the elite, which have become clear in these crisis conditions."

He predicted that the U.S. will break up into six parts - the Pacific coast, with its growing Chinese population; the South, with its Hispanics; Texas, where independence movements are on the rise; the Atlantic coast, with its distinct and separate mentality; five of the poorer central states with their large Native American populations; and the northern states, where the influence from Canada is strong.

He even suggested that "we could claim Alaska - it was only granted on lease, after all."
On the fate of the U.S. dollar, he said: "In 2006 a secret agreement was reached between Canada, Mexico and the U.S. on a common Amero currency as a new monetary unit. This could signal preparations to replace the dollar. The one-hundred dollar bills that have flooded the world could be simply frozen. Under the pretext, let's say, that terrorists are forging them and they need to be checked."

When asked how Russia should react to his vision of the future, Panarin said: "Develop the ruble as a regional currency. Create a fully functioning oil exchange, trading in rubles... We must break the strings tying us to the financial Titanic, which in my view will soon sink."

Panarin, 60, is a professor at the Diplomatic Academy of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and has authored several books on information warfare.

Tex Mex is Out: The New Flavor of Washington

Tex Mex is out. In 2001, fluff pieces described how salsa would season the Capitol city as the Bushes came to Washington. It was the best the liberal media could do to replace the George W. Bush 'stole' the election stories during Inauguration Day. This year there won't be stories on Chicago deep-dish pizza, Italian beef sandwiches, Vienna Beef hot dogs, Chicago chop houses, Ugali (the national dish of Kenya), fried chicken, or watermelon. For 2009, the new flavor in Washington has a much greater calling.

In 2000, the new word of the day for the media was gravitas, which means substance. Bush lacked gravitas, even after spending nearly two terms as Texas governor. The new flavor of Washington comes seasoned with even less gravitas. The media, who lack gravitas, won't feature Obama soft news on January 20. They have a Presidency to create, and you can be sure they will continue comparing Obama to other great Presidents. (I would say you can add Franklin Roosevelt to that list, but FDR was a failure. We know the results of the New Deal.) They will report how strong, forceful, determined, and Presidential Obama looked. They will exit stage 'left' and begin directing the most scripted Presidency in the history of our nation. Chris Matthews for the Academy Award?

National Endowment of Laziness: Your Tax Dollars at Waste

College teaches you a wide-variety of knowledge, of which a few topics they didn't intend. For the most part, I enjoyed college. I was the conservative minority that tried to rock the boat at first, especially in my polisci class, who soon learned which battles to fight and which battles to let go. It's amazing how much control liberal professors hold over your grades!

As much as I enjoyed college, I hated it at the same time. I hated this idea of a well-rounded education that forced students to pay for classes that fell short of their career goals. This occurs during the general education requirements period, and it can lead into your degree program. My degree program required that I take six hour of liberal arts, so I decided I would experiment with poetry.

For three hours a week, I would sit in a circle with some of the most whacked-out, drug influenced, liberal minds, and listen to them experiment with words to describe their pseudo human drama that only a 19-year old knows. I felt out of place.

Leading the circle was a man named Burns. His curly reddish brown hair and mustache screamed counterculture hippie who never got beyond the bonds of university life. Cute little verses don't have a place for many outside of college or Hallmark. And the few that do HOWL turn my stomach with their antiAmerican rhetoric. It was going to be a long 16 weeks.

I skipped class when I could. Misery would consume me on the days that I had to read what I had wrote. Burns scolded me for skipping class, demanded that I read Alan Ginsberg, Gertrude Stein, and others who just complained about life in America. I trudged forward.

I never exposed myself to the arts before this class. The height of most American artist these days is when American taxpayers fund them through the National Endowment of the Arts. Burns day came, and he announced it to class. What he announced was even more eye opening.

I don't have to tell you that teaching a college poetry class is more play than it is work. When Burns announced the grant would allow him to take a couple semesters off to work on his poetry (at the expense of taxpayers), I wanted to say something. When he announced that he would be able to buy some needed kitchen appliances, I tried to scream, but held back on the account of my grade. After all, I skipped half the classes. I didn't need my third strike.

The American taxpayer funded my poetry teacher's Best Buy purchase. Unbelievable!

The Reagan Quote of the Day (11/25/08)

In America, our origins matter less than our destination, and that is what deocracy is all about. Republican National Convention, August 17, 1992

Poor Peggy Joseph

Sirius news is reporting that Obama will announce today that his economic plan will not include an increase in taxes on the rich. Which makes me think of poor Peggy Joseph. She was all excited that Obama was going to redistribute wealth so she no longer has to worry about her mortgage and putting gas in her car. How is her mortgage and gas going to get paid for now?




Update 1:48 Eastern Time: According to Rush Limbaugh, a media source asked about a tax increase for the rich during the Obama press conference today. Limbaugh said that Obama didn't answer the question directly. I guess there is hope for Peggy Joseph.

One Clinton Advisor will be Missed for not Making the Obama Recycled Variety Show

Everyone has noticed the familiar names from an administration gone by that's lining up to make the Obama administration. There is one name that is absent and probably will remain absent--Dick Morris.

If there is a bright spot in the Clinton Presidency, it was Morris. Morris is responsible for keeping Clinton from going to the far left. In fact, Morris pulled him to the right and single handedly made President Clinton successful.

Shortly after Clinton's inauguration, Hillary went to work at a frantic pace to nationalize health care. Hillary's health care blunder was confusing and would have grown government at an alarming rate while taking over the best health care system in the world. The nation fought against the reforms, and Congress failed to pass the 1,000 plus page bill.

Janet Reno abused her power and controversially invaded the Branch Davidians in Waco, Texas. The raid killed 76 people, of which 21 were children.

In 1994, voters sent their disapproval to the Clinton Administration and a Congress full of scandals, electing the first Republican Congress in 48 years. Shortly after, Morris convinced Clinton to adopt typical Republican issues as his own.

Dick Morris managed to get the President's ear, and much of the policy craziness that Clinton and his inexperienced cabinet were responsible suddenly changed. From the moment Morris began to influence the President, his poll numbers went up and the Clinton Presidency was palatable. Clinton continued to get himself into messes, that usually included women, but what got him in more trouble was he lied about the women in court. A simple fact liberals still argue against.

Morris helped the President move to the right side for two major issues, welfare reform and a crime bill that increased officers on patrol by 14%. These were solid achievements that probably wouldn't have happened had Morris not served as Clinton's top adviser.

Clinton Chief of Staff Leon Panetta once said of Clinton on the subject of Morris, "I always had the feeling that the president wanted to listen to the dark side, even though he clearly knew in his guts where the issues were and what he wanted to do."

Of course Morris saved the Clinton presidency and was the reason Clinton won reelection. Morris probably saved a lot more than Clinton's hide as well. Convincing Clinton to move to the right saved the economy throughout most of his eight years. Most people forget the economy was slowing down towards the end of the Clinton presidency--more than likely the result of the Clinton tax increases.

As of today, a Dick Morris figure hasn't shown up in the future Obama administration. The media has pointed out that this is starting to look like Clinton's third term, but what they forget is how influential Morris was. He had Clinton's ear and he is missing in the Obama lineup. This should alarm you, because Morris was able to hit the breaks and keep things from going too far to the left. We can only hope that there will be a Morris figure in the Obama administration.

The Reagan Quote of the Day (11/24/08)

There's been some criticism, however, that we don't have a definite foreign policy, that we haven't been doing enough about that, and that's not true. Just the other day, before he left for China, Al Haig sent a message to Brezhnev that said, "Roses are red, violets are blue, stay out of El Salvador and Poland too." June 12, 1981

Republican leaders could learn a lot from the way Reagan handled the media; and perhaps, this similar message should be sent to Vladimir Putin.

Forty Three and Forty Nine

In 1992, Bill Clinton won the Presidency with 43% of the vote. Four years later he failed to achieve a majority in his bid for reelection. He received 49% of the vote against Bob Dole. Considering he never reached a majority, the Clinton name has been far too influential in American politics. From Governor of Arkansas, to the White House, to the Senate, and now(according to the Irish Times) Secretary of State, no other American politician has done so much with so little. Bill and Hillary have an amazing longevity considering these facts and a long record of betraying the public's trust. Amazing, huh?

Sunday Fun: Where's Waldo?

The above picture was taken by the Springfield News-Leader, Springfield, MO. I am somewhere in the picture with Sarah Palin. Can you find me?

Hannah Montana: Dumbing Down the Future of Americans

Parents, it’s time to remove your kids from in front of the Hannah Montana show, as well as other shows that have no substance. Hannah Montana teaches kids good consumerism—not good civics. America is now paying the price for mind-numbing television shows that teach buy, buy, buy. When I was a child and children before me, shows taught. I am not talking about liberal PBS shows like Sesame Street. I am talking about shows kids wanted to watch. When I was a kid, they at least tried to teach you something about civics--remember Schoolhouse Rock?

The How Obama Got Elected Web site should alarm you. It shows the crummy results of our schools, our biased media, and years of watching mind-numbing American Idol type programming. Millions of Americans voted this election without any clue how the government works, who controls Congress, and basic American history that I understood as a young teenager. Except for Mr. Bill Jeffries, my history teachers weren't qualified to teach.

Kids obviously are not taught skills needed to critically think. Want an example? Try this:

"We cannot continue to rely on our military in order to achieve the national security objectives we've set. We've got to have a civilian national security force that's just as powerful, just as strong, just as well-funded."-Barack Obama

College kids on the campus of University of California, Berkeley and on other liberal communes dedicated to the higher education obviously objected the war in Iraq and the military, but they overwhelmingly supports a man whose propaganda machine spits out programs similar to the Hitler Youth program.

Hey college kids, ask for a refund! They are not teaching you the critical thinking skills the college brochure promised.

Parents, you have to do it on your own. The public schools are failing your kids. In San Francisco, they teach kids gay tolerance over American civics. Your kids are indoctrinated, not taught.

Yes, high schools and state-run universities require students to pass a United States Constitution test. The teacher creates the test. This test was already a joke when I took it in 1986 in Mr. Tom Ovitt's American History class-true and false and open book. Ovitt's idea of teaching history was handing out a daily word find of American terms and one for each of the fifty states.

A political science teacher at Aurora University in Aurora, Illinois, teaches there are four branches of government-the executive branch, the legislative branch, the judicial branch, and the bureaucracy branch. I found this out when an ex-girlfriend asked me questions about the four branches of government. I told her there were only three branches. She argued with me and told me there were four. I got the Constitution out and proved to her there were three and told her that this teacher should not be teaching political science. I am sure this is only minor infraction. The unfortunate part was that no one challenged the instructor, of course I wasn't in the class. I would have gone to the deans had she continued to teach this inaccuracy.

You need to turn off the Miley Cyrus show, Spongebob, the Disney Channel and whatever noise prevents your children from realizing the greatness of our founders. You need to teach them this Thanksgiving the real story, which I will post on Thanksgiving Day. (Teach them how it applies to the socialist themes of today.) You need to discuss with your children how unfair taxation led to the American Revolution, and put that in perspective with all the unfair taxes of today. Make sure they understand why we have a Constitution and that it limits government not promotes it. Have them memorize the Bill of Rights and why the forefathers felt they were essential before passing our Constitution. If you don't start teaching your children these important pieces of American history, who will?

If your children stay focused on Miley Cyrus, Britney Spears, and whoever the fad of the month is, the liberal entertainment establishment wins by dumbing down your children. This is a dangerous for your child and your country. There is a reason they want to keep everyone fat and stupid. They don't want you to ask questions and they want you to believe the government will take care of you. Each day, our Constitution fades a little more.

Please take a few more minutes and take the Civics Quiz. Be sure to post your score in the comments section. I scored an 85%.

The Reagan Quote of the Day (11/23/08)

Yes, the deficit doctors have their scalpels out all right, but they're not poised over the budget. That's as fat as ever and getting fatter. What they are ready to operate on is your wallet. May 16, 1983.

Video Shows that Global Warming is Bad Science

This shows all the absurdities of the global warming debate. How can you possibly be serious about the existance of global warming after seeing all the conflicting and silly stories in this video? These stories were propogated by the media and scientists. Enjoy.

The Hidden Cost of the UAW in American Cars

Yesterday, I heard Mark Levin break down the cost of the United Auto Workers to the American consumer. I was startled.

GM pays out $4.6 billion a year in health care costs to workers and retirees. That adds an extra $1200 to the cost of a GM vehicle. Remember who told you that if the UAW went bye bye the cost of cars would go down as well?

The average UAW worker makes $75 an hour in wages and benefits ($130,000 a year), compared to the average American who makes an average of $24 an hour wages and benefits. Non-union Americans who work for Honda and Toyota make an average $21 less an hour in wages and benefits than UAW workers do.

UAW health benefits include:

• Full Medical


• Full Hospital


• Full Surgical


• Full Prescription Drug Coverage


• Durable Medical Equipment (like hearing aids)


• Dental Benefits


• Lasik Eye Surgery

Workers and retirees pay $10 a month for an individual and $21 a month for family. In comparison, health care benefits for Japanese auto makers only add an average of $215 to cost of their vehicles.

UAW workers also receive the following benefits:

• 30 and out contracts - you retire in 30 years with full pension benefits regardless of your age


• Chrysler employees with 15 years in get seven weeks of paid vacation (the average is four weeks in the United States)


• Paid not to work - if your plant closes, the UAW forces the Big Three to continue to pay employees whose names are transferred to a job bank

In 2010, the UAW is backing off some of these benefits to help the Big Three, but it's probably going to be too late. You can't run a business like the Big Three have for so long and expect to be competitive and profitable. The American people have paid the price tag of the UAW for far too long, and we shouldn't be forced to bail them out with our tax dollars.

The Dangers of the Veterans Disarmament Act

George W. Bush signed a blessing for his successor. For Obama, with a frightening record on gun control, the 2007 Veterans Disarmament Act might be the blessing Obama needs to begin disarming bitter, clinging Americans.

Let's review an imporant philosophy before discussing Bush's sin.

The Second Amendment reads: A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

Our forefathers knew that armed citizens would prevent the government from becoming too powerful and straying off the path of freedom the Constitution insures us. We have a responsibility to bear arms and prepare to for fight for our freedom and liberty. It's just that simple. If you aren't packing, you're not fulfilling your duty.

The Veterans Disarmament Act (VDA) removes gun rights from our most important citizens, those men and women who served in the armed forces protecting freedom. The VDA states that any veteran diagnosed with post traumatic stress syndrome will automatically be listed on the federal gun ban. Up to 140,000 veterans, according to Gun Owners of America, have already been disarmed and/or placed on the registry to prevent ownership of any new rifles, shotguns, or handguns. The act doesn't stop there. Any person who has had a restraining order, handed out like candy on Halloween, or diagnosed with ADHD are banned as well.

I don't have to tell you that pharmacutical companies have influenced the psychologists to increase the diagnosis of ADHD. Parents around the country are guilty of robbing their children of there unique personalities, following the advice of doctors pushing Ritalin, Concerta, Adderall, and a whole list of other mind altering drugs. Many of these parents would freak if they found out these kids ever smoked a joint, and yet they allow these drugs to mellow out their hyperactive children.

I have to ask, for those who have served, what keeps the government from going back into the medical records of millions of service men and women? The military offers counseling for depression in its medical facilities. Who is to say the government won't target these former members next? A wife leaves her husband while he is serving overseas, and he sees a counselor. Will that be a red flag? They will abuse this law.

It applies to civilians as well. After scumbag Seung-Hui Cho decided to let loose on Virginia Tech, liberals felt it was the time to restrict our freedoms even further. The VAD, also known as the NICS Improvement Amendments Act of 2007, quickly passed after the shootings. Cho wasn't in the military. He wasn't even in ROTC. He was just a loser who decided to take his own misery out on other students. Once again, we see government disguises bills.

What stops the government from requiring Ted Nugent, for example, to be tested. The Motor City Madman turns 60 next month and has energy unknown to most 60 year olds. Could the government consider Uncle Ted ADHD? I believe it's a real possibility, and it's a possibility for everyone else who has taken the legal road of registering your firearms. How are you going to defend yourself if they are providing the doctors?

The Saturday night before the election, I heard Obama speak. His message to Missouri's bitter clingers was that he was a friend to the Second Amendment. In fact, it was a theme for the night. With Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World's headquarters a mile down the road, Obama knew he was in the heart of gun country. Claire McCaskill begain the pro Second Amendment rhetoric and Obam drove it home. The blind cheered.

I lived in Chicago for 12 years, and never once did I hear this pro Second Amendment rhetoric come from Obama's lips. There is no better city in the United States to fight for the Second Amendment than Chicago. You can apply for a license to buy a gun if you live in the city, but Mayor Richard Daley's iron fist isn't going to stamp approved on the application no matter how stellar your record is. Obama, the Constitutional scholar, never onced challenged Mayor Daley. Some friend of the Second Amendment, right? You didn't even lift a finger, did you Obama?

The polticians posted the signs of change, and we have a responsibility to prepare. We need to understand what the Second Amendment instructs our responsibilities are. We need to join the National Rifle Association, the Gun Owners of American, and other pro Second Amendment lobbies that fight for our rights. Most importanty, you owe it to yourself to follow the instructions of our wise forefathers. They knew politicians fear armed citizens.

The Reagan Quote of the Day (11/22/2008)

Tax rates are prices -- prices for working, saving, and investing. And when you raise the price of those productive activities, you get less of them and more activity in the underground economy -- tax shelters and leisure pursuits. You in small business understand that you can't force people to buy merchandise that isn't selling by raising your price. But too many in Washington and across the country still believe that we can raise more revenues from the economy by making it more expensive to work, save, and invest in the economy. Remarks to the National Conference of the National Federation of Indpendent Business, June 2, 1983

There's a Bear in the Woods

George W. Bush's single greatest miscalculation in office was looking Vladimir Putin in the eyes believing he understood his soul. After their first meeting, Bush believed Putin to be straightforward and trustworthy. In reality, he has brought the bear out of hibernation.

Since the fall of the Berlin Wall, Russia has become strong thanks to its oil based economy. At home, our economy has weakened--a slave to foreign oil. Democrats in Congress fight against allowing Americans to drill here, drill now. As our economy sags, and democratic leaders decide windmills and solar power are the solutions, the bear is ready to roar. Russia is rebuilding, and those who doubt there is a new cold war are fools.

Americans haven't paid attention to Putin's nationalization of over 50% of the oil and 89% gas assets in Russia. Putin has placed loyalist and former KGB members to run these assets, and he has been successful in building wealth that didn't exist after the Russian Revolution. Putin has used KGB tactics to seize these assets, including intimidation, harassment, unjustified investigations, and unfair taxation, resulting in the arrest and imprisonment of the owners of these assets. Do you have doubts now ?

British Petroleum learned the hard way not to trust the new Russia. Earlier this year, in a joint effort with Russia's third -largest oil company, BP officials underwent harassment and were forced to flee Russia.

The United States isn't the only place that's regretting poor energy policy. Western Europe is drunk on Russian energy like its vodka. Their security is compromised from the dependence on Russia, and it plays into Putin's goal of rebuilding his CCCP (USSR for you laypersons). Putin isn't fond of the friendships we have developed with former Warsaw Pact nations. He threatened to point missiles at Poland if we set up a missile defense system in Poland. Our eyes should focus on all of Europe. This time it may fall because we allow environmentalism to shape domestic policy allowing unfriendly nations to control oil supplies.

Putin's vision is scary considering they have learned from the mistakes of their failed communist state. As our economy struggles, Russia's focus is on building strength economically, militarily, and through alliances around the world. Obama’s defense policy is flawed for this new world and shows that he doesn't realize the dangers of the awakened bear. Obama wants to cut research into weapons needed to silence the roaring bear. Like it or not, there’s a new arms race coming, and we are forced to play along. Putting off the unavoidable will cost us dearly.

Putin continues to build alliances with known enemies of the United States. Most recently, the Russian Navy ships sailed to Valenzuela. Hugo Chavez looks for military cooperation with Putin, who will resume full power in January. Putin has also agreed to sell Chavez weapons.

In Iran, Putin has supported the Iranian military buildup. Putin warned the west against an attack on Iran, specifically aimed at their nuclear weapons development facility. Both Israel and the United States have let Iran get too far while allowing them time to develop bonds with Putin.

Now we have the rock star President, void of substance in matters of foreign relations and world conflict. His young supporters never lived with the Soviet threat. For all we know, it might not even appear in the revised history books, or it's just a video game reference for them. Communism and totalitarianism are not the buzzwords that they were when I sat in Mr. Jeffries social studies class in seventh grade fearing the reality of The Day After. The world is a dangerous place and real change is happening, but not the change those who don’t understand these buzzwords are ready for.

The Reagan Quote of the Day (11/21/2008)

“Those who preside over the worst energy shortage in our history tell us to use less, so that we will run out of oil, gasoline, and natural gas a little more slowly. Conservation is desirable, of course, for we must not waste energy. But conservation is not the sole answer to our energy needs.”

Gay Militant Minority Boobs, Proposition 8, the Constitution, and Dr. Neil Clark Warren

I have had enough of these militant minority boobs who threaten the sanctity of our Constitution. In essence, they are nothing more than spoiled children who go ask the other parent when they don't get their way. For years, it's been the environmental boobs. They block energy legislation by holding it up in the courts. They threaten private property rights believing the some bird or bug has more rights than the person who owns the land. They make life hell for the rest of us just trying to live.

Now it's the gays. Let's set things straight. I don't care if you’re gay, but stop thinking you have to announce over every loud PA speaker you come across. I get it. Just as what goes on in my bedroom obviously disgusts you, I don't need to know what goes on your bedroom, bathhouse, or Barney Frank's basement. Can't you just be gay without making a major theatrical drama?

Obvious, gays are following the militant path of the environmental movement. They have learned that judges will overturn the will of the majority. This, my friends, is a dangerous path that leads to the Constitution becoming irrelevant. We can't have that. Our Constitution protects us from power-hungry government officials.

In California, the militant gays have organized protest in the days following the passage of Proposition 8, which bans gay marriages. Since then, militant gays have vandalized churches. Church members have been attacked by gays. I just have to ask, where is the tolerance from the gays? They demanded it from the rest of us? Once again, we see that liberals are not tolerant but hateful and violent.

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger opposed Proposition 8. He now supports the gays who want the courts to overturn the will of the majority. It's time for Schwarzenegger to admit he is a RINO (Republican in name only) and put a jackass behind his name. He is failing to defend the Constitution and the will of the majority. Obviously, Mr. Schwarzenegger isn't smart enough to figure out the domino effect that will take place if the courts overturn the results of the election. The minority will have power like never before if this takes place. Our votes and our elections will be worthless, and attorneys will decide elections for us. Maybe we should challenge the legitimacy of the Obama win. I wonder what the liberals would think of that. Mr. Schwarzenegger needs to reconsider his objection and the consequences of it.

Gays keep pushing and pushing to force even the most radical gay lifestyles into the mainstream. Lesbian teachers promote gay life styles to their elementary students in San Francisco schools—including transexualism, transvestitism, etc. This isn’t acceptable for grade school children. Gays want their sin removed from the Bible, in hopes that God won't condemn their souls. God clearly states not to rewrite his words. Gays want to force business owners to run their businesses against their own core beliefs. This recently occurred at eHarmony.

Dr. Neil Clark Warren set up the eHarmony site to promote healthy meetings based on people's compatibility. Dr. Warren is a conservative Christian who promotes his beliefs in these compatibility matches; therefore, gays were excluded from eHarmony.

Gays have plenty of their own all-gay dating sites online, but that wasn't enough. They took Dr. Warren to court forcing eHarmony to accept gay members. If I were Dr. Warren, I would accept the court’s decision but stick to my Christian principles. I would maintain the dimension of a man and woman. "We're sorry, but based on our 29 dimensions; you have no new matches this week. Please try again next week, and thank you for your monthly credit card payment." Beat them at their own game Dr. Warren.

There is a right way and there is a wrong way to find acceptance in society. Blacks have learned the hard lessons of following W.E.B Du Bois radical, forceful approach to equality. Gays should learn from the path blacks went down in this country and fit in with a positive representation of their lives. Spraying graffiti on churches, attacking church members, ripping the Constitution to shreds, and forcing people into court for small victories is only angering the people who you are trying to get to accept you.

You need to come in terms that homosexuality is a sin. Conservative Republicans didn't write the law, God did. If you have problems with it, take it up with him when he reviews your life. Just like I can't overlook thou shall not kill, gays can't overlook the scriptures which are clear about the sin.

The Bible defines what a marriage is. All my life, I have heard how important it is not to have prayer in school because that's crossing over the line of church and state. All my life, I have heard that creationism should not be taught in school because that crosses the separation between church and state. Now you must realize that for the government to redefine marriage is crossing over the boundary between church and state. You can't pick and choose.

I can't continue to watch you destroy our Constitution so you can call your civil union a marriage. Many societies have suffered from brutal governments because basic rights weren't protected. Going to the courts puts our Constitution and our basic rights in jeopardy. What would society be like if we failed to protect the Constitution? You may get your way today, but I am reminded of a man in Germany. Guided by the teachings of Darwin, he committed genocide to those he thought were inferior to his race. There are other examples throughout the world of ruthless dictators who would kill you because of your sexual orientation. Tonight, you better ask yourself, are you willing to risk the sanctity of the Constitution so you can have your way like a spoiled child? What might be the consequences if ever the Constitution is dissolved?

The Reagan Quote of the Day (11/20/2008)

I believe we really can, however, say that God did give mankind virtually unlimited gifts to invent, produce, and create. And for that reason alone, it would be wrong for governments to devise a tax structure or economic system that suppresses and denies those gifts. - Remarks at a dinner honoring Congressman Jack Kemp of New York, December 1, 1988.

Economy Sluggish?: The Many Ways Government Keeps it Sluggish

If you are wondering how you are going to manage to get through this Christmas season because your money is tight, take a look at all the ways the government (federal, state, county, and local) penalize or take or steal or rob (you choose) from you. Just to make you think about why it might be tight this holiday season.

• accounts receivable tax


• automobile registration tax
  
• automobile sales tax (add a few more thousand to that sticker price)


• local automobile sticker tax


• building permit tax
  
• building inspection fees


• capital gains tax


• commercial drivers license tax


• cigarette tax


• corporate income tax (passed onto taxpayers in the form of higher prices of goods)


• court fees and fines (indirect taxes)


• dog license tax


• driver license fees


• estate tax (death tax)


• federal unemployment tax


• fishing license tax


• food license tax (Your local grocer pays a separate tax to be able to sell you products. For instance there is an egg tax just to sell eggs. A liquor license is also an example.)


• fuel permit tax
  
• garage sale permit tax


• gasoline tax (varies from state to state and averages 42 cents a gallon)


• hunting license tax


• inheritance tax


• IRS interest charges (tax on a tax)


• IRS penalty charges (tax on a tax)
  
• IRS payment plan tax (for those who can't afford to pay their back taxes in full-tax on a tax)


• liquor tax


• local income taxes


• luxury taxes (like on cars & yachts)


• marriage license tax


• medicare tax
  
• performance car tax (applies to owners of higher horsepower cars like any car with the beautiful 6.1 liter Hemi)


• parking taxes (meters and taxes added by people like Chicago Mayor Daley to drive up already high parking cost in the city of Chicago)


• property taxes (in Missouri this includes houses, cars, boats, airplanes, etc.-remember we've already covered automobile sales taxes and registration fees)


• real estate tax


• septic and sewage service tax


• service charge taxes


• Social Security tax (don't forget your employer pays this one on top of yours, unless you are self-employed, then you really get hit)


• recycling taxes (charged when you get an oil change or new tires)


• road usage taxes (applies to truck drivers)


• sales taxes (up to 11% if you live under the Daley regime in Chicago)


• recreational vehicle tax (boats, small planes, etc.)


• school taxes


• state income tax
  
• interest on unpaid state back taxes (tax on a tax)
  
• penaltys for unpaid state back taxes (tax on a tax)


• state unemployment tax


• telephone federal excise tax


• telephone federal universal service fee tax


• telephone minimum usage fee surcharge tax


• telephone recurring and non recurring charges tax


• telephone usage charge tax


• toll bridges


• toll roads


• toll tunnels
  
• tourism and hotel taxes


• traffic fines (tax on speed)


• trailer registration tax


• utility taxes


• vehicle license registration tax


• vehicle title fees


• watercraft registration tax (which includes canoes in some areas)


• well permit tax


• workers compensation tax

Oh, and I forgot, the FEDERAL INCOME TAX courtesy of your friends at the Internal Revenue Service.

Americans seem focused on the federal income tax rate when politicians like Obama start talking about an increase in tax rates. When you consider all the rest of the taxes that you may be subject to, it's no surprise that nearly 50% (and for some people more than that) of your labor goes to government in one form or another. It's no wonder the economy is so sluggish. Our money is already gone before we get the chance to invest in the economy, and Obama and the democrats mouths are watering for more. Remember, Obama doesn't have to raise taxes to raise your taxes. The Bush tax cuts expire in 2010, and your taxes are going up without Obama ever proposing anything. This is the dirty little secret of the Obama administration. TAXES will be part of the fall of America.

Walk Where Obama Walked part II

So far the media has compared Obama to Reagan and Kennedy ('the new Camelot,' a theme they attempted with Bill Clinton as well). Where's Lloyd Bentson when you need him? "Senator, I served with Jack Kennedy. I knew Jack Kennedy. Jack Kennedy was a friend of mine. Senator, you're no Jack Kennedy."

Gateway Pundit is reporting Newsweek is running a story comparing Obama to Lincoln. I told you this was going to happen last week in my blog Walk Where Obama Walked. The press is doing all they can to put a mask on Obama because they wasn't vetted properly during the election, and as Tom Brokaw and Charlie Rose stated a couple nights before the election, we really don't know who Barack Obama is. In fear that we will discover what many of us already know (he's an empty suit) they are attempting to attach labels to him in hopes that one sticks. Lincoln is now the latest victim of the Obama guise.

What Al Gore Doesn't want you to Know

During the election, Obama drew little attention for his coming war on carbon dioxide, an essential gas for life on earth. In the coming months, Obama will label CO2 a dangerous gas. Carbon dioxide--plants consume it for photosynthesis. Without plants, we would die. It's just that simple. The government and scientist lie about the cycles of the earth to create new taxes, penalize industry, and fund research.

As I was finishing my degree at Missouri State University, I studied the art of rhetorical skill. My studies would lead me to question the global warming debate beyond what I had heard on my AM dial. It seemed like the perfect way to challenge the liberal classroom establishment in one final showdown. I knew my five straight semesters on the honor roll might end, but I wanted to make the professor question her own beliefs.

I decided to stay away from liberals like Al Gore. He profits from global warming, and I know not to trust him. He's a politician, not a scientist, and not worth bringing up in the debate. I wanted real science--science that broke all these crazy arguments I have heard over the years. All I needed was to find a hole. It didn't take long to find credible evidence to discredit the libs.

Scientific American published that same month an article on mass extinctions. Peter D. Ward describes five periods in the earth's history in which life ended. For many years, scientist believed that meteors were responsible the end of these periods. This is true for one out of the five periods Ward researched. The dinosaurs died from an impact that hit near the Yucatan Peninsula. They know this for three reasons:

• Traces of iridium (common in large space formations) in the fossil layers with concentrated amounts near Chicxulub crater on the Yucatan Peninsula


• The crater itself


• A thin fossil bed representing that life ended quickly (picture two parallel lines an inch apart with fossils embedded in them)

The other four fossil layers were much wider (picture to parallel lines a foot apart with fossil layers). This represented a much slower extinction period. Ward began using modern technology to discover what took place in the other four fossil layers. Ward's discovery shows, as Ward himself put it, "the earth itself appears to become life's worst enemy."

Through new geochemical evidence (chemical fossils) technology, Ward discovered large, concentrated amounts of green sulfur anaerobic bacteria present in the fossil layers. This signals a higher amount of CO2 in the atmosphere. How could that be? There were no signs of American industry in the fossil layers--no sport utility vehicles fossilized. Nope, only the remains of marine and non-marine environments were fossilized.

These nasty little bacteria breathe in CO2 and the exhale sulfur. Here's the kicker, oxygen levels as a whole were much lower during these time periods compared to current oxygen levels today. Today’s higher levels balance the oceans. Wait a minute, when Gore talks you would think he placed oxygen on the endangered species list with the polar bear.

The sulfur bacteria give off is deadly and wreaks havoc on the atmosphere, and except for the Black Sea and some stagnant lakes, conditions today aren’t likely for them to thrive. The increased oxygen in the atmosphere mixes with the oceans creating an environment poisonous to the bacteria.

Now to be fair, if oxygen levels drop in the oceans, these guys could come back. Gore and his cronies aren’t being fair. They never discuss the current measurements of green anaerobic bacteria? Why is that? Because this is an attack on capitalism and not a movement that will ever come close to saving a planet that isn't sick.

On a snowy shut in day that same year, I rented Al Gore's DVD An Inconvenient Truth (the irony-a week out of snow days and it wasn't even officially winter in traditionally mild southwest Missouri). I never once heard him mention a measurement of the green anaerobic bacteria. Granted he was putting me to sleep, but occasionally he angered me enough to open my eyes widely and focus. He just babbled on about CO2 as he took us for a ride in his big car (at least a V-6 maybe a V-8) around his property with his large, energy-consuming house. By the way, his time line conflicted with that in Ward's article. I ask again, why aren’t measurements of these green anaerobic bacteria ever stated in global warming discussions? (To be fair to Ward, his article was on mass extinction and not the concentrations of these nasty bacteria.)

The earth goes through periods of high and low volcanic activity. Over the past several years, we have heard stories of volcanoes awakening. Remember Ward said that "the earth itself appears to become life's worst enemy." The large amounts of CO2 were created by the inner earth exploding mountaintops, venting its volcanic lava to the surface. Obviously with that amount of fire, oxygen would be consumed quickly.

I recalled a front-page story I read. I was on a business trip. I left the Arkansas State Dental meeting in Hot Springs and to drive to Tulsa, Oklahoma, to meet with clients the next day. I decided to take the scenic route through the Ouachita Mountains. (The locals tell me these are the only mountains that run east to west in the United States.) As Arkansas Scenic Highway 9 led to Oklahoma, I noticed I needed gas. I luckily found a small, mountain general store to fill up. Technology hadn't met the gas pumps, so I walked into the store and pay. As I left, the front page story caught my eye. Geologist noticed that temperatures within Mt. Sugarloaf, a dormant volcano in Oklahoma (Yeah, I had no idea either.) were rising at a faster rate suggesting the volcano might be coming back to life. Interesting. If this mountain in Oklahoma is awakening, how many other earthly vents are getting ready to open?

My travels this summer took me to the St. Louis Museum of Science Magic House. I noticed a sign on one of the maze of walls that read, "All the grass along the nation’s interstate highway system produced enough oxygen for 22 million people to breathe." Notice that's just the interstates, not state highway, not US highways, and not county roads and highways. When I would fly on business, most of the time I noticed grass everywhere. Common sense tells me, based on the sign, that grass alone balances the CO2 levels. (I wonder how much longer that sign will stay up once word of this spreads.)

To conclude this, when Al Gore talks, I have never heard him mention current green anaerobic bacteria measurements. Without these, the earth doesn't warm as theorized. Throughout my travels, I have seen so many facts claiming just the opposite of these extreme views.

Scientists once feared comets and other trivial occurrences. The earth goes through periods of warmth. It goes through cold periods. I just wish they would be honest with us, instead of manipulating science for research grants and risking our freedoms and economic power.

By the way, I aced the class.