Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Old Glory

"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands: one Nation, under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all." My name is SouthernGirl (ha. Had to throw that in there...habit from my grade school days).

Oh our flag and what she represents. I love her. I treat her with the upmost respect at all times. I am broken hearted that there are so few of us out there anymore with that upbringing.

The red stripes and white stripes together represent the original 13 colonies that gained us our LIBERTY that we so much take for granted these days.

The red stripes remind us of the lifeblood of brave men and women who were ready to die for our country.

The white stripes remind us of the purity and cleanliness of purpose, thought word and deed.

The blue is for truth and justice, like the eternal blue of the star-filled heavens.

The stars represent the fifty sovereign states of our union.

The American Creed states, "it is my duty to my country to love it, to respect its Constitution, to obey its laws, to respect its flag, and to defend it against all enemies."

Does anyone learn these values anywhere beside Boy Scouts these days?

Influence On Our Youth

I have a confession to make. I LOVE crap tv. Live for it. Especially on Tuesday nights when I have the house to myself. I curl up on the couch and break out the DVR recorded shows.

One of my weaknesses is a show called Gossip Girl. It's a show about the shallow high school elite in NYC--and all the juicy drama they drag each other through. Just can't get enough of it!

Anyhow, last night one of the characters (the "poor" fella) just found out that his father couldn't afford to put him through Yale (gee, welcome to the REAL world, sweetheart). Ok, I understand the hardships of that and all...but this HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR doesn't blame himself, or his father, or really even Yale's lack of financial aide for that matter. Nope. He blatantly states "a former imbecile President of ours..." and continues about the current state of our market and the Recession. And that, my friends, is why poor chap can't go to Yale.

A HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR.

Now, I vaugely remember thinking I knew all the answers to our world's problems when I was in H.S. but I'll also admit--just as others--that as much as I liked to front that I knew it all, politics was one of the last things I truly knew. Trust me, I tried...I was a member of Political Animals and We The People. But I just couldn't truly grasp it all, as I was still dependent on my parents and only worked so I could have the fun things my parents wouldn't buy, etc. I do remember I didn't care too much for our former Prez in my h.s. days...especially all the lovely military cuts, etc...but I sure didn't call him an imbecile and blame him for my lack of funding for schooling. If I had known then what I do now, I'd be cussing him, Fannie and Freddie and all that fun stuff on a daily basis.

But one of the most popular tv shows for America's youth--sneaking in "former imbecile President" and that administration that led us straight into a recession. It really got to me. MSM, hit tv shows, it's every where. I keep waiting for "You are happy. You love life. You love Your President," to appear on my tv screen at all times. Obammy zombies.

I am weak though. Next week's drama looks way too good to miss. And, let's be realistic. Our little teeny boppers aren't going to stop watching this show and its fabulous high school drama--and most probably didn't catch the political jab snuck in there. So the ratings won't drop--even if we tried.
Now. If I had a daughter that watched the show, I wouldn't let her watch it any longer. Me on the other hand? Well, since I don't have a daughter and won't be influencing anyone, I just want the juicy drama. I'll ignore the political slams. I can't get enough. Unless it happens again.

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Jusy Say NO!...to water...?

While doing my morning blog rounds I came across a great LAUGH (h/t ALa). Apparently, Penn and Teller have decided to test just how "loyal" our environmentally conscious really are.

Apparently, they are so "environmentally conscious"--that WATER should be banned. Hmmm.

It also makes you wonder, how many petitions are signed without the signer truly knowing what they're supporting/against? When is enough enough? When will it be time for our fellow countrymen to begin thinking for themselves? Hopefully NOT before it is too late.

Monday, April 27, 2009

Are You Distracted?

I have noticed that folks seem to be tiring of economics, and seem now to be quietly hoping the couple of weeks of stock market rallies (now apparently running their course) were a signal of the return of a bull market. Banks were making big (although false) profits; banks passed their "stress" tests (although the test did not even test against current problems, and assumes away anything even close to the "worst-case scenario" that they were supposed to meet.

So, just to make your day, I thought I would review a few factors that should help you judge just how well the stimulus package, bank bailouts, and Keynesian monetary policy has worked, and let you judge for yourself whether this is a bull or a bear:

Unemployment and part-time employment rates are increasing steeply, indicating that the "stress test" levels of 8.9% will be passed, and will continue on an upward course well into 2010.

Retail sales, while somewhat ameliorated, are still negative, after a record negative 4th Q 2008, suggesting that we haven't solved consumer confidence yet.

A new wave of home foreclosures is beginning - predictable, as all those option ARMs that didn't increase to "real" interest rates from the initial tickler rates are about to do so.

Small business sentiment on the economy, measured by financial surveys from respected indendent organizations, is plummeting.

As one might expect from the above, small business capital expenditures are collapsing as well, with only 15% expecting to invest more, compared to 40% last year.

Commercial real estate delinquency rates are the highest since 1934, and retail vacancies are at 9.5%, the highest in decades. Rents have dropped 1.8%, and apartment vacancies are at 7.2%, while 25 million square feet of office space was vacated in the 1st Q, and has not re-rented.

World trade is contracting rapidly, and will continue, as the IMF is projecting financial losses to reach 4 Trillion (up from an estimate of 1T less than a year ago). 39% of that will occur in Europe, and more than 30% in the US. Only 1/3 of that debt has been written off thus far. Most bear markets historically have bottomed at about 10X PE, yet stocks are still overvalued at more than 50X - not a bull signal.

I don't give advice on investments, but if I were to make a choice between playing an ETF betting on the bull market or buying a good book on how to protect your assets in a depression - well, let's just say I bought my son and daughters a book. And it is not a book on how BHO and Timmy have saved the economy from disaster!

Friday, April 24, 2009

Funny Friday

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Ann Coulter

Last Tuesday, Ann Coulter lost her mother. This morning, she posted an article about about the amazing woman she called mommy. The article is touching and brought tears to my eyes. You can read it here.

I offer my deepest consolences to Ann and her family as they grieve the loss of their mother.

I bring this article up on my blog today not to be sympathetic--but rather to be enraged. The comments section of her article is not, I believe, the place to express this outrage, so I'm bringing it here to Bless Our Hearts.

Ann is a bigger person than I am for posting such a touching, personal moment on such a public forum. She posted the article knowing that the unkind souls would come and speak such heinous words to her while she is mourning. I wouldn't have had that kind of bravery--and probably would be trying to hunt down the thugs that trash talked me or my mother if I were in Ann's situation.

I don't care what your political beliefs are--or whether you agree with Ann Coulter's views or not. How someone can be so heartless, so soul-less and post nasty comments directed to Ann on this day is beyond me. The leftists/liberals/dems, whatever you want to call them, call themselves the party of "tolerance" yet come and post comments to a grieving daughter as if they have no soul. That is not the kind of Utopia I'm looking for...

If I were to ever have had a chance to reason with those people, that chance is gone. Even when people I oppose politically pass away, I stop and send a prayer the way of their family and for their soul. For someone to outright insult Ann is beyond disgusting. It's vulgar and repulsive and I have no doubt has disappointed our Father. Whether they believe or not--their day will come.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Housewives Evil? I think not.

I am currently reading a book called "Women Who Make the World Worse: and How Their Radical Feminist Assault Is Ruining Our Schools, Families, Military, and Sports" by Kate O'Brien.

I'll admit it is taking me longer than usual to read because it's difficult for me to read at times. I find myself getting slightly angry with some of the quotes/comments made by some of these women...

For example, I stumbled across this statement last night: Betty Friedan states, "But even if a woman does not have to work to eat, she can identify only in work that is of real value to society--work for which, usually, our society pays." (italics--my emphasis)

I read this phrase and re-read it and read it yet again with the same thought powering through my mind: How exactly is raising a child NOT contributing to society? This could be my personal opinion, or some may share--but aren't children that have parents that CARE about their life and want to share the moments with them typically more positive adults than those that were passed from daycare to daycare/nanny/neglected?

Please don't get me wrong. I am NOT knocking mothers that have to work to eat, or keep a roof over your babies heads. I am just simply dumbfounded at the statements Ms. Friedan makes --apparently on a consistent basis.

I once told my father that although I was attending the University, I was simply doing so to obtain my M.R.S.

Although it was stated tongue in cheek, it was not received well by either of my parents. My mother fought her way through a male dominated industry in the late 70s and early 80s--and my father wants nothing but the best for his children--and he wants his children to reach "their best" on their own. NOT with the assistance of a M.R.S. (or M.R).

Years later from that statement (you know, the M.R.S statement), I now possess a degree and no M.R.S. I am working and supporting myself and I couldn't be happier. BUT...I will not sacrifice time with my unborn children just to show some man I am just as competent as him. I take it as a great honor that I can one day be a mother and teach my children to be pillars of society. Just as my own mother did.

I strongly disagree with the statement that it takes a village to raise a child. I don't mind the village contributing every now and again--but when I'm blessed with children of my own, I want to be the one that influences my child (well, along with my husband, I suppose).

It starts at home. Period.

If you can't separate work from personal life--don't bring children in to this world. Furthermore, don't you dare knock women that choose to forgo the professional lifestyle to raise their children and maintain their households. That is a full time job--that I'd say contributes to society much more than that 30 second ad spot running on NBC at 5pm.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Budget Spending vs. Budget Cuts

For those of you that are visual learners...

Seriously?

"A billion here, a billion there, pretty soon it adds up to real money." -Senator Everett Dirksen

Community Service--Voluntary?

While I have stated before that I don't oppose encouraging community service--I do have a problem with signing a bill that bribes one to do good.

The Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act sounds ideal--encourage youth and young adults throughout our nation to participate in community service.

However, after the revelation of the "extremeist conservative" report from DHS and the 1000+ page "stimulus" bill that was rushed through crammed with pork and pet projects and our President flying all over the world to listen to our country being bashed, I have my reservations. I don't trust it.

First, politicians that do nothing to contribute to society--except redistribute OTHER PEOPLE'S wealth--are creating, supporting or signing a bill that will all but force community service onto our children. Heck, those politicians will even PAY you to VOLUNTEER your time...I mean, what's a few million more when we're already running the deficit up to $4trillion plus?

Next, in mere weeks after the DHS report was released mentioning Veterans and their easily coerced ways:

(h/t Michelle Malkin:) And echoing the anti-military bigotry last seen in that disgusting Penn State University training video, there’s this on p. 7:

(U) Disgruntled Military Veterans

(U//FOUO) DHS/I&A assesses that rightwing extremists will attempt to recruit and radicalize returning veterans in order to exploit their skills and knowledge derived from military training and combat. These skills and knowledge have the potential to boost the capabilities of extremists—including lone wolves or small terrorist cells—to carry out violence. The willingness of a small percentage of military personnel to join extremist groups during the 1990s because they were disgruntled, disillusioned, or suffering from the psychological effects of war is being replicated today.

...a Veterans service corps group will be developed, monitored by the Corporation for National and Community Service.

While there is not much description as to what this program will do for Veterans, I can't help but draw up crazy theories that we may be witnessing the most power hungry humans in this country trying to make their power permanent... Could this be the counter attack of our current government on these extreme conservatives that brainwash our poor Veterans? In other words, a means to get in the heads of these "easily coerced" Vets before those crazy conservatives do? Get in the heads of the kiddos while they're at it?

After the release of the DHS report that vaguely describes any and ALL opposition to the current administration as a potential terrorist threat and now with the release of the Serve America bill--I can't help but think--are we seeing a repeat in history?

Well, I can ponder no longer...I actually have to go write a lesson plan for the class I work with every week through Junior Achievement. It's an amazing VOLUNTEER group that reaches out to America's youth each and every day. And we don't even get paid to do it!

Monday, April 20, 2009

And Now a Moment for CNN

...courtesy of Founding Bloggers (h/t Michelle Malkin).

"You know, you don't really need to be so antagonistic."

Someone should of told her to wipe that "I'm better/smarter than you smirk" of that face of hers...as well as the condescending tone. Fox News did not tell us about these parties. And that eats CNN up.

Is anyone else getting frustrated with the blatant hypocrisy we are witnessing? While it is offensive to call our current President "fascist" it is perfectly ok to compare our former President to Hitler...? Missing the reasoning behind that one...

Political Elite Oppose Tea Parties

According to a Rasmussen Report released this morning, 81% of America's politcal elite had an unfavorable opinion on last week's Tea Parties.

Now, I wonder why that is?

I don't suppose it has anything to do with the fact that the purpose of the Tea Parties is to demonstrate America's disdain over the ever-growing Federal government?

Well, and of course, President Obama's office deemed the parties as "unhealthy."

...I'll leave that commentary to you.

Friday, April 17, 2009

We're All Just RWE's!

I assume most of you have now heard about or read the "leaked" memo from Department of Homeland Security which, without data, evidence or support, labels as "extreme" pretty much half the population of the United States, in particular Republicans, conservatives, and libertarians. The memo targets "groups, movements, and adherents that are mainly anti-government, rejecting federal authority in favor of state or local authority." That would include, if they were alive today, Washington, Jefferson, Hamilton, or Madison (well, not all were Federalists, although all of them ultimately agreed to those governing principles).

Just to be sure we are all on the same page here, and drinking tea instead of koolaid, here is the language of the 10th Amendment to the US Constitution:

The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States, respectively, or to the People.

That means, for those not sufficiently schooled in 18th Century prose, that anything not expressly granted to the federal government is reserved to the states or the people. Therefore any constitutionalist who believes in the republic, and in the federal form of government, is, according to Napolitano, a "right wing extremist".

The memo also targeted groups and individuals who are dedicated to a single issue - you know, like folks who believe in Right to Life or are opposed to illegal immigration - and especially frightening, targeted returning veterans who could be targeted by extremists and "radicalized" to "exploit their skills and knowledge derived from military training and combat." I guess those skills include the ability to shoot - yet the 2d Amendment protects the right to gun ownership.

You know, this antiquated document just gets in the way of the statist/fascist bureaucrats running Washington these days - how much simpler if we could all just be re-educated to trust them, drink the Koolaid, and do as we are told? Well, perhaps because of another little-known right those RWEs stuck in the Constitution, known as the 9th Amendment. It says:

The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.

While I am aware of the Slaughterhouse cases and other poorly reasoned dribble by past courts that marginalize this language, perhaps we need to revisit and reinvigorate these express rights before they are undermined further by even more poorly reasoned dribble, in the form of government scapegoating of those who refuse to drink the Koolaid.

My question? Was this "leak" unintentional, coming as it did on the eve of a national protest of government excess at the federal level, or was it intended to chill protest? And if the latter, how big would those crowds have been without the chilling effect? Somebody needs to remind Napolitano and her ilk to read the base, founding document from which her limited powers derive, before she inserts any more of her foot, gout and all, in her mouth.

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Dear Congressman X

Dear Congressman X:

I have sat idly by for far too long. Your statement released yesterday is the final straw on the camel's back. I have voted for you for the very last time--as you seem to have little to no regard for your constituents and what they need/want/believe. For that, I am disgusted and ashamed that I have EVER cast a ballot for your name.

Yesterday you released a statement which included this: "...it's very clear that these events are being set up to attack President Obama..."

First, these events are not set up to attack Obama. These events are set up to demonstrate against YOU and your fellow Congressmen and Senators that have been signing bills left and right without even reading them. This is beyond taxes. This is to show you that we are on to the power hungry and greediness that has ruled Washington for FAR TOO LONG.

These events are set up to let YOU know that we are tired of YOUR actions. We, your constituents, are tired of your automated responses to emails, letters or phone calls. We voted you in to office to represent US, not your pet projects and special interests.

Furthermore, using the word, "attack" was probably not your best choice. There is no attack on anyone. This is not about Bush. This is not about Obama. THIS is about our Federal government that has become power hungry and greedy, i.e. YOU.

Please do not forget that you do hail from a RED STATE and that we WILL find a better candidate to vote you out.

I KNOW you did not read the Stimulus bill, yet voted for it anyway. How disappointing. How do YOU justify spending and spending and spending? Did you not take ECON 101? Do not spend what you do not have.

From this day forward you will receive a letter from me once a month. I will send these letters to REMIND you that you are in Washington, D.C. to represent me and my fellow citizens...NOT your special interests and pet projects. Take the politics out of your game and you may save face. Continue on the path you're on and I will ensure that everyone I know and speak to understands that you are just another politician and you WILL NEVER receive my vote again.

Sincerely,

Southern Girl

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

DHS vs. Conservative America

While I intend to have a more thorough post on this topic later, I need to take a moment to let it sink in...and digest. With the help of the release of the NFL schedule and a brewski, I should be good to go tomorrow.

I'll start with my first initial thought when reading about this: "This man is trying to 'weed out' his competition by vaguely listing 'terroristic threats' and 'potential terroristic cells' in a conservative extremeist report, which could (through its vagueness) actually include ME...a conservative Christian, pro-Veteran, pro-2nd Amendment...that blogs. All 100 pounds of me.

With that said, check out Michelle Malkin's blog, which has a thorough description of our POTUS's latest political "move"...as well as many, many, many links and trackbacks (looks like it's at 142 right now) and This Ain't Hell--that has a response from the American Legion to this ludicrous report released by our very own DHS.

I'd sure like to know how the leaders/commanders of the "state and local partners" would like to truthfully respond to such a report? Aren't a large majority of them veterans? I'm sure the General isn't pleased...maybe he'll contribute soon. (exum...General???)

Calling All Eagles Fans...

Looking forward to September 20th. Which is at least better than say...a December game! Us Southerners can't take that cold white stuff! Why do I choose the Philly fans? Well...through work and one of my favorite blogspots...I find myself surrounded by them these days! :)

Generous Tea Parties

While the original intent of the National Tea Parties has not faltered, I have stumbled across a FABULOUS idea.

The Little Rock, Arkansas Tea Party is collecting cannned goods and other non-perishable items to donate to the local food banks that have been struggling in recent times.

This demonstrates not only that Tea Party participants are concerned about the state of this Nation...but also are a large majority of the most giving, kind hearted Americans that you'll ever meet.

I know this is short notice, but maybe we can all suggest something of this nature for our own Tea Parties?

TOP TEN ITEMS NEEDED:

• Canned meats/fish/poultry

• Canned/Packaged Meals

• Peanut Butter

• Cereal

• Soups

• Canned Vegetables

• Canned Fruits

• 100% Juices

• Pasta and Pasta Sauces

• Diapers

Texas is in...America Out?

Back in February I posted about the New Hampshire legislation calling for HR0006, a Resolution affirming States' rights based on Jeffersonian principles. By the end of February, more states had joined. Some states already had resolutions in place dating back to the 90s when a certain other President was in office...

We've all said it would get interesting if and when Texas joined the list...well. That day has come.

What do you suppose THIS means?

The Coworker seems to think this will either make Barry throw another one of his tantrums...

Monday, April 13, 2009

Capitalism vs. Socialism-Part Deux

Last Thursday, I posted about how we actually have Americans that would prefer Socialism over Capitalism. Well now, that seems like a GREAT idea. Let's socialize millions and millions of people...FORCE them to live/act the way a small number of people think/believe you should. Right. I'm right on that.

Our leading example of why this would work "so well?" France. Last Wednesday, 500 workers went on strike at the Eiffel Tower, causing the Tower to close. The cause? The want for increased wages. Never mind how much it costs to run the tower (electricity, etc.). It's just not fair that the ticket costs went up but no one's hourly rate did. The workers are, of course, unionized.

Because I'm SURE with the Global Warming and all they don't charge an arm and a leg to run this thing: Hmpf. I don't suppose they could just fire the punks and ask the 7.9% of frenchmen that DON'T HAVE A JOB if they wouldn't mind running the elevator at the Tower?

Can we just imagine what life will be like once Unions get their hands on every facet of the work force? We will be waiting in line to see the Grand Canyon...or maybe waiting how long for an ambulance? Grant it, they have lost the card check battle for now, but I believe these Union bosses are still in the War--they won't give up anytime soon. And, if we allow our "representatives" (and POTUS) to continue the way they're going...we will see Unions running our country in no time at all.

SG RANT: I'm so tired of all these entitlements both in and outside of the workforce. I'm ready for these people to get bitch slapped and realize that you DO HAVE TO WORK (and sometimes for *gasp* minimum wage) for most things and you do have to learn to LIVE WITHIN YOUR MEANS.

Needs: Shelter, Food, Clothing. Wants: EVERYTHING ELSE. If you only make $20,000/year, well, don't go buy those $200 jeans. Ummm-kay? I just have a problem with the fact that when I started (with a college degree mind you) in the work force I was WELL BELOW the "poverty" line. Yet, never even applied for food stamps (though my mother highly suggested it). I lived within my means--wanted for EVERYTHING...received everything I needed.

*editors note: Don't have actual reference for the $200 jeans statement, as this was verbally said and not recorded by any media...because what poor soul would buy jeans that they can't afford? NEVER an American that has been taught to be dependent on our Welfare system, which by the way, is NOT an entitlement, either.

I know...a little all over the place this morning...but what can you expect after such a peaceful weekend with family and friends...only concerning myself with the thought of what my Saviour, Jesus Christ, did for me and you all those years ago.

Happy Belated Easter to Ya'll!!

Thursday, April 9, 2009

National Tea Party

I truly do not believe this is a partisan issue--but rather an American issue that needs to be addressed. Now.

What has been happening the past 8 months is a travesty and should not be allowed to continue. Speak Up AMERICA on April 15, 2009, and don’t stop until we get results.The spending is getting beyond absurd and the corporations that keep asking for bail outs need to be told "NO!" If you or I failed at our job we would be fired...not handed a bonus. Which is what bailing these companies out...with OUR tax dollar, is essentially doing, giving them another chance to waste more money.

Toby Marie Walker is a Tea Party organizer from Waco, Texas. She says, “Our representatives have forgotten who they represent, what the Constitution says, and that WE are THEIR boss. We surround them, we put them in office and together we can send them home.”

It is time to remind our Representatives (REPUBLICAN, DEMOCRATS AND INDEPENDENT REPRESENTATIVES of all shapes, sizes and colors) what their job is...to REPRESENT us--the average Amerian Tax Paying citizen.

April 15th marks the day. It is time to no longer remain silent. Join me my fellow Americans...

Find your local tea party here or here.

Michelle Malkin does a great job at covering the ins and outs of the National Tea Party on her blog.

Capitalism vs. Socialism

In my daily Rasmussen update, I noticed that the results of Capitalism vs. Socialism came in.

Only 53% of American adults believe capitalism is better than socialism.

Ugh.

But...when Rasmussen breaks down the results a bit more, here is what we find:

Adults under 30 are essentially evenly divided: 37% prefer capitalism, 33% socialism, and 30% are undecided. Thirty-somethings are a bit more supportive of the free-enterprise approach with 49% for capitalism and 26% for socialism. Adults over 40 strongly favor capitalism, and just 13% of those older Americans believe socialism is better.

Investors by a 5-to-1 margin choose capitalism. As for those who do not invest, 40% say capitalism is better while 25% prefer socialism.

What I would love to find out is WHERE DO THEY FIND THESE PEOPLE? Obviously, the ones in support of Socialism don't really care about money anyway (I'm going to go out on a limb and guess they're currently BENEFITTING from investors)...

I'm willing to be that the 33% of under 30s are on liberal college campuses for one. Because even MY liberal under 30 friends don't support SOCIALISM.

I just wish people would take the time to study history and how socialism has been "so" successful in other countries.

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

The Catholic Spirit

I received an email yesterday...it was pretty good.

Nancy Pelosi is now a Saint....CAN YOU BELIEVE THIS ?

On a Saturday afternoon, in Washington, D. C., House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's aide visited the Cardinal of the Catholic cathedral.

He told the Cardinal that Nancy Pelosi would be attending the next day's sermon, and he asked if the Cardinal would kindly point out Pelosi to the congregation and say a few words that would include calling Pelosi a saint.

The Cardinal replied, "No. I don't really like the woman, and there are issues of conflict with the Catholic Church over certain of Pelosi's views." Pelosi's aide then said, "Look. I'll write a check here and now for a donation of $100,000 to your church if you'll just tell the congregation you see Pelosi as a saint."

The Cardinal thought about it and said, "Well, the church can use the money, so I'll work your request into tomorrow's sermon." As Pelosi's aide promised, House Speaker Pelosi appeared for the Sunday sermon and seated herself prominently at the edge of the main aisle.

And, during the sermon, as promised, the Cardinal pointed out that House Speaker Pelosi was present.

Then the Cardinal went on to explain to the congregation -- "While Speaker Pelosi's presence is probably an honor to some, she is not my favorite person. Some of her views are contrary to those of the church, and she tends to flip-flop on many other views. Nancy Pelosi is a petty, self-absorbed hypocrite, a thumb sucker, and a nit-wit. Nancy Pelosi is also a serial liar, a cheat, and a thief.

Nancy Pelosi is the worst example of a Catholic I have ever personally witnessed.

She married for money and is using it to lie to the American people. She also has a reputation for shirking her Representative obligations both in Washington, and in California. She simply is not to be trusted."

The Cardinal completed his view of Pelosi with, "But, when compared to Senators Ted Kennedy, Harry Reid, and John Kerry, House Speaker Pelosi is a saint."

I think my FAVORITE part about this email is The Coworker's response...

The Coworker: Wow. Is this for real?

Made me laugh out loud--which was much needed!

Happy Easter!

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Depression Lurks Among Us

SG: Well folks, the time has come...lessons learned from past mistakes have been long forgotten and we are repeating cycles. We got too cocky, too confident and way too selfish, and now we are finding ourselves in a horrible situation. All you bleeding hearts will bleed no more. We won't have the money to give to other nations or to our own charities and foundations.

The Gen: We are close to entering a depression, so folks ought to be in cash, treasuries, debt-free, and if their house is overpriced or close, think about selling unless they can't do better elsewhere.

Click here or post's title for article and hold on...this is gonna be a bumpy ride.

**SG: My financial advisor believes the WORST thing you can do is go all cash or treasuries...that will for sure put the market in a nose dive...and my FA compares it to hiding money in a mattress. Sure--you get that cash but there is no interest. And cash is worthless these days because of inflation. Finally, my FA strongly--HIGHLY--recommends taking your money out of the big Banks and moving to small, local banks. The Feds don't have their hands on that...yet.

The Washington Beat

Well, thank goodness the General had something to say yesterday. I sat here for a good hour staring at the computer screen with plenty to say yet unable to find the exact written words for my thoughts. I'd type and delete, type and delete, finally just deleting the entire post in frustration. I have lately found myself at such a loss for words (and ya'll that doesn't happen often) that I am almost to the point of bewilderment. Hence, the posting of other people's work--or the very short posts.

Today will be no different, unfortunately. But this alone surely demonstrates why I am so baffled at the world today? Today, I will add my own thoughts after each bit...so I don't feel like I'm completely relying on other's thoughts and words.

The Townhall.com Washington Beat with Jillian Bandes:

HELLO, DEBT The House and Senate passed Obama's budget bills this week, ushering in an era of increased spending to the tune of 3.6 trillion dollars. The plan is expected to create a $500 to 600 billion budget shortfall in five years. The vote was largely along party lines in the Senate, with only two Democratic Senators voting against the plan, but 20 Democrats broke ranks in the House. Healthcare and education were the top priority items, as was bankrupting future generations. When is this going to stop?!?! SPENDING MONEY DOES NOT GET YOU OUT OF DEBT. Why, why, why do these idiots in Washington think otherwise? I think they ALL need to sit through a Dave Ramsey lesson or 12 then reconvene and throw their votes around. This makes me so sick. When will America realize what these people are doing to us in such a short time? When will America get mad?

NORTH KOREAN FIREWORKS PROVE DISAPPOINTING North Korea tried to launch a nuclear missile into space this past weekend, but it likely ended up on the ocean floor. That didn't stop the Dear Leader from praising his scientists and his country, and claiming 100 percent success for the operation: "It is a striking demonstration of the might of our juche-oriented science and technology that our scientists and technicians developed both the multistage carrier rocket and the satellite with their own wisdom and technology," Kim Jong Il told the Korea Central News Agency. Some experts point to Japan as the nation most likely to deter a successful missile strike, although the likelihood of Kim actually seeing success seems slim. So, this is no big deal? Crazy Kim Jong Il is shooting off missiles and we're going to CUT national defense and weapons funding?!? I suppose we need that additional funding to send to the ghetto thugs that are raised by welfare queens that like to shoot into crowds with no regard for human life. And I can guarantee you these punks did not register those weapons MR. PRESIDENT, you jack ass.

THE RUNNING MATE WEARS PRADA Todd Palin defended his wife?s wardrobe, saying that her handlers were responsible for the $150,000 spending spree on clothes and accessories for Sarah and the family. The Republican National Committee provided the dough, he said, and his wife was just trying to get the job done. "I couldn't give a rat's (expletive) about clothes. Please," said Todd, in an interview with Men?s Journal. It hits the newsstands at the end of this week. Seriously? Why are we still on Palin dropping private funds (provided by the RNC) when apparently it's ok for Mrs. President to drop the same amount with TAX PAYER dollars. Nice. And rather than be a villian, she is revered. I love the double standards in this country.

SENATE CAN'T KEEP UP WITH ITSELF The annual Senate vote-fest known as vote-o-rama took place on Thursday, in which lawmakers voted almost every 10 minutes on a variety of issues ranging from healthcare, energy, education loans, to tax increases. One vote every day or every few days day is normal when the Senate is in session. Some lawmakers weren't pleased with the tempo of this year's event. "I've been doing this for 22 years and I don't know that I've ever seen a year where colleagues just seem to be absolutely insistent on having roll call votes on things that are going to keep us here a very long time," said Sen. Kent Conrad, (D-N.D.). Well, who needs to take the time to read and understand something before voting on it? Apparently NO ONE in Washington, D.C. Let us just rush, rush, rush...hit the ground running straight to Socialism. Again. I feel sick to my stomach.

Well, I'm slightly down today. I'm witnessing friends and family lose their jobs left and right and ideas and values that have made this country so great go right down the drain. I wonder when people will get angry enough to make this stop? When women have to cover their heads, never leave the house and lose all rights they have worked to gain?

Monday, April 6, 2009

Lessons From the Great Depression - Horwitz' Ideological Residue

This morning I was listening to a conference call held by a US Representative, generally taking credit, as they tend to do, for anything good and any new dollars that have come to our State, while generally dodging credit or blame for any failures or transgressions of the Congress. (Hence the 90%+ return rate for incumbents? – But, I digress)

Then a fellow named “Smith” asked a very well-phrased question about the concerns we should have about King Obama firing GM’s CEO and the government discussion of imposing even more onerous restrictions on the salaries of those who have the bad fortune to work for a company that took bailout money from the government. In response, this brilliant leader of the free world and peer of the “Clueless 435”, otherwise known as the House of Representatives, stated, and I will paraphrase, that “while he understands the concerns about government intrusion into the bailiwick of shareholders and corporate boards, he was more concerned about the ‘average citizen’s concern that the people who caused this mess and caused us to lose so much money in our savings plans’ should profit from these bailouts.” In other words, to hell with principle, we can forget the Constitution and limited powers doctrine if we are mad as hell and we want to punish the greedy. Of course, while these average citizens have been told repeatedly by Congress and the liberal media that it was those greedy so-and-so’s on Wall Street who caused this financial mess, many, if not most, have never been told who or what was the real culprit in the recent economic debacle.

So let us set the record straight – if you want to limit the salaries of those who were the principle cause of the recession, then Congressman, you should pass laws to limit the salaries and benefits of Congress and the Administration, in general, and Barney Frank and Chris Dodd, in particular. And yet, it is the inimitable Mr. Frank who is sponsoring this new legislation! The false assumption that it was Wall Street greed (which there is no lack of, to be sure) that caused this mess is not just wrong, it is illogical.

Economist Larry White noted recently that, if we saw a bunch of airplanes crash all on the same day, we wouldn’t blame gravity. Why, then, does it make sense to blame greed, which is always there and, like gravity, always has been, for this economic calamity? Logic would tell you that something else was at work. It is more likely that processes, policy and institutions, which can channel greed for good or evil, are more likely the cause.

It is just as illogical to believe the crisis was caused by the unrestrained free market strategy of Bush and his deregulation of the financial industry. Why? Well, the last deregulation in that industry was during the Clinton administration, so anyone arguing that point should point out just what deregulation they are talking about. There was a decision by the SEC to rely upon the modeling and servers developed by the huge financial players, rather than trying to regulate through an IT process that would merely slow the models and thwart the intent of protecting and hedging investments, but in truth the SEC was merely admitting that they did not have the capability of doing that level of regulation with their own servers and models. Anyone arguing that was “deregulation” should also point out what central planners could have done, other than grind the markets to a halt, that would have regulated this process so as to avoid the rather certain cyclic adjustment, and what the ameliorative impacts would have been. Besides, the Bush administration added hundreds of thousands of pages to the Federal Registry, and trillions to the deficit – not something a limited government, free market advocate is likely to do, so he doesn’t get a pass, either.

As I have stated in earlier posts (and perhaps hundreds of blog threads in the last several months), there are two primary causes to this crisis: the irresponsible and expansionist monetary policy of the Federal Reserve Board (the “Fed”), and a well-documented collection of regulatory and institutional interventions that created excess credit and expanded access to credit in the housing market, creating a housing boom that was destined to fail because it was built on sand, bad credit principles, and a flawed idea that real estate values would always go up. As stated by Steven Horwitz, Professor of Economics at St. Lawrence University: “In other words, the boom (and inevitable bust) are the product of misguided government policy, not unbridled capitalism. … The Fed drove up the money supply and drove down interest rates very consistently since 9/11 [,] mak[ing] long term investments relatively cheaper than short term ones, thus the excess funds flow[ed] toward such goods. …[I]n this particular case, a set of other government interventions and policies pushed those funds toward housing.”

The wrong-headed government interventions Horwitz is referring to include: ­ -The Fed expanding money supply and driving down interest rates consistently over a number of years; ­ -A strong governmental push for “affordable” housing in several administrations; ­ -The involvement of the GSE’s, Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae in the development of low down-payment mortgages and the packaging of those mortgages for sale as securities in the secondary mortgage market, with an implicit promise of government support; ­ -Government pressure on the GSE’s to make housing more affordable, and more accessible to certain favored groups of borrowers (the historically underserved); ­ -The Community Reinvestment Act; ­ -The impact of zoning laws, which crowded housing into limited areas in many cities; ­ -At least two presidents pressing for even more “affordable housing.”

With these steps and many more, government intervention provided all the ingredients of a credit-fueled and regulatory-directed housing boom and bust. Of course, none of it would have happened without inspired assistance from those in the private sector who profited from the boom, but was it their greed or the finagling of the government that started the boom?

Professor Horwitz discusses this in detail in a speech, comparing this “Great Recession” to the Great Depression, to be found at – http://myslu.stlawu.edu/%7Eshorwitz/gsutalk.htm To summarize his points: ­ -The stimulus won’t stimulate much, and the bailouts so far have not, and may not, be effective. ­ -The original TARP plan has not done much good – and the prices of these inflated assets need to fall before the economy will correct. ­ -The stimulus legislation was premised on government spending bolstering demand for labor and reducing unemployment, but how government spending can add to growth, when government can only get resources through a reduction of private spending, remains unanswered. ­ -Focus on macroeconomics (money supply, interest rates, etc.) ignores the microeconomic adjustments that are necessary, so the focus is not just as retrenchment from inflation, but a sectoral reallocation of resources away from the artificially large longer-term asset sectors, to where real consumer demands lie. ­ -Obama’s proposed budget is based, apparently, on the presumption that we spent too much on housing, the financial sector, and debt in general, and not enough on the core issues of the environment, health care, and education. “For the life of me,” says Horwitz, “I cannot see how such a theory can explain anything of what’s happened the last six months, but it does serve to create a rationale for a budget that contains a whole bunch of new initiatives … [and] taken on a whole bunch of new debt.” ­ -Institutions created in the Great Depression are operating in and relevant to our current mess: the Banking Act of 1935 gave the Fed the power to adjust the money supply more directly, and to buy and sell government securities to adjust the money supply and interest rates; the Fed also has the power, and used it, to create the credit expansion of the post 9/11 period that caused the boom that has ended in the current bust; Fannie Mae was chartered in 1938, to address a rise in foreclosures and a problem of unaffordable homes – and its use, through the application of systematic policy to artificially support the housing market, was central to the current mess, and is an unintended consequence of the Great Depression’s institutional legacy; the SEC was created in 1933-34, and its role in the current crisis, though limited, was in creating a cartel of bond rating agencies that serve issuers rather than investors, hence the fox was guarding the hen house. ­ -If the period preceding the Great Depression (or this recession) was all about greed and laissez-faire economics/banking as urged by the media and the President, both then and now, why is it that Canada, which had far fewer limits on banks in the 20s than the US, had only one bank failure in the 20s, and none after 1929? ­ -The kind of meddling we now see from this Administration is very similar to that of FDR’s “brain trust”, which had many of its efforts declared unconstitutional, and by consensus, most were judged to have actually exacerbated the distortions of the 1920s and prevented necessary corrections, thus prolonging the debacle.

To put all this in perspective, economist Bryan Caplan asks: “do you suppose that if Bush and Obama had simply relied upon free market, laissez-faire principles to respond to this crisis, and the market had dropped by 4000 points and unemployment increased by 2 or 3% (now 5% or more?), the media would not have savaged them for their stupidity?” Well, why aren’t they questioning these effects from central planners who now have their fingers in everything, and if the G20 reports are accurate, are now going to mess with things on a global scale, inventing new currencies that devalue the current ones and reflating asset values. Their track record doesn’t give me much confidence. TARP has done basically nothing except prolong the agony of certain market failures -- yet the market would say that we need to let inflated housing prices fall to proper levels. These interventions are attempting to prevent that from happening, again, prolonging and exacerbating the misery.

In short, as Horwitz urges, we need to learn the lessons of the Great Depression, not mimic their failures. Short term bear market rallies may buoy spirits, but they will not last, and the inflation that must result from all these government trillions being thrown about in a panic will certainly end up hurting, rather than helping, any recovery. The programs that Obama is instituting in the name of recovery have nothing to do with recovery, and everything to do with his, and the left-leaning members of his party’s, long term programmatic and policy goals. Social democracy is a political movement advocating a gradual and peaceful transition from capitalism to socialism – a democratic welfare state that still incorporates some capitalist practices with its primarily socialist practices. But the goal is clear – a transition to socialism. If Obama is indeed a social democrat, and his statements and policy decisions all suggest strongly that he is, then his goal is clear as well – an economic and political system which includes collective or governmental ownership and administration (like hiring and firing?) of the means of production and distribution of goods (like car companies?). There are pundits who say we are wrong, and silly, to call Obama a socialist. I wonder. At least he is a statist, as were many Progressives in history, including FDR and Wilson. Because they all lead to the same place, it matters little what we call him, as long as we limit his powers as much as we can, beginning in the 2010 elections.

Friday, April 3, 2009

I Do Not Choose to be a Common Man

By Dean Alfange
It is my right to be uncommon--if I can.
I seek opportunity--not security. I do not wish to be a kept citizen, humbled and dulled by having the state look after me.
I want to take the calculated risk; to dream and to build, to fail and to succeed.
I refuse to barter incentive for a dole. I prefer the challenges of life to the guaranteed existence; the thrill of fulfillment to the stale calm of utopia.
I will not trade freedom for beneficence nor my dignity for a handout. I will never cower before any master nor bend to any threat.
It is my heritage to stand erect, proud and unafraid; to think and act for myself, enjoy the benefit of my creations and to face the world boldly and say, "This I have done."

Thursday, April 2, 2009

Keeping Score

As if Pelosi keeping a list isn't bad enough...

Now, we have the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES quoted saying, ""Don't think we're not keeping score, brother."

"'Don't think we're not keeping score, brother.' That's what President Barack Obama said to Rep. Peter DeFazio in a closed-door meeting of the House Democratic Caucus last week, according to the Associated Press." Read the rest of the article here.

So, to add on the list of ridiculous actions this man has set into place in the 2 months he has been in office, we can now officially add, "act like a HIGH SCHOOL student" to the list.

Seriously? I am sure this was said "tongue in cheek" but probably came across more as a threat, if his demeanor that he has demonstrated stayed steady. However, I am just reminded of high school students "keeping a list" of who is in and who is out. Who made the leader of the pack mad this week?

I'd say this is something we need to keep our eyes on, though. Five of the Deomcrat Senators listed come from red states, the heart of fly-over land (North Dakota, Nebraska, Arkansas and Louisiana)...and tend to be more moderate as their constituents tend to be more conservative. If these guys start changing their tune and voting FOR what their constituents are adamently against, it WILL be time to exploit them and let the residents of their states know they are not there for the good of the people they were voted to represent...but simply in Washington as puppets for the Obama administration.

We CAN NOT let this man bully our representatives around. If they can't stand up to him, well, we need to bring people into office that will.

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

The Fix Is In

The other contributor to this blog has been lax, while I have been merely absent. This will attempt to correct that, and to address a question that has been bothering me for a few months: Why are the Big Banks and Wall Street on board with the Marxists? Does it smack at all of conspiracy that Paulson came from Goldman Sachs, as did Rubin, the mentor of Geithner, as did Summers, and that all of the major moves we have seen recently seem to benefit only Wall Street, and do nothing for the rest of us? Could it be because, while Paulson told us that "credit markets were frozen" and that there was an "electronic run on banks", all that was really happening was that he and Bush were looking around the room, so to speak, and seeing that a few big investment houses were having trouble borrowing, and that had to be fixed? But was there a credit crisis? How many unsolicited mailings did you receive during the last quarter of 08, or for that matter this quarter of 09, offering you yet another credit card, refinancing of your mortgage, etc.? Consumer credit and other forms of producer credit were, it seems, doing just fine.

Why is power being consolidated in the Oval Office while these Wall Street firms and banks take in billions of our taxpayer dollars to accomplish ... what? Goldman claims it was "forced" to take 25 Billion from the government, but otherwise doesn't need the bailout. But Goldman got at least 13 of the 170 Billion paid to AIG, which, in addition to Goldman, paid Bank of America, Merrill Lynch (and who got that little company?), UBS, JP Morgan, Chase, Morgan Stanley, Deutsche Bank and Barclays additional Billions. AIG, the company that Sean Brodrick reports lost $7700 a second in the last quarter of 08 (total over 61 Billion), was nothing more than a conduit to pay the friends of Paulson, Geithner and Summers. How did the people who cheered when the laws changed to allow banks to play in the derivatives market get to run the government's programs to "fix" the problems created in part by that travesty?

My next entry will provide some historical perspective to these "fixes", but does anyone smell a rat? Is this change we can hope for? Or nascent corruption? Desmond Lachman, an official at IMF, wrote in the Washington Post that the recent "dalliance" (see my post below) shows that we should compare the US not to Japan (and its ten-year hiatus caused by poor government regulation in attempting to solve its "crisis"), but rather it should be compared to Argentina, Russia, and Thailand, which collapsed under their own corruption.

Once government assumes the "Commanding Heights" of a command economy, liberty and free markets can and will be held hostage to the "friends of the state", and capitalism is only a twisted, ugly shell of the magical system that made this country great. If you think I am overreacting, ask yourself - how is Obama's insistence on the firing of the CEO of one of the largest companies in the US any different than Putin's arrest of the CEO of Russia's largest oil company, when they disagreed? A despot is a despot is a tyrant is a king is a dictator, and they are all corrupt.

Our Rendezvous With Destiny-Heeding Reagan's Words

I stumbled across this video of a speech Ronald Reagan gave in 1964 that literally brought chill bumps to my arms (h/t Axis of Right). As I've said before and I'll say again...do we learn NOTHING from history? It is always a cycle it seems, rather than a "learn from your mistakes."

As Sal stated on his blog (AOR), "Conservative principles don't change."

All my conservative friends, watch this video. I played it in the background while I was working--as it is kind of long. Didn't want to waste 30 minutes...so I multi-tasked.

This is without a doubt a message we ALL need to hear. Over and over again.

SG: ...On another note, The Guy went out with a few of his buddies last night. Two of them voted for B.O and last night confided that they DEEPLY regret their decision. (one is a …drumroll…small business owner). Jack Asses. But…if each of us has one or two friends that REGRETS their decision, maybe we CAN be hopeful for 2012? …maybe even 2010. Where do we find great conservatives that are willing to RUN for Senate/Congress?

The Coworker:That is a great idea. Each one, reach one kinda thing.

One day at a time.

Two Peas in a Pod...

The Guy's Take on B.O's teleprompter "issues": "B.O speaking intelligently without a teleprompter is like Barry Bonds hitting a homerun without steroids. It just doesn't happen."