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Seeing and Believing

12/25/2012

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The Point:  “Seeing is not Believing.  Believing is Seeing.”

Judy (an Elf) ~ The Santa Claus

While Judy was obviously speaking of Santa Claus, I would argue this applies to the reason for today.

One need not see God, or Jesus, his incarnation on earth, to believe.  One need only believe to see.

Merry Christmas to all

The Union of American Socialist Republics (UASR) ~ U.S. Socialism

12/23/2012

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It is official: the “U.S.” is now, and I suspect forever more will be, a Socialist nation.  We are no longer the United States of America.  The 10th Amendment has been all but nullified.  A reminder to those that “have better things to do” than learn the government of our country:  The 10th Amendment reads “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.”  Depending on exactly how you count them, the enumerated powers in Article I, Section 8 number 18.  In addition, amendments, such as the 16th, granting power to “lay and collect taxes on incomes, from whatever source derived”, add a few more.  Unfortunately that particular amendment seems to be a major contributing factor to the redistribution of wealth.  [In addition, according to official records, the amendment was technically never ratified (although it was proclaimed to have been in February 1913 by then Secretary of State Philander Knox).  Hmmmm. But that is a story for another time.  The government is going to get its money somehow…]  Regardless, these powers are by definition enumerated and therefore finite.  The Socialists currently running the country, and those especially of the more recent past that have been little by little pushing their Socialist causes, can’t seem to count.  They tend to make them up as they go to fit the need they have to cause dependence and then steal from those that work for their status in life and community to pay for those that become reliant.

We are now the Union of American Socialist Republics (UASR).  The evil that is Socialism is now our national governing philosophy.   There is no turning back.  Those bent on stealing from their fellow countrymen under the guise of government have won.  They are not even feigning the desire for, or goal of, Communism where at least all are supposed to be “equal” in worth and provide all they are able and take only what they need.  There is no “from each according to his ability, to each according to his need.”  They are better than us.  They are smarter than us.  They know what is best for us.  And they are going to provide what we “need” whether we need it or not.  And of course in the true Socialist fashion, they are going to steal and borrow (technically also stealing when you can’t pay it back) from those that have to pay for it.

There is nothing now we can do.  We have crossed the “magic line”.  The percentage of those that pay no Federal or State income tax is at 51% (some argue only 49% – however, keep reading… even it that percentage is accurate, they have friends!).  While I will agree that it is virtually impossible to completely escape taxes (gas, sales, etc), for all practical purposes these people are living off the government’s (aka – taxpayer’s) dime.  They outnumber those that contribute their hard earned wages to the common good.  They will never let us go back.  They are greater in number and they vote.  What’s more, many bleeding heart liberals (the pawns of the movement) that have been convinced these people are incapable of supporting themselves vote as well.  They are willing to sacrifice ALL our money to the “Cause of the Bleeding Heart” (the fact that it has nothing truly to bleed for is beside the point).  They are also unwilling to admit that state and local governments, under that watchful eye of local voters, along with charitable organizations are capable of taking care of those truly in need.  It is apparently better to steal from your neighbor for your cause than allow your neighbor the choice of his.

The major remaining question is: “What happens when the victims (aka – those that actually DO pay taxes) run out of money?”  Or what happens when the victims decide enough is enough and stop working themselves?  If they are working for 20-25% of their pay, why work at all?  Or maybe take their money to another country.  Don’t think it can/will happen?  Consider the ultra-rich French film star Gerard Depardieu who recently sold everything and moved to Belgium.  He moved to the little “hamlet” of Nechin.  Nechin’s population of 2000 is approximately one-third French (I for one do NOT wonder why).  Or France’s richest man Bernard Arnault who applied for Belgian citizenship.  Arnault decided he will continue to pay the 75% tax on his income (for now anyway).  However, there has been a shot across the bow.  He is making a point.  It wouldn’t surprise me if he soon joined Depardieu.  The concern is: what happens when the ultra-rich in the U.S. get the same idea?  They take their money with them (presuming they don’t run out first).  They stop paying taxes in the U.S.  Who makes up for that deficit?  Under current policy of course we would just borrow more.  Our children and grandchildren will get the bill.  No worries.  [Just a quick aside – those ultra-rich that pay all those taxes to begin with (and whom some believe should pay even more) are the ones that create jobs for the rest of us.  If they quite or leave, not only no taxes, but no jobs.  A result of the “law of unintended consequences” (or are they unintended???).]

Our destiny is of that of North Korea, Cuba, and Greece.  Those in power will survive off the backs of the rest of us.  We, just as they, will lose the middle class.  Not a rich living, but at least a nice one.  We will become the servants of the few rich, the few powerful.  They of course will be in the government controlling us.  The ones most of our fellow citizens voted for.  What our fellow citizens don’t understand is that in accepting the “gift” of no tax and being on the welfare rolls, the ObamaCare rolls, the Food Stamp rolls, etc., you accept modern day slavery.  You can NEVER obtain a better life by accepting the handouts the government, in the name of compassion, stolen from others and given to you.  You can NEVER obtain a better life by not working for it.  In the Middle Ages they were called peasants.  Are we heading there again?

If you are one of those that voted for this evil, you must do the following:

-If a parent, you must now look your child in the eye and explain voting for the destroyed economy and crushing debt, now destined to increase even further, you are leaving for them to clean up.

-If a Christian, or any other God fearing person, you must now face God and explain voting for an individual/party that wishes all hints of Him wiped from public view, that prides itself in the destruction of His children (both young and old), that promotes theft.

-You must now look those of your neighbors with a job in the eye and explain how you are robbing them of their hard earned pay to fund federal programs for those too lazy to take care of themselves.  Programs so inefficient they cost far more than they would at the state level or in the private realm for those actually in need.

-You must now look your neighbor without a job in the eye and explain how you are robbing those that create jobs of their ability to provide them work in order to fund programs for those too lazy to take care of themselves.

-You must now look the elderly in the eye and explain how you stole from their medical safety net to pay for those that were already covered by another plan.  Another plan far more efficient than that of the now mandated federal program.

-You must now look everyone in the eye and explain to them how the government knows better how to take care of them and their children than they do.

-You must now look EVERYONE in the eye and explain having voted for the evil that is Socialism.

>>> The day is at a close, the night is drawing in and my cigar awaits – ’til next time…

The Holy Day Season

12/16/2012

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So…  It is the “holiday season” and we are told we must be politically correct (PC) in how we address people and refer to this time of year.  Certainly wouldn’t want to offend.

Hmmmmmmm…  Let us think about this for a moment.  While of late “Merry Christmas” is taboo, “Happy Holidays” is the alternate preferred by the PC crowd.  Why would that be?  Why is “Happy Holidays” better than “Merry Christmas”?  Maybe because they have no clue of what they speak.  Few actually understand what they claim and are good sheep following their leader.  The leaders of course have no other agenda than keeping the sheep in line and keeping their power.  Those truly of faith do not tend to follow the PC leaders and this upsets them to no end.  Regardless, as long as the sheep are content to not question, the PC leaders can lead our nation down the path of ruin.  Let us not be PC sheep.  Let us look at the “holiday situation” from a truthful point-of-view.

“Holiday” – from where did this word originate.  To make it short and sweet, holiday means Holy Day.  And while we currently call pretty much any non-weekend day we have off from work a holiday, the celebration of such days in the past was a religious celebration.  Therefore, whether the PC crowd likes it or not, “Happy Holidays” is still a religious pronouncement.

Let us take it from the beginning to the end of the major holiday season.  This is not to leave out Easter and a few others throughout the year, but since they have yet to create a crisis in the secular world – since it is much harder to turn commercial and make a profit (other than chocolate bunnies) they tend to leave them alone for the most part.

The 31st of October is Halloween.  Halloween translates to “All Hallows Eve”.  What is a “hallow” and why would we participate in such a ritual.  Must be from some old Druid tradition – at least that is what so many would have us believe.  Nope.  “Hallow” means to “render holy by means of religious rites” or “honor as holy” and normally refers to the saints as per the Catholic Church and some Protestant denominations.  According to several sources, “the best available evidence indicates that Halloween originated in the early Middle Ages as a Catholic vigil observed on the eve of All Saints Day, November 1.”  Of course in today’s secular and politically correct world we certainly can’t have that.  So “it has become commonplace to trace its roots even further back in time to a pagan festival of ancient Ireland known as Samhain [Summer’s End].”  This is quite easy to pass off since very little is actually known about Samhain.  So we can say about it whatever it takes to discredit the Christian custom.  As well, again according to several sources, many “modern historians, notably Ronald Hutton (The Stations of the Sun: A History of the Ritual Year in Britain, 1996) and Steve Roud (The English Year, 2008, and A Dictionary of English Folklore, 2005), flatly reject the popular notion that November 1 was designated All Saints Day by the Church to ‘Christianize’ the pagan festival. Citing a lack of historical evidence, Roud dismisses the Samhain theory of origin altogether.”  Bottom line:  regardless of the continued falsehoods spread even to this day connecting Halloween to pagans (Irish or otherwise), it is and always will be the eve of a Christian holy day.  If we choose to celebrate that evening by running from neighbor to neighbor begging for sweets, so be it.

Thanksgiving is ok – so far.  Although it is called an American “holiday”, it is not technically one.  According to history.com “in November 1621, after the Pilgrims’ first corn harvest proved successful, Governor William Bradford organized a celebratory feast and invited a group of the fledgling colony’s Native American allies, including the Wampanoag chief Massasoit. Now remembered as American’s “first Thanksgiving”—although the Pilgrims themselves may not have used the term at the time—the festival lasted for three days.”  Seriously, THREE DAYS!  What gives with our current culture?!  I could sure go for 3 days off to eat, drink and be merry.  Of course, the PC crowd has yet to create a crisis around Thanksgiving.  Why is a little difficult to understand, although I suspect it has something to do with it being more a celebration of America than a “holy day”.  It is definitely not a holy day as it is normally defined.  No religion of international recognition claims it as its own.  However, they will at some point start to question to whom are we giving thanks.  Once they figure out that God is in the picture, watch out!  Thanksgiving will be on their hit list.

Christmas is of course the most attacked of all.  As mentioned, saying “Merry Christmas” is wholly inappropriate.  It turns all but Christians into second class citizens by its very utterance.  However, “Happy Holidays” – aka “Happy Holy Days” is perfectly fine – so far.  Curious is it not?  Are we as a society THAT afraid of God?  I mean we SHOULD be.  But not for celebrating the birth of His Son.  We should be for marginalizing or allowing to be marginalized the celebration thereof.  What is wrong with our society that is should be so afraid of one segment celebrating something.  They lean on the claim that we are bound by the Constitution to not push our religion on others.  They lose the fact that allowing a worker or even a group of workers, even in a government office, to put up Christmas decorations is certainly not forcing anyone else in that office to convert.  Although I find it ridiculous to have to say, I am lucky to work in a government facility (a school) that still decorates for Christmas.  Teachers, administrators and students are allowed to select whatever type of decoration they wish for their individual space.  Nobody is offended.  Everybody seems to be much more relaxed and happier this time of the year.  Well, except for the students’ worry about those pesky finals!  They seem much less worried though as they walk by various doors or desks and smile at the holy day decorations.  Or when they smile and laugh amid the greetings of “Merry Christmas!” (yes, we still allow that to be said as well).  I suspect someday the PC crowd will get wind of this merriment and attempt to censor it.  Maybe, just maybe, society will come to its senses prior to that and declare we’ve had enough with yet another loss of our freedom and put an end to political correctness itself.  Let us hope it is soon.

Finally, New Years!  Happy, happy, happy – at least so far.  One version holds that the celebration of New Year’s began in ancient Babylonia in Mesopotamia as the festival which renewed the world for another year.  Another (also of the same timeframe) holds that it began technically as the celebration of the creation – in this case, not strictly the beginning of time but the beginning of man.  While Western Society eventually settled on 1 January (in the year 1582 by, of course, Pope Gregory XIII), other cultures and religions celebrate other days.  Hence, the Chinese New Year (based on the Chinese calendar) and the Christian New Year (the first Sunday of Advent based on the Liturgical calendar) and Rosh Hashanah in the Jewish faith.  Cultures celebrate the “new year” (whenever it happens to fall) for various reasons.  However, it primarily boils down to the commemoration of creation and a renewal of life.  This, as these originating cultures will tell you, is from a theological perspective.  While we don’t want to stretch the point too far, yet again, God (in whatever form or theology) is present in this holiday as well.

This ends our quick journey through the holy day season.  From All Hallows Eve to the New Year.  How much more religious can you get.  All ye of no faith, if you don’t like it, QUIT celebrating OUR holidays.  Get your own.  But definitely stop pushing the idea we must keep quiet about what we are doing.  Most, if not all, religions have their holidays.  Christians have no problem with others celebrating Hanukkah (last celebrated 8-16 Dec 2012), Rosh Hashanah (next Sep 16-18 2013), Yom Kippur (the holiest day of the year for Jews – next celebrated on 25-26 Sep 2013), and of course Passover (next 25 Mar – 1 Apr 2013).  Nor do we have a problem with Ramadan (next starting 9 July 2013) or any other Muslim holidays.  Or the Chinese New Year (not technically a “holiday” but celebrated nonetheless by a visit to the temple to offer prayers) or Magha Puja, Buddhist holidays that few in this country are even aware.  There dates, similar to Jewish dates, are not on the “Western” calendar so “move” from year to year.

I have numerous friends, coworkers and acquaintances of different faiths.  I wish them a Merry Christmas.  They don’t get offended.  They may return a “Happy Hanukkah” or other greeting/response based on their beliefs.  We are a country founded in the Christian tradition – or Judeo-Christian if you must but that is actually redundant for anyone of knowledge about Christianity.  While we absolutely SHOULD respect the religious rights of all, we should NEVER secularize or marginalize the most profound beliefs and traditions of our neighbors and fellow countrymen by pushing them behind closed doors.

It is now becoming a cliché, but one to which few listen.  The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution declares freedom OF religion (“Congress shall make no law … prohibiting the free exercise thereof” [religion]), NOT freedom FROM religion.  The public square has always been a place for display and discourse for ALL.  Those that want to shut it down must be afraid of SOMETHING.  I for the life of me have no idea what it is.  I only hope we can learn to discuss and not bury our differences.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

The day is at a close, the night is drawing in and my cigar awaits – ’til next time…

Winston Churchill on Socialism

12/09/2012

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This has been an extremely busy week for me and I’m afraid I had not the occasion to do justice to my views on any of the topics on my current list.

However, so as not to leave you with nothing this week, I thought you’d like to hear from one of the supreme intellects in man’s history.

I will have much to say on the issue of Socialism in the future. But for the moment I leave you with this:

 

“Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery.”

Winston Churchill

 

>>> The day is at a close, the night is drawing in and my cigar awaits – ’til next time…

The solution to the U.S. illegal alien and immigration problem

12/02/2012

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Not the completely detailed solution, but a pretty darn good draft/outline of major actions to accomplish.  Fleshing out the details and implementation of this outline will no doubt solve both the short-term and long-term problem.  Until, of course, everyone wants to get their pet issue/concern into the mix.  Kind of like a “clean” bill in Congress being hijacked with all the addendums, amendments, riders and/or earmarks.  Bottom line:  in order for this to work, the outline below must be followed as written.  Details are necessary but modifications to the major points will render the solution null and void allowing the problem to continue in perpetuity.  Regardless, now that I have solved the problem, whether it is implemented or not, I will be able to sleep at night knowing the solution is available.

>  I’ve read and heard from time-to-time that we need to modify the U.S. immigration policy and there very well may be a necessity to do so.  However, I am not completely convinced and this overall topic is for another time.  However, since many suggest current immigration policy is “wrong” and therefore provides rationale for the interlopers’ unlawful activity, the basics of our current policy are listed here for your consideration [from a summary by the American Immigration Council]:

  • Provides for an annual worldwide limit of 675,000 permanent immigrants, with certain exceptions for close family members.
  • Based upon three principles: the reunification of families, admitting immigrants with skills that are valuable to the U.S. economy, and protecting refugees
  • [I will mention US citizenship below so let me give you the current US policy on that.]  “In order to qualify for U.S. citizenship, an individual must have had LPR status (a green card) for at least 5 years (or 3 years if he obtained his green card through a U.S. citizen spouse or through the Violence Against Women Act, VAWA). There are other exceptions for members of the U.S. military who serve in a time of war or declared hostilities. Applicants for U.S. citizenship must be at least 18 years old, demonstrate continuous residency, demonstrate “good moral character,” pass English and U.S. history and civics exams, and pay an application fee.” [American Immigration Council]

>  With that policy in mind, let us begin with the borders.  We have completely bastardized the concept of national security as applies to illegal entry.  So the first indispensable item on the agenda is obviously stopping the influx of illegal aliens into the country.  We have got to stop looking at illegal entry as a social issue.  Our immigration policy deals with that (see above).  This is an issue of national sovereignty.  Regardless of their rationale for entering the country, they are doing it unlawfully.  Build a “wall”.  I don’t care if it is physical, electronic, human or a combination thereof (although I’d recommend the combination).  We do not need Border Patrol or other Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agencies to protect the U.S. borders (although there is a necessary, but limited, role for law enforcement).  We have a military to deal with interlopers – use it.  To the full extent of its capability if necessary.  The military exists to secure this country.  Defending it from illegal entry is as important in the long run as defending it from immediate and obvious enemy combatants.  Although, sometimes they are the same thing.  We deploy our military overseas to protect the homeland of others as well as to stop the spread of “evil” to keep it from our shores.  It is no less necessary to do so at our own borders.  Yes, yes, yes.  Many (most) are coming here to make a better life and are not combatants or intending to perpetrate any ill will against us.  And I really do sympathize.  Nevertheless, we should differentiate these individuals through proper/legal immigration procedures.  Not in the middle of the desert as they try to sneak in.

Now don’t get me wrong.  My expectation here is NOT to have the U.S. military just killing anyone coming across the border.  As mentioned, there is a role for law enforcement here.  However, I contend that a larger, more capable force on the border would go much further to deter, detect and halt entry than does our current arrangement.  The specific Rules Of Engagement would have to be worked out in detail (and I would be happy to sit on that council!).

>  While securing the border and considering modification of US immigration policy to whatever extent, the following guidelines should be used for those already here.  To begin with, all those here illegally will be required to register with the DHS.  U.S. citizens essentially have birth certificates to document their “entry” and status.  Look at this as the equivalent.  They would also be required to have an international “background check” performed.  An implication being that if you do not register and are later found out, regardless of anything below, you and any dependents will be immediately deported.  From there:

  • If you are already here illegally but otherwise a “good person” (i.e., you have no criminal record in the US or any foreign country, are a contributing member of society and have a means of support for yourself and any dependents), you may stay.  However, you may NEVER become a U.S. citizen nor be permitted to participate in those actions/opportunities rightly reserved to citizenship (i.e., voting in Federal elections).  Should you wish to become a U.S. citizen, you must return to your country of origin and come to the U.S. legally via following appropriate procedures.  While you are here under illegal circumstance of arrival, you will of course have to participate in paying taxes and will be afforded the same considerations as any other resident alien.  I realize some would suggest this creates, in a sense, a situation of “taxation without representation” but this is by YOUR choice.  If you want to vote for someone to represent you, come to this country legally.  That said, you will still be provided serves for your taxes.  You will still be accepting use of roads, military/police/fire protection and many other services.  If at any time you become a problem at any level of our society (from numerous misdemeanors (say three strikes you’re out) to committing a felony (singular)) you will be required to leave the U.S.

I realize this may seem like a pardon to some and I fully understand that.  This is not my first choice of solutions.  But I believe this is the best balance between a complete pardon for all (again!) and an attempt (and most likely failure) to deport all those here illegally.

  • If you are here illegally and not being a good person, you AND your dependents, whether born in the U.S. or not (see below), will be required to leave the U.S.  This would include (but not be reserved exclusively to) not only those that have committed crimes while in the U.S. but those that have committed crimes in their home country (or anywhere else for that matter).  We don’t welcome alien criminals (other than a onetime exception, obviously from the previous bullet, those whose sole crime is having entered the U.S. illegally).  Any dependent you may have that is under the age of 21 when you, and they, are deported may apply for entry under appropriate immigration policy when they are of legal age (specifically – 21). If they are 21 or older and have an application for citizenship in process, they may remain if they choose until such time as their application is adjudicated.
  • If you were born here of parents who are here illegally, you are not a citizen.  Sorry.  I fully understand you are not complicit in the unlawful activity preceding your birth.  However, we all “suffer” consequences in one form or another of those that came before us.   If you and your parents are being good people, you may stay.  It was not your fault your parents broke the rules and entered this country illegally.  You must register regardless of age and you may apply to become a U.S. citizen upon reaching your 21st birthday by following the appropriate procedures to do so.  However, if after your 14th birthday and prior to gaining U.S. citizenship you are found to have participated in felonious activity, you will be deported to the country of origin of your parents.  This would take place immediately following your 18th birthday (to ensure you are of legal age to vouch for yourself), or immediately if you are already of age, and is regardless of the citizenship status of your parents.

>  The final plank would deal with why people go to such lengths, put their lives and the lives of their loved ones in peril and break our laws just to get here in the first place.  Problems at home maybe?  I will provide some thoughts on this topic at a future date.

>  This should solve the problem.  I am well aware that the Socialists in our country would not be happy about this.  Contrary to popular belief, they have no actual desire solve a problem or provide assistance anyway.  Most of their “solutions” are still in search of a problem.  Their real objective is power.  To obtain and maintain that power they need votes.  They cannot get votes from non-citizens.  They therefore need immigrants as citizens dependent upon their socialist programs to vote for them.  Allowing anyone to vote regardless of their immigration status definitely benefits them.  So this MAY help solve two problems.  First is the problem of future illegal immigration and what to do with those already here.  The second is to help limit or break the hold Socialism currently has on this country.

>  This solution would benefit us in other ways as well.  A few examples:

  • Help reduce the federal deficit by “legalizing” and taxing the income of illegal immigrants thereby providing more tax revenue.
  • Reducing Federal expenditures on social programs since fewer people will be taken advantage of by employers holding the illegality of their status over their heads.  The employers will be forced to provide better wages and benefits instead of hiding the employment of these people under the table and making them no better than indentured servants.
  • Killing two birds with one stone by providing combined operations and training for our military right here at home.
  • I’m no expert on drug trafficking but I suspect having a full time military presence on the border would help with the interdiction of drugs coming across our borders.  I highly doubt a complete solution but every bit would help.
  • Reduce Federal expenditures by reducing the number of, and therefore expenses for, law enforcement agencies.  The US Customs and Border Protection as law enforcement in the form of border security would be significantly reduced.  Since we are paying for the military and its training anyway, that is a wash.

>>> The day is at a close, the night is drawing in and my cigar awaits – ’til next time…

Lazlo’s Chinese Relativity Axiom

11/30/2012

Brian Random Thoughts , Leave a comment

Just a quick note for those of you who like to take EVERYTHING SO SERIOUSLY, consider Lazlo’s Chinese Relativity Axiom:

“No matter how great your triumphs or how tragic your defeats, approximately one billion Chinese couldn’t care less.”

Be happy when appropriate.  Be sad as appropriate.  Just remember, in the big scheme of things nothing you achieve or mess up in your life is THAT serious.

So lighten up a tad!

 

>>> The day is at a close, the night is drawing in and my cigar awaits – ’til next time…

Things (aka, “stuff”) we “need”

11/25/2012

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What most these days call the “Christmas Season” is almost upon us.  It is actually the Advent Season, the season in which Christians prepare for the birth of Christ, and it begins 2 Dec.  Of course, for most it begins the day after Thanksgiving – Black Friday.  It is the season in which all men should celebrate and share God given time, talent and treasure.  Even if you don’t believe in the Western philosophy of God, at least a time when we should all look to each other and ask, what can we do to make our lives, the lives of others and this world better?  However, this is not a thought for this time of year only.  I would contend that each and every day of our lives could be devoted, if only in some small measure amidst the difficulties of life lived, to such an end.  Nonetheless, since few days are (or at least few by most), such thoughts and actions should dominate this time of year.

Yet this time of year seems more and more devoted to that ultimate goal.  The goal to die with the most toys…  We also need the most expensive toys.  We need what everyone else has.  We need it whether we need it or not (confusing isn’t it?).  It is almost impossible for many these days to differentiate between a need and a want.  Commercialism wins.  Not Capitalism mind you. Commercialism.  The art of convincing us that “wants” are “needs”.  Sometimes, often times, convincing us that things we didn’t even know we wanted, we need.  The art of devotion to the ultimate goal.  How depressing.  How miserable.  How distressing.

It is interesting that most people’s unhappiness comes from the desire for things they want but don’t have.  Notice I didn’t see “need” but don’t have.  I have traveled the world and met many that have far less than those in America we consider in poverty.  Interestingly enough, they are happy.  Maybe ignorance IS bliss.  If it means lack of knowledge of what we are persuaded we need, I am convinced.  Few Americans know what true poverty is.  I hear or read about many that are “so impoverished” due to lack of something the rest of the world gets along just fine without.  Mind you, many in America ARE hurting.  Have no doubt.  Not nearly though the number of which we are convinced.  And certainly not for the reasons we are oft times given.

I have many students that live below the federally established “poverty line”.  Two come to mind and have two very different perspectives on their situation (there are many others in both categories).  They are of pretty much the same financial status.  One is miserable.  Everyday he’s miserable.  His friends have this and his friends have that.  It affects his happiness.   It affects his attitude.  His attitude toward his school work (yes, he grades are below average in all classes).  His attitude toward extracurricular activity.  His attitude toward life.  His is owed!  And he is not getting his due!  The other, as you might imagine, is actually quite happy.  I am utterly amazed by his outlook on life.  He takes advantage of every opportunity and couldn’t care less if he lacks the toys or clothes or houses or what-have-you of so many of his friends.  He is getting good grades and participates in every extracurricular activity he can fit in his schedule.  If you believe I am writing fiction here you’d be wrong.  One is a senior, the other a sophomore.  One is happy, the other – not so much.  Both attitudes come from the same “concern”.  One is making the most of what little he is given.  The other is lamenting the fact that he doesn’t have more.  One will be going far in life and, as most parents wish for their children, will surpass his family status and make a better life for his kids (I’m making a presumption here – he doesn’t actually have kids yet).  I have little doubt we, as taxpaying Americans, will be taking care of the other.  One is happy with having his needs, and a very few of his wants, fulfilled.  The other is miserable because he doesn’t have what society (in the form of mass media and advertisers) tells him he should.

I am writing on “Black Friday”.  What a bizarre day of greed, insatiability, and self-indulgence.  It is bad enough that people wait in line for days for things neither they nor the others for who they may be buying truly even need.  But the stories of pushing and shoving, fights, arguments, etc that take place show the true nature of many indulging in such activity.  Stories abound but some of the most grievous include “a Massachusetts man [that] left his girlfriend’s 2-year-old son in a car while he went shopping for Black Friday bargains, then went home with his new 51-inch flat screen television and left the toddler behind” (apparently the TV wouldn’t fit in the car so he called a friend for a lift home and forgot about the child) and “a man who tried skipping line outside a Sears store in Texas punched a fellow shopper and that man responded by pulling a gun”.  Doors busted down by shoppers who “couldn’t” wait for the store to open, a customer actually run over in a store parking lot, shots fired, “gang” fights, actual battles over merchandise.  These are all true stories of this year’s Black Friday.  This is a typical year.  Seriously people.  We see this every year.  We are appalled every year.  We continue every year.  Also interesting is that it supposedly revolves around the Christmas holiday.  Who is this Christ?  Why does He matter?  What is His message?  Why are we celebrating His birth?  Who has time to consider such silliness?  “Get the best deal on Christmas gifts for the whole family!” is the cry of the retailer.  “Save, Save, Save” on SO MANY things nobody actually needs.  This is neither the Capitalism nor the values upon which our country was founded.  It is the Commercialism contributing to its fall.

Don’t get me wrong.  I have no problem with people living a comfortable life within their means.  The concern is threefold.  The extent to which they will go to get what they think will make them happy, the debt they will incur for the same reason and those that feel they need to emulate them (not their fault of course, but a concern in the big picture). Every day we are told that material things will not make you happy.  For the most part this is true.  We obviously need SOME material things.  The Physiological Level of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs dictates that.  We truly need food, water, shelter, etc.  However, we don’t need lobster and filet mignon, we don’t need Perrier, and we don’t need a McMansion in a gated community.  If you are truly able to afford such things (this means without getting into debt you are unable to repay as a practical portion of your income) I am all for living a good life.  I am a big proponent of the ultra-rich.  Many people are employed by those that build, maintain, and supply yachts (as a single example).  Many are employed in numerous industries that provide products and services for those able to afford great luxury.  Do not condemn those that have the means and spend well above most of our capabilities.  They are providing jobs and therefore income to many of us.  However, if you are NOT one of them, it is within you to be happy in whatever state of life you live.  Strive for more if you wish.  It is the drive of man to want to be and have better.  Just strive to be BETTER and to make your community, country and the world better.  Not for more “stuff” for the sake of more “stuff”.

Live and let live.  This doesn’t mean don’t get involved or allow others in society to just do what they please.  I do not advocate anarchy.  What it means is leave others to their own material goods.  Consider only that which is necessary to YOUR happiness.  And “what makes YOU happy” should be actually well thought-out.  No, being “convinced” by that cool advertisement on TV is not a considered choice.  Is that new video game bringing happiness?  Is that new pair of shoes bringing happiness?  Just because someone else has it doesn’t mean it belongs in your life.  Live your life.  Live your goals.  Notice I didn’t say “dreams”.  Dreams are nice ideas.  Goals are dreams to which you apply action.  Many have dreams.  Few turn them into goals.  Consider what would actually make you happy.  Turn that thought into a goal.  Live your goals.  Let others live through commercialism if they must.

As well, consider on occasion that using some of what you have to help those that ARE truly in need might actually provide you with more fulfillment than acquiring more “stuff”.  Having lived through some level of this in my young adult years I can assure you that it is not worth it.  The sleepless nights, paycheck-to-paycheck living due to acquisition of unnecessary things, constant worry about how to pay for not only the true necessities but those unnecessary things acquired is more headache than it is worth.  Ensuring “needs” are reasonable and limiting consumption of “wants” will allow for time and treasure to be devoted to something besides yourself.  Maybe a favorite charity looking for a cure for a disease or medical condition about which you are concerned.  Or helping those in areas of our country or abroad that truly need more to eat or fresh water to drink.  Even if you have no extra money, your time is also of great value.  Many of my students have little of their own.  However, visiting the elderly in retirement homes or helping younger student at elementary schools doesn’t cost them a thing yet sure seems to bring far more happiness and fulfillment to them than I see in the kid that just received the newest video game.

I could go on and on about this topic.  So much greed – so little time.  So many examples of those that are sad they don’t have more and others so happy because they understand what they don’t need.  Do you need most “stuff”?  My departing counsel – consider what is truly important in your life.  Consider what is driving your attitude.  Are they balanced?  Are you happy?

>>> The day is at a close, the night is drawing in and my cigar awaits – ’til next time…

Civility in CyberSpace

11/23/2012

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I’ve been trying to think of a good way to enlighten some of the younger generation that what they post on social media sites such as Facebook matters.  Not just photos, but the language they use.  Sometimes vulgar.  Sometimes profane. Sometimes just inconsiderate.  I don’t think I could have found a better means than this article.  The crassness of, mostly younger, Americans is bordering on the absurd.  While I understand blurting out in anger or frustration on the rare occasion of something REALLY appalling, I find it completely incomprehensible that people think it appropriate to use such language in everyday, casual “conversation”.  This though is for a later time.

Regarding what one puts on these social media sites, if you are not concerned about what your family and friends think, ok.  Although I’m curious as to why you wouldn’t be.  However, if you don’t think your employer (or potential employers) will find out, think again.  If you don’t think it will impact your career progression, think again.  If you don’t think it will affect your employability, think again.  And keep in mind,  it’s not like a “slip up” in the office or just whatever language you may use in the bar scene – things of  which there is no record and that will be forgotten over time (presuming they don’t impact you immediately).  I don’t want to suggest such things are ok.  Consider civility in all aspects of your life.  But always remember, what you post now will live in cyberspace forever!  Try and chalk it up to youth.  See how far that gets you.  Always think long-term.  Our 21stCentury technology has given us many advantages.  However, if you want to make the most of them, consider how you use that technology.  This is not the first instance and certainly will not be the last…  Consider the following:

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MSN News (22 Nov 12)

Mass. woman loses job after posting photo on Facebook

A Massachusetts woman who posted a controversial photo on Facebook of herself at Arlington National Cemetery with her middle finger raised has lost her job due to controversy over the picture.

A Plymouth, Mass., woman whose “clowning around” photo at Arlington National Cemetery became the focus of online furor after she posted it on Facebook has resigned her job due to the controversy.
Lindsey Stone, a Plymouth, Mass., resident, posted a photo of herself on Facebook with her middle finger raised and pretending to shout next to a sign asking for “silence and respect” near the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery. The photo was taken by a co-worker, Jamie Schuh, when the two were on a business trip to Washington, D.C., last month.
The posting ignited an online furor that included a “Fire Lindsey Stone” page on Facebook. Stone apologized through her father, Peter Stone, according to a Washington, D.C., TV station. Her father said she was clowning around and was reacting to the sign and not Arlington Cemetery.
According to the Boston Herald, Stone has resigned from the Cape Cod nonprofit, LIFE Inc., that she worked for and her resignation has been accepted. In a posting on its Facebook page, LIFE Inc., said both Stone and Schuh were no longer employees of the nonprofit.
“We deeply regret any disrespect to members of the military and their families,” the LIFE Inc. post said. “The incident and publicity has been very upsetting to the learning disabled population we serve.”
Both Stone and Schuh had been placed on unpaid leave while LIFE Inc., which helps adults with special needs, investigated.The Boston Herald quoted her father as saying: “She’s not happy at all. She’s just devastated. She had no idea that she was going to hurt anybody. It was never her intention.”
>>> The day is at a close, the night is drawing in and my cigar awaits – ’til next time…

Why penguins can’t fly

11/22/2012

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My students wanted me to write a post explaining why penguins can’t fly (it was THE question on one of their course quizzes).  Although I’m giving it away for any future students that may read this (I can always change the quiz), as my Thanksgiving gift to them (and Christmas and all their birthdays and any other occasion upon which I wouldn’t give them a gift anyway), here goes…

Considering the four forces of flight (thrust, drag, lift, weight), Bernoulli’s Principle (an increase in the speed of the fluid occurs simultaneously with a decrease in pressure), and Newton’s Second Law of Motion (F=ma); it is intuitively obvious why penguins cannot fly.  Let us begin with the forces of flight.  Penguins weigh a lot.  Lift must be generated to overcome that weight.  Lift is generated via relative wind across properly and appropriately designed airfoils.  Bernoulli’s Principle requires an airfoil, in this case the penguin’s wings, designed to create a pressure differential (lower on top, higher on bottom) large enough to lift the penguin.  This requires that relative wind previously mentioned.  Relative wind is generated through thrust.  Thrust must first overcome drag.  Have I mentioned that penguins weigh a lot?  Since F=ma, and taking into account the mass of a penguin and the penguins wings not being designed in such a way as to create any real lift, a force great enough to overcome said mass and accelerate it to a speed swift enough to generate the required relative wind thereby creating the needed pressure differential, and thus lift, is impossible for a penguin to achieve.

Of great note to many of them – I did not ONCE mention water.

>>> The day is just beginning, the night and my cigar are a distant thought – but ’til next time… Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Thoughts from Xavier Lerma – Freelance writer for Pravda

11/20/2012

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Xavier Lerma, a freelance conservative writer and columnist for the Russian news organization, Pravda, living in Moscow had much to say today [20 Nov 2012] about the reelection of President Obama and the American people…

In 2009; Vladimir Putin who was Prime Minister of Russia at the time gave a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Lerma stated that Putin said that the world should avoid the Soviet mistake.

Interestingly enough, Lerma pointed out that Putin had said the following.

“We are reducing taxes on production, investing money in the economy. We are optimizing state expenses. The second possible mistake would be excessive interference into the economic life of the country and the absolute faith into the all-mightiness of the state. There are no grounds to suggest that by putting the responsibility over to the state, one can achieve better results…Unreasonable expansion of the budget deficit, accumulation of the national debt – are as destructive as an adventurous stock market game.”

“During the time of the Soviet Union the role of the state in economy was made absolute, which eventually lead to the total non-competitiveness of the economy. That lesson cost us very dearly. I am sure no one would want history to repeat itself.”

Lerma went on to say, “Well, any normal individual understands that as true but liberalism is a psychosis. O’bomber even keeps the war going along the Mexican border with projects like “fast and furious” and there is still no sign of ending it. He is a Communist without question promoting the Communist Manifesto without calling it so. How shrewd he is in America. His cult of personality mesmerizes those who cannot go beyond their ignorance. They will continue to follow him like those fools who still praise Lenin and Stalin in Russia. Obama’s fools and Stalin’s fools share the same drink of illusion.”

“Let’s give American voters the benefit of the doubt and say it was all voter fraud and not ignorance or stupidity in electing a man who does not even know what to do and refuses help from Russia when there was an oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Instead we’ll say it’s true that the Communists usage of electronic voting was just a plan to manipulate the vote. Soros and his ownership of the company that counts the US votes in Spain helped put their puppet in power in the White House. According to the Huffington Post, residents in all 50 states have filed petitions to secede from the Unites States. We’ll say that these Americans are hostages to the Communists in power. How long will their government reign tyranny upon them?”

“Russia lost its’ civil war with the Reds and millions suffered torture and death for almost 75 years under the tyranny of the United Soviet Socialist Republic. Russians survived with a new and stronger faith in God and ever growing Christian Church. The question is how long will the once “Land of the Free” remain the United Socialist States of America? Their suffering has only begun,” said Lerma.

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I agree with much of what Mr. Lerma says.  However, his suggestion that Communists are in power here in the U.S. is overshooting a bit.  The current administration does not want Communism.  In the true sense, they would have to give up their power.  One of the reasons the USSR never made it that far (and I would suggest never actually tried).

According to Merriam-Webster, Socialism is any of various economic and political theories advocating collective or governmental ownership and[/or] administration.  It is also a stage of society in Marxist theory transitional between Capitalism and Communism and distinguished by unequal distribution of goods and pay according to work done.

The USSR stands for Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.  Although the ultimate goal was supposedly Communism (from each according to his abilities, to each according to his needs), it was never actually achieved (nor do I believe, at that level of society, could it ever be).  The USSR never made it past Socialism where the government made the decisions.  Communism was expected to be a voluntary utopia.

However, from each according to what the government decides, to each the same, is the state in which the USSR got fixed and is where we in the US are now.  The difference is at least their leaders pretended to want to go further.  They pretended the desire to achieve that utopia.  Those currently in power in the U.S. have no desire to go beyond the Socialist state.  It would mean giving up control and giving in to a philosophy of equality.  As with the leaders of old in the USSR, they claim to protect the proletariat, they have no desire for equality with them.

Where Mr. Lerma is unquestionably correct is that the experiment of the USSR failed and so too will it here.  The only question we both seem to have is: how much damage will be done prior to enough people realizing it?

A future post will discuss my claim that we are now, and very well may forever be, the Union of American Socialist Republics.   A slight twist on what Mr. Lerma suggests. But believe it our not, I coined mine prior to actually reading his. He was close. I’m spot on.  While we will still be in union, I don’t believe we are, or will truly again be, united.  As well, states or no states, we are definitely republics.  Unfortunately, Socialist Republics governed by-in-large by those in leadership of the Socialist Union.

>>> The day is at a close, the night is drawing in and my cigar awaits – ’til next time…

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