An absolute, "must-read" article, where Dr. Williams quickly and quaintly lays out the moral depravity behind socialism (and its primary tool of power, the income tax).
In the first paragraph, Dr. Williams defines socialism, its goals, and shows that both major parties are actively pursuing it. The second paragraph gives examples of that pursuit.
In paragraph three, he calls socialism immoral and compares it practice to that of slavery. He spends the next couple of paragraphs expounding on the fact that even though something may be legal, does not make it right. He concludes with the insight that to Christians "socialism and the welfare state must be seen as sinful."
Every Christian should read this article and then really think about it. It may just help you change your mind about the income tax, welfare, and subsidies. I've often said I don't understand how a Christian can be a liberal. This explains why...
Thursday, July 29, 2004
Kerry in Spacesuit
There are some pictures floating around the internet with Kerry in a "bunnysuit", WorldNetDaily reports that this was not a "dirty trick" in an effort to embarrass Kerry.
I honestly don't understand what all the fuss is about. So the Presidential Nominee was visiting the Space Shuttle and donned on some garb. Sounds like fun to me. I don't think it is embarrassing or out of line. Sure, I understand why the late-night talk shows are making fun of it...that's their job.
Anyone who would make a decision to not vote for this guy just because he has a funny looking picture is too stupid to vote anyway...and should probably be castrated to prevent him from passing on his stupidity genes.
In the same token, Kerry Campaign...don't get your panties in a knot over a silly picture. It just makes it look like you take yourself too seriously. For goodness sake, life is tough and sometimes you just got to laugh at yourself and roll with the situation.
I honestly don't understand what all the fuss is about. So the Presidential Nominee was visiting the Space Shuttle and donned on some garb. Sounds like fun to me. I don't think it is embarrassing or out of line. Sure, I understand why the late-night talk shows are making fun of it...that's their job.
Anyone who would make a decision to not vote for this guy just because he has a funny looking picture is too stupid to vote anyway...and should probably be castrated to prevent him from passing on his stupidity genes.
In the same token, Kerry Campaign...don't get your panties in a knot over a silly picture. It just makes it look like you take yourself too seriously. For goodness sake, life is tough and sometimes you just got to laugh at yourself and roll with the situation.
Monday, July 26, 2004
Cutting the Land Line
Well, I'm getting rid of my DSL and dropping my land phone line. I have come to the conclusion that it is ridiculous to pay one bill for phone service and DSL ($80/month), one for cell phone service ($90 /month), and one for cable service ($35 /month). Therefore, we are adding high speed internet service to the cable bill to make it $80 /month) and dropping BellSouth.
New email addresses will be sent to family and friends when the transition is complete.
New email addresses will be sent to family and friends when the transition is complete.
Friday, July 23, 2004
WorldNetDaily: Political snitches monitor sermons
WorldNetDaily: Political snitches monitor sermons
The article explains how some groups are monitoring worship services and reporting the church to the IRS if the service includes political messages. This angers me because it the government using indimidation and fear to control speech. If there was no income or corporate taxes (which were not allowed under the Constitution until the passing of the 19th Amendment), then the government would have no power over what preachers say from the pulpit. This kind of censorship glosses over the glorious history that churches have had in fighting for liberty since the founding of this country. Don't you people remember that Paul Revere was a Pastor? The one-liner to be prepared to fight, "Keep your powder dry", was the closing sentance of pastors.
Anyway, the government has no right to use fear or intimidation to control speech. The First Amendment trumps the 19th. Pastors and preachers should not be chained from using thier influence to discuss caniadites.
HEY IRS -- KEEP YOUR NOSE OUT OF MY RELIGION!!!
The article explains how some groups are monitoring worship services and reporting the church to the IRS if the service includes political messages. This angers me because it the government using indimidation and fear to control speech. If there was no income or corporate taxes (which were not allowed under the Constitution until the passing of the 19th Amendment), then the government would have no power over what preachers say from the pulpit. This kind of censorship glosses over the glorious history that churches have had in fighting for liberty since the founding of this country. Don't you people remember that Paul Revere was a Pastor? The one-liner to be prepared to fight, "Keep your powder dry", was the closing sentance of pastors.
Anyway, the government has no right to use fear or intimidation to control speech. The First Amendment trumps the 19th. Pastors and preachers should not be chained from using thier influence to discuss caniadites.
HEY IRS -- KEEP YOUR NOSE OUT OF MY RELIGION!!!
Thursday, July 22, 2004
Foreign Leaders want Bush Out
WND reports that Edwards says that some foreign leaders want Bush out of the White House, but won't say so directly.
Who cares what a bunch of foreigners think. Didn't we fight a Revolutionary War to separate ourselves from the influence of Europe and their socialistic governments?
Who cares what a bunch of foreigners think. Didn't we fight a Revolutionary War to separate ourselves from the influence of Europe and their socialistic governments?
Monday, July 19, 2004
Bobby Fisher didn't get permission
Bobby Fisher, the great chess player, is waiting in a Japanese prison? while deportation hearings take place to send him back to the US. His "alleged crime" is that he defied a U.S. ban on doing business with Yugoslavia.
One would think that in a free country, a private citizen conduct business with whoever they wanted, travel wherever he wants (if the country he visiting allows him to), and not have his own government try and impede his business. But, hey, what do I know? Maybe freedom does mean get permission first? Just let me know and then let me find my papers...
One would think that in a free country, a private citizen conduct business with whoever they wanted, travel wherever he wants (if the country he visiting allows him to), and not have his own government try and impede his business. But, hey, what do I know? Maybe freedom does mean get permission first? Just let me know and then let me find my papers...
Wow...talk about gall
People behave differently around Pastors than they would regularly. I have heard people with the dirtiest of mouths not utter a single curse word when the minister is around. Even the most ardent atheist tends to ensure he is behaving well in front of preachers. There is a generally accepted rule among people that God will be more angry at you if hurt someone who has dedicated his entire life God, than if you hurt a peon.
It was surprising, then, to me today to read about a New York City nun who was mugged while in her full habit. That just takes a little bit more gall, in my book, than robbing a normal person. Do you really want to face the judgment seat and have to answer back to God why you chose to rob a person who has taken a vow of poverty and dedicated her life to serving others?
It was surprising, then, to me today to read about a New York City nun who was mugged while in her full habit. That just takes a little bit more gall, in my book, than robbing a normal person. Do you really want to face the judgment seat and have to answer back to God why you chose to rob a person who has taken a vow of poverty and dedicated her life to serving others?
Friday, July 16, 2004
Freedom of Speech
One of the top stories in the news is Whoopi Goldberg losing her position as a spokesperson for SlimFast following a set of jokes about President Bush that were apparently very vulgar. Many people are very outraged and screaming that Ms. Goldberg should not be punished for speaking her opinion.
When will people learn that the First Amendment protection of Freedom of Speech is a protection against reprisal from the GOVERNMENT when one speaks out against the GOVERNMENT. Ms. Goldberg has not been dragged off to jail for her comments. She has not had the IRS beating at her door to do an audit because of her comments. She has not been hauled before a judge and charged with treason for her comments. These are the proctections that our First Amendment provides.
Also, in the First Amendment is the Freedom of Association. We are free to be involved with whoever we wish. This also means we are free to disengage from those associations at anytime. This is all that has happened here. A PRIVATE company chose to longer associate itself with a person that it thought was damaging to its reputation. No ones freedoms were violated. No ones rights were trampled.
When will people learn that the First Amendment protection of Freedom of Speech is a protection against reprisal from the GOVERNMENT when one speaks out against the GOVERNMENT. Ms. Goldberg has not been dragged off to jail for her comments. She has not had the IRS beating at her door to do an audit because of her comments. She has not been hauled before a judge and charged with treason for her comments. These are the proctections that our First Amendment provides.
Also, in the First Amendment is the Freedom of Association. We are free to be involved with whoever we wish. This also means we are free to disengage from those associations at anytime. This is all that has happened here. A PRIVATE company chose to longer associate itself with a person that it thought was damaging to its reputation. No ones freedoms were violated. No ones rights were trampled.
Freedom of Speech
One of the top stories in the news is Whoopi Goldberg losing her position as a spokesperson for SlimFast following a set of jokes about President Bush that were apparently very vulgar. Many people are very outraged and screaming that Ms. Goldberg should not be punished for speaking her opinion.
When will people learn that the First Amendment protection of Freedom of Speech is a protection against reprisal from the GOVERNMENT when one speaks out against the GOVERNMENT. Ms. Goldberg has not been dragged off to jail for her comments. She has not had the IRS beating at her door to do an audit because of her comments. She has not been hauled before a judge and charged with treason for her comments. These are the proctections that our First Amendment provides.
Also, in the First Amendment is the Freedom of Association. We are free to be involved with whoever we wish. This also means we are free to disengage from those associations at anytime. This is all that has happened here. A PRIVATE company chose to longer associate itself with a person that it thought was damaging to its reputation. No ones freedoms were violated. No ones rights were trampled.
When will people learn that the First Amendment protection of Freedom of Speech is a protection against reprisal from the GOVERNMENT when one speaks out against the GOVERNMENT. Ms. Goldberg has not been dragged off to jail for her comments. She has not had the IRS beating at her door to do an audit because of her comments. She has not been hauled before a judge and charged with treason for her comments. These are the proctections that our First Amendment provides.
Also, in the First Amendment is the Freedom of Association. We are free to be involved with whoever we wish. This also means we are free to disengage from those associations at anytime. This is all that has happened here. A PRIVATE company chose to longer associate itself with a person that it thought was damaging to its reputation. No ones freedoms were violated. No ones rights were trampled.
Thursday, July 15, 2004
Cheney for Veep? How about J.C. Watts?
There has been a lot of talk in the media about whether Cheney should continue as the Vice-Presidential candidate on the ticket with Bush. In Nealz Nuze the writer states it is a bad idea to dump Cheney because, "... the VP slot is highly overrated. Dumping Cheney would look desperate, and would be an overreaction to the current situation"
This is a pretty insightful understanding of polotics and is probably a fair assessment of the situation. However, I still think the Republicans need to be thinking ahead. The fact is, Cheney will not make a good presidential candidate in 4 year as explained by Orson Scott Card in his essay entitled, "Who Should Really be Bush's Running Mate This Year". Card lays out three possible candidates that would actually have a chance against Hillary in 2008: Colin Powell, Condi Rice, and J.C. Watts. Card concludes that Watts is the best choice and I have to agree with his reasoning.
The problem, then, is how do you keep Cheney as an asset for this election while grooming a replacement for the next? I think the best course of action might be to keep Cheney on the ticket. Maybe 6 months to a year after the election, Cheney should then resign. According to the 25th Amendment, the President can then "nominate a Vice President who shall take office upon confirmation by a majority vote of both Houses of Congress." With Watts' experience in the House he can easily be confirmed and then be poised to be the Republican Nominee in 2008.
This is a pretty insightful understanding of polotics and is probably a fair assessment of the situation. However, I still think the Republicans need to be thinking ahead. The fact is, Cheney will not make a good presidential candidate in 4 year as explained by Orson Scott Card in his essay entitled, "Who Should Really be Bush's Running Mate This Year". Card lays out three possible candidates that would actually have a chance against Hillary in 2008: Colin Powell, Condi Rice, and J.C. Watts. Card concludes that Watts is the best choice and I have to agree with his reasoning.
The problem, then, is how do you keep Cheney as an asset for this election while grooming a replacement for the next? I think the best course of action might be to keep Cheney on the ticket. Maybe 6 months to a year after the election, Cheney should then resign. According to the 25th Amendment, the President can then "nominate a Vice President who shall take office upon confirmation by a majority vote of both Houses of Congress." With Watts' experience in the House he can easily be confirmed and then be poised to be the Republican Nominee in 2008.
Friday, July 09, 2004
Why do American's hate America?
Thomas Sowell is doing a series where he explores why many people (especially academia) hate America because it is rich and much of the rest of the world is poor. In the first part, he explains that many intelligentsia think that "prosperity and law-abiding behavior are so natural that it is thier absence that has to be explained." He then observes that history shows that America is the exception, rather than the rule to this theory.
In his second part he shares this insightful comment about why many people in America hate freedom:
He finalizes his series with the observation that these America hating Americans do see themselves as Americans. Rather, they "see themselves as citizens of the world, and they see the United States as just the country that happens to be lucky enough to be graced by their presence."
I really encourage you to read all three of these insightful and informative editorials.
In his second part he shares this insightful comment about why many people in America hate freedom:
"But what does freedom mean?
It means that hundreds of millions of ordinary human beings live their lives as they see fit -- regardless of what their betters think. That is fine, unless you see yourself as one of their betters, as so many intellectuals do."
He finalizes his series with the observation that these America hating Americans do see themselves as Americans. Rather, they "see themselves as citizens of the world, and they see the United States as just the country that happens to be lucky enough to be graced by their presence."
I really encourage you to read all three of these insightful and informative editorials.
Thursday, July 08, 2004
If you have high blood pressure, DON'T read this
My favorite talk show host, Neal Boortz, calls the Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards "Push-Button Plunder." EBT cards replace the traditional food stamps and look like a credit/debit/bank card. You may have even seen the button for EBT option on the debit machine at the grocery store.
I'm not a real fan of the "food stamp" program because it is classic socialism. The government uses force to take money from one group of people to buy other people food. I hate it when I see some fat slob with a grocery cart full of junk food push that little EBT button at the grocery store. I just wish she would turn around and say "Thank you." It then really gets my goat when I follow her out to the parking lot and she is driving a nicer car than I do.
Anyway, the program is about to get worse. Now, not only can people buy food you can't afford with your money at the grocery store. But restaurants in San Francisco are now happily accepting EBT. Gee...isn't that special.
I'm not a real fan of the "food stamp" program because it is classic socialism. The government uses force to take money from one group of people to buy other people food. I hate it when I see some fat slob with a grocery cart full of junk food push that little EBT button at the grocery store. I just wish she would turn around and say "Thank you." It then really gets my goat when I follow her out to the parking lot and she is driving a nicer car than I do.
Anyway, the program is about to get worse. Now, not only can people buy food you can't afford with your money at the grocery store. But restaurants in San Francisco are now happily accepting EBT. Gee...isn't that special.
Poor Family finds priceless Artwork in Basement
Let's suppose for a moment that you were a poor family. You had been having difficulty making your payments and ensuring that all of your responsibilities were met. Let's also imagine that in these financially strapped times you find a piece or artwork in the basement that you discover is worth $100,000. What would you do?
...OR...
I think any rational person would choose A, understanding that your children have a far better chance of succeeding in life if their parents are financially responsible than by a piece of artwork.
However, while that is rational for us...we can see the irrationality of government in this story where a valuable art collection worth millions has been discovered in the basement of Philadelphia's cash-strapped school. So what are they going to do with it? Sell it and use the money for the school system? Of course not, they're going to refuse to sell it, and put it on display. Gotta love those government schools.
| A. | Sell it, pay off your debts, and better position your financial needs |
...OR...
| B. | Raise money to restore the artwork to hang in your living room so you can engage your children in educational conversation about the piece. |
I think any rational person would choose A, understanding that your children have a far better chance of succeeding in life if their parents are financially responsible than by a piece of artwork.
However, while that is rational for us...we can see the irrationality of government in this story where a valuable art collection worth millions has been discovered in the basement of Philadelphia's cash-strapped school. So what are they going to do with it? Sell it and use the money for the school system? Of course not, they're going to refuse to sell it, and put it on display. Gotta love those government schools.
Monday, July 05, 2004
Alan Keyes: Keep the Declaration alive
An outstanding essay by Alan Keyes contains this absolutely timeless quote:
I would rather show respect for that generation which, though born into an era of slavery, planted the seeds of liberty, than to be part of a generation that, born into an era of liberty, plants the seeds of renewed slavery and bondage.
Saturday, July 03, 2004
VIP Fair Fiasco
Live from St. Louis:
We have traveled to my parents house in Swansea, IL. We left early yesterday morning (around 7:30 AM) and got into Swansea at 5:15 PM. We only had to stop about every two hours for the baby, so we traveled pretty well.
For those of you unfamiliar with the area, there is a huge fair that St. Louis puts on every year at July 4th called the VIP Fair. The firework display on the fourth for the VIP fair is one of the largest in nation and gets recognition as one of the best. However, the fair goes on for several days prior to the fourth with fireworks, concerts, and other activities going on. On Friday night, Kenny Rogers (one of my Mom's favorite artist) was scheduled to appear. Mom and Summer (my sister) left for the fair Friday afternoon to stake-out some good seats.
When we arrived at home, we decided to go join them...not so much to hear Kenny Rogers, but to see the fireworks. So, my Dad (who had stayed home to wait for us), Erin, the baby and I left around 6:35 to go to the riverfront. We drove to the local MetroLink (a light-rail, public transportation system) to catch a ride to the Arch for the concert and fireworks. There was also a home Cardinals game being played at Busch Stadium, so the train was very crowded, standing-room only. So Dad (carrying two folding, "camping/lawn" chairs), Erin (carrying Mihaela) and I (carrying the stroller) loaded on. Not surprisingly, no one offered Erin their seat.
We finally make it to our stop and get off with about half the train. Those people going to the game have two more stops. We walk across the street and while we are in line waiting to get our bags checked, it begins to rain lightly. This is not a big problem since we have umbrellas. We walk on in and head off to find Summer and Mom.
We find the rest of our party and setup the chairs. In the distance, we see a few black clouds and start getting some more light rain. We don't really worry because we can see blue sky past the clouds. The light rain stops and I went and exchanged money for tickets (this is the "currency" for the fair) so that we can get something to eat. While I am at the Exchange booth, it starts to rain...not lightly this time...but heavy, very heavy. I run back to our seats and find everyone safely under umbrellas. The rain starts to beat down very heavily and the wind starts to blow the rain under the umbrellas. So, with Mom holding the baby, we surround her with three umbrellas forming a little "umbrella hut" to keep Mihaela dry.
The storm gives no signs of letting up and we realize that the evening activities will be cancelled. Summer packs up all of the chairs, getting soaked. After Summer gets the chairs packed up, I hand her the two umbrellas I am holding and I go get the stroller and the Neat Sheet and bring it over to the "hut." Mom put Mihaela in the stroller and I draped the Neat Sheet over the top to form a protective barrier over the baby.
So, with Dad pulling the little cart that they had rigged together to put all the chairs in, the rain beating down on us, lighting streaking across the sky, thunder booming and the baby was screaming in the stroller I am pushing (with no umbrella), we headed back to the MetroLink station. On the way, the cart broke. Erin and I kept on going to the station. Mom, Dad, and Summer gathered the materials in the cart and met us under the overpass. So, Dad carrying four chairs, Mom carrying one chair and the cooler, Summer carrying the pieces of the rigged cart, Erin carrying the baby, and I carrying the collapsed stroller all piled onto the loading dock to await a train to take us home. Even though we were all sopping wet (except the baby who we had worked hard to keep dry) were happy just to be under protection.
The ball game was cancelled and the MetroLink stop that serves the stadium was prior to ours so the first train that appeared was stuffed full yet many people at our station pushed their way on. We waited. The second train that came was also full and there was no room for us and all of our junk so we waited. The third train came and there was room for us to stand, so we boarded and headed home. This time though, a gentleman saw Erin standing with the baby and offered her his seat.
We finally got home about 9:30. We were tired, hungry (Erin, Dad and I hadn't eaten because we were going to eat at the fair...but never got a chance), and drenched. Needless to say, this wasn't a great experience. However, we met some really nice people on the train rides to and from the Fair and on the loading docks. It is amazing how people will talk to you when you have a baby.
We have traveled to my parents house in Swansea, IL. We left early yesterday morning (around 7:30 AM) and got into Swansea at 5:15 PM. We only had to stop about every two hours for the baby, so we traveled pretty well.
For those of you unfamiliar with the area, there is a huge fair that St. Louis puts on every year at July 4th called the VIP Fair. The firework display on the fourth for the VIP fair is one of the largest in nation and gets recognition as one of the best. However, the fair goes on for several days prior to the fourth with fireworks, concerts, and other activities going on. On Friday night, Kenny Rogers (one of my Mom's favorite artist) was scheduled to appear. Mom and Summer (my sister) left for the fair Friday afternoon to stake-out some good seats.
When we arrived at home, we decided to go join them...not so much to hear Kenny Rogers, but to see the fireworks. So, my Dad (who had stayed home to wait for us), Erin, the baby and I left around 6:35 to go to the riverfront. We drove to the local MetroLink (a light-rail, public transportation system) to catch a ride to the Arch for the concert and fireworks. There was also a home Cardinals game being played at Busch Stadium, so the train was very crowded, standing-room only. So Dad (carrying two folding, "camping/lawn" chairs), Erin (carrying Mihaela) and I (carrying the stroller) loaded on. Not surprisingly, no one offered Erin their seat.
We finally make it to our stop and get off with about half the train. Those people going to the game have two more stops. We walk across the street and while we are in line waiting to get our bags checked, it begins to rain lightly. This is not a big problem since we have umbrellas. We walk on in and head off to find Summer and Mom.
We find the rest of our party and setup the chairs. In the distance, we see a few black clouds and start getting some more light rain. We don't really worry because we can see blue sky past the clouds. The light rain stops and I went and exchanged money for tickets (this is the "currency" for the fair) so that we can get something to eat. While I am at the Exchange booth, it starts to rain...not lightly this time...but heavy, very heavy. I run back to our seats and find everyone safely under umbrellas. The rain starts to beat down very heavily and the wind starts to blow the rain under the umbrellas. So, with Mom holding the baby, we surround her with three umbrellas forming a little "umbrella hut" to keep Mihaela dry.
The storm gives no signs of letting up and we realize that the evening activities will be cancelled. Summer packs up all of the chairs, getting soaked. After Summer gets the chairs packed up, I hand her the two umbrellas I am holding and I go get the stroller and the Neat Sheet and bring it over to the "hut." Mom put Mihaela in the stroller and I draped the Neat Sheet over the top to form a protective barrier over the baby.
So, with Dad pulling the little cart that they had rigged together to put all the chairs in, the rain beating down on us, lighting streaking across the sky, thunder booming and the baby was screaming in the stroller I am pushing (with no umbrella), we headed back to the MetroLink station. On the way, the cart broke. Erin and I kept on going to the station. Mom, Dad, and Summer gathered the materials in the cart and met us under the overpass. So, Dad carrying four chairs, Mom carrying one chair and the cooler, Summer carrying the pieces of the rigged cart, Erin carrying the baby, and I carrying the collapsed stroller all piled onto the loading dock to await a train to take us home. Even though we were all sopping wet (except the baby who we had worked hard to keep dry) were happy just to be under protection.
The ball game was cancelled and the MetroLink stop that serves the stadium was prior to ours so the first train that appeared was stuffed full yet many people at our station pushed their way on. We waited. The second train that came was also full and there was no room for us and all of our junk so we waited. The third train came and there was room for us to stand, so we boarded and headed home. This time though, a gentleman saw Erin standing with the baby and offered her his seat.
We finally got home about 9:30. We were tired, hungry (Erin, Dad and I hadn't eaten because we were going to eat at the fair...but never got a chance), and drenched. Needless to say, this wasn't a great experience. However, we met some really nice people on the train rides to and from the Fair and on the loading docks. It is amazing how people will talk to you when you have a baby.
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