Is still a rose. Or in this case, skunk thistle.
http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2009/08/24/phil-kerpen-public-option-obama-health/
There can be no good compromise on this bill, unless it means tearing up the whole thing, and writing a new one that allows insurance to be sold across state lines, and takes existing Government regulation out of the equation.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Monday, August 17, 2009
2010 US Census
In a move decidedly advantageous to liberal states like California, illegal immigrants could be included in the 2010 census.
At the same time, LDS missionaries serving outside of the country will not.
At the same time, LDS missionaries serving outside of the country will not.
Friday, August 7, 2009
a higher standard
This morning I woke up to read an article that contradicts one of my points I made yesterday, describing a Town Hall meeting in Florida that seems to have gotten a little out of control.
My first thought is that the media is likely to have blown it out of proportion. This article looks to be written by the AP, and dwells a bit too much on a cameraman who says this is "the most violent anyone has been towards me," implying that Conservatives are a lot meaner than say, Gay Marriage activists in front of the L.A. temple. (Granted, the Fla photographer probably didn't make it to CA in November.)
But here's the truth, whether it's fair or not: Conservatives, or anyone who claims to be religious must hold themselves to a higher standard. We can't point fingers and say that Liberal protesters have set the precedent for unruly crowds. One of the biggest compliments came from Robert Gibbs, when he called a group of protesters the "Brooks Brothers Brigade" or Barbara Boxer said they were "too well-dressed" to be legit.
James Taranto makes a similar point in his "Best of the Web" post today, noting that Pelosi's statement about protesters wearing swastika's is "validated" (loosely speaking) because there were signs which featured a swastika in place of a cigarette in a no-smoking sign. (Similar to the many crossed-out $ signs that I saw at the Tax day Tea Party with the message "stop spending.") The bigger error, in my opinion, is for Pelosi et al to say people had swastika's when in fact, they obviously had a "no fascism" message. On the other hand, calling Obama's fascist when he's really socialist can be likened to pro-life protesters who gather around LDS church headquarters to protest our stance on abortion.
I am impressed with the numbers who have turned up to meetings to express their views, and I hope that their message gets across. But we shouldn't allow the message to be overshadowed by spreading misinformation of our own, or using the same combative tactics we're used to seeing in protests.
UPDATE: This WSJ article supports what I suspect: that the media's description of various Town Hall meetings are a bit overblown.
My first thought is that the media is likely to have blown it out of proportion. This article looks to be written by the AP, and dwells a bit too much on a cameraman who says this is "the most violent anyone has been towards me," implying that Conservatives are a lot meaner than say, Gay Marriage activists in front of the L.A. temple. (Granted, the Fla photographer probably didn't make it to CA in November.)
But here's the truth, whether it's fair or not: Conservatives, or anyone who claims to be religious must hold themselves to a higher standard. We can't point fingers and say that Liberal protesters have set the precedent for unruly crowds. One of the biggest compliments came from Robert Gibbs, when he called a group of protesters the "Brooks Brothers Brigade" or Barbara Boxer said they were "too well-dressed" to be legit.
James Taranto makes a similar point in his "Best of the Web" post today, noting that Pelosi's statement about protesters wearing swastika's is "validated" (loosely speaking) because there were signs which featured a swastika in place of a cigarette in a no-smoking sign. (Similar to the many crossed-out $ signs that I saw at the Tax day Tea Party with the message "stop spending.") The bigger error, in my opinion, is for Pelosi et al to say people had swastika's when in fact, they obviously had a "no fascism" message. On the other hand, calling Obama's fascist when he's really socialist can be likened to pro-life protesters who gather around LDS church headquarters to protest our stance on abortion.
I am impressed with the numbers who have turned up to meetings to express their views, and I hope that their message gets across. But we shouldn't allow the message to be overshadowed by spreading misinformation of our own, or using the same combative tactics we're used to seeing in protests.
UPDATE: This WSJ article supports what I suspect: that the media's description of various Town Hall meetings are a bit overblown.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
More than Health Care Reform
I dare anyone to report me to the White House for what I'm about to write. I've posted numerous thoughts and linked several articles relating to what has been called "the worst legislation ever" to be debated in Congress at the behest of President Obama. Calling it the worst legislation ever is saying a lot. I googled "worst legislation" and a number of hits came up, including "Cap and Trade," and the "Stimulus Bill" which agreeably are nasty pieces of work.
While maybe ObamaCare isn't the WORST thing he wants to do, it is a natural progression of many, many bad ideas already in the works, and more yet to come. Those of us who see Obama's ultimate goal as turning the United States into a Socialist country may sound a little frantic, and we've been called extremist nuts. I have no doubt that our founding fathers were called an equivalent term by King George and his friends in England. But no, I don't think conservative constitutionalists are planning a rebellion. Even if some of them are gun owners. Puh-lease!
Besides socializing medicine, here are some things surrounding the Health Care plan which have me worried.
White House requesting "fishy"info from tattle-tailers
Name-calling and fear-mongering
Spreading "disinformation" about the real price of Health Care reform
Even if this monstrosity doesn't pass, look at all of the techniques being used to get it there? We've already taken several steps away from Democracy.
Here's a good Top 10 about what will happen if it does pass.
And here's a good speech by Rep. Michelle Bachman, notice how she encourages us to contact our representatives at the end!
While maybe ObamaCare isn't the WORST thing he wants to do, it is a natural progression of many, many bad ideas already in the works, and more yet to come. Those of us who see Obama's ultimate goal as turning the United States into a Socialist country may sound a little frantic, and we've been called extremist nuts. I have no doubt that our founding fathers were called an equivalent term by King George and his friends in England. But no, I don't think conservative constitutionalists are planning a rebellion. Even if some of them are gun owners. Puh-lease!
Besides socializing medicine, here are some things surrounding the Health Care plan which have me worried.
White House requesting "fishy"info from tattle-tailers
Name-calling and fear-mongering
Spreading "disinformation" about the real price of Health Care reform
Even if this monstrosity doesn't pass, look at all of the techniques being used to get it there? We've already taken several steps away from Democracy.
Here's a good Top 10 about what will happen if it does pass.
And here's a good speech by Rep. Michelle Bachman, notice how she encourages us to contact our representatives at the end!
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
more on Star Trek
Yay--people aren't done comparing current politicians to Star Trek! I love silly stuff like this--but most of them have it all wrong.
Now, I have been telling myself to stop making my blog a Sarah Palin love fest--but this article was fun.
Now, I have been telling myself to stop making my blog a Sarah Palin love fest--but this article was fun.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Cap and Trade consequences abroad
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204313604574327992553917308.html
This rang a bell--and I don't remember when or where, but it was something Obama said about poorer nations needing to curb global warming as well as the wealthy ones.
This rang a bell--and I don't remember when or where, but it was something Obama said about poorer nations needing to curb global warming as well as the wealthy ones.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
more evidence
that Teacher Unions do nothing for kids. The argument that teachers deserve to make a living wage as justification for Unions doesn't fly.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204619004574318393190278188.html
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204619004574318393190278188.html
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Alex de Tocqueville
"The American Republic will endure until the day Congress discovers that it can bribe the public with the public's money."
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
update
Through community donations, his former employer included, and help from the media, Ryan Stockdale is in San Francisco getting his much-needed surgery.
I am touched by the way the SW Idaho community banded together, and raised such an incredible amount of money in such a short period of time.
WAY TO GO, IDAHO!
I am touched by the way the SW Idaho community banded together, and raised such an incredible amount of money in such a short period of time.
WAY TO GO, IDAHO!
Feminism
Sarah Palin and Susan B. Anthony
"The Proposal" and Cinema's portrayal of women
I came upon these two articles in the last two days, and it has me thinking about feminism. Apparently, a lot of people are thinking about it, and I think many are unsettled by it.
My theory is that Palin's entry into the spotlight has been a catalyst for the discussion. By one definition, she is a feminist: she works outside the home, in Politics, of all places. But she broke the stereotype of the ruthless, man-eating harpie when she was picked by McCain.
Dave has said that I only like Palin because she's a woman, and I said that I liked her because she was the more conservative and exciting member of the McCain/Palin team. But there is some truth in Dave's assessment.
I considered myself to be a feminist as a teenager. There were few things I hated more than being told that my role was to grow up and become a mommy and homemaker (the second term still chills my spine to some degree, I must admit--to give up my talents and interests in pursuit of a clean home, *shudder*).
But then I had a change of heart, and went ahead and did it--married and quickly started having children. And because I love my husband and kids, I strongly feel that the best place for everyone is Dave at work, and me at home with the kids. That because even though I'm no holly-homemaker, I'll still raise my kids better than anyone else, because they're my kids.
Even so, I still yearn for the public life on occasion. When I see my former colleagues, I can't help but notice their comments, "Oh, you're pregnant AGAIN?!" and I know that some feel a little scorn for my decision. And I do miss being in the loop. I miss being on the name of teacher lists, or being on anyone's gig list.
I really haven't given up my musical pursuits, albeit I'm going about it slowly. And I think this is why I am fascinated with Sarah Palin. She's a mother who is also pursuing the public life. She faces scorn, a lot more serious than I do when I step out of the house. Anyway, it just makes me think.
"The Proposal" and Cinema's portrayal of women
I came upon these two articles in the last two days, and it has me thinking about feminism. Apparently, a lot of people are thinking about it, and I think many are unsettled by it.
My theory is that Palin's entry into the spotlight has been a catalyst for the discussion. By one definition, she is a feminist: she works outside the home, in Politics, of all places. But she broke the stereotype of the ruthless, man-eating harpie when she was picked by McCain.
Dave has said that I only like Palin because she's a woman, and I said that I liked her because she was the more conservative and exciting member of the McCain/Palin team. But there is some truth in Dave's assessment.
I considered myself to be a feminist as a teenager. There were few things I hated more than being told that my role was to grow up and become a mommy and homemaker (the second term still chills my spine to some degree, I must admit--to give up my talents and interests in pursuit of a clean home, *shudder*).
But then I had a change of heart, and went ahead and did it--married and quickly started having children. And because I love my husband and kids, I strongly feel that the best place for everyone is Dave at work, and me at home with the kids. That because even though I'm no holly-homemaker, I'll still raise my kids better than anyone else, because they're my kids.
Even so, I still yearn for the public life on occasion. When I see my former colleagues, I can't help but notice their comments, "Oh, you're pregnant AGAIN?!" and I know that some feel a little scorn for my decision. And I do miss being in the loop. I miss being on the name of teacher lists, or being on anyone's gig list.
I really haven't given up my musical pursuits, albeit I'm going about it slowly. And I think this is why I am fascinated with Sarah Palin. She's a mother who is also pursuing the public life. She faces scorn, a lot more serious than I do when I step out of the house. Anyway, it just makes me think.
funny quote
"There is the view that poetry should improve your life. I think people confuse it with the Salvation Army."
John Ashbury
John Ashbury
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Ryan Stockdale Info
http://www.ryanstockdale.org/fundraising_efforts/fundraising_efforts.htm
Today's news informed me of this site, wherein donations can be made through paypal and Syringa Bank.
Today's news informed me of this site, wherein donations can be made through paypal and Syringa Bank.
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