Champion of the Middle Class?

Imagine this.  A very wealthy CEO of a large national corporation schedules a three week vacation in Hawaii.  He loads up the family and close associates on his custom 747.  So that he can watch over his business while on vacation, he charters  a couple of additional planes to carry his entourage, helicopter and limousines.  In Hawaii he rents several beachfront homes and an entire floor in a nearby business district for his business associates and their equipment.  While on vacation, he and his entourage  live the good life frequenting the best restaurants and golf courses.  His family shops at the high end stores. Once the vacation ends, he tallies the cost:  $4,000,000 of his own hard earned money.     

The CEO fancies himself as a champion of the poor and middle class.  Is his claim believable or is he just another rich hypocrite?

Now imagine the CEO is not a CEO, but rather the president of the United States.  The $4,000,000 isn’t from his personal wealth, but from the taxpayer.  He also claims to be a champion of the poor and middle class.  Is his claim more or less believable, more or less hypocritical?

Let Them Rule

Congress is a mess.  Not news, is it?  But now we have democrats thinking they have a mandate to raise taxes and republicans showing signs of capitulation.  Recent history has shown the democrats are far better and spinning any situation into their own advantage.  It doesn’t hurt that they have a strong ally in the mainstream press.  Nothing about this will change soon.  The sooner the republicans accept this, the better.

If you accept it, you should accept this.  The republicans should back off an let Obama and the democrats have their way.  They should only insist that the democrats lay out a plan and write it down in legislation.  They should allow a vote.  There should be no attempt to block votes, twist arms or amend the democratic plans.  Each bill should pass or fail based on its own merits.  Each member should vote their own conscience and not party line.

Sound like surrender?  Possibly, but remember the republicans are in a no-win situation.  Take Obamacare for example.  The republicans have done everything in their power to defeat Obamacare at every turn.  What has it gotten them?  Nowhere.  Obamacare begins to go into effect in January.  It will be either a huge success or a new disabling entitlement.  If it becomes a success, Obama will get the credit.  If it fails miserably, the republicans will be blamed by the media, the administration, and the morons. The excuse will be that failure is the result of the republican resistance.

The republicans should learn from the corner they are now painted in and change tact.  By allowing Obama and the democrats to act on their perceived mandate, they will for the first time in recent memory become accountable for their own plan.  If their plans become successful, great for the country.  If not, they must own the result.   

Unfortunately, I don’t see the republicans taking this approach.  They appear to want to limit any tax increases and focus on spending reduction.  From my perspective, this is the responsible action, but will simply pain them into another corner.  This will give Obama and the liberals what they need once the democratic plans fail.

Imagine 2016 with a depressed economy, a $25 trillion national debt and even more takers relying on government assistance.  The story told by democrats will be that republican spending cuts and tax protection for the wealthy are the cause.  The media will foster this narrative and the moron majority will believe it.  The result will again be that democrats and liberals win.  Republicans must protect themselves from the attack by allowing Obama and the liberals to have their way.  If they are not seen as roadblocks to the democratic legislation, they might be able to hang the results on the liberals.

Thanksgiving Traditions

Traditions in general are dying.  I go to a church that replaced the traditional organ with electric guitars, and a steepled building with a movie theater.   I wear jeans to work fairly often as traditional business attire has almost vanished.  Thanksgiving hasn't been spared.  Today, many businesses will open in the evening to get a head start on Black Friday.  The traditional turkey dinner will live at my family's gathering, but in many homes, turkey has been replaced by barbeque, prime rib, or another dish. 

I wonder if traditions are really that important?  My gut tells me that tradition for tradition's sake is not a good enough reason.  Turkey and thankfulness is all that remains from the original Thanksgiving, but today football is as much of a modern Thanksgiving tradition as anything else.  New traditions form and replace or augment old traditions.  There is nothing wrong with that.  I like the electric guitars, a theater setting, jeans at work, and prime rib Thanksgiving dinners.  They may soon become the traditions of our children.

I am not crazy about the new Thanksgiving shopping opportunities, but that may just be an old Carpe Dealum wound.  I do sympathize with the retail workers who must sacrifice their Thanksgiving for a wholly commercial purpose.  I hope their voices are heard this year, but in the end, the consumer owns it.  If we shop, this will also become a tradition.  If we don't, it won't.

The only Thanksgiving tradition that should never wane is the reflection and thankful spirit the holiday should encourage in all of us.  We have so much to be thankful for.  I have nobody in my circle of family and friends who will go to bed hungry tonight.  The poorest of our neighbors are rich when compared to much of the world, or even American life just a few decades ago.

Thanksgiving comes this year just in time.  I have been discouraged by the state of our nation, yet, there is none other to which I would rather hold citizenship.  In the midst of our national bickering and polarization, there is a sense that we will be fine - that we are not in control - there is a greater purpose.  We are a blessed nation just as I belong to a blessed family.  Our basic needs are met and we have a few bucks left over to spend and to give.  I have a wife, two daughters and three grandchildren that I have done nothing to deserve. Life is good and I am thankful.

I wish you and your family a happy Thanksgiving.

Thankful

Looking for something to be thankful for?  Here's one.  Be thankful you were not a child of the 1930's. 

Earlier this week I watch a Ken Burns documentary on PBS titled "The Dust Bowl".  I love history, but hadn't spent any time reading about this particular period.  The PBS special really caught my attention for a couple of reasons.  First, the proximity of the Dust Bowl to my hometown, and secondly, the fact that my parents and grandparents lived through it.  It was an incredible, calamitous time. The hardship and suffering endured by those folks is quite amazing.  Consider this string of events:

The economic system fails and America enters the great depression.
The price for wheat and corn falls dramatically.
The middle of the country enters a 10 year drought.
Dust storms plague the Midwest at the rate of dozens each year.
Dust piles up on home like snow drifts.
Everything inside and outside homes is covered with dirt.
Farmers can no longer feed their herds and kill them off.
Thousands of children and elderly die of dust pneumonia.
Thousands of rabbits invade populated areas as they look for vegetation.
Swarms of grasshoppers invade eating everything is sight.

Beginning in 1939, the climate changed back to a more normal pattern with rain and seasonal temperatures.  But the respite was sort-lived.  In 1941, Pearl Harbor was attacked and America entered a period of violent world war. 

What a terrible time in our history.  I don't remember my family talking about it much even though they lived through it.  I do remember my grandmother and my father telling me they survived for years on fried potatoes.  Now I have a glimmer of understanding why.  I am thankful for the comparative easy life we have.

Makers and Takers

I am slowly coming to terms with the new normal in America, where those who want to be supported by the government outnumber and dictate to those who fund the government.  Many are now calling this delineation the makers and the takers.  Immediately the liberals pounce upon those who dare to call some in the society the "takers".  Their usual line is to point out retirees or the disabled on Social Security and lump these people into our "taker" definition.  Not true.  Takers can be easily defined.  A taker is a capable person who pays no federal income tax and would rather take a permanent government check than earn one in the job market.  Retirees collecting Social Security are not takers - they are receiving funds previously paid in.  Disabled are not takers either - we still live in a society that take care of those who cannot.  The liberals who denigrate those who point out the obvious, are the real threats to the retired and the disabled.  Our current fiscal trajectory is not sustainable.  We need more makers and fewer takers.

I don't like where we are, and it's not because I am selfish.  I hate to see the takers taken advantage of.  You have heard the reasons.  Any government large enough to meet your every need is large enough to take it all away.  Unfortunately, this logic doesn't resonate with the taker.  They see the government trough as unlimited.  Whether it is or isn't shouldn't be the conversation.  The conversation should be simplistic.  

Why do they put "Don't feed the Bears" signs in Yellowstone? 
Is it because the bears would become reliant on the food given by tourists?
When the tourists don't show up, would the bears starve?
Why would we care more about bears in Yellowstone than the takers in society?

FREE HOME FOR ANYONE WHO WILL TAKE IT!

Lazy blogger day. I liked this.
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I was in my neighborhood restaurant this morning and was seated behind a group of jubilant individuals celebrating the successful passing of the recent health care bill. I could not finish my breakfast. This is what ensued:

They were a diverse group of several races and both sexes. I heard the young man exclaim, “Isn’t Obama like Jesus Christ? I mean, after all, he is healing the sick.” The young woman enthusiastically proclaimed, “Yeah, and he does it for free. I cannot believe anyone would think that a free market would work for health care. Another said, ‘The stupid Republicans want us all to starve to death so they can inherit all of the power. Obama should be made a Saint for what he did for those of us less fortunate.” At this, I had more than enough.

I arose from my seat, mustering all the restraint I could find, and approached their table. “Please excuse me; may I impose upon you for one moment?” They smiled and welcomed me to the conversation. I stood at the end of their table, smiled as best I could and began an experiment.

“I would like to give one of you my house. It will cost you no money and I will pay all of the expenses and taxes for as long as you live there. Anyone interested?” They looked at each other in astonishment. “Why would you do something like that?” asked a young man, “There isn’t anything for free in this world.” They began to laugh at me, as they did not realize this man had just made my point. “I am serious, I will give you my house for free, no money what so ever. Anyone interested?” In unison, a resounding “Hell Yeah” fills the room.

“Since there are too many of you, I will have to make a choice as to who receives this money-free bargain.” I noticed an elderly couple was paying attention to the spectacle unfolding before their eyes, the old man shaking his head in apparent disgust. “I tell you what; I will give it to the one of you most willing to obey my rules.” Again, they looked at one another, an expression of bewilderment on their faces. The perky young woman asked, “What are the rules?” I smiled and said, “I don’t know. I have not yet defined them. However, it is a free home that I offer you.” They giggled amongst themselves, the youngest of which said, “What an old coot. He must be crazy to give away his home. Go take your meds, old man.” I smiled and leaned into the table a bit further. “I am serious, this is a legitimate offer.” They gaped at me for a moment.

“I’ll take it you old fool. Where are the keys?” boasted the youngest among them. “Then I presume you accept ALL of my terms then?” I asked.. The elderly couple seemed amused and entertained as they watched from the privacy of their table. “Oh hell yeah! Where do I sign up?” I took a napkin and wrote, “I give this man my home, without the burden of financial obligation, so long as he accepts and abides by the terms that I shall set forth upon consummation of this transaction.” I signed it and handed it to the young man who eagerly scratched out his signature. “Where are the keys to my new house?” he asked in a mocking tone of voice. All eyes were upon us as I stepped back from the table, pulling the keys from pocket and dangling them before the excited new homeowner.

“Now that we have entered into this binding contract, witnessed by all of your friends, I have decided upon the conditions you are obligated to adhere from this point forward. You may only live in the house for one hour a day. You will not use anything inside of the home. You will obey me without question or resistance. I expect complete loyalty and admiration for this gift I bestow upon you. You will accept my commands and wishes with enthusiasm, no matter the nature. Your morals and principles shall be as mine. You will vote as I do, think as I do and do it with blind faith. These are my terms. Here are your keys.” I reached the keys forward and the young man looked at me dumbfounded.

“Are you out of your mind? Who would ever agree to those ridiculous terms?” the young man appeared irritated. “You did when you signed this contract before reading it, understanding it and with the full knowledge that I would provide my conditions only after you committed to the agreement.” Was all I said. The elderly man chuckled as his wife tried to restrain him. I was looking at a now silenced and bewildered group of people. “You can shove that stupid deal up you’re a** old man, I want no part of it” exclaimed the now infuriated young man. “You have committed to the contract, as witnessed by all of your friends; you cannot get out of the deal unless I agree to it. I do not intend to let you free now that I have you ensnared. I am the power you agreed to. I am the one you blindly and without thought chose to enslave yourself to. In short, I am your Master.” At this, the table of celebrating individuals became a unified group against the unfairness of the deal.

After a few moments of unrepeatable comments and slurs, I revealed my true intent. “What I did to you is what this administration and congress did to you with the health care legislation. I easily suckered you in and then revealed the real cost of the bargain. Your folly was in the belief that you can have something you did not earn; that you are entitled to that which you did not earn; that you willingly allowed someone else to think for you. Your failure to research, study and inform yourself permitted reason to escape you. You have entered into a trap from which you cannot flee. Your only chance of freedom is if your new Master gives it to you. A freedom that is given can also be taken away; therefore, it is not freedom.” With that, I tore up the napkin and placed it before the astonished young man. “This is the nature of your new health care legislation.”

I turned away to leave these few in thought and contemplation and was surprised by applause. The elderly gentleman, who was clearly entertained, shook my hand enthusiastically and said, “Thank you Sir, these kids don’t understand Liberty these days.” He refused to allow me to pay my bill as he said, “You earned this one, it is an honor to pickup the tab.” I shook his hand in thanks, leaving the restaurant somewhat humbled, and sensing a glimmer of hope for my beloved country.

Why Benghazi is not Obama's Fault

As I accept the fact that takers now rule our country, I must become more open to their point of view.  For that reason, this post will become more Obama-friendly.  We must learn to understand and accept those who pay no attention.  If we don't, we will all go crazy during the next 4 years. In that vein, here are the top 10 reasons why Benghazi is not Obama's fault.

1. Obama wasn't in Benghazi at the time of the attack.
2. Obama wasn't within 100 miles of Benghazi, so how could he be held responsible?  George Bush was probably closer.
3. Obama was much too busy focusing on jobs and the middle class to care about some embassy half a world away.
4. Benghazi is in Europe, Asia, or maybe Africa.  Why would anything that happens in Benghazi be Obama's fault?
5. NBC didn't say it was Obama's fault.
6. The Benghazi Arabs probably were just reacting to Bain Capital moving jobs to China.
7. The Libyan embassy was there long before Obama took office.  George Bush or Ronald Reagan probably built it. If they hadn't built it, the Americans would not have been killed.
8. Free healthcare, free phones.  
9. David Petraeus did it.
10. The attack was in response to a YouTube video that nobody has seen.

Post Election Blues

I purposely did not do an election post the day after Romney was defeated.  I was a little too far down.  It was a long campaign, one that I was convinced would be won by conservatism.  Tuesday evening began with hopeful expectation, and ended with deep pessimism.  Looking back, a few questions remain.

There were too many anti-Obama indicators for him to win.  Did the Chic-fil-a appreciation crowd stay home?   Obama got nearly 10 million fewer votes in 2012 than 2008.  Romney got nearly 3 million votes less than McCain.  This election was win-able.  Something isn't right.  Either conservatives stayed home, or there was widespread fraud.  Not wanting to believe a conspiracy theory, for now I'll assume the former rather than the latter.

I really think the 2012 election has three harsh lessons for conservatives.

• Conservative cannot win with hardline immigration principles in an increasingly brown country.  Any talk of defending borders or arresting illegal immigrants will lose the Hispanics and liberals in general.  We should not compromise our principles with amnesty in an attempt to win a percentage of the Hispanic vote, but how do we retain our principles and win an election?  Is it even possible anymore?
• Conservatives must realize there are now more takers than contributors.  Last Tuesday, the takers proved they rule the land.  When given the choice between a better job market or more hand outs, they chose more hand outs.  We cannot afford more hand outs.
• Once the press were the guardians of freedom.  They stood ready to call out lies and unethical behavior in government.  They are no longer on guard.  Instead, they have their own agenda and promote it in what they do and do not report.  They don't believe in conservative principles and will continue to denegrate those who do. 

Unfortunately I do not believe there is anything a conservative can do to overcome these.  If we open our borders, more and more takers enter the country.  As the entitlement class of takers grow, we go broker and broker.  The press is hopelessly corrupt. They will not change.  The country and the economy may need to completely collapse before conservatism gets another chance.

If my pessimism is correct, Atlas Shrugged has become the new reality.

I'm Tired

I'm tired today.  I expected to be tired, but was hoping for a happy tired.  Instead I am a sad tired.  There are lots of thoughts running through my head. The thoughts are what kept me up late last night and wouldn't let sleep come quickly.

I am also feeling emotions.  Shock, loss, disappointment, discouragement, denial, trepidation, foreboding.  It's all kind of silly really.  The Civil Wars aren't the first band to break up.

Voting is the Best Revenge

When hearing what Obama said, my first reaction was "What?".  Next reaction was "Huh?".  Why would a president present as his closing message something so negative and divisive?  Voting is the best revenge.  Really?  But what is most fascinating is trying to understand what was going on inside his head.

Just like "spreading the wealth around" and "you didn't build that", "voting is the best revenge" was an unscripted, ad lib comment.  These, more than the words fed from a teleprompter, tell us the most about Obama's psyche.  To even think of voting as revenge means that he believes that someone has been wronged - there are victims.  Who? Obama himself, or the campaign crowd that was listening?  Believing that Obama is a panderer, I think he was speaking directly to the crowd.  He was playing on their victim mentality.  In doing so, he basically validated Romney's 47% comment by identifying his base as those who believe they have been victimized and depend on the government for sustenance. 

Why would they vote for Obama in the name of revenge?  Obama has been in charge for the past 4 years.  If his supporters believe they are victims, shouldn't they vote Romney?  They should, but they aren't that smart.  Actually, Obama's comment won't change many votes on either side, but it sure provided a frightening glimpse of what goes on in his mind.