McCain Letter Demanded 2006 Action on Fannie and Freddie - HUMAN EVENTS
You MUST read this letter and note the names signed at the bottom, and the absence of other names.
Facts and documents do matter. Hopefully the MSM will begin to pick up on this. We live in VERY serious times. We don't need Marxist street rabble-rouser as the next President.
The Best of Dr Dave's Weekly Radio Show
Monday, October 13, 2008
Sunday, October 12, 2008
The myth of Corporate taxation
Does increased corporate taxation really level the tax playing field?
One of the big issues in this Presidential election is taxation. It has been in every election in my lifetime. Depending on the economic conditions at the time, it's more of an issue than others. So it's a particularly hot issue now.
Many believe that tax policy can be ethically and effectively used to correct economic conditions and benefit certain segments of the economy or populace. Obviously if you tax one person more than another you benefit the lower taxed individual. If you give tax revenues to one person and not the other, then that person is benefited as well. You could potentially double the benefit by reducing or eliminating taxes AND using tax revenues for rebates or additional entitlements to certain segments of the population.
As important as correct Constitutional and ethical tax code implementation is, I'm not going to argue the appropriateness of those sorts of policies. I do want to analyze one particular tax policy that has gained in popularity as we approach this election. That is increased corporate taxes.
Many believe that increased Corporate taxation benefits the "people" and that Corporate tax breaks unfairly punish the "people" who don't get those breaks. At first blush that may appear to be true, but we must look a little deeper into the flow of income and expenses in business and an economy to accurately understand how corporate tax policy works.
Taxes first must be understood as a "cost". Whether it's fuel, steel, labor, or taxes any increase or decrease in the costs of creating a product generally results in an increase or decrease in the price of that product to the consumer. Occasionally the retail price doesn't directly correlate to the change in costs depending on other market conditions such as profit margin, competition or other factors. But generally it does.
Costs go up - prices go up. Costs go down - prices go down. Makes sense right? Who pays an increased price and who benefits from a reduced price? The "people"! So an increased corporate tax is a VERY poorly veiled increase in "tax" to the "people".
Turns out that a politician that is using a corporate tax hike proposal to try to persuade you to vote for him is either an utter fool, or thinks you are one.
So... which is it?
One of the big issues in this Presidential election is taxation. It has been in every election in my lifetime. Depending on the economic conditions at the time, it's more of an issue than others. So it's a particularly hot issue now.
Many believe that tax policy can be ethically and effectively used to correct economic conditions and benefit certain segments of the economy or populace. Obviously if you tax one person more than another you benefit the lower taxed individual. If you give tax revenues to one person and not the other, then that person is benefited as well. You could potentially double the benefit by reducing or eliminating taxes AND using tax revenues for rebates or additional entitlements to certain segments of the population.
As important as correct Constitutional and ethical tax code implementation is, I'm not going to argue the appropriateness of those sorts of policies. I do want to analyze one particular tax policy that has gained in popularity as we approach this election. That is increased corporate taxes.
Many believe that increased Corporate taxation benefits the "people" and that Corporate tax breaks unfairly punish the "people" who don't get those breaks. At first blush that may appear to be true, but we must look a little deeper into the flow of income and expenses in business and an economy to accurately understand how corporate tax policy works.
Taxes first must be understood as a "cost". Whether it's fuel, steel, labor, or taxes any increase or decrease in the costs of creating a product generally results in an increase or decrease in the price of that product to the consumer. Occasionally the retail price doesn't directly correlate to the change in costs depending on other market conditions such as profit margin, competition or other factors. But generally it does.
Costs go up - prices go up. Costs go down - prices go down. Makes sense right? Who pays an increased price and who benefits from a reduced price? The "people"! So an increased corporate tax is a VERY poorly veiled increase in "tax" to the "people".
Turns out that a politician that is using a corporate tax hike proposal to try to persuade you to vote for him is either an utter fool, or thinks you are one.
So... which is it?
The Great Depression II? There's still time to learn the lesson
Videos | Foundation for Economic Education
In my last post I asked you to learn a little about the great Depression. This is a great start, a speech by Amity Shlaes at a FEE event. She does a great job of disassembling the Marxist spin of FDR and the Depression.
Fee is a very important non-profit organization. They are all about Economic education, but I'd like to see them do a better job of educating the masses. I recommend a membership. We get enough every day folk and we can redirect their efforts to more grassroots economic education.
Economic education is one of THE most important weapons in fighting the propaganda war I also mentioned in my last post. The Libs/Socialists have skewed the scale so far to the left, and are so effective at class envy and manipulating "history" that until we correct the average Americans understanding of it, we don't have a lot of hope.
Here's to Amity Shlaes and hope...
In my last post I asked you to learn a little about the great Depression. This is a great start, a speech by Amity Shlaes at a FEE event. She does a great job of disassembling the Marxist spin of FDR and the Depression.
Fee is a very important non-profit organization. They are all about Economic education, but I'd like to see them do a better job of educating the masses. I recommend a membership. We get enough every day folk and we can redirect their efforts to more grassroots economic education.
Economic education is one of THE most important weapons in fighting the propaganda war I also mentioned in my last post. The Libs/Socialists have skewed the scale so far to the left, and are so effective at class envy and manipulating "history" that until we correct the average Americans understanding of it, we don't have a lot of hope.
Here's to Amity Shlaes and hope...
Thursday, October 09, 2008
Those critical of Obama's past miss the point
I am glad to see more attention being paid to Obama's past and his mentors and friends. You can tell a lot about a man by his friends.
But I think we miss an even more important problem with Ayers, Wright, Davis, Pflaeger et al. What are these guys doing running churches? Running Multi-Million dollar foundations? Teaching our children? Accepting tax dollars in payment for spreading their propaganda and their criminal deeds? Why are they not fired, ostrasized, imprisoned, defeated, destroyed? They have vowed to destroy me and my country! And remain unrepentant to this day!
Those of you still in childish infatuation with the sterilized, romanticized version of '60's activism are the problem. You make outlandish allowances in the name of some undefined higher purpose that absolves these people and others like them of any responsibility for their murderous, destructive, culture mutilating behaviour.
Many Americans have become aware of your well intentioned but fatal flaw. Not fatal to you personally, but to the health of our nation, our economy, our soldiers and our children. We have vowed to fight tooth and nail. The threat of being ostracized by the media won't keep us from our duty. The threat of violence and rioting should Obama loose will not keep us from our duty. We will do everything legal and moral in our power to defeat the '60's Marxist ideology you're trying to forcefeed us.
You see, we have learned from you that noise works. Unlike you we don't need to be violent, destructive or dishonest. Just unceasingly active in the propaganda war we find ourselves in. We no longer beleive that hard work, minding our own business and being as good a person as we know how is good enough. We have to stand up, say what's on our minds, let the press demean us, politicians marginalize us and Marxist revolutionaries take pot-shots at us and just keep coming.
You have taught us well. Thank you!
But I think we miss an even more important problem with Ayers, Wright, Davis, Pflaeger et al. What are these guys doing running churches? Running Multi-Million dollar foundations? Teaching our children? Accepting tax dollars in payment for spreading their propaganda and their criminal deeds? Why are they not fired, ostrasized, imprisoned, defeated, destroyed? They have vowed to destroy me and my country! And remain unrepentant to this day!
Those of you still in childish infatuation with the sterilized, romanticized version of '60's activism are the problem. You make outlandish allowances in the name of some undefined higher purpose that absolves these people and others like them of any responsibility for their murderous, destructive, culture mutilating behaviour.
Many Americans have become aware of your well intentioned but fatal flaw. Not fatal to you personally, but to the health of our nation, our economy, our soldiers and our children. We have vowed to fight tooth and nail. The threat of being ostracized by the media won't keep us from our duty. The threat of violence and rioting should Obama loose will not keep us from our duty. We will do everything legal and moral in our power to defeat the '60's Marxist ideology you're trying to forcefeed us.
You see, we have learned from you that noise works. Unlike you we don't need to be violent, destructive or dishonest. Just unceasingly active in the propaganda war we find ourselves in. We no longer beleive that hard work, minding our own business and being as good a person as we know how is good enough. We have to stand up, say what's on our minds, let the press demean us, politicians marginalize us and Marxist revolutionaries take pot-shots at us and just keep coming.
You have taught us well. Thank you!
"Oversight" is the answer! Yeah right...
Everyone is talking about "oversight" being necessary in every aspect of financial markets, real estate, Wall Street, etc. I want to know who is going to provide oversight of our Government, politicians and Press. If there is anything we've learned from this situation it's that no one can be trusted in that role. No one!
It is tempting to lament that reality, and fantasize about the good old days, but I'm not sure that it has ever been the proper role of Government, bureaucrats, politicians or pseudo-governmental agencies to oversee the free market.
Tort law exists to allow those have been wronged in contractual business to remedy that wrong. The courts are one of the primary responsibilities of Government, along with the Legislative role to create the common sense protective legislation that make up tort law. My experience is that any Government has it's hands full with those responsibilities. Additional regulatory responsibilities only introduce more political manipulations, distortions, and corruption. Regardless who is in power. The problem is not necessarily political party, but the nature of humanity.
The illusion of effective Governmental oversight actually exacerbates the problem, because those who would be protected assume they are, become less attentive and diligent, and are victimized twice. Once by those originally exploitative and then again by those in the protective position unable to honestly, effectively prevent that exploitation.
I am not an anarchist. I am not recommending the abolition of law enforcement, either. I believe we have become, whiny, risk averse, gullible and irresponsible and want the nanny state to make everything positive, risk-proof, safe and profitable. It isn't going to happen. Not on this Earth.
Some of the best organizations to provide consumer guidance, information and protection are organizations like the BBB, Underwriters Laboratory and Consumer Union. They are not perfect either, but do a much better job of providing accurate, non-political and fair information. They happen to be private organizations. No coincidence in my opinion.
Let's grow up, pay attention, take care of ourselves and tell the bureaucrats, politicians and media to take a hike. They are ALL to blame for our current economic and political crisis. Of course, no more than we are by allowing it to happen.
It is tempting to lament that reality, and fantasize about the good old days, but I'm not sure that it has ever been the proper role of Government, bureaucrats, politicians or pseudo-governmental agencies to oversee the free market.
Tort law exists to allow those have been wronged in contractual business to remedy that wrong. The courts are one of the primary responsibilities of Government, along with the Legislative role to create the common sense protective legislation that make up tort law. My experience is that any Government has it's hands full with those responsibilities. Additional regulatory responsibilities only introduce more political manipulations, distortions, and corruption. Regardless who is in power. The problem is not necessarily political party, but the nature of humanity.
The illusion of effective Governmental oversight actually exacerbates the problem, because those who would be protected assume they are, become less attentive and diligent, and are victimized twice. Once by those originally exploitative and then again by those in the protective position unable to honestly, effectively prevent that exploitation.
I am not an anarchist. I am not recommending the abolition of law enforcement, either. I believe we have become, whiny, risk averse, gullible and irresponsible and want the nanny state to make everything positive, risk-proof, safe and profitable. It isn't going to happen. Not on this Earth.
Some of the best organizations to provide consumer guidance, information and protection are organizations like the BBB, Underwriters Laboratory and Consumer Union. They are not perfect either, but do a much better job of providing accurate, non-political and fair information. They happen to be private organizations. No coincidence in my opinion.
Let's grow up, pay attention, take care of ourselves and tell the bureaucrats, politicians and media to take a hike. They are ALL to blame for our current economic and political crisis. Of course, no more than we are by allowing it to happen.
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
So this is what "Community Organizer" means
Inside Obama’s Acorn by Stanley Kurtz on National Review Online
This is a very informative article. Level headed and open ended. The article just scratches the surface and asks a few important questions. The Acorn connection may be more important than the Ayers and Wright connections. Why the mainstream media won't do their due diligence is shocking.
'60's Marxist ideology cleaned up to be more palatable, with all the destructive results. So now we know what "change" means. This is a must read!
This is a very informative article. Level headed and open ended. The article just scratches the surface and asks a few important questions. The Acorn connection may be more important than the Ayers and Wright connections. Why the mainstream media won't do their due diligence is shocking.
'60's Marxist ideology cleaned up to be more palatable, with all the destructive results. So now we know what "change" means. This is a must read!
Monday, October 06, 2008
Old Story, Once Ignored, Predicted Our Current Democrat Caused Crisis
The New York Times > Business > Chief Is Ousted at Fannie Mae Under Pressure
Barney Frank, Chris Dodd, Barry Obama and other Democrats are presenting the idea that the Bush administration is responsible for the current economic crisis very effectively with the help of the media arm of the DNC (the Main Stream Media). I've known for a long time just how dishonest politicians can be, but their current hubris is breathtaking. They are truly audacious in their dishonesty!
The level of willful ignorance on the part of many Americans enamored with Barry Obama risks a depression and global political instability that will be historic. I have felt for some time that we are living in times very similar to those prior to WWII. While the time scale is stretched, it is eerily similar. I never expected it could continue to get worse with the possibility of an economic depression.
Those who believe that it's all the Republicans fault will have no safety from the horrible effects of Democratic economic and military policy. Your willful ignorance will not protect you. The Media's lopsided reports will make you feel better, just as they do now, but the facts will not change. We may have to have a 3rd World War to get over it. I'm sure if that were to happen the Republicans would be responsible for that as well. What an incredible shame.
Please take the time to look into FDR's policies during the Great Depression. You will find that most of Europe recovered from the crash of 1929 in about 3 years. FDR lengthened the Depression by 15 years and the American stock market didn't truly recover until 1954!
Look into the recent history of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. It is a litany of liberal socialist policies proven wrong by Democratic insiders that ran them, and the Democratic Congressional overseers insisting in implementing risky lending practices. The mainstream media continues to ignore it.
It is painful, but have the courage to learn the facts as they are, not as we are fed by an equally corrupt media and educational system (also coincidentally run by Unions and Democrats). In the long run it will do your heart good, and you may contribute to the avoidance of the greatest global catastrophe in about 80 years.
Barney Frank, Chris Dodd, Barry Obama and other Democrats are presenting the idea that the Bush administration is responsible for the current economic crisis very effectively with the help of the media arm of the DNC (the Main Stream Media). I've known for a long time just how dishonest politicians can be, but their current hubris is breathtaking. They are truly audacious in their dishonesty!
The level of willful ignorance on the part of many Americans enamored with Barry Obama risks a depression and global political instability that will be historic. I have felt for some time that we are living in times very similar to those prior to WWII. While the time scale is stretched, it is eerily similar. I never expected it could continue to get worse with the possibility of an economic depression.
Those who believe that it's all the Republicans fault will have no safety from the horrible effects of Democratic economic and military policy. Your willful ignorance will not protect you. The Media's lopsided reports will make you feel better, just as they do now, but the facts will not change. We may have to have a 3rd World War to get over it. I'm sure if that were to happen the Republicans would be responsible for that as well. What an incredible shame.
Please take the time to look into FDR's policies during the Great Depression. You will find that most of Europe recovered from the crash of 1929 in about 3 years. FDR lengthened the Depression by 15 years and the American stock market didn't truly recover until 1954!
Look into the recent history of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. It is a litany of liberal socialist policies proven wrong by Democratic insiders that ran them, and the Democratic Congressional overseers insisting in implementing risky lending practices. The mainstream media continues to ignore it.
It is painful, but have the courage to learn the facts as they are, not as we are fed by an equally corrupt media and educational system (also coincidentally run by Unions and Democrats). In the long run it will do your heart good, and you may contribute to the avoidance of the greatest global catastrophe in about 80 years.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Obama's Economic Advisors Destroy Mortagage Institutions and Profit
FOXNews.com - Barack Obama's Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac Connection - John Gibson Radio
I had heard some time ago that a couple of high ranking Obama economic advisors were former recent managers at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. I was unable to find out names until I read this article by John Gibson. I hear that Jamie Gorelick was involved too, even after her involvement in the 9/11 Commision investigating and clearing herself. She and the rest of the commission covered up her creating a wall against communication between those agencies charged with investigating and protecting us from terror.
Ironic that for years the Libs and mainstream media have been pounding on Rumsfeld, Cheney and others over imagined Halliburton and oil company ties, all the while the real snakes in the grass were Libs and DNC operatives and had infested FreddieMac and Fannie Mae. Really underscores the incestuous nature of liberal politics, corrupt corporate finance, buruecratic incompetence and media bias.
So much for reforming the culture of corruption. All I can do is encourage us all to let 'em have it. Don't vote for them, and clog the email servers and phone exchanges letting them know just how fed up we are!
I had heard some time ago that a couple of high ranking Obama economic advisors were former recent managers at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. I was unable to find out names until I read this article by John Gibson. I hear that Jamie Gorelick was involved too, even after her involvement in the 9/11 Commision investigating and clearing herself. She and the rest of the commission covered up her creating a wall against communication between those agencies charged with investigating and protecting us from terror.
Ironic that for years the Libs and mainstream media have been pounding on Rumsfeld, Cheney and others over imagined Halliburton and oil company ties, all the while the real snakes in the grass were Libs and DNC operatives and had infested FreddieMac and Fannie Mae. Really underscores the incestuous nature of liberal politics, corrupt corporate finance, buruecratic incompetence and media bias.
So much for reforming the culture of corruption. All I can do is encourage us all to let 'em have it. Don't vote for them, and clog the email servers and phone exchanges letting them know just how fed up we are!
Tennesse Democrat's Son Subject of Palin Email Hack Investigation
Kernell mum on allegations son hacked into Palin’s e-mail : Election News : Knoxville News Sentinel
A Tennessee state rep's son may be involved in the hack of Sarah Palin's email, and I am ecstatic! I don't know for sure that this is the case, as officials will not provide details, and the facts are not fully available. But we do know that the Feds are looking into this guy at the request of the FBI's office in Alaska.
While the hacking of her account, and the ramifications on our political system are devastating; the facts seeing the light of day is historic. Even if that process is an incremental one. There is tremendous political influence being exerted by the behavior of the opposing sides, and many voters are revisiting their political loyalties based on the outrageous behavior of those mostly on the left. It's why I can no longer be a Democrat.
Keep it up guys, we won't be able to win this election without you. Your rabid, unethical, dishonest and illegal ploys have entrapped you. You are betraying yourselves in your evil exuberance. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
A Tennessee state rep's son may be involved in the hack of Sarah Palin's email, and I am ecstatic! I don't know for sure that this is the case, as officials will not provide details, and the facts are not fully available. But we do know that the Feds are looking into this guy at the request of the FBI's office in Alaska.
While the hacking of her account, and the ramifications on our political system are devastating; the facts seeing the light of day is historic. Even if that process is an incremental one. There is tremendous political influence being exerted by the behavior of the opposing sides, and many voters are revisiting their political loyalties based on the outrageous behavior of those mostly on the left. It's why I can no longer be a Democrat.
Keep it up guys, we won't be able to win this election without you. Your rabid, unethical, dishonest and illegal ploys have entrapped you. You are betraying yourselves in your evil exuberance. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Slate's Foolish Genius
The numbers don't lie: Democrats are better for the economy than Republicans. - By Michael Kinsley - Slate Magazine
I have commented on articles like this before. The Democrats completely disassemble the CIA in the '70's and it's GW's fault our intelligence is bad. They decimate the American Armed Forces in the '90's as the result of Reagan defeat of the Soviet Union in an immature, fantasy program called the "peace dividend"; and it's Bush's fault we don't have an effective military when we need it. Bush is slammed for an imbalanced budget in large part caused by the need to rebuild it and Rumsfeld was evil incarnate for telling the truth about "going to war with the Army we have".
Here we have a fella Michael Kinsley that actually believes the trick is to get Democrats in office like Jimmy Carter. The fact that it took almost one full term of the Reagan presidency to get things turned around economically is ignored. Admittedly Carter suffered, as did Ford by the incredibly misguided socialist policies of the Nixon administration, but he just floundered in navel-gazing weakness and uncertainty.
The fact that we are now having such trouble in the mortgage/insurance/financial segment of the economy directly relates to legislation that was approved by Congress and signed into law by Clinton in 1999. The immature perception that those kinds of mistakes reveal themselves instantly is complete flummery.
President Bush is making decisions now that we will reap the results of sometimes in the next 5 years. Unfortunately the Democrats will probably win the election, take responsibility for the brilliance and enact all the stuff necessary to destroy the progress and set the table for blame of the next Republican Administration.
The politicians on both sides of the isle need to take responsibility for the enormous pressure that resulted in a massive informal program to lend money to people that couldn't pay it back. When attacked and threatened for allegedly redlining (racist loan practices), they got the message. Who wants t0 be dragged before Congress to testify, to get pilloried in the media by those who have no clue about real life and no interest in the truth. Loans were made in areas that couldn't support them with property value, to people who couldn't support them by repaying, and as always, the taxpayers are left holding the bag. The Republicans are demonized for allowing it to happen, and the Liberal Congress just goes right along never accepting responsibility or ever being questioned.
We need to haul Congress up before a committee of of the people and have their incredibly dishonest, irresponsible politics exposed. I know Rangle and Shumer are beginning to feel some heat, but we need to go for their throats. I have had enough! Haven't you?
I have commented on articles like this before. The Democrats completely disassemble the CIA in the '70's and it's GW's fault our intelligence is bad. They decimate the American Armed Forces in the '90's as the result of Reagan defeat of the Soviet Union in an immature, fantasy program called the "peace dividend"; and it's Bush's fault we don't have an effective military when we need it. Bush is slammed for an imbalanced budget in large part caused by the need to rebuild it and Rumsfeld was evil incarnate for telling the truth about "going to war with the Army we have".
Here we have a fella Michael Kinsley that actually believes the trick is to get Democrats in office like Jimmy Carter. The fact that it took almost one full term of the Reagan presidency to get things turned around economically is ignored. Admittedly Carter suffered, as did Ford by the incredibly misguided socialist policies of the Nixon administration, but he just floundered in navel-gazing weakness and uncertainty.
The fact that we are now having such trouble in the mortgage/insurance/financial segment of the economy directly relates to legislation that was approved by Congress and signed into law by Clinton in 1999. The immature perception that those kinds of mistakes reveal themselves instantly is complete flummery.
President Bush is making decisions now that we will reap the results of sometimes in the next 5 years. Unfortunately the Democrats will probably win the election, take responsibility for the brilliance and enact all the stuff necessary to destroy the progress and set the table for blame of the next Republican Administration.
The politicians on both sides of the isle need to take responsibility for the enormous pressure that resulted in a massive informal program to lend money to people that couldn't pay it back. When attacked and threatened for allegedly redlining (racist loan practices), they got the message. Who wants t0 be dragged before Congress to testify, to get pilloried in the media by those who have no clue about real life and no interest in the truth. Loans were made in areas that couldn't support them with property value, to people who couldn't support them by repaying, and as always, the taxpayers are left holding the bag. The Republicans are demonized for allowing it to happen, and the Liberal Congress just goes right along never accepting responsibility or ever being questioned.
We need to haul Congress up before a committee of of the people and have their incredibly dishonest, irresponsible politics exposed. I know Rangle and Shumer are beginning to feel some heat, but we need to go for their throats. I have had enough! Haven't you?
Friday, September 12, 2008
The Gibson Guide to the Bush Doctrine
Bush Doctrine - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
I thought Gibson's unwillingness to put his question to Sarah Palin about the Bush doctrine in context was clearly an attempt at "gottcha" journalism (my apologies to all you real journalist out there). It's backfiring, so we will see more hysterical behavior from the PR branches of the DNC (MSNBC, ABC, CBS, et al) as they continue to flail and sink in there own propagandist quicksand.
This article on Wikipedia, while obviously not authoritative, it makes clear, just how UNclear the term is. Very good references too. Shame on you MR. Gibson.
I thought Gibson's unwillingness to put his question to Sarah Palin about the Bush doctrine in context was clearly an attempt at "gottcha" journalism (my apologies to all you real journalist out there). It's backfiring, so we will see more hysterical behavior from the PR branches of the DNC (MSNBC, ABC, CBS, et al) as they continue to flail and sink in there own propagandist quicksand.
This article on Wikipedia, while obviously not authoritative, it makes clear, just how UNclear the term is. Very good references too. Shame on you MR. Gibson.
The Truth about the Gibson/Palin Interview on ABC
Here they go again! Check out Charlie Gibson's UNEDITED interview with Sarah Palin on Sept 11, 2008. I'm not even going to comment, just take a little time to read this, then tell me how it changes your impression...
NOTE: The bolded and underlined portions were edited out of the broadcast by ABC.
GIBSON: Governor, let me start by asking you a question that I asked John McCain about you, and it is really the central question. Can you look the country in the eye and say “I have the experience and I have the ability to be not just vice president, but perhaps president of the United States of America?”
PALIN: I do, Charlie, and on January 20, when John McCain and I are sworn in, if we are so privileged to be elected to serve this country, will be ready. I’m ready.
GIBSON: And you didn’t say to yourself, “Am I experienced enough? Am I ready? Do I know enough about international affairs? Do I — will I feel comfortable enough on the national stage to do this?”
PALIN: I didn’t hesitate, no.
GIBSON: Didn’t that take some hubris?
PALIN: I — I answered him yes because I have the confidence in that readiness and knowing that you can’t blink, you have to be wired in a way of being so committed to the mission, the mission that we’re on, reform of this country and victory in the war, you can’t blink.
So I didn’t blink then even when asked to run as his running mate.
GIBSON: But this is not just reforming a government. This is also running a government on the huge international stage in a very dangerous world. When I asked John McCain about your national security credentials, he cited the fact that you have commanded the Alaskan National Guard and that Alaska is close to Russia. Are those sufficient credentials?
PALIN: But it is about reform of government and it’s about putting government back on the side of the people, and that has much to do with foreign policy and national security issues Let me speak specifically about a credential that I do bring to this table, Charlie, and that’s with the energy independence that I’ve been working on for these years as the governor of this state that produces nearly 20 percent of the U.S. domestic supply of energy, that I worked on as chairman of the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, overseeing the oil and gas development in our state to produce more for the United States.
GIBSON: I know. I’m just saying that national security is a whole lot more than energy.
PALIN: It is, but I want you to not lose sight of the fact that energy is a foundation of national security. It’s that important. It’s that significant.
GIBSON: Did you ever travel outside the country prior to your trip to Kuwait and Germany last year?
PALIN: Canada, Mexico, and then, yes, that trip, that was the trip of a lifetime to visit our troops in Kuwait and stop and visit our injured soldiers in Germany. That was the trip of a lifetime and it changed my life.
GIBSON: Have you ever met a foreign head of state?
PALIN: There in the state of Alaska, our international trade activities bring in many leaders of other countries.
GIBSON: And all governors deal with trade delegations.
PALIN: Right.
GIBSON: Who act at the behest of their governments.
PALIN: Right, right.
GIBSON: I’m talking about somebody who’s a head of state, who can negotiate for that country. Ever met one?
PALIN: I have not and I think if you go back in history and if you ask that question of many vice presidents, they may have the same answer that I just gave you. But, Charlie, again, we’ve got to remember what the desire is in this nation at this time. It is for no more politics as usual and somebody’s big, fat resume maybe that shows decades and decades in that Washington establishment, where, yes, they’ve had opportunities to meet heads of state … these last couple of weeks … it has been overwhelming to me that confirmation of the message that Americans are getting sick and tired of that self-dealing and kind of that closed door, good old boy network that has been the Washington elite.
GIBSON: Let me ask you about some specific national security situations.
PALIN: Sure.
GIBSON: Let’s start, because we are near Russia, let’s start with Russia and Georgia.
The administration has said we’ve got to maintain the territorial integrity of Georgia. Do you believe the United States should try to restore Georgian sovereignty over South Ossetia and Abkhazia?
PALIN: First off, we’re going to continue good relations with Saakashvili there. I was able to speak with him the other day and giving him my commitment, as John McCain’s running mate, that we will be committed to Georgia. And we’ve got to keep an eye on Russia. For Russia to have exerted such pressure in terms of invading a smaller democratic country, unprovoked, is unacceptable and we have to keep…
GIBSON: You believe unprovoked.
PALIN: I do believe unprovoked and we have got to keep our eyes on Russia, under the leadership there. I think it was unfortunate. That manifestation that we saw with that invasion of Georgia shows us some steps backwards that Russia has recently taken away from the race toward a more democratic nation with democratic ideals. That’s why we have to keep an eye on Russia.
And, Charlie, you’re in Alaska. We have that very narrow maritime border between the United States, and the 49th state, Alaska, and Russia. They are our next door neighbors.We need to have a good relationship with them. They’re very, very important to us and they are our next door neighbor.
GIBSON: What insight into Russian actions, particularly in the last couple of weeks, does the proximity of the state give you?
PALIN: They’re our next door neighbors and you can actually see Russia from land here in Alaska, from an island in Alaska.
GIBSON: What insight does that give you into what they’re doing in Georgia?
PALIN: Well, I’m giving you that perspective of how small our world is and how important it is that we work with our allies to keep good relation with all of these countries, especially Russia. We will not repeat a Cold War. We must have good relationship with our allies, pressuring, also, helping us to remind Russia that it’s in their benefit, also, a mutually beneficial relationship for us all to be getting along.
Sarah Palin on Russia:
We cannot repeat the Cold War. We are thankful that, under Reagan, we won the Cold War, without a shot fired, also. We’ve learned lessons from that in our relationship with Russia, previously the Soviet Union.
We will not repeat a Cold War. We must have good relationship with our allies, pressuring, also, helping us to remind Russia that it’s in their benefit, also, a mutually beneficial relationship for us all to be getting along.
GIBSON: Would you favor putting Georgia and Ukraine in NATO?
PALIN: Ukraine, definitely, yes. Yes, and Georgia.
GIBSON: Because Putin has said he would not tolerate NATO incursion into the Caucasus.
PALIN: Well, you know, the Rose Revolution, the Orange Revolution, those actions have showed us that those democratic nations, I believe, deserve to be in NATO.
Putin thinks otherwise. Obviously, he thinks otherwise, but…
GIBSON: And under the NATO treaty, wouldn’t we then have to go to war if Russia went into Georgia?
PALIN: Perhaps so. I mean, that is the agreement when you are a NATO ally, is if another country is attacked, you’re going to be expected to be called upon and help.
But NATO, I think, should include Ukraine, definitely, at this point and I think that we need to — especially with new leadership coming in on January 20, being sworn on, on either ticket, we have got to make sure that we strengthen our allies, our ties with each one of those NATO members.
We have got to make sure that that is the group that can be counted upon to defend one another in a very dangerous world today.
GIBSON: And you think it would be worth it to the United States, Georgia is worth it to the United States to go to war if Russia were to invade.
PALIN: What I think is that smaller democratic countries that are invaded by a larger power is something for us to be vigilant against. We have got to be cognizant of what the consequences are if a larger power is able to take over smaller democratic countries.
And we have got to be vigilant. We have got to show the support, in this case, for Georgia. The support that we can show is economic sanctions perhaps against Russia, if this is what it leads to.
It doesn’t have to lead to war and it doesn’t have to lead, as I said, to a Cold War, but economic sanctions, diplomatic pressure, again, counting on our allies to help us do that in this mission of keeping our eye on Russia and Putin and some of his desire to control and to control much more than smaller democratic countries.
His mission, if it is to control energy supplies, also, coming from and through Russia, that’s a dangerous position for our world to be in, if we were to allow that to happen.
Sarah Palin on Iran and Israel:
GIBSON: Let me turn to Iran. Do you consider a nuclear Iran to be an existential threat to Israel?
PALIN: I believe that under the leadership of Ahmadinejad, nuclear weapons in the hands of his government are extremely dangerous to everyone on this globe, yes.
GIBSON: So what should we do about a nuclear Iran? John McCain said the only thing worse than a war with Iran would be a nuclear Iran. John Abizaid said we may have to live with a nuclear Iran. Who’s right?
PALIN: No, no. I agree with John McCain that nuclear weapons in the hands of those who would seek to destroy our allies, in this case, we’re talking about Israel, we’re talking about Ahmadinejad’s comment about Israel being the “stinking corpse, should be wiped off the face of the earth,” that’s atrocious. That’s unacceptable.
GIBSON: So what do you do about a nuclear Iran?
PALIN: We have got to make sure that these weapons of mass destruction, that nuclear weapons are not given to those hands of Ahmadinejad, not that he would use them, but that he would allow terrorists to be able to use them. So we have got to put the pressure on Iran and we have got to count on our allies to help us, diplomatic pressure.
GIBSON: But, Governor, we’ve threatened greater sanctions against Iran for a long time. It hasn’t done any good. It hasn’t stemmed their nuclear program.
PALIN: We need to pursue those and we need to implement those. We cannot back off. We cannot just concede that, oh, gee, maybe they’re going to have nuclear weapons, what can we do about it. No way, not Americans. We do not have to stand for that.
GIBSON: What if Israel decided it felt threatened and needed to take out the Iranian nuclear facilities?
PALIN: Well, first, we are friends with Israel and I don’t think that we should second guess the measures that Israel has to take to defend themselves and for their security.
GIBSON: So if we wouldn’t second guess it and they decided they needed to do it because Iran was an existential threat, we would cooperative or agree with that.
PALIN: I don’t think we can second guess what Israel has to do to secure its nation.
GIBSON: So if it felt necessary, if it felt the need to defend itself by taking out Iranian nuclear facilities, that would be all right.
PALIN: We cannot second guess the steps that Israel has to take to defend itself.
GIBSON: We talk on the anniversary of 9/11. Why do you think those hijackers attacked? Why did they want to hurt us?
PALIN: You know, there is a very small percentage of Islamic believers who are extreme and they are violent and they do not believe in American ideals, and they attacked us and now we are at a point here seven years later, on the anniversary, in this post-9/11 world, where we’re able to commit to never again. They see that the only option for them is to become a suicide bomber, to get caught up in this evil, in this terror. They need to be provided the hope that all Americans have instilled in us, because we’re a democratic, we are a free, and we are a free-thinking society.
GIBSON: Do you agree with the Bush doctrine?
PALIN: In what respect, Charlie?
GIBSON: The Bush — well, what do you — what do you interpret it to be?
PALIN: His world view.
GIBSON: No, the Bush doctrine, enunciated September 2002, before the Iraq war.
PALIN: I believe that what President Bush has attempted to do is rid this world of Islamic extremism, terrorists who are hell bent on destroying our nation. There have been blunders along the way, though. There have been mistakes made. And with new leadership, and that’s the beauty of American elections, of course, and democracy, is with new leadership comes opportunity to do things better.
GIBSON: The Bush doctrine, as I understand it, is that we have the right of anticipatory self-defense, that we have the right to a preemptive strike against any other country that we think is going to attack us. Do you agree with that?
PALIN: I agree that a president’s job, when they swear in their oath to uphold our Constitution, their top priority is to defend the United States of America.
I know that John McCain will do that and I, as his vice president, families we are blessed with that vote of the American people and are elected to serve and are sworn in on January 20, that will be our top priority is to defend the American people.
GIBSON: Do we have a right to anticipatory self-defense? Do we have a right to make a preemptive strike again another country if we feel that country might strike us?
PALIN: Charlie, if there is legitimate and enough intelligence that tells us that a strike is imminent against American people, we have every right to defend our country. In fact, the president has the obligation, the duty to defend.
GIBSON: Do we have the right to be making cross-border attacks into Pakistan from Afghanistan, with or without the approval of the Pakistani government?
PALIN: Now, as for our right to invade, we’re going to work with these countries, building new relationships, working with existing allies, but forging new, also, in order to, Charlie, get to a point in this world where war is not going to be a first option. In fact, war has got to be, a military strike, a last option.
GIBSON: But, Governor, I’m asking you: We have the right, in your mind, to go across the border with or without the approval of the Pakistani government.
PALIN: In order to stop Islamic extremists, those terrorists who would seek to destroy America and our allies, we must do whatever it takes and we must not blink, Charlie, in making those tough decisions of where we go and even who we target.
GIBSON: And let me finish with this. I got lost in a blizzard of words there. Is that a yes? That you think we have the right to go across the border with or without the approval of the Pakistani government, to go after terrorists who are in the Waziristan area?
PALIN: I believe that America has to exercise all options in order to stop the terrorists who are hell bent on destroying America and our allies. We have got to have all options out there on the table.
Sarah Palin on God:
GIBSON: You said recently, in your old church, “Our national leaders are sending U.S. soldiers on a task that is from God.” Are we fighting a holy war?
PALIN: You know, I don’t know if that was my exact quote.
GIBSON: Exact words.
PALIN: But the reference there is a repeat of Abraham Lincoln’s words when he said — first, he suggested never presume to know what God’s will is, and I would never presume to know God’s will or to speak God’s words.
But what Abraham Lincoln had said, and that’s a repeat in my comments, was let us not pray that God is on our side in a war or any other time, but let us pray that we are on God’s side.
That’s what that comment was all about, Charlie. And I do believe, though, that this war against extreme Islamic terrorists is the right thing. It’s an unfortunate thing, because war is hell and I hate war, and, Charlie, today is the day that I send my first born, my son, my teenage son overseas with his Stryker brigade, 4,000 other wonderful American men and women, to fight for our country, for democracy, for our freedoms.
Charlie, those are freedoms that too many of us just take for granted. I hate war and I want to see war ended. We end war when we see victory, and we do see victory in sight in Iraq.
GIBSON: I take your point about Lincoln’s words, but you went on and said, “There is a plan and it is God’s plan.”
PALIN: I believe that there is a plan for this world and that plan for this world is for good. I believe that there is great hope and great potential for every country to be able to live and be protected with inalienable rights that I believe are God-given, Charlie, and I believe that those are the rights to life and liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
That, in my world view, is a grand — the grand plan.
GIBSON: But then are you sending your son on a task that is from God?
PALIN: I don’t know if the task is from God, Charlie. What I know is that my son has made a decision. I am so proud of his independent and strong decision he has made, what he decided to do and serving for the right reasons and serving something greater than himself and not choosing a real easy path where he could be more comfortable and certainly safer.
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
The Evil Empire? It's not dead yet...
Russia and the New Axis of Evil - WSJ.com
This is a follow up to my prior post about the reemergence (if it was ever really gone) of Socialism and Marxist leaders in various country's consolidating power and forming alliances. All that is required is an irrational hatred of the US and the freedom it represents, and an evil, destructive Marxist leader. This Wall street Journal Article is a must read.
The return of Cold War type proxy wars are likely in the coming years. Cold War II: Marxist totalitarian anti-Americanism combined with the even less rational zest for destruction of Islamo-fascism. What an incredibly destructive combination.
I do not envy the next President's responsibilities. The stakes are incredible.
This is a follow up to my prior post about the reemergence (if it was ever really gone) of Socialism and Marxist leaders in various country's consolidating power and forming alliances. All that is required is an irrational hatred of the US and the freedom it represents, and an evil, destructive Marxist leader. This Wall street Journal Article is a must read.
The return of Cold War type proxy wars are likely in the coming years. Cold War II: Marxist totalitarian anti-Americanism combined with the even less rational zest for destruction of Islamo-fascism. What an incredibly destructive combination.
I do not envy the next President's responsibilities. The stakes are incredible.
Marxists worldwide gaining strength and courage
South American Leftists Expand Anti-American Sphere
Nearly 2 decades after the fall of the Soviet Union and little more than 4 years after the death of it's primary adversary, aggressive Marxism is again on the march.
Just weeks ago we watched as Russia invaded Georgia and have yet to withdraw (in violation of its' own agreement to do so weeks ago). Now we have this tale of Latin American leaders inevitable enchantment with Marxist totalitarianism and their obligatory alliance with evil regimes throughout the world.
I wonder how often we have to fight this same battle against evil? Why are we blind to it's allure until the threat is so large our options are few? It's like we are stuck in a historical Tivo replay loop.
We must educate our children to the facts. Socialism, Marxism, Communism, are all evil governmental structures that result in dictatorships, slavery and mass murder. Of course, we are doing exactly the opposite. In a decades long hangover from the '60's, we indoctrinate our youth in the repressive nature of our evil capitalist system, and its natural cure, socialism. University faculty and administration all over this country are rife with extreme Marxist's that pump our children full of this revolutionary tripe. Our children are easy victims. After all, if it weren't true, we wouldn't continue to send our kids to these re-education camps, would we?
The sad irony of course, is they march defiantly into their own poverty, dependancy and even slavery at the feet of the elite that prod them to defy the "repressive authority" of family, faith, independence and prosperity.
Fortunately we are no longer the victims of the culturally corrupt and propagandist media. With talk radio, the Internet (primarily bloggers), and Fox News we have alternative sources of accurate reporting. While still no match for the traditional media, we are eroding their power. This article is proof of it.
We need to remain strong and unflinching in confronting this "historical loop of evil". We have Reagan's proof that it works, and can make the Marxists deal with America's inevitably victorious "historical loop of freedom".
Nearly 2 decades after the fall of the Soviet Union and little more than 4 years after the death of it's primary adversary, aggressive Marxism is again on the march.
Just weeks ago we watched as Russia invaded Georgia and have yet to withdraw (in violation of its' own agreement to do so weeks ago). Now we have this tale of Latin American leaders inevitable enchantment with Marxist totalitarianism and their obligatory alliance with evil regimes throughout the world.
I wonder how often we have to fight this same battle against evil? Why are we blind to it's allure until the threat is so large our options are few? It's like we are stuck in a historical Tivo replay loop.
We must educate our children to the facts. Socialism, Marxism, Communism, are all evil governmental structures that result in dictatorships, slavery and mass murder. Of course, we are doing exactly the opposite. In a decades long hangover from the '60's, we indoctrinate our youth in the repressive nature of our evil capitalist system, and its natural cure, socialism. University faculty and administration all over this country are rife with extreme Marxist's that pump our children full of this revolutionary tripe. Our children are easy victims. After all, if it weren't true, we wouldn't continue to send our kids to these re-education camps, would we?
The sad irony of course, is they march defiantly into their own poverty, dependancy and even slavery at the feet of the elite that prod them to defy the "repressive authority" of family, faith, independence and prosperity.
Fortunately we are no longer the victims of the culturally corrupt and propagandist media. With talk radio, the Internet (primarily bloggers), and Fox News we have alternative sources of accurate reporting. While still no match for the traditional media, we are eroding their power. This article is proof of it.
We need to remain strong and unflinching in confronting this "historical loop of evil". We have Reagan's proof that it works, and can make the Marxists deal with America's inevitably victorious "historical loop of freedom".
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Russian Cyber Attacks Shut Down Georgian Websites - Security - IT Channel News by CRN and VARBusiness
Anti-Liberty Cyberwar or Coincidental Hack Attack?
It's difficult to be sure, but it appears that Russia has attacked Georgia's Internet system to prevent information about it's analog attack to flow out of that country. The timing is right, and the manner of the attack suggest that it is a coordinated professional effort that was either directly instituted by the Russian government, or at least encouraged and coordinated by it.
This is a historic event in Internet history that underscores what we all learned on 9/11. This world contains evil people that will use whatever resources are necessary to further their evil, and that we (the presumably non-evil) must be prepared to recognize that and vigorously fight it. It's not just about adware, porn and viruses anymore...
Dr Dave
It's difficult to be sure, but it appears that Russia has attacked Georgia's Internet system to prevent information about it's analog attack to flow out of that country. The timing is right, and the manner of the attack suggest that it is a coordinated professional effort that was either directly instituted by the Russian government, or at least encouraged and coordinated by it.
This is a historic event in Internet history that underscores what we all learned on 9/11. This world contains evil people that will use whatever resources are necessary to further their evil, and that we (the presumably non-evil) must be prepared to recognize that and vigorously fight it. It's not just about adware, porn and viruses anymore...
Dr Dave
Monday, August 11, 2008
Nancy Pelosi Invests In Energy Scheme and Water Grab By T. Boone Pickens : #dontgo Movement
"Cheney like" evil evidenced by Pelosi
I don't know much about the plan by T. Boone Pickens and the wind power he's advertising, but the fact that Pelosi has invested in it, and then refuses to allow a vote on drilling, makes a great case for a conflict of interest. It will be interesting to see how the mainstream media pick up on this little fact.
Dick Cheney has been vilified as the poster boy for corporate corruption and government greed by the lefties for years. Although he divested all investments and resigned all boards and management positions PRIOR to running for VP. I wonder if Ms. Pelosi will be pressured to do the same. Somehow my experience tells me NOT!
I won' be able to remain ignorant of Pickens' plans and the details of Pelosi's involvement. It's one of the curses of my personality. I can't stand not knowing all the facts that can be known, so I spend an inordinant amount of time investigating, researching and reading. I prefer exhaustion to ignorance. I hope you do too. Pelosi's counting on our ignorance.
I don't know much about the plan by T. Boone Pickens and the wind power he's advertising, but the fact that Pelosi has invested in it, and then refuses to allow a vote on drilling, makes a great case for a conflict of interest. It will be interesting to see how the mainstream media pick up on this little fact.
Dick Cheney has been vilified as the poster boy for corporate corruption and government greed by the lefties for years. Although he divested all investments and resigned all boards and management positions PRIOR to running for VP. I wonder if Ms. Pelosi will be pressured to do the same. Somehow my experience tells me NOT!
I won' be able to remain ignorant of Pickens' plans and the details of Pelosi's involvement. It's one of the curses of my personality. I can't stand not knowing all the facts that can be known, so I spend an inordinant amount of time investigating, researching and reading. I prefer exhaustion to ignorance. I hope you do too. Pelosi's counting on our ignorance.
Monday, June 23, 2008
The truth can set us free, but not from our responsibility
I have been following the Obama candidacy with great interest and hope. No one in America can deny it's historic importance regardless of their political bent. But it isn't all rosy. In fact, it's very troubling. Troubling on several fronts:
1. Anyone questioning Obama's backgound and experience is immediately and hatefully marginalized as a racist.
2. Many people, some normally in opposition to Obama's positions, are supporting or considering supporting him solely because of the color of his skin (Armstrong Williams, Juan Williams, JC Watts and many others).
3. Obama is proactively using the race card, to help accomplish #1 above. Of course this chills any honest political analysis and debate.
There was a time when I too, out of a wild and inappropriately empathetic "white guilt" would have supported Obama without question. I would have denied it, but would have done the same thing I'd always done - supported Black people in politics, sports, and other high profile pursuits not necessarily because they earned it or deserved it as individuals, but only because they were Black. In fact, questioning whether they deserved or earned that support was in itself proof of meanness and racism, according to my guilt-ridden, misguided mind. It was really the most inconsiderate and disrespectful kind of treatment. It was a sort of pity that I’m sure they all would have resented.
I've since learned the incredible power of the TRUTH of Dr. Martin Luther King's "I have a Dream" speech. A truth untainted by politics and the pursuit of power. Untainted by those who would use it for public manipulation for nefarious goals. A truth untainted by well intentioned, but misguided guilt. A truth and purity Dr King knew must be maintained. He knew that all the progress he ultimately gave his life for could easily be undone. Here's an oft forgotten and rarely quoted passage from that speech with a chilling admonition for us all:
"...But there is something that I must say to my people, who stand on the warm threshold which leads into the palace of justice: In the process of gaining our rightful place, we must not be guilty of wrongful deeds. Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred. We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline."
While he doesn't specifically address racism, the implication is clear. We must not use the injustice of the past, and power of our unity in our righteous cause in such a way as to taint and thereby weaken the pursuit of our great objective.
We have ignored Dr. King's warning for decades. Most of us have probably never heard that portion of his speech. Fortunately Mr. Obama's candidacy has thrust Dr King's concerns before us once again. With Reverend Wright, Father Pfleger, William Ayers, and others being exposed some for the first time, others for the first time in decades, it's difficult to deny just how far afield we have gone. Whether these people have any bearing on the election or relation to Obama is relatively unimportant. We simply must not loose this opportunity to recognize our misdirection, right our course and recommit to Dr Kings original ideals that were so long ago lost in the pursuit of political gain, personal power, profit and revolutionary schemes. Then too, we must strenuously reject those regardless of race, creed or religion who seek to profit by those "wrongful deeds" and are "drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred".
We are inextricably linked by the history of this great nation, Black and White. People of ALL colors who call themselves American. As Victor Frankl said," there are only 2 races of humans, the indecent, and the decent." We must not allow ourselves to be pitted against each other by those who would seek to profit by our own indecent fear, hatred and envy. We must discard the tired old clichés of victimization and powerlessness that encourages us to hate others and believe we can't succeed with out the hate mongers.
Here’s how Dr King said it, "The marvelous new militancy which has engulfed the Negro community must not lead us to a distrust of all white people, for many of our white brothers, as evidenced by their presence here today, have come to realize that their destiny is tied up with our destiny. And they have come to realize that their freedom is inextricably bound to our freedom. We cannot walk alone. And as we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall always march ahead. We cannot turn back."
We cannot turn back. The injustices of the past cannot be undone. We must move forward with a better understanding and purer vision. Only then will we enjoy the finer justice Dr King sought.
I know many people, Black, White, Conservative, Liberal, who are going to vote for Obama because he is Black and they want to be a part of history. I can only ask: How does it feel to be a racist, and exactly how much racism does it take to eliminate racism?
I would ask that all who plan to vote for Obama to carefully and honestly consider your motivation. If it is because you have similar values and agree with most of his policies, then do so proudly and with a clear conscience. If you are doing so because he is Black, then I would respectfully ask that you reconsider. The rationalization behind racism, no matter how lofty, doesn't purify it. It is still ugly, ignorant racism. We will enjoy for yet another season, the crops of racism that we have sown.
Many of us are finding the current political, cultural and racial situation surprising and challenging. The truth is often difficult to grapple with. But we are forced to search our souls and that’s always good, even if a little uncomfortable.
Here's a more popular and oft quoted part of Dr Kings historic speech that we all remember, and is particularly pertinent to this issue, "I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character."
Well, I have a dream, too - that a President will be voted in to office because of the content of his or her character, policy positions and experience. Not by the color of his or her skin. The high plane of dignity and discipline demands it.
Dr Dave
1. Anyone questioning Obama's backgound and experience is immediately and hatefully marginalized as a racist.
2. Many people, some normally in opposition to Obama's positions, are supporting or considering supporting him solely because of the color of his skin (Armstrong Williams, Juan Williams, JC Watts and many others).
3. Obama is proactively using the race card, to help accomplish #1 above. Of course this chills any honest political analysis and debate.
There was a time when I too, out of a wild and inappropriately empathetic "white guilt" would have supported Obama without question. I would have denied it, but would have done the same thing I'd always done - supported Black people in politics, sports, and other high profile pursuits not necessarily because they earned it or deserved it as individuals, but only because they were Black. In fact, questioning whether they deserved or earned that support was in itself proof of meanness and racism, according to my guilt-ridden, misguided mind. It was really the most inconsiderate and disrespectful kind of treatment. It was a sort of pity that I’m sure they all would have resented.
I've since learned the incredible power of the TRUTH of Dr. Martin Luther King's "I have a Dream" speech. A truth untainted by politics and the pursuit of power. Untainted by those who would use it for public manipulation for nefarious goals. A truth untainted by well intentioned, but misguided guilt. A truth and purity Dr King knew must be maintained. He knew that all the progress he ultimately gave his life for could easily be undone. Here's an oft forgotten and rarely quoted passage from that speech with a chilling admonition for us all:
"...But there is something that I must say to my people, who stand on the warm threshold which leads into the palace of justice: In the process of gaining our rightful place, we must not be guilty of wrongful deeds. Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred. We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline."
While he doesn't specifically address racism, the implication is clear. We must not use the injustice of the past, and power of our unity in our righteous cause in such a way as to taint and thereby weaken the pursuit of our great objective.
We have ignored Dr. King's warning for decades. Most of us have probably never heard that portion of his speech. Fortunately Mr. Obama's candidacy has thrust Dr King's concerns before us once again. With Reverend Wright, Father Pfleger, William Ayers, and others being exposed some for the first time, others for the first time in decades, it's difficult to deny just how far afield we have gone. Whether these people have any bearing on the election or relation to Obama is relatively unimportant. We simply must not loose this opportunity to recognize our misdirection, right our course and recommit to Dr Kings original ideals that were so long ago lost in the pursuit of political gain, personal power, profit and revolutionary schemes. Then too, we must strenuously reject those regardless of race, creed or religion who seek to profit by those "wrongful deeds" and are "drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred".
We are inextricably linked by the history of this great nation, Black and White. People of ALL colors who call themselves American. As Victor Frankl said," there are only 2 races of humans, the indecent, and the decent." We must not allow ourselves to be pitted against each other by those who would seek to profit by our own indecent fear, hatred and envy. We must discard the tired old clichés of victimization and powerlessness that encourages us to hate others and believe we can't succeed with out the hate mongers.
Here’s how Dr King said it, "The marvelous new militancy which has engulfed the Negro community must not lead us to a distrust of all white people, for many of our white brothers, as evidenced by their presence here today, have come to realize that their destiny is tied up with our destiny. And they have come to realize that their freedom is inextricably bound to our freedom. We cannot walk alone. And as we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall always march ahead. We cannot turn back."
We cannot turn back. The injustices of the past cannot be undone. We must move forward with a better understanding and purer vision. Only then will we enjoy the finer justice Dr King sought.
I know many people, Black, White, Conservative, Liberal, who are going to vote for Obama because he is Black and they want to be a part of history. I can only ask: How does it feel to be a racist, and exactly how much racism does it take to eliminate racism?
I would ask that all who plan to vote for Obama to carefully and honestly consider your motivation. If it is because you have similar values and agree with most of his policies, then do so proudly and with a clear conscience. If you are doing so because he is Black, then I would respectfully ask that you reconsider. The rationalization behind racism, no matter how lofty, doesn't purify it. It is still ugly, ignorant racism. We will enjoy for yet another season, the crops of racism that we have sown.
Many of us are finding the current political, cultural and racial situation surprising and challenging. The truth is often difficult to grapple with. But we are forced to search our souls and that’s always good, even if a little uncomfortable.
Here's a more popular and oft quoted part of Dr Kings historic speech that we all remember, and is particularly pertinent to this issue, "I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character."
Well, I have a dream, too - that a President will be voted in to office because of the content of his or her character, policy positions and experience. Not by the color of his or her skin. The high plane of dignity and discipline demands it.
Dr Dave
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Obama Exposes Tragic Black Culture
One of the painful benefits of the uproar over Obamas preacher's sermons is the belated confrontation with the incredibly destructive culture of superstition that has overtaken the Black community.
We've been aware for years of Farrakhan's wacky "mothership" and Egyptian theories, but have always thought of him as a marginalized wacko. As a boy I was raised for several years in the ghettos of Washington DC and learned first hand of the incredible superstition that is increasingly taking over cultural and political thought in the black community.
While this abusive school of thought is professionally promoted by leaders in the Black community, the sad victims of it are those in the Black community itself.
I hope that the overwhelming publicity the Jeremiah Wright comments have received, and the fact that a mainstream Black Church in Chicago that is attended by a man who could potentially become the President of the USA could be used as such a powerful tool in the promotion of such a destructive mindset will open the eyes of ignorant whites and African Americans tired of the stereotypical victimization of the Black community by their own.
Organizations like BOND and it's leader, Reverend Jesse Lee Peterson, and precious few Black celebrities like Bill Cosby have in recent years gained a voice, but have still been pooh-poohed by the mainstream (mostly white elitist) media, and made enemies of the Black community by those in it's leadership. I hope these painful but beneficial exposures continue and eventually power a revolution among those in the Black community against those in Black leadership victimizing them. Our Black brothers and sisters desperately need it and certainly deserve it.
I can only pray it will happen sooner than later.
We've been aware for years of Farrakhan's wacky "mothership" and Egyptian theories, but have always thought of him as a marginalized wacko. As a boy I was raised for several years in the ghettos of Washington DC and learned first hand of the incredible superstition that is increasingly taking over cultural and political thought in the black community.
While this abusive school of thought is professionally promoted by leaders in the Black community, the sad victims of it are those in the Black community itself.
I hope that the overwhelming publicity the Jeremiah Wright comments have received, and the fact that a mainstream Black Church in Chicago that is attended by a man who could potentially become the President of the USA could be used as such a powerful tool in the promotion of such a destructive mindset will open the eyes of ignorant whites and African Americans tired of the stereotypical victimization of the Black community by their own.
Organizations like BOND and it's leader, Reverend Jesse Lee Peterson, and precious few Black celebrities like Bill Cosby have in recent years gained a voice, but have still been pooh-poohed by the mainstream (mostly white elitist) media, and made enemies of the Black community by those in it's leadership. I hope these painful but beneficial exposures continue and eventually power a revolution among those in the Black community against those in Black leadership victimizing them. Our Black brothers and sisters desperately need it and certainly deserve it.
I can only pray it will happen sooner than later.
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
PlanetSave.com Icon responds to my foolish rant...
I don't always respond to those who respond to my writings. Many are not worth the time, and others just make my points for me.
"Mad" Max - PlanetOptions.com icon and noted environmentalist commentator, recently wrote about a couple of blogs I wrote regarding the offensive (I'm acting liberal now) NBC/Gore "Greenie" lovefest that occurred over the weekend and into this week.
Max's response highlights several effective but faulty cliche's that are used to discredit and marginalize those who don't jump on board the "Green" movement or any other movement de jour that the left conjures up to bolster their agenda.
1. The right disagrees so they are stupid, mean and don't care.
2. The economy's a mess, the environment is a mess, human rights are a mess, politics is a mess, everything sucks (usually when a conservative is in office) ad nauseum.
3. Even if we're wrong it's the "right" (pardon the pun) thing to do.
Point 1:
I fell for this years ago, when I was still in larval stage (a bleeding heart liberal Democrat) and voted for "Jimma" Carter. Ron Reagan was the devil because someone at the Agricultural Department categorized Ketchup as a vegetable in order to malnourish and eventually destroy our only hope for the future, our children. As a lefty, I loved it. Reagan was the enemy and I didn't care much for whether the argument really made sense or not. The networks joyously pounded the drum along with his opposition. It sounded good, attacked my enemy, so I happily strode along giggling.
Ron Reagan was also going to destroy the Earth with his talk of the "Evil Empire". Nuclear holocaust was just around the corner, not because the Soviets were bad guys (even though they would be the ones that launch the holocaust) but because Reagan had the gall to say they were bad guys. Little girls were interviewed on the national TV network news (back when they mattered) hysterically crying about the shame of their brief innocent lives being snuffed out in the coming nuclear attacks instigated by Reagan. The Soviet Union really wasn't really all that bad, and if we keep giving them a hard time, they might get mad and do something scary. How dare that stupid, unsophisticated dunce goad them!
I've since learned that Ron Reagan was a brilliant man. He had an understanding of politics, economics and human nature few in our leadership have ever possessed. He did more to protect the children by ramping up the economy and encouraging those who had become inordinately Dependant on State care to work, than any President since JFK. He along with Lech Walesa, Margaret Thatcher and Pope John Paul II helped destroy what really was the Evil Empire. More people died at the hands of Stalin and Communism in the 20th century, than in the history of mankind combined. Most of those murdered at the hands of their own evil leaders. Only that noted Iranian humanitarian Ahmadenijad and the most ardent Marxist or Leninist try to get away with denying that today.
On the particulars of climate change; I recall specifically the cover of Time magazine in 1975 that warned we were in a catastrophic sprint to an unavoidable ice age. Scientist after expert scientist told the most compelling story of deep freeze terror you could imagine. And they had the "facts" to prove it. Obviously something has changed dramatically since then, but no one ever seems to have to say "I was wrong and I am sorry". Ironically some of the steps that might have been taken to avoid that scientific certainty, had it gained traction as the "Greenies have so expertly done with their issue today, would have WORSENED our alleged present day problem. So how do we pick our legitimate catastrophes? I do not know. But at least I am able to admit I do not know. I don't jump on the PC bandwagon, try to coerce everyone and insist that all who disagree are stupid and careless.
I am not the most brilliant analyst. I am not a climatologist, but I do know that the left is not beyond fudging a little to make their position go. I lived it over and over. I believe that is probably happening again now. Otherwise they wouldn't so aggressively attack, marginalize and silence those noted climatologists who do disagree with the Cataclysmic Climate Change (Triple C) crowd. Why must the debate be closed? Why are you afraid to hear dissent? Why do you stop funding and label those who heretofore were considered mainstream experts, "outlyers" when they disagree. Sorry but I am not falling for it again. It's one of the VERY strong reasons I am no longer liberal. I think the lefts' leadership, not necessarily their constituents, are often purposely dishonest.
Point 2:
As ugly as life can be, not everything is a mess. The reality is we live in the best times on Earth ever. The environment is cleaner than it has been in a hundred years or more. There is more forestation in the continental US than at the time the country was founded. The economy is unbelievably robust, in spite of an incredibly unstable world situation. Life is good!
But you can't meddle in everyone's lives and feel good about being in a society changing movement when everything is good. So a controversial problem is targeted, a PR campaign designed, and the re-education begins! Taxes can be raised so the oceans levels don't. High taxes beats drowning everytime. This stuff really works!
This incessant manipulative negativity is another reason I can no longer tolerate being a member of the left. Sure life is messy, often unfair, but it is a great gift and better than ever!
Point 3:
"So why not just be for clean air?", they exclaim. Often after running out of facts to support their Triple C argument. "Maybe it's not happening, but you can't tell me it's bad to take care of the environment! Don't you care?"
No, it's not bad to take care of the environment. And, yes I do want my children and grand children (whom I love greatly in spite of being a conservative) to have a good life and healthy Earth to live on. But that is not the point. If you want to argue environmentalism, you'll have to find someone else. We agree! The Triple C crowd advocates radical coercive change in our lives, laws, businesses and Governments. Such changes would never be embraced without the threat of such a near term catastrophic inevitability. All the more reason to question the "facts". Why don't we do something about changing the path of massive meteors and comets? It is a much more sound scientific threat, and could destroy the Earth instantly before I even finish this sentence!
Intelligent environmentalism? Absolutely! Frantic, radical involuntary reorganization of everything motivated primarily by environmental fear mongering? I think not!
MASH's old weasel Col.Frank Burns' exclamation of, "Do something! Do anything" when the bombing of the MASH 4077th's compound started, just doesn't fly. You think we have Cataclysmic Climate Change going on? Let's hear the facts. Both pro and con. Let's weigh them judiciously. Then let's formulate a plan that honors the independence, freedom of choice and prosperity for everyone that this country is based on. Otherwise, we may find we don't benefit from the apathy of the '70's and we inadvertently make the coming catastrophic ice age of the 21st Century much worse that it's already going to be.
Being a lefty means never having to say you're sorry!
Dr Dave
"Mad" Max - PlanetOptions.com icon and noted environmentalist commentator, recently wrote about a couple of blogs I wrote regarding the offensive (I'm acting liberal now) NBC/Gore "Greenie" lovefest that occurred over the weekend and into this week.
Max's response highlights several effective but faulty cliche's that are used to discredit and marginalize those who don't jump on board the "Green" movement or any other movement de jour that the left conjures up to bolster their agenda.
1. The right disagrees so they are stupid, mean and don't care.
2. The economy's a mess, the environment is a mess, human rights are a mess, politics is a mess, everything sucks (usually when a conservative is in office) ad nauseum.
3. Even if we're wrong it's the "right" (pardon the pun) thing to do.
Point 1:
I fell for this years ago, when I was still in larval stage (a bleeding heart liberal Democrat) and voted for "Jimma" Carter. Ron Reagan was the devil because someone at the Agricultural Department categorized Ketchup as a vegetable in order to malnourish and eventually destroy our only hope for the future, our children. As a lefty, I loved it. Reagan was the enemy and I didn't care much for whether the argument really made sense or not. The networks joyously pounded the drum along with his opposition. It sounded good, attacked my enemy, so I happily strode along giggling.
Ron Reagan was also going to destroy the Earth with his talk of the "Evil Empire". Nuclear holocaust was just around the corner, not because the Soviets were bad guys (even though they would be the ones that launch the holocaust) but because Reagan had the gall to say they were bad guys. Little girls were interviewed on the national TV network news (back when they mattered) hysterically crying about the shame of their brief innocent lives being snuffed out in the coming nuclear attacks instigated by Reagan. The Soviet Union really wasn't really all that bad, and if we keep giving them a hard time, they might get mad and do something scary. How dare that stupid, unsophisticated dunce goad them!
I've since learned that Ron Reagan was a brilliant man. He had an understanding of politics, economics and human nature few in our leadership have ever possessed. He did more to protect the children by ramping up the economy and encouraging those who had become inordinately Dependant on State care to work, than any President since JFK. He along with Lech Walesa, Margaret Thatcher and Pope John Paul II helped destroy what really was the Evil Empire. More people died at the hands of Stalin and Communism in the 20th century, than in the history of mankind combined. Most of those murdered at the hands of their own evil leaders. Only that noted Iranian humanitarian Ahmadenijad and the most ardent Marxist or Leninist try to get away with denying that today.
On the particulars of climate change; I recall specifically the cover of Time magazine in 1975 that warned we were in a catastrophic sprint to an unavoidable ice age. Scientist after expert scientist told the most compelling story of deep freeze terror you could imagine. And they had the "facts" to prove it. Obviously something has changed dramatically since then, but no one ever seems to have to say "I was wrong and I am sorry". Ironically some of the steps that might have been taken to avoid that scientific certainty, had it gained traction as the "Greenies have so expertly done with their issue today, would have WORSENED our alleged present day problem. So how do we pick our legitimate catastrophes? I do not know. But at least I am able to admit I do not know. I don't jump on the PC bandwagon, try to coerce everyone and insist that all who disagree are stupid and careless.
I am not the most brilliant analyst. I am not a climatologist, but I do know that the left is not beyond fudging a little to make their position go. I lived it over and over. I believe that is probably happening again now. Otherwise they wouldn't so aggressively attack, marginalize and silence those noted climatologists who do disagree with the Cataclysmic Climate Change (Triple C) crowd. Why must the debate be closed? Why are you afraid to hear dissent? Why do you stop funding and label those who heretofore were considered mainstream experts, "outlyers" when they disagree. Sorry but I am not falling for it again. It's one of the VERY strong reasons I am no longer liberal. I think the lefts' leadership, not necessarily their constituents, are often purposely dishonest.
Point 2:
As ugly as life can be, not everything is a mess. The reality is we live in the best times on Earth ever. The environment is cleaner than it has been in a hundred years or more. There is more forestation in the continental US than at the time the country was founded. The economy is unbelievably robust, in spite of an incredibly unstable world situation. Life is good!
But you can't meddle in everyone's lives and feel good about being in a society changing movement when everything is good. So a controversial problem is targeted, a PR campaign designed, and the re-education begins! Taxes can be raised so the oceans levels don't. High taxes beats drowning everytime. This stuff really works!
This incessant manipulative negativity is another reason I can no longer tolerate being a member of the left. Sure life is messy, often unfair, but it is a great gift and better than ever!
Point 3:
"So why not just be for clean air?", they exclaim. Often after running out of facts to support their Triple C argument. "Maybe it's not happening, but you can't tell me it's bad to take care of the environment! Don't you care?"
No, it's not bad to take care of the environment. And, yes I do want my children and grand children (whom I love greatly in spite of being a conservative) to have a good life and healthy Earth to live on. But that is not the point. If you want to argue environmentalism, you'll have to find someone else. We agree! The Triple C crowd advocates radical coercive change in our lives, laws, businesses and Governments. Such changes would never be embraced without the threat of such a near term catastrophic inevitability. All the more reason to question the "facts". Why don't we do something about changing the path of massive meteors and comets? It is a much more sound scientific threat, and could destroy the Earth instantly before I even finish this sentence!
Intelligent environmentalism? Absolutely! Frantic, radical involuntary reorganization of everything motivated primarily by environmental fear mongering? I think not!
MASH's old weasel Col.Frank Burns' exclamation of, "Do something! Do anything" when the bombing of the MASH 4077th's compound started, just doesn't fly. You think we have Cataclysmic Climate Change going on? Let's hear the facts. Both pro and con. Let's weigh them judiciously. Then let's formulate a plan that honors the independence, freedom of choice and prosperity for everyone that this country is based on. Otherwise, we may find we don't benefit from the apathy of the '70's and we inadvertently make the coming catastrophic ice age of the 21st Century much worse that it's already going to be.
Being a lefty means never having to say you're sorry!
Dr Dave
Monday, November 05, 2007
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's wisdom on modern climate change
I realize this one may be hard to swallow. It's from a wealthy, white, christian, heterosexual, Imperialist, but he wasn't ALL bad. He did write Sherlock Holmes among other things.
"I never guess. It is a capital mistake to theorize before one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit theories, instead of theories to suit facts."
- Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Very appropriate advice for the "Greenies"
"I never guess. It is a capital mistake to theorize before one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit theories, instead of theories to suit facts."
- Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Very appropriate advice for the "Greenies"
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