I like this guy, I do.
Could he be the next House Minority leader, I hope so.
Preach on Brother Ryan, preach on!
Saturday, November 08, 2008
No one ever told me
Okay people, if you never read another word I write, please pay attention to this.
Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid are heading for economic collapse, and they will take America along for the ride.
That isn't meant to unduly scare you or sensationalize a situation, it is not a Republican fact or a Democrat fact, it is just a fact.
If you are thinking, so what; if they go broke the government will bail them out just like they did the banks, you don't understand the fundamental problem. Think of the current 700 billion bailout as a one time infusion of cash to get the economy back on its feet. The problem with the looming entitlement crisis is a long term one. These programs are growing so fast, as the boomer generation comes into its retirement years that Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid will soon outspend their revenues. They will need more money and the government will have to cut spending on other programs or raise taxes to keep up with the costs. Not just once, but each year they will have to cut something or raise taxes, every year. After a decade, there will be nothing left to cut and no one left to tax.
At first it will only be a billion here and a billion there, but if you are in your late 30's or 40's, by the time you retire, the current tax rates across the board will have to be doubled to keep up with the spending for these programs.
Think of it as your household budget. If you have an adjustable rate loan payment that increases every year, with this increased burden you either cut your spending on other things, or get a second job, and then a third job to increase your income. This certainly not the time to buy a new Lexus or take the kids on vacation to Hawaii. The time to act is not when you have have maxed out all your credit cards to keep living in manner that got you into the mess, the time to act is a soon as you see crisis coming. That time is now.
President elect Obama has a golden opportunity to act now, to lead, to show that sometimes you have to endure a little pain in the short term to avert a long term crisis that threatens our very viability as a nation. Will the Democrats walk the walk? They have certainly talked a great deal about fixing Social Security. I am not optimistic. I see Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid rubbing their hands together figuring out new entitlement programs to spend even more of our tax money on. Oh you can be sure they will raise taxes, but they will spend every penny and then spend even more. That is what they do, that is who they are.
The greatest danger in acquiring power is the fact you are accountable. You cannot stand on the sidelines and point fingers, you have to lead. No more blaming Bush and the Republicans, although they will for a year or two. In 2010 this will be Obama's economy, a Democrat economy. They will have been in charge of Congress for 4 years and have held the White House for 2. They will not be able to hide behind 'W' any longer.
So who will finally take on the AARP, the Labor Unions, the Defense industry and every other lobbying interest that feeds at the government trough? I am waiting for a new breed of Republican to step forward. A Republican with the courage to tell America the Federal government is not Santa Clause. That government is too big and controls too much of our lives. A Republican who is not afraid to tell us that we need to get back to fiscal conservatism. I really like a young Republican I saw on election night, Paul Ryan. I would love to see a young Republican like Ryan lead the GOP back its principles.
We need to cut spending on everything. Nothing is sacred. If the old guard Republicans complain about cutting certain Pentagon projects in their districts, let them. When the Democrats howl over cutting back on social programs and putting the bloated government bureaucracies on a diet, let them. We need to get our financial house in order now, we will need to have a game plan in place when the boomers hit the system will full force. We will need a track record of setting priorities and cutting waste when the boomers get in their 80s and head into long term, full-time care. Getting an SSI check is one thing, getting an SSI check and sending the taxpayers the bill for the nursing home is quite another. These bills will simply overwhelm us.
When the entitlement crisis 'sneaks up' on America in a few years, people will say, no one ever told me. Well folks, I just did.
P.S. - Barack Obama has been President elect for three days now and I have yet to find a Unicorn in my garage. What's the deal?
Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid are heading for economic collapse, and they will take America along for the ride.
That isn't meant to unduly scare you or sensationalize a situation, it is not a Republican fact or a Democrat fact, it is just a fact.
If you are thinking, so what; if they go broke the government will bail them out just like they did the banks, you don't understand the fundamental problem. Think of the current 700 billion bailout as a one time infusion of cash to get the economy back on its feet. The problem with the looming entitlement crisis is a long term one. These programs are growing so fast, as the boomer generation comes into its retirement years that Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid will soon outspend their revenues. They will need more money and the government will have to cut spending on other programs or raise taxes to keep up with the costs. Not just once, but each year they will have to cut something or raise taxes, every year. After a decade, there will be nothing left to cut and no one left to tax.
At first it will only be a billion here and a billion there, but if you are in your late 30's or 40's, by the time you retire, the current tax rates across the board will have to be doubled to keep up with the spending for these programs.
Think of it as your household budget. If you have an adjustable rate loan payment that increases every year, with this increased burden you either cut your spending on other things, or get a second job, and then a third job to increase your income. This certainly not the time to buy a new Lexus or take the kids on vacation to Hawaii. The time to act is not when you have have maxed out all your credit cards to keep living in manner that got you into the mess, the time to act is a soon as you see crisis coming. That time is now.
President elect Obama has a golden opportunity to act now, to lead, to show that sometimes you have to endure a little pain in the short term to avert a long term crisis that threatens our very viability as a nation. Will the Democrats walk the walk? They have certainly talked a great deal about fixing Social Security. I am not optimistic. I see Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid rubbing their hands together figuring out new entitlement programs to spend even more of our tax money on. Oh you can be sure they will raise taxes, but they will spend every penny and then spend even more. That is what they do, that is who they are.
The greatest danger in acquiring power is the fact you are accountable. You cannot stand on the sidelines and point fingers, you have to lead. No more blaming Bush and the Republicans, although they will for a year or two. In 2010 this will be Obama's economy, a Democrat economy. They will have been in charge of Congress for 4 years and have held the White House for 2. They will not be able to hide behind 'W' any longer.
So who will finally take on the AARP, the Labor Unions, the Defense industry and every other lobbying interest that feeds at the government trough? I am waiting for a new breed of Republican to step forward. A Republican with the courage to tell America the Federal government is not Santa Clause. That government is too big and controls too much of our lives. A Republican who is not afraid to tell us that we need to get back to fiscal conservatism. I really like a young Republican I saw on election night, Paul Ryan. I would love to see a young Republican like Ryan lead the GOP back its principles.
We need to cut spending on everything. Nothing is sacred. If the old guard Republicans complain about cutting certain Pentagon projects in their districts, let them. When the Democrats howl over cutting back on social programs and putting the bloated government bureaucracies on a diet, let them. We need to get our financial house in order now, we will need to have a game plan in place when the boomers hit the system will full force. We will need a track record of setting priorities and cutting waste when the boomers get in their 80s and head into long term, full-time care. Getting an SSI check is one thing, getting an SSI check and sending the taxpayers the bill for the nursing home is quite another. These bills will simply overwhelm us.
When the entitlement crisis 'sneaks up' on America in a few years, people will say, no one ever told me. Well folks, I just did.
P.S. - Barack Obama has been President elect for three days now and I have yet to find a Unicorn in my garage. What's the deal?
Thursday, November 06, 2008
Obama wins! Ah, the cheering crowd, the tears of joy...
And that is just in the MSNBC newsroom.
It gets good about 1:50 into it.
Claiming the MSM isn't biased toward democrats is just laughable.
It gets good about 1:50 into it.
Claiming the MSM isn't biased toward democrats is just laughable.
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
Yolo County Cattlemen and Wool Growers Association dinner - dance is Saturday
If live in rural Yolo County or you support the county's agricultural community you should be a member. We would love to have a few more gift certificates and raffle prizes for Saturday night. As President, I have shamelessly asked dozens of businesses to donate this year and have been very surprised by their support. This year's raffle will be outstanding, but I am still asking for more donations.
I am making a pair of spur straps this year, I will even customize them with you initials or brand if you win. Tickets are limited so send me an email asap if you want to join us for Rib Eye steaks, a great raffle and live music Saturday November 8th at the Zamora community hall.
I am making a pair of spur straps this year, I will even customize them with you initials or brand if you win. Tickets are limited so send me an email asap if you want to join us for Rib Eye steaks, a great raffle and live music Saturday November 8th at the Zamora community hall.
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
President of the United States, Barack Obama
Barack Obama is my President. It will take me a little while to get used to the idea. My wife on the other hand, I'm not sure she ever will. I think she still has her 'Romney 08' button on.
I remember back in February, when McCain secured the nomination, I tried to find the light at the end of the McCain tunnel. Alas, it never materialized. Matt Rexroad was a McCain backer from the start. Try as I might, I could not see how this ends in anything other than a McButt-whoopin'.
I hate to say I told you so, but I just did.
If I were still a drinking man, I would have three fingers of Crown Royal in a glass right now contemplating how to rebuild our party. I am skipping the booze, but I will take a few weeks to digest the election results and I will start working towards the 201o election. No robo-calls, no slick mailers, no yard signs, no high priced campaign gurus, just this, just this one thing.
What, you may ask is 'this one thing'?
Like Curly from City Slickers said, you have to figure that out for yourself....
I remember back in February, when McCain secured the nomination, I tried to find the light at the end of the McCain tunnel. Alas, it never materialized. Matt Rexroad was a McCain backer from the start. Try as I might, I could not see how this ends in anything other than a McButt-whoopin'.
I looks like McCain is our guy now. I am not close to being as short sighted as the far, far right wing of conservatives who will never vote for McCain, because given the choice between Senators Clinton and Obama, McCain is far and away a better choice for Republicans, and Americans for that matter.Well, the Grumpy old patriot just got his back porch painted red by the Young dynamic dreamer.
PS, hope for McCain/Clinton and not McCain/Obama.
Grumpy old patriot vs. Grumpy slick politician is a fair fight.
Grumpy old patriot vs. Young dynamic dreamer is a landslide for the Democrats.
I hate to say I told you so, but I just did.
If I were still a drinking man, I would have three fingers of Crown Royal in a glass right now contemplating how to rebuild our party. I am skipping the booze, but I will take a few weeks to digest the election results and I will start working towards the 201o election. No robo-calls, no slick mailers, no yard signs, no high priced campaign gurus, just this, just this one thing.
What, you may ask is 'this one thing'?
Like Curly from City Slickers said, you have to figure that out for yourself....
Monday, November 03, 2008
The next four years
As I sit down to write this, the night of November 3rd, I am filled with competing emotions. Part of me is exited about Election Day. Could Senator McCain pull off an upset? Could a Republican presidential nominee in the midst of an economic slowdown, with an unpopular President, an unpopular war, with the worst managed campaign in a decade, overcome these challenges to win?
The other part of me is filled with trepidation. If Senator Obama wins, is America ready for the next four years with Democrats in charge of the House, the Senate and 1600 Pennsylvania Ave?
Whoever is elected, the next President will face challenges both at home and in a dangerous, yet dynamic world. A world that does not play by our rules. A world looking to see if America is the same nation who defeated German National Socialism, Japanese Imperialism and Soviet Communism, or has it turned into an isolationist nation, set on retreating behind its borders and allowing the worst of world's dictators and terrorist regimes a free hand to gather power and territory? The next four years will tell.
They will look to see if America turns away from its role as the driving force behind the world's economy and imposes protectionist tariffs. They will demand we handcuff our economy with carbon restrictions and offsets, all the while building coal-fired power plants to the tune of one a week. Will America turn down this path towards economic restriction and handicap our ability to compete in the world market? The next four years will tell.
Both Republicans and Democrats will look to the government, some will have sky high expectations of what the government will do for them, others will hope they won't screw things up any worse than they are. I fall into the latter group.
Most of the conservatives I know have no illusions about John McCain and his policies. We know Senator McCain and we know that while he was our only real choice in this election, we would all be mildly surprised if in four years we gave him a glowing review. We also know the limitations of government.
The Obama supporters on the other hand are 'all in'. They have pushed all their chips into the middle of the table and bet everything on a politician. They are so emotionally invested in Obama as the person who will make their world right and more important to them, make it fair, the reality will fall far short of their expectations. If Obama wins, no matter how effective his Presidency is, they will find with all the glowing speeches and the promises Senator Obama has made, he is just a politician and the government is still the government, no matter who is in charge.
No matter who the next President is, broken promises and government failures will be the best lessons we can learn in the next four years. The government is a blunt tool, to believe it will make your life appreciably better is to disregard every personal experience you have had dealing with it. Don't expect the same government that runs the DMV and the IRS to overnight become your fairy god mother. The next lesson we should learn is government is not in the business of making everyone equal. Some people show up to work early, stay late, work hard, continually learn and make good decisions; others watch Dancing with the Stars and buy things they don't need, with money they don't have, to impress people they don't like. No government program will fix this.
As you read this, we will know who will be the 44th President of the United States; at least I hope we will know. Obama or McCain, Democrats and Republicans, Blue states and Red states, we are all in this together. We will get through it. Our founding fathers had it right, four years is just long enough to change the nation in the direction of its leadership, and not long enough to do any irreparable damage.
The other part of me is filled with trepidation. If Senator Obama wins, is America ready for the next four years with Democrats in charge of the House, the Senate and 1600 Pennsylvania Ave?
Whoever is elected, the next President will face challenges both at home and in a dangerous, yet dynamic world. A world that does not play by our rules. A world looking to see if America is the same nation who defeated German National Socialism, Japanese Imperialism and Soviet Communism, or has it turned into an isolationist nation, set on retreating behind its borders and allowing the worst of world's dictators and terrorist regimes a free hand to gather power and territory? The next four years will tell.
They will look to see if America turns away from its role as the driving force behind the world's economy and imposes protectionist tariffs. They will demand we handcuff our economy with carbon restrictions and offsets, all the while building coal-fired power plants to the tune of one a week. Will America turn down this path towards economic restriction and handicap our ability to compete in the world market? The next four years will tell.
Both Republicans and Democrats will look to the government, some will have sky high expectations of what the government will do for them, others will hope they won't screw things up any worse than they are. I fall into the latter group.
Most of the conservatives I know have no illusions about John McCain and his policies. We know Senator McCain and we know that while he was our only real choice in this election, we would all be mildly surprised if in four years we gave him a glowing review. We also know the limitations of government.
The Obama supporters on the other hand are 'all in'. They have pushed all their chips into the middle of the table and bet everything on a politician. They are so emotionally invested in Obama as the person who will make their world right and more important to them, make it fair, the reality will fall far short of their expectations. If Obama wins, no matter how effective his Presidency is, they will find with all the glowing speeches and the promises Senator Obama has made, he is just a politician and the government is still the government, no matter who is in charge.
No matter who the next President is, broken promises and government failures will be the best lessons we can learn in the next four years. The government is a blunt tool, to believe it will make your life appreciably better is to disregard every personal experience you have had dealing with it. Don't expect the same government that runs the DMV and the IRS to overnight become your fairy god mother. The next lesson we should learn is government is not in the business of making everyone equal. Some people show up to work early, stay late, work hard, continually learn and make good decisions; others watch Dancing with the Stars and buy things they don't need, with money they don't have, to impress people they don't like. No government program will fix this.
As you read this, we will know who will be the 44th President of the United States; at least I hope we will know. Obama or McCain, Democrats and Republicans, Blue states and Red states, we are all in this together. We will get through it. Our founding fathers had it right, four years is just long enough to change the nation in the direction of its leadership, and not long enough to do any irreparable damage.
Sunday, November 02, 2008
Country First: Vote McCain Palin
Guest post by Mark Pruner, YoloGOP Chairman.
Whatever our political stripes may be, we can all agree that the next president will face more than a few difficult choices and challenging circumstances. Rightly so, both here at home and around the world this election and our choice for president are the subject of intense interest and lively discussion.
What is it about Republican candidates and the Republican Party that is so appealing?
History. The Republican Party formed on July 6, 1854 to oppose the evil of slavery. The Democrats took the opposite view. During the Civil War, under the leadership of Abraham Lincoln, the Republicans passed the 13th Amendment (outlawing slavery), the 14th Amendment (guaranteeing equal protection under the laws), and the 15th Amendment (securing voting rights for African Americans). Freedom was the theme.
When it came time to stand up for securing the right of women to vote, the Republican Party was the first major party to endorse women’s suffrage. Republicans, controlling Congress, passed the 19th Amendment. Members of the Democratic Party fueled the opposition. In 1917 Jeanette Rankin of Montana was the first woman elected to the Congress. Freedom was still the theme.
Through the corridors of time down to today the Republican Party remains the stalwart champion of freedom and individual rights, limited government and the unwavering belief that the individual, not the government, is best suited to make decisions about family and family income. We are boldly confident about California's future and hold dearly all that is good about California's people.
The Republican Party believes government’s role is to empower every person to reach his or her full potential. The Democratic Party believes that government has a much larger role in making decisions for people and their families – telling them what to do, even if it means limitation of personal liberties.
John McCain and Sarah Palin. It makes sense then that John McCain and Sarah Palin stand for individual freedoms and will not back down when it comes to protecting America from her enemies.
Foreign Affairs. The radicals dedicated to killing Americans are committed because we stand for freedom and in opposition to their desire to force individuals and nations to believe as they do. Mr. Obama’s clear inexperience in representing America’s interests abroad was summed up when he flatly stated he would meet with heads of state opposed to us, thereby elevating their stature, without precondition. Although he later “clarified” his position to add he would be prepared for such a meeting, he never withdrew his declared willingness to strengthen our opponents by meeting them without precondition.
The War. Senator McCain and Governor Palin stand by the mission of our troops: fight terrorism and support freedom abroad. Standing against terrorists overseas reduces the risk of attack at home. Who of us on September 12, 2001 really thought we would not suffer another attack. We have been kept safe at home by strength and vigilance. On the other hand Mr. Obama, during the primary, adamantly stated America should retreat on a fixed 16-month timetable. After the primaries were over the Democratic nominee talked of being flexible. Now, Mr. Obama states “we’ve got to look at” ending the war. He appears ready to say what he thinks needs to be said to win an election. This kind of waffling confuses our allies and gives strength to our enemies.
The Economy. It is no over simplification to say that a McCain Palin administration will grow the economy by giving all Americans the tools and opportunity to reach their dreams. When the economy grows we all do well. Senators Obama and Biden give us a completely different perspective: they want to redistribute the wealth – imposing their value judgments on who “should” and who “should not” own a piece of the American Dream. The Democratic plan might work in a soviet-style economy, but not here. The trouble is, economic vitality does not occur when you just reshuffle money. A mature economic perspective understands that actually growing the economy, not taking from some to hand out to others, is what has made American an economic success.
Health Care. Senator McCain and Governor Palin stand committed to a Guaranteed Access Plan for health care, forged from the best of what actually works. The proposals of Senator Obama borrow from the old-time tool kit of government programs. Rather than allow American ingenuity and energy to deliver reliable health care, Senators Obama and Biden want to take us back to high cost and low delivery outcomes. Please take a look at the detailed analysis of a major nonpartisan study by the Lewin Group (Lewin.com). Under the McCain Palin plan only 12.6% of American families would experience an increase in family health costs. Quite the opposite is true under the Obama Biden plan where 29.0% of families would experience increased health costs. More dramatically, the point is driven home for families making less than $20,000 in income: under McCain Palin 7.5% of these families would experience higher family health costs. Under Obama Biden 24.0% of the poorest families would pay more for their health costs. These facts explode the myth that the Democrats look after the interests of the poor. The opposite is true.
Tax Cuts. A lot has been said about tax cuts. We know that more money consistently in the hands of wage earners creates good jobs. We know that good jobs grow the economy and lift everyone up. The Obama Biden tax plan starts with a shifting definition of who is rich and should be taxed more: first $250,000, then $200,000, then most recently according to Senator Biden $150,000. The Democrats call one-time rebates tax relief. Senator McCain looks at the long term: holding the line at the tax rates, allowing people to plan and create good jobs through spending their own money.
Conclusion. Throughout its history as the leader in the cry for freedom, the Republican Party and its candidates have consistently stood for individual liberty and limited government. A president who forces upon us his personal idea of who should have and who should not have would do injury to us all. I urge you to vote for Republicans this Tuesday, November 4th.
Whatever our political stripes may be, we can all agree that the next president will face more than a few difficult choices and challenging circumstances. Rightly so, both here at home and around the world this election and our choice for president are the subject of intense interest and lively discussion.
What is it about Republican candidates and the Republican Party that is so appealing?
History. The Republican Party formed on July 6, 1854 to oppose the evil of slavery. The Democrats took the opposite view. During the Civil War, under the leadership of Abraham Lincoln, the Republicans passed the 13th Amendment (outlawing slavery), the 14th Amendment (guaranteeing equal protection under the laws), and the 15th Amendment (securing voting rights for African Americans). Freedom was the theme.
When it came time to stand up for securing the right of women to vote, the Republican Party was the first major party to endorse women’s suffrage. Republicans, controlling Congress, passed the 19th Amendment. Members of the Democratic Party fueled the opposition. In 1917 Jeanette Rankin of Montana was the first woman elected to the Congress. Freedom was still the theme.
Through the corridors of time down to today the Republican Party remains the stalwart champion of freedom and individual rights, limited government and the unwavering belief that the individual, not the government, is best suited to make decisions about family and family income. We are boldly confident about California's future and hold dearly all that is good about California's people.
The Republican Party believes government’s role is to empower every person to reach his or her full potential. The Democratic Party believes that government has a much larger role in making decisions for people and their families – telling them what to do, even if it means limitation of personal liberties.
John McCain and Sarah Palin. It makes sense then that John McCain and Sarah Palin stand for individual freedoms and will not back down when it comes to protecting America from her enemies.
Foreign Affairs. The radicals dedicated to killing Americans are committed because we stand for freedom and in opposition to their desire to force individuals and nations to believe as they do. Mr. Obama’s clear inexperience in representing America’s interests abroad was summed up when he flatly stated he would meet with heads of state opposed to us, thereby elevating their stature, without precondition. Although he later “clarified” his position to add he would be prepared for such a meeting, he never withdrew his declared willingness to strengthen our opponents by meeting them without precondition.
The War. Senator McCain and Governor Palin stand by the mission of our troops: fight terrorism and support freedom abroad. Standing against terrorists overseas reduces the risk of attack at home. Who of us on September 12, 2001 really thought we would not suffer another attack. We have been kept safe at home by strength and vigilance. On the other hand Mr. Obama, during the primary, adamantly stated America should retreat on a fixed 16-month timetable. After the primaries were over the Democratic nominee talked of being flexible. Now, Mr. Obama states “we’ve got to look at” ending the war. He appears ready to say what he thinks needs to be said to win an election. This kind of waffling confuses our allies and gives strength to our enemies.
The Economy. It is no over simplification to say that a McCain Palin administration will grow the economy by giving all Americans the tools and opportunity to reach their dreams. When the economy grows we all do well. Senators Obama and Biden give us a completely different perspective: they want to redistribute the wealth – imposing their value judgments on who “should” and who “should not” own a piece of the American Dream. The Democratic plan might work in a soviet-style economy, but not here. The trouble is, economic vitality does not occur when you just reshuffle money. A mature economic perspective understands that actually growing the economy, not taking from some to hand out to others, is what has made American an economic success.
Health Care. Senator McCain and Governor Palin stand committed to a Guaranteed Access Plan for health care, forged from the best of what actually works. The proposals of Senator Obama borrow from the old-time tool kit of government programs. Rather than allow American ingenuity and energy to deliver reliable health care, Senators Obama and Biden want to take us back to high cost and low delivery outcomes. Please take a look at the detailed analysis of a major nonpartisan study by the Lewin Group (Lewin.com). Under the McCain Palin plan only 12.6% of American families would experience an increase in family health costs. Quite the opposite is true under the Obama Biden plan where 29.0% of families would experience increased health costs. More dramatically, the point is driven home for families making less than $20,000 in income: under McCain Palin 7.5% of these families would experience higher family health costs. Under Obama Biden 24.0% of the poorest families would pay more for their health costs. These facts explode the myth that the Democrats look after the interests of the poor. The opposite is true.
Tax Cuts. A lot has been said about tax cuts. We know that more money consistently in the hands of wage earners creates good jobs. We know that good jobs grow the economy and lift everyone up. The Obama Biden tax plan starts with a shifting definition of who is rich and should be taxed more: first $250,000, then $200,000, then most recently according to Senator Biden $150,000. The Democrats call one-time rebates tax relief. Senator McCain looks at the long term: holding the line at the tax rates, allowing people to plan and create good jobs through spending their own money.
Conclusion. Throughout its history as the leader in the cry for freedom, the Republican Party and its candidates have consistently stood for individual liberty and limited government. A president who forces upon us his personal idea of who should have and who should not have would do injury to us all. I urge you to vote for Republicans this Tuesday, November 4th.
Saturday, November 01, 2008
The Poles are an independant people with a.......oh the polls.
Poll watching is an interesting phenomenon. Kind of like the commercial on TV says, 90% of statistics can be made to say anything, 50% of the time.
Daily tracking polls, Rasmussen, Zogby, AP, Gallop, IBD/TIPP, there must be dozens of polling organizations out there all wanting to be the one that nails the election results down to the tenth of a percent come Wednesday. Will any of them get close? Who knows.
John Zogby nailed the 2000 election. On the day before the 2004 election he predicted an electoral college landslide for Kerry, woops. If you want to figure out who is going to be the next president, there are a few polls you really need to be watching. Battleground states. National polls and daily tracking polls are almost meaningless, almost. Zogby's daily tracking poll showed today McCain leading 48% - 48%.
A double digit swing in a week either shows a real move of undecideds one direction or a flawed sampling methodology. I am not sure, but like I say, we will know Wednesday.
I check Real Clear Politics everyday to get my polling fix. I watch the battleground state polls and take an average. Sure, most polls are over-polling democrats by 8 - 13%, thinking more democrats will turnout to vote than republicans by those margins, and that may be why Obama's supporters might wake up on Wednesday thinking the evil republicans stole another election.
Remember the Kerry/Lieberman exit polls in 2004? The Democrats and the media, like there is a difference, went absolutely bananas when Kerry did not win. He was polling so well, the exit polls showed a landslide, what happened?
Will the pollsters over sample democrats hoping to discourage republican turnout? Will the young vote turnout this time in convincing numbers? Will there be a Bradley effect? Will the LA Times release the video tape of Obama and Rashid Khalidi ? Will the Cowboys get to the Superbowl?
Stay tuned.
Oh and for the dumb ass who threw a planter through the window of the Yolo County republican headquarters downtown; very mature. I only hope the Woodland PD will get the finger prints off the planter. I don't want any jail time, I just want the names published.
Daily tracking polls, Rasmussen, Zogby, AP, Gallop, IBD/TIPP, there must be dozens of polling organizations out there all wanting to be the one that nails the election results down to the tenth of a percent come Wednesday. Will any of them get close? Who knows.
John Zogby nailed the 2000 election. On the day before the 2004 election he predicted an electoral college landslide for Kerry, woops. If you want to figure out who is going to be the next president, there are a few polls you really need to be watching. Battleground states. National polls and daily tracking polls are almost meaningless, almost. Zogby's daily tracking poll showed today McCain leading 48% - 48%.
A double digit swing in a week either shows a real move of undecideds one direction or a flawed sampling methodology. I am not sure, but like I say, we will know Wednesday.
I check Real Clear Politics everyday to get my polling fix. I watch the battleground state polls and take an average. Sure, most polls are over-polling democrats by 8 - 13%, thinking more democrats will turnout to vote than republicans by those margins, and that may be why Obama's supporters might wake up on Wednesday thinking the evil republicans stole another election.
Remember the Kerry/Lieberman exit polls in 2004? The Democrats and the media, like there is a difference, went absolutely bananas when Kerry did not win. He was polling so well, the exit polls showed a landslide, what happened?
Will the pollsters over sample democrats hoping to discourage republican turnout? Will the young vote turnout this time in convincing numbers? Will there be a Bradley effect? Will the LA Times release the video tape of Obama and Rashid Khalidi ? Will the Cowboys get to the Superbowl?
Stay tuned.
Oh and for the dumb ass who threw a planter through the window of the Yolo County republican headquarters downtown; very mature. I only hope the Woodland PD will get the finger prints off the planter. I don't want any jail time, I just want the names published.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Oliver Stone - bomb maker extraordinaire
When I first saw the trailer for 'W', the new Oliver Stone film, I thought, oh great another political hatchet job by the left's second favorite movie director. I happened to watch this week's episode of 'At the movies' with the two knuckle heads who took over for Siskel and Ebert. Both were fawning over 'W' saying what an important film it was and how everyone should see it.
Maybe Stone should stick to what he does best, remaking the 60s until he gets it right. So how you may ask did 'W' do in its opening weekend?
El floppo.
Here are the movies that make more money that 'W' this weekend, even with the sponge bath given to it by the press.
Nice.
Maybe Stone should stick to what he does best, remaking the 60s until he gets it right. So how you may ask did 'W' do in its opening weekend?
El floppo.
Here are the movies that make more money that 'W' this weekend, even with the sponge bath given to it by the press.
1. High School Musical 3: Senior YearDude, you were beaten by talking Chihuahuas.
It looks as though I was on it. This confirms my theory that there are only so many tween girls in the world. You can't scale up on a finite number.
Result: 42.0 million
2. Saw 5
They'll be very happy with the fourth straight $30m opening for the Saw franchise. And with the weak competition next weekend it won't drop off too badly.
Result: 30.5 million
3. Max Payne
Hey, where is Edward Norton? As it turns out my Max Payne prediction wasn't severe enough - it dropped 57% as every poor bastard who was hoping for the best saw it... and then told a friend not to. On the Max Payne commercials they don't even have a quote. Not from Hammond or Edwards or Lyons. They couldn't get one schill to help them out! Sad.
Result: 7.6 million
4. Beverly Hills Chihuahua
This film is going to hit $100m worldwide. That means we're getting a sequel. Just so we're all prepared for the horror.
Result: 6.9 million
5. Pride and Glory
The only real disaster of the weekend involves Edward Norton... but you have to hand it to the general public. Fool them once with We Own the Night, shame on them. Fool them twice with Pride and Glory? Nope.
Result: 6.3 million
6. The Secret Life of Bees
Will The Oracle begin going five for the bottom five? Yes we can!
Result: 5.9 million
7. W.
The budget was $25m, and it's only made around $19m. Not good news for anyone else trying to get financing for a "sitting president balanced satire" film.
Result: 5.3 million
Nice.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Attention Esparto, Madison and the Capay Valley
When was the last time you went to church?
Easter? Christmas? A few years ago at a wedding or funeral service?
If you live around the Esparto area and you have been wanting to go to church but something always comes up, or you forgot, or you don't think you will know anyone there, or you think someone will hand you a live snake, or you think the roof will fall in when you step inside, or if you are just curious and want to know more about this Jesus people talk about, this Sunday is the perfect day for you.
'Fill the pews' weekend is here. Countryside Community Church in Esparto is trying to reach out to it's neighbors and invite friends, family, co-workers, and anyone else who may need a spiritual lift, to attend this Sunday's service.
Our traveling worship team will be there with guitars tuned up, ready to sing contemporary upbeat worship music for the service. The kids will have a great time, the music will be rockin' and the message will hit home.
See you there.
10:00 AM
Sunday the 26th of October
26479 Grafton St, Esparto
Easter? Christmas? A few years ago at a wedding or funeral service?
If you live around the Esparto area and you have been wanting to go to church but something always comes up, or you forgot, or you don't think you will know anyone there, or you think someone will hand you a live snake, or you think the roof will fall in when you step inside, or if you are just curious and want to know more about this Jesus people talk about, this Sunday is the perfect day for you.
'Fill the pews' weekend is here. Countryside Community Church in Esparto is trying to reach out to it's neighbors and invite friends, family, co-workers, and anyone else who may need a spiritual lift, to attend this Sunday's service.
Our traveling worship team will be there with guitars tuned up, ready to sing contemporary upbeat worship music for the service. The kids will have a great time, the music will be rockin' and the message will hit home.
See you there.
10:00 AM
Sunday the 26th of October
26479 Grafton St, Esparto
Saturday, October 18, 2008
My name is Walt, and I am Joe.
Iowahawk has a great idea.
Everyone in the media seems to be wetting their pants about an average Joe who dared to ask the chosen one why he wants to raise taxes on small business owners. The East coast media elites are giving a Joe Wurzelbacher a high definition proctorial exam of the first order. He's isn't a real plumber, he doesn't have a license, he owes back taxes, his name isn't even Joe.
I was talking to my friends at work and they were even jumping on Joe. He doesn't have license, he isn't even a real plumber. So I asked them, if you worked five to ten years for a plumbing firm and you were a foreman or a lead man, would you call yourself a plumber? If you worked for an electrical contractor for five to ten years, would you call yourself an electrician? No answer.
I work in the telecommunications field as a field technician. I have ten years experience and while I have recently let my State Contractor's license become inactive, I have held a C-7 for almost five years. A license hanging on my wall did not make me a 'real technician' or a better technician, it just said I could work for myself.
The New York, Washington DC Metroliner crowd does not know how to handle a real person, so they attack what they don't understand. However, they better be careful, people know real when they see it and they know a partisan media attack when they see it. An army of Joes may just show up at the polls come November 4th if the media keeps piling on Joes like me.
Don't blame me, I voted for McCain
( Thanks for stopping by, a thousand hits on this post today, so what do we do now? Read this )
I am ordering my bumper stickers today. Why? I have seen this movie before; it doesn't have a happy ending.
Folks in their twenties and thirties, who get their news from the Daily Show, only see Republicans as war mongering buffoons. To them, Democrats are all warm and fuzzy. They need to experience the pain of a Congress and executive branch controlled by liberal Democrats. Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid and Barack Obama will have total control and no one to say; are you sure this will work. As much as I hate to see the country go through it, the best lessons are learned first hand.
For all you college kids supporting Obama because he 'gets it', best of luck trying to find a good job when you graduate. Oh sure, the media will go along with Obama the first two years or so, explaining the reason Obama's economy isn't living up to his promises are the lingering affects of George W Bush. In the third year, young Americans will start saying, this is not what I signed up for.
For all the Boomers who had forgotten Jimmy Carter's disastrous economic policies, the lessons of why you don't raise taxes during an economic slowdown will become painfully obvious. In the third year, older Americans will start saying, this is not what I signed up for.
For everyone in their prime earning ages of 40-55, guess who will have to 'pay their fair share' to 'spread the wealth around’. You guessed it. I remember President Clinton promising a middle-class tax cut when he ran, once in office, he was 'shocked' how bad the economy was and those middle class tax cuts were abandoned. In the third year, middle-class Americans will start saying, this is not what I signed up for.
Take a peek at Europe if you want to see where Pelosi, Reid and Obama want to lead us. After a few decades of ‘spreading the wealth around’ through feel-good socialism, France, and Germany have elected conservative leadership, with Great Brittan soon to follow. These new conservatives have an almost impossible task in front of them, to wean the public off their total reliance on government to function.
Americans seem to be enamored with the power and promise of government to fix everything. Every time you hear Obama say, “we have to invest” (in education, health care, whatever) just substitute “we are going to hire a bunch more government employees who are not very effective at anything to try and fix this.” Not very inspiring when you think of it in those terms is it?
I admit openly the current crop calling themselves Republicans have forgotten why the people sent them to Washington in the first place, stop spending money like Democrats and stand up for the little guy. However, the Democrats who have been control of Congress for past two years are an unmitigated disaster.
Well folks, I am not signing up for four year of Pelosi, Reid and Obama.
I am ordering my bumper stickers today. Why? I have seen this movie before; it doesn't have a happy ending.
Folks in their twenties and thirties, who get their news from the Daily Show, only see Republicans as war mongering buffoons. To them, Democrats are all warm and fuzzy. They need to experience the pain of a Congress and executive branch controlled by liberal Democrats. Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid and Barack Obama will have total control and no one to say; are you sure this will work. As much as I hate to see the country go through it, the best lessons are learned first hand.
For all you college kids supporting Obama because he 'gets it', best of luck trying to find a good job when you graduate. Oh sure, the media will go along with Obama the first two years or so, explaining the reason Obama's economy isn't living up to his promises are the lingering affects of George W Bush. In the third year, young Americans will start saying, this is not what I signed up for.
For all the Boomers who had forgotten Jimmy Carter's disastrous economic policies, the lessons of why you don't raise taxes during an economic slowdown will become painfully obvious. In the third year, older Americans will start saying, this is not what I signed up for.
For everyone in their prime earning ages of 40-55, guess who will have to 'pay their fair share' to 'spread the wealth around’. You guessed it. I remember President Clinton promising a middle-class tax cut when he ran, once in office, he was 'shocked' how bad the economy was and those middle class tax cuts were abandoned. In the third year, middle-class Americans will start saying, this is not what I signed up for.
Take a peek at Europe if you want to see where Pelosi, Reid and Obama want to lead us. After a few decades of ‘spreading the wealth around’ through feel-good socialism, France, and Germany have elected conservative leadership, with Great Brittan soon to follow. These new conservatives have an almost impossible task in front of them, to wean the public off their total reliance on government to function.
Americans seem to be enamored with the power and promise of government to fix everything. Every time you hear Obama say, “we have to invest” (in education, health care, whatever) just substitute “we are going to hire a bunch more government employees who are not very effective at anything to try and fix this.” Not very inspiring when you think of it in those terms is it?
I admit openly the current crop calling themselves Republicans have forgotten why the people sent them to Washington in the first place, stop spending money like Democrats and stand up for the little guy. However, the Democrats who have been control of Congress for past two years are an unmitigated disaster.
Well folks, I am not signing up for four year of Pelosi, Reid and Obama.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
I am Shocked, Shocked that Obama gave $800,000 to ACORN
The best voter fraud money can buy. I would like to know the ratio of Democrat to Republican voter registrations ACORN turned in with the federal money it receives? 25 to 1, 50 to 1?
From CNN no less, I wonder if the Daily Show will run this story into the ground?
C'mon Jon, you are an objective journalist, right?
From CNN no less, I wonder if the Daily Show will run this story into the ground?
C'mon Jon, you are an objective journalist, right?
Monday, October 13, 2008
The Daily Democrat endorses Obama; a rebuttal
Seize the moment: Elect Obama as our next president.
Let us breakdown the reasoning given for the Democrat's endorsement of the junior Senator from Illinois shall we?
Point one; " Through blind faith in deregulated markets, our leaders have undermined the nation's economic stability while recklessly creating a national debt of $10 trillion.....Economics is not McCain's strong suit, as he has acknowledged and lately proven. The nation needs a president willing to curb derivatives (and a vice president who knows what they are). Given a voting record supporting deregulation, McCain would not change course. "
Look folks, this is not hard to figure out. As I made the case in a piece I wrote a few weeks ago, the root cause of the economic trouble is the collapse of the housing market. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were the major players in the rise of 'sub prime' loans leading to the crash. Who were the cheerleaders of Fannie and Freddie? The Democratic party was the driving force behind the expansion of these entities and Democrats worked hard to kill regulation co-sponsored by McCain to regulate Fannie and Freddie. Its a fact, look it up. These Democrats were paid back nicely for their support. Chris Dodd, and the chosen one, Barack Obama were the top two recipients of Fannie and Freddie's campaign money, you do the math.
Point two; "In the Senate, he has served on the Foreign Relations Committee.
How nice, he has served on the Foreign Relations Committee. The Democrat left out the part about Obama being the chairman of the sub committee for European affairs. They have oversight of NATO, whose forces are fighting in Afghanistan, he has not held any meetings in his own committee. He has been busy running for President ever since he came to Washington, no time for committees.
Point three; "Obama grew up in a multiracial household and came of age in a different generation from McCain. He has an intuitive understanding of a rapidly changing, interconnected world. McCain's world view was shaped by the Cold War and Vietnam. That is why Obama has been right, and McCain wrong, on national security issues such as opposing the Iraq war and now advocating a timed withdrawal.
So let me get this straight, if you are over 50, you are wrong and out of touch? If you grew up in a traditional family, you are wrong and out of touch? Maybe if Obama were a little older he would remember the Jimmy Carter years as many Baby Boomers do. They do not remember them fondly. Obama shares the same economic philosophy as Carter. Take from the rich, give to the poor, and grow the government, with disastrous results.
As for the war, Obama is against the war. Not surprising the most liberal Senator is anti war, right? I notice The Democrat neglects to mention Obama opposed 'The Surge' at every step and only begrudgingly has admitted its success. Obama did not care about victory in Iraq, he wanted US troops out as soon as possible regardless of the outcome. He can talk about his 16-month time line all he wants, he was talking about it two years ago. Bringing the troops home in defeat is what the Obama's time line would have produced.
I will end with this; "Obama will rebuild the economy by investing in the right priorities: green technology, scientific research, education and health care."
Green technology, scientific research and health care? Where is Obama going to find the money to implement all his new programs? When Democrats talk about 'investing' they are talking about taxing you and giving it to someone else. Just wait until Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid have a like-minded friend in the White House, you will see spending that makes the last 8 years look like fiscal conservatism.
The government does not grow the economy, Carter tried it back in the seventies, anyone remember double digit unemployment and 19% interest rates on mortgages? Obama is not going to rebuild anything, he is going to redistribute wealth, that's who he is.
Here is the kicker, I am not wild about John McCain either, but I just can't live through the next four years without telling you what the Democrat wont.
Seize the moment? You had better seize your wallet before Obama does.
Let us breakdown the reasoning given for the Democrat's endorsement of the junior Senator from Illinois shall we?
Point one; " Through blind faith in deregulated markets, our leaders have undermined the nation's economic stability while recklessly creating a national debt of $10 trillion.....Economics is not McCain's strong suit, as he has acknowledged and lately proven. The nation needs a president willing to curb derivatives (and a vice president who knows what they are). Given a voting record supporting deregulation, McCain would not change course. "
Look folks, this is not hard to figure out. As I made the case in a piece I wrote a few weeks ago, the root cause of the economic trouble is the collapse of the housing market. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were the major players in the rise of 'sub prime' loans leading to the crash. Who were the cheerleaders of Fannie and Freddie? The Democratic party was the driving force behind the expansion of these entities and Democrats worked hard to kill regulation co-sponsored by McCain to regulate Fannie and Freddie. Its a fact, look it up. These Democrats were paid back nicely for their support. Chris Dodd, and the chosen one, Barack Obama were the top two recipients of Fannie and Freddie's campaign money, you do the math.
Point two; "In the Senate, he has served on the Foreign Relations Committee.
How nice, he has served on the Foreign Relations Committee. The Democrat left out the part about Obama being the chairman of the sub committee for European affairs. They have oversight of NATO, whose forces are fighting in Afghanistan, he has not held any meetings in his own committee. He has been busy running for President ever since he came to Washington, no time for committees.
Point three; "Obama grew up in a multiracial household and came of age in a different generation from McCain. He has an intuitive understanding of a rapidly changing, interconnected world. McCain's world view was shaped by the Cold War and Vietnam. That is why Obama has been right, and McCain wrong, on national security issues such as opposing the Iraq war and now advocating a timed withdrawal.
So let me get this straight, if you are over 50, you are wrong and out of touch? If you grew up in a traditional family, you are wrong and out of touch? Maybe if Obama were a little older he would remember the Jimmy Carter years as many Baby Boomers do. They do not remember them fondly. Obama shares the same economic philosophy as Carter. Take from the rich, give to the poor, and grow the government, with disastrous results.
As for the war, Obama is against the war. Not surprising the most liberal Senator is anti war, right? I notice The Democrat neglects to mention Obama opposed 'The Surge' at every step and only begrudgingly has admitted its success. Obama did not care about victory in Iraq, he wanted US troops out as soon as possible regardless of the outcome. He can talk about his 16-month time line all he wants, he was talking about it two years ago. Bringing the troops home in defeat is what the Obama's time line would have produced.
I will end with this; "Obama will rebuild the economy by investing in the right priorities: green technology, scientific research, education and health care."
Green technology, scientific research and health care? Where is Obama going to find the money to implement all his new programs? When Democrats talk about 'investing' they are talking about taxing you and giving it to someone else. Just wait until Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid have a like-minded friend in the White House, you will see spending that makes the last 8 years look like fiscal conservatism.
The government does not grow the economy, Carter tried it back in the seventies, anyone remember double digit unemployment and 19% interest rates on mortgages? Obama is not going to rebuild anything, he is going to redistribute wealth, that's who he is.
Here is the kicker, I am not wild about John McCain either, but I just can't live through the next four years without telling you what the Democrat wont.
Seize the moment? You had better seize your wallet before Obama does.
Thursday, October 09, 2008
Fleet Week
Have you ever been to Fleet Week in San Francisco? If you have not, get you behind down to the City this weekend.
A few years ago, my son and I stood on the Golden Gate Bridge and watched the USS Abraham Lincoln sail right under us. In the middle of the bay she launched two F-18 Hornets off the deck. It was impressive to say the least. The Blue Angels put on a free air show and yes, the water does come up behind them when they make a low level pass.
Two words for you; totally cool.
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
I am not a Heavy Metal Farmer, but I couldn't find a Heavy Metal Rancher on YouTube
I am not sure if I am setting a bad example to my son, or if its just I am a sad, pathetic old geezer who still likes to crank up the music to 11, but I am taking my son and his friend to see Metallica in December.
If I had a video camera I could make the Heavy Metal rancher version of this......
On second thought it would be better to everyone involved if I don't.
If I had a video camera I could make the Heavy Metal rancher version of this......
On second thought it would be better to everyone involved if I don't.
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
This is going to hurt.
One of the things I have learned in my life is the term 'fair' has no real meaning. I have tried to remove the word fair from my vocabulary because of its arbitrary nature. What seems fair to me, may not seem fair to you and so on. You may have great case that a situation is not fair, but that does not change reality, and reality is what we must deal with.
Every time I speak with people about the current financial crisis the issue of fairness always comes up. It's not fair that the people on Wall Street receive a bail out while I lost my house. It's not fair that my credit rating will suffer for years because of one mistake. It's not fair that CEOs made millions in bonuses when their companies were going belly up. It's not fair, it's just not fair.
I hear you, and I agree with you that these things are not fair, however that does not change the factual situation that you and I, along with the rest of the nation, are going to have to deal with.
For some in the tech industry, myself included, we have already been through a crisis in the late 90's. When the DotCom bubble burst ten years ago, people who were making millions in stock options as well as those of us who were making a good living in the tech infrastructure business went from the penthouse to the outhouse in less than two years. One day I walked into my office and found my position had been eliminated with no warning. I had just closed escrow on our new house that week and had just purchased a new car the day before. That was a bad day.
Many people in the tech industry had to scramble to find a job, any job, at any pay, just to keep the lights on. It took three years for me to find a stable job and I am still making about half of what I earned during the DotCom boom. Fair? Not really, but it's my reality and one that I have tried my best to work through.
My point is this, as the economy struggles to get its legs back under it, you may have to struggle right along with it for a time. Take a hard look at your personal economic situation and you may find by making a few adjustments you can ride this out with little sacrifice. If you are in a industry that has been severely impacted by the housing bubble bursting, you may have to do something else to make a living for a while. No, it's not fair, but the sooner you decide to act, the better.
Most people in Yolo County will feel the impact of this economic downturn in some way. Most will get through it by adjusting their spending and saving habits, but there will be many families whose lives will be turned upside down in the near future. If you are one of those families, I am, and I will be praying for you.
I hope you will reach out to your friends, your family and your church when you need support. This is a great community filled with caring people, I hope you reach out to them as I did, when my world fell apart.
Every time I speak with people about the current financial crisis the issue of fairness always comes up. It's not fair that the people on Wall Street receive a bail out while I lost my house. It's not fair that my credit rating will suffer for years because of one mistake. It's not fair that CEOs made millions in bonuses when their companies were going belly up. It's not fair, it's just not fair.
I hear you, and I agree with you that these things are not fair, however that does not change the factual situation that you and I, along with the rest of the nation, are going to have to deal with.
For some in the tech industry, myself included, we have already been through a crisis in the late 90's. When the DotCom bubble burst ten years ago, people who were making millions in stock options as well as those of us who were making a good living in the tech infrastructure business went from the penthouse to the outhouse in less than two years. One day I walked into my office and found my position had been eliminated with no warning. I had just closed escrow on our new house that week and had just purchased a new car the day before. That was a bad day.
Many people in the tech industry had to scramble to find a job, any job, at any pay, just to keep the lights on. It took three years for me to find a stable job and I am still making about half of what I earned during the DotCom boom. Fair? Not really, but it's my reality and one that I have tried my best to work through.
My point is this, as the economy struggles to get its legs back under it, you may have to struggle right along with it for a time. Take a hard look at your personal economic situation and you may find by making a few adjustments you can ride this out with little sacrifice. If you are in a industry that has been severely impacted by the housing bubble bursting, you may have to do something else to make a living for a while. No, it's not fair, but the sooner you decide to act, the better.
Most people in Yolo County will feel the impact of this economic downturn in some way. Most will get through it by adjusting their spending and saving habits, but there will be many families whose lives will be turned upside down in the near future. If you are one of those families, I am, and I will be praying for you.
I hope you will reach out to your friends, your family and your church when you need support. This is a great community filled with caring people, I hope you reach out to them as I did, when my world fell apart.
Saturday, October 04, 2008
Obama, our dear leader.
The first time I saw this I thought, okay its just a bunch liberal parents setting their children up for a lifetime of disappointment. The people who make their kids sing songs about how the junior Senator from Illinois is going to change the world are doing their children harm. Please spare me the argument that these small children really understand what they are singing about, they don't. I would make the same argument if I saw a video production of third graders singing the praises of John McCain.
If you want to raise up the next generation of bitterly cynical people, you are off to a great start. I have a question to all you Obama supporters, especially those who have been 'inspired to change the world'. How will you feel if Barack Obama wins and he doesn't change the world, or my fear, that his policies change things for the worse? Will you believe the media and the Obama apologists when they say Republicans and the rich kept Obama from implementing his great visions of change? Will you become disillusioned by politics like many of the liberals who came of age in the late sixties?
If you are honest with yourself, in the end you will finally acknowledge that you were naive and were swept up in emotion and didn't really do any homework on Obama's astounding lack of accomplishments or executive experience? How has Barack Obama changed Chicago? Is Chicago a much better place to live and raise a family thanks to Barack Obama? If not, than why would you believe he is going to make the world better? Seriously, why?
I hear from young people all the time that they want to 'change the world'. I would like to point out that Hitler and Pol Pot changed the world in a real and meaningful way. Changing the world is something your social studies or history teacher tells you to do, not a job description. So for all of you out there who want to 'change the world' or 'make the world a better place' or some other bumper sticker slogan, here is a nickel's worth of free advice. Change your world first.
Starting with the person in the mirror. Make yourself the best person you can be. Give freely. Give of your time, your effort and your money, even if its just your allowance, a servant's heart is crucial to becoming a better you. Learn. Turn off Dancing with the Stars and start reading. History and the classics first and then learn about what inspires you.
Once you find a volunteer organization, charity or ministry at your church you believe in, get involved. I don't mean joining the Sierra Club or World Wildlife Fund and stop there, these groups have no affect on your day to day life, even if they tell you otherwise. If you are not overwhelmed at that point and want to so more, change you community. PTA, after-school programs, help wherever your time and talent do the most good.
Still not tired? Great, lead and teach others. Become a mentor, find someone who has the character, drive and mindset to do what you have done and train them to replace you. That will free you up so you can make a greater impact on your community. This process can go on until your last breath. If you find at the end of all that effort, that you only changed your local after school program, congratulations you did great. I mean it. If the only thing you really changed was yourself, as a person and as a citizen of this great nation, congratulations you did great also.
Very few people change the word for the better. Scientists, and medical researchers can unlock keys to curing disease or finding the next fuel to replace oil, but don't overlook people like Mother Teresa or Billy Graham. The people who start out to change one person's life can affect millions of others in the end. People who start out to change the world are almost certain to fail.
If you want to raise up the next generation of bitterly cynical people, you are off to a great start. I have a question to all you Obama supporters, especially those who have been 'inspired to change the world'. How will you feel if Barack Obama wins and he doesn't change the world, or my fear, that his policies change things for the worse? Will you believe the media and the Obama apologists when they say Republicans and the rich kept Obama from implementing his great visions of change? Will you become disillusioned by politics like many of the liberals who came of age in the late sixties?
If you are honest with yourself, in the end you will finally acknowledge that you were naive and were swept up in emotion and didn't really do any homework on Obama's astounding lack of accomplishments or executive experience? How has Barack Obama changed Chicago? Is Chicago a much better place to live and raise a family thanks to Barack Obama? If not, than why would you believe he is going to make the world better? Seriously, why?
I hear from young people all the time that they want to 'change the world'. I would like to point out that Hitler and Pol Pot changed the world in a real and meaningful way. Changing the world is something your social studies or history teacher tells you to do, not a job description. So for all of you out there who want to 'change the world' or 'make the world a better place' or some other bumper sticker slogan, here is a nickel's worth of free advice. Change your world first.
Starting with the person in the mirror. Make yourself the best person you can be. Give freely. Give of your time, your effort and your money, even if its just your allowance, a servant's heart is crucial to becoming a better you. Learn. Turn off Dancing with the Stars and start reading. History and the classics first and then learn about what inspires you.
Once you find a volunteer organization, charity or ministry at your church you believe in, get involved. I don't mean joining the Sierra Club or World Wildlife Fund and stop there, these groups have no affect on your day to day life, even if they tell you otherwise. If you are not overwhelmed at that point and want to so more, change you community. PTA, after-school programs, help wherever your time and talent do the most good.
Still not tired? Great, lead and teach others. Become a mentor, find someone who has the character, drive and mindset to do what you have done and train them to replace you. That will free you up so you can make a greater impact on your community. This process can go on until your last breath. If you find at the end of all that effort, that you only changed your local after school program, congratulations you did great. I mean it. If the only thing you really changed was yourself, as a person and as a citizen of this great nation, congratulations you did great also.
Very few people change the word for the better. Scientists, and medical researchers can unlock keys to curing disease or finding the next fuel to replace oil, but don't overlook people like Mother Teresa or Billy Graham. The people who start out to change one person's life can affect millions of others in the end. People who start out to change the world are almost certain to fail.
OJ Simpson gets a second chance.
A second chance to look for the 'real killers'. This time, he may have a bit more luck.
What are the odds of finding the real killers on golf courses in Florida? Orenthal James Simpson will have a far better chance of finding the killer of his ex wife in prison, and that is where he is headed.
OJ, here is a hint, whenever you walk past a mirror, take a long look in there, you may be surprised where the real killers could be hiding.
What are the odds of finding the real killers on golf courses in Florida? Orenthal James Simpson will have a far better chance of finding the killer of his ex wife in prison, and that is where he is headed.
OJ, here is a hint, whenever you walk past a mirror, take a long look in there, you may be surprised where the real killers could be hiding.
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