Thinking of the recent conspiracy rising from the town hall uproars I had two options for this post. I could either present the case proving the conspiracy is false (I have yet to recieve a check in the mail and I've been against this public option for a very long time) or use humor (their own words) to allow common sense and laughter to disprove the conspiracy. I've chosen to do both.
The difinitive proof for many has been an MSNBC piece on the Maddow show, and it is soundly disproven here: http://www.weeklystandard.com/weblogs/TWSFP/2009/08/think_progress_msnbc_manufactu.asp
Now it is time to bring the highlights of the war of conspiracies over the town hall "paid mob" that has risen. I do not make these up, they are comments from various blogs and news sources which I find quite, well, amusing:
Republican operatives have been secretly receiving training at a Montana Militia camp under the guidance of MoveOn, Code Pink, ACORN, ActUp and the New Black Panthers. They are reading Saul Alinsky and William Ayers writings and simply replacing the name "Leon Trotsky" with "Barry Goldwater".
We see how grassroots and nonpartisan these repugnant one groups are as they are nothing but covers for their corporate masters and former deadbeat politicians like that texas jerk Dick Armey who has been instrumental in wrecking our economy during his reigh of terror in Congress.
The GOP--truly a party of extremists and thugs. All they need now are the brownshirts to go along with their goosesteps.
Where does the money come from to bus all these screaming idiots to the town hall meetings, well not sure, but have been reading lately that Hearth-care industry is proudly stating that they are behind the rowdy behavior of these so called town meetings.
Republicans tactics and politics are comparable to many third world countries.
What was happening at the McCain/Palin rallies was pure hatred showing his ugly head. When I heard the shouts of terrorist, kill him, it made me fear for Pres Obama's life. When I see the signs at these so-called tea parties calling democrats communists, Hitler, fascists, socialists, it makes me fear for this country. The tea parties stir the pot of the crazies and the anti-HCR tactics continue along that line. What happens to the GOP when something violent occurs at the town halls, and it troubles me to say that if this mob mentality continues to prevail, some innocent person or member of congress will be injured or killed. How will the GOP spin that? We know they'll just say it was a lone wolf acting on their own. May they rot in hell for not discouraging this behavior.
Anyone on here trying to justify this type of behavior by senior citizens who can travel from town to town terrorizing people because they live off of people like me who actually work to take care of them belongs in an insane asylum or needs an exorcism.
True town hall meetings are for the residents of the "town," and warrants are given to residents so that they can attend. A public forum where anyone who wants to can attend is a valuable event, but it is not a town hall. If members of the House and Senate want to inform people in their district of what is going on, they might consider limiting attendance to people who actually reside and vote in the district, whether or not they are of the same political party as the speaker.
I just have to say that all of these comments referring to the President as a Thug or Obie and stating that he is part of the New Black Panther party needs to stop. If you don't like having a black president then just say that. Stop hiding behind the mask. Be proud to be a racist!!
I know there are a few democrats that have been trying to obstruct TRUE healthcare reform too. But the main problem is the Bush Republicans. Removing them is the best thing tactically to do. On the other hand. If you can easily replace a democrat obstructionist with a supportive democrat, DO IT!
You have been AMAZING!!! my people. Don't loose heart. You knew it wasn't going to be easy saving the World. :-)
Friday, August 7, 2009
Thursday, August 6, 2009
The Race For Governor: Late Entry?
Eriq Manson is going to run for governor as a Democrat. Anyone want to start guessing how many there will be running?
Is it too soon to say anyone entering the race now is a late entry? With Poliquin setting the bar for fundraising and exposure so far is it possible for new names to catch up?
Is it too soon to say anyone entering the race now is a late entry? With Poliquin setting the bar for fundraising and exposure so far is it possible for new names to catch up?
Future of Afghanistan's Front Lines
First, on this blog I've covered many things worldwide. Iraq and Afghanistan have been missing from many of my posts. This is because rarely do they play into the future alliances or local politics that my blog covers. This is because I believe we have essentially won Iraq and Afghanistan needed Pakistan to take the road against the militants.
So today Mehsud, the leader of the Taliban, may be dead. If this is true the Taliban are going to fracture into various groups. While still a threat and a military problem the coordination, message, and unified front the Taliban has made under Mehsud will be over. They will fight each other as well as the Afghan, Pakistani, and Coalition forces. Is the fight over? No. Are they a major threat? Yes. Will they grow in strength and power as a whole now? No. The tide has turned with Pakistan's offensive. The death of Mehsud only confirms their coming downfall.
Why am I not mentioning Osama bin Laden? He is still a symbolic leader. Dead or alive he will always carry some level of stigma. However currently I believe him to be irrelevent in the current operations. With his age and possible injuries combined with his liver disease he is probably not in the command structure anymore.
So what is the future? Splinter groups like we saw in Iraq. Will it be easy? No. Will it be quick? No. Will we win? Yes.
So today Mehsud, the leader of the Taliban, may be dead. If this is true the Taliban are going to fracture into various groups. While still a threat and a military problem the coordination, message, and unified front the Taliban has made under Mehsud will be over. They will fight each other as well as the Afghan, Pakistani, and Coalition forces. Is the fight over? No. Are they a major threat? Yes. Will they grow in strength and power as a whole now? No. The tide has turned with Pakistan's offensive. The death of Mehsud only confirms their coming downfall.
Why am I not mentioning Osama bin Laden? He is still a symbolic leader. Dead or alive he will always carry some level of stigma. However currently I believe him to be irrelevent in the current operations. With his age and possible injuries combined with his liver disease he is probably not in the command structure anymore.
So what is the future? Splinter groups like we saw in Iraq. Will it be easy? No. Will it be quick? No. Will we win? Yes.
Campaign Website
After several coding nightmares, the website is ready. Part of the complications with it being free is it needs to get a certain amount of traffic, so out of kindness please visit it.
http://joshh19.webs.com/Index.html
http://joshh19.webs.com/Index.html
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Barack Obama on Agressive Activism
He said the following during his campaign: “I need you to go out and talk to your friends and talk to your neighbors. I want you to talk to them whether they are independent or whether they are Republican. I want you to argue with them and get in their face.” (Senator Barack Obama, Campaign Remarks in Elko, Nevada, 9/17/08)
Party of No Ideas on Health Care
The GOP has proposals for health care. If you would like to read about them in the news, check out a few of the links at this website: http://barackobamaexperiment.com/gop-health-care-solutions
Democrats E-Mail "Facts"
1+1=2 and always will. This is a fact.
?+?=? is what the recent Democratic e-mail contained for facts.
See, I am a man of facts. I prefer to use them to explain my points when it is not a matter of common sense. When it is a matter of having common sense I prefer to use the pull of emotional and mental reality to make you see yourself what the facts are. Democrats have used emotional and mental responses in the hopes that the facts will be found. I get the emails from all three political parties in Maine. The e-mails usually contain bias and misleading statements, but this is the first time an e-mail has insulted grass-roots movements and described them as mobs. I will give you the full e-mail text:
There's been a lot of media coverage about organized mobs intimidating lawmakers, disrupting town halls, and silencing real discussion about the need for real health insurance reform.
The truth is, it's a sham. These "grassroots protests" are being organized and largely paid for by Washington special interests and insurance companies who are desperate to block reform. They're trying to use lies and fear to break the President and his agenda for change.
Health insurance reform is about our lives, our jobs, and our families -- we can't let distortions and intimidation get in the way. We need to expose these outrageous tactics, and we're counting on you to help. Can you read these "5 facts about the anti-reform mobs," then pass them along to your friends and family?
5 facts about the anti-reform mobs
1. These disruptions are being funded and organized by out-of-district special-interest groups and insurance companies who fear that health insurance reform could help Americans, but hurt their bottom line. A group run by the same folks who made the "Swiftboat" ads against John Kerry is compiling a list of congressional events in August to disrupt. An insurance company coalition has stationed employees in 30 states to track where local lawmakers hold town-hall meetings.
2. People are scared because they are being fed frightening lies. These crowds are being riled up by anti-reform lies being spread by industry front groups that invent smears to tarnish the President's plan and scare voters. But as the President has repeatedly said, health insurance reform will create more health care choices for the American people, not reduce them. If you like your insurance or your doctor, you can keep them, and there is no "government takeover" in any part of any plan supported by the President or Congress.
3. Their actions are getting more extreme. Texas protesters brought signs displaying a tombstone for Rep. Lloyd Doggett and using the "SS" symbol to compare President Obama's policies to Nazism. Maryland Rep. Frank Kratovil was hanged in effigy outside his district office. Rep. Tim Bishop of New York had to be escorted to his car by police after an angry few disrupted his town hall meeting -- and more examples like this come in every day. And they have gone beyond just trying to derail the President's health insurance reform plans, they are trying to "break" the President himself and ruin his Presidency.
4. Their goal is to disrupt and shut down legitimate conversation. Protesters have routinely shouted down representatives trying to engage in constructive dialogue with voters, and done everything they can to intimidate and silence regular people who just want more information. One attack group has even published a manual instructing protesters to "stand up and shout" and try to "rattle" lawmakers to prevent them from talking peacefully with their constituents.
5. Republican leadership is irresponsibly cheering on the thuggish crowds. Republican House Minority Leader John Boehner issued a statement applauding and promoting a video of the disruptions and looking forward to "a long, hot August for Democrats in Congress."
It's time to expose this charade, before it gets more dangerous. Please send these facts to everyone you know. You can also post them on your website, blog, or Facebook page.
Now, more than ever, we need to stand strong together and defend the truth.
E-mail over. Time for a highlight reel (yes, this is a time when you need common sense) :
organized mobs intimidating lawmakers
These "grassroots protests" are being organized and largely paid for by Washington special interests and insurance companies who are desperate to block reform.
These disruptions are being funded and organized by out-of-district special-interest groups and insurance companies who fear that health insurance reform could help Americans, but hurt their bottom line.
A group run by the same folks who made the "Swiftboat" ads against John Kerry is compiling a list of congressional events in August to disrupt. An insurance company coalition has stationed employees in 30 states to track where local lawmakers hold town-hall meetings.
People are scared because they are being fed frightening lies.
anti-reform lies being spread by industry front groups that invent smears to tarnish the President's plan.
Their actions are getting more extreme.
Maryland Rep. Frank Kratovil was hanged in effigy outside his district office.
One attack group has even published a manual instructing protesters to "stand up and shout" and try to "rattle" lawmakers to prevent them from talking peacefully with their constituents.
Highlight reel over. One final one that made me write this post:
It's time to expose this charade
Excerpt over. With facts like those, how could anyone doubt the Democrats. I mean, with an ambiguous and unnamed group causing trouble over there, and another group that was involved in something years ago being involved, yet unnamed, I don't see how any of this could be believed. Yes, I am not even going to use sarcasm on this one. This is ridiculous. Also, the guy being hanged in effigy, where were the complaints when George Bush was being hanged, burned, and stepped on for the past 8 years? Seriously if they want to complain about the use of effigies when they justify it with freedom of expression, so shall those who oppose them.
What is true is that ACORN, SEIU, and AARP endorse Obama's healthcare plan. My parents have an AARP monthly magazine which says so.
Lets notice that in all of the Democratic message, I have more facts in one sentence than they do in the entire "fact check" e-mail.
?+?=? is what the recent Democratic e-mail contained for facts.
See, I am a man of facts. I prefer to use them to explain my points when it is not a matter of common sense. When it is a matter of having common sense I prefer to use the pull of emotional and mental reality to make you see yourself what the facts are. Democrats have used emotional and mental responses in the hopes that the facts will be found. I get the emails from all three political parties in Maine. The e-mails usually contain bias and misleading statements, but this is the first time an e-mail has insulted grass-roots movements and described them as mobs. I will give you the full e-mail text:
There's been a lot of media coverage about organized mobs intimidating lawmakers, disrupting town halls, and silencing real discussion about the need for real health insurance reform.
The truth is, it's a sham. These "grassroots protests" are being organized and largely paid for by Washington special interests and insurance companies who are desperate to block reform. They're trying to use lies and fear to break the President and his agenda for change.
Health insurance reform is about our lives, our jobs, and our families -- we can't let distortions and intimidation get in the way. We need to expose these outrageous tactics, and we're counting on you to help. Can you read these "5 facts about the anti-reform mobs," then pass them along to your friends and family?
5 facts about the anti-reform mobs
1. These disruptions are being funded and organized by out-of-district special-interest groups and insurance companies who fear that health insurance reform could help Americans, but hurt their bottom line. A group run by the same folks who made the "Swiftboat" ads against John Kerry is compiling a list of congressional events in August to disrupt. An insurance company coalition has stationed employees in 30 states to track where local lawmakers hold town-hall meetings.
2. People are scared because they are being fed frightening lies. These crowds are being riled up by anti-reform lies being spread by industry front groups that invent smears to tarnish the President's plan and scare voters. But as the President has repeatedly said, health insurance reform will create more health care choices for the American people, not reduce them. If you like your insurance or your doctor, you can keep them, and there is no "government takeover" in any part of any plan supported by the President or Congress.
3. Their actions are getting more extreme. Texas protesters brought signs displaying a tombstone for Rep. Lloyd Doggett and using the "SS" symbol to compare President Obama's policies to Nazism. Maryland Rep. Frank Kratovil was hanged in effigy outside his district office. Rep. Tim Bishop of New York had to be escorted to his car by police after an angry few disrupted his town hall meeting -- and more examples like this come in every day. And they have gone beyond just trying to derail the President's health insurance reform plans, they are trying to "break" the President himself and ruin his Presidency.
4. Their goal is to disrupt and shut down legitimate conversation. Protesters have routinely shouted down representatives trying to engage in constructive dialogue with voters, and done everything they can to intimidate and silence regular people who just want more information. One attack group has even published a manual instructing protesters to "stand up and shout" and try to "rattle" lawmakers to prevent them from talking peacefully with their constituents.
5. Republican leadership is irresponsibly cheering on the thuggish crowds. Republican House Minority Leader John Boehner issued a statement applauding and promoting a video of the disruptions and looking forward to "a long, hot August for Democrats in Congress."
It's time to expose this charade, before it gets more dangerous. Please send these facts to everyone you know. You can also post them on your website, blog, or Facebook page.
Now, more than ever, we need to stand strong together and defend the truth.
E-mail over. Time for a highlight reel (yes, this is a time when you need common sense) :
organized mobs intimidating lawmakers
These "grassroots protests" are being organized and largely paid for by Washington special interests and insurance companies who are desperate to block reform.
These disruptions are being funded and organized by out-of-district special-interest groups and insurance companies who fear that health insurance reform could help Americans, but hurt their bottom line.
A group run by the same folks who made the "Swiftboat" ads against John Kerry is compiling a list of congressional events in August to disrupt. An insurance company coalition has stationed employees in 30 states to track where local lawmakers hold town-hall meetings.
People are scared because they are being fed frightening lies.
anti-reform lies being spread by industry front groups that invent smears to tarnish the President's plan.
Their actions are getting more extreme.
Maryland Rep. Frank Kratovil was hanged in effigy outside his district office.
One attack group has even published a manual instructing protesters to "stand up and shout" and try to "rattle" lawmakers to prevent them from talking peacefully with their constituents.
Highlight reel over. One final one that made me write this post:
It's time to expose this charade
Excerpt over. With facts like those, how could anyone doubt the Democrats. I mean, with an ambiguous and unnamed group causing trouble over there, and another group that was involved in something years ago being involved, yet unnamed, I don't see how any of this could be believed. Yes, I am not even going to use sarcasm on this one. This is ridiculous. Also, the guy being hanged in effigy, where were the complaints when George Bush was being hanged, burned, and stepped on for the past 8 years? Seriously if they want to complain about the use of effigies when they justify it with freedom of expression, so shall those who oppose them.
What is true is that ACORN, SEIU, and AARP endorse Obama's healthcare plan. My parents have an AARP monthly magazine which says so.
Lets notice that in all of the Democratic message, I have more facts in one sentence than they do in the entire "fact check" e-mail.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Shirt Color
History has had fascism associate itself to having an armed affiliate of supporters who clad a certain shirt color. To name a few: Mussolini' black shirts, Hitler's brown shirts, William Dudley Pelley's silver shirts, golden shirts of Mexico, Franco's blue shirts, the Iron Gaurd's green shirts.
Let it be known that a fascism/socialism mix is coming worldwide. From Chavez and his ALBA to those rising up in Europe who follow "The Coming Insurrection" fascism is attacking democracy worldwide. For us, in the United States, I will make a prediction.
Their shirts will be purple or orange, maybe even both.
Let it be known that a fascism/socialism mix is coming worldwide. From Chavez and his ALBA to those rising up in Europe who follow "The Coming Insurrection" fascism is attacking democracy worldwide. For us, in the United States, I will make a prediction.
Their shirts will be purple or orange, maybe even both.
Stimulus In Bangor
Alright, I have been hearing the stimulus bill get credit for every road project and new job from people here in Bangor. I have informed them repeated this is not true. I was simply using common sense, but apparently a little more evidence was needed. So, after a bit of searching through very ambiguous contracts, I finally found the four things in Bangor that the funds have gone to. They are as follows:
Bangor Clean Water State Revolving Fund $2,837,000.00
Bangor Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (Ages 5-20) $523,755.00
Bangor Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Preschool (Ages 3-5) $7,962.00
Bangor Title I-BANGOR $1,162,154.00
Excerpt over. I am still waiting for a reply on what Title I-Bangor is from the website, and once I find out, so shall you. I am also still waiting for a response from the city council on the four officers in four years that need to be paid for. If I have no response at the end of the week, I am going to create my own plan to cover the cost of maintaining that force. However, I can conclude that Title I programs are involved in education and not road work. No construction work in Bangor, according to the recovery.gov website for Maine, is due to the Stimulus.
So please, stop telling me it is.
http://www.maine.gov/recovery/county/penobscot.shtml
Bangor Clean Water State Revolving Fund $2,837,000.00
Bangor Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (Ages 5-20) $523,755.00
Bangor Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Preschool (Ages 3-5) $7,962.00
Bangor Title I-BANGOR $1,162,154.00
Excerpt over. I am still waiting for a reply on what Title I-Bangor is from the website, and once I find out, so shall you. I am also still waiting for a response from the city council on the four officers in four years that need to be paid for. If I have no response at the end of the week, I am going to create my own plan to cover the cost of maintaining that force. However, I can conclude that Title I programs are involved in education and not road work. No construction work in Bangor, according to the recovery.gov website for Maine, is due to the Stimulus.
So please, stop telling me it is.
http://www.maine.gov/recovery/county/penobscot.shtml
Monday, August 3, 2009
Burma Seeks Nukes
According to this news report Burma (Myanmar) is building nukes: http://www.voanews.com/english/2009-08-03-voa16.cfm
It says: Researchers in Thailand say two defectors from Burma say the military government has a secret nuclear program that aims to build nuclear weapons, and could have a nuclear test as soon as five years from now. The two defectors said that a hidden nuclear complex is being built in caves excavated in a mountainous area of northern Burma.
The defectors said that they were directly involved in the secret program, and that Burma's goal is to build nuclear weapons.
Excerpt over. Alright, so the North Korean bunker connection comes to light once more. Where is the global attention on this? While we in the U.S. watch beer get warm at the White House nuclear missiles are being developed to get hot enough to create plasma when used. (I say plasma because the weapons being developed today are far more powerful than the ones that almost turned Japan to glass).
However, Russia enters the picture as well:
One of the defectors, a former Burmese army officer, told researchers he was trained in Moscow as part of Burma's plans for a "nuclear battalion" of one thousand men to build the weapons.
The other said he handled Burma's nuclear contracts with Moscow and Pyongyang and arranged the night-time delivery of equipment from North Korea.
Phil Thornton is a freelance journalist based in Thailand and the other researcher who interviewed the men. He says, although the defectors did not know each other, their stories agreed on the main facts, lending some weight to their credibility.
Excerpt over. A nuclear battalion trained in Moscow. Russia is now connected to Venezuela, Bolivia, Ecuador, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, and Burma's nuclear programs by my tally. Russia always says it is for civilian purposes. When it comes to Iran, Venezuela, and other countries that has at least some random chance of being true. However, for Burma and North Korea that is impossible: It is a government program. There is no capitalism, everything is government run. That goes in the opposite sense of being civilian.
There are three levels of nuclear energy: military, government, and civilian. Military is explained by you using common sense. Civilian involves businesses. Government is usually a fusion of civilian and military purposes, which is what these programs seem to be: both. That is why they can hide their military portions until they have what they need to fast track military research.
So, lets update my list when I started this blog:
I see a series of alliances forming in the world against the United States. In these alliances of the world I see four nations leading the pack.
1. Russia
2. Iran
3. Venezuela
4. China
I see the following nations being part of the alliance by affiliation to one or more of these nations.
V- Venezuela C-China I-Iran R-Russia, NK-North Korea, simple enough so lets go.
1. Syria I R C
2. Lebanon I
3. Ecuador V I R
4. Peru V
5. Bolivia V I
6. Burma (Myanmar) R NK
7. Nicaragua V R
8. Cuba V R I C
9. North Korea C
10. Serbia R
11. Somalia I
12. Pakistan C I R
13. Belarus R
14. Abkhazia R
15. South Ossetia R
16. Eritrea I
Then you have other nations unaffiliated but they hate the United States anyway.
1. Zimbabwe (Power sharing must work for me to revise this.)
2. Sudan
3. Mexico (If government loses civil war.)
4. Vietnam (If not taken over by China.)
5. Chile (If ties with Cuba and Venezuela continue to strengthen.)
6. Libya (Minor player at the moment, but one of the most powerful African states led by Pan-Am bomber Gadaffi. Gadaffi holds African Union presidency this rotation. The agenda of removing opposition is in direct conflict to our promotion of democracy.)
8. Kazakstan, other Central Asian countries (More trade, money, and promises from Russia, their former rulers during the Soviet era, than anyone else.)
Political Battlegrounds:
1. Honduras (Mitchelleti vs Zelaya)
2. Peru
3. Somalia (Government vs Islamists)
4. Yemen
5. Palestine (Hamas vs Fatah)
6. Pakistan (Government vs Taliban, Islamists)
Hidden Possibilities:
1. Sri Lanka
2. Madagascar
3. Turkey
4. El Salvador
5. Guyana
6. Nigeria
7. Guatemala
8. Argentina
9. Costa Rica
It says: Researchers in Thailand say two defectors from Burma say the military government has a secret nuclear program that aims to build nuclear weapons, and could have a nuclear test as soon as five years from now. The two defectors said that a hidden nuclear complex is being built in caves excavated in a mountainous area of northern Burma.
The defectors said that they were directly involved in the secret program, and that Burma's goal is to build nuclear weapons.
Excerpt over. Alright, so the North Korean bunker connection comes to light once more. Where is the global attention on this? While we in the U.S. watch beer get warm at the White House nuclear missiles are being developed to get hot enough to create plasma when used. (I say plasma because the weapons being developed today are far more powerful than the ones that almost turned Japan to glass).
However, Russia enters the picture as well:
One of the defectors, a former Burmese army officer, told researchers he was trained in Moscow as part of Burma's plans for a "nuclear battalion" of one thousand men to build the weapons.
The other said he handled Burma's nuclear contracts with Moscow and Pyongyang and arranged the night-time delivery of equipment from North Korea.
Phil Thornton is a freelance journalist based in Thailand and the other researcher who interviewed the men. He says, although the defectors did not know each other, their stories agreed on the main facts, lending some weight to their credibility.
Excerpt over. A nuclear battalion trained in Moscow. Russia is now connected to Venezuela, Bolivia, Ecuador, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, and Burma's nuclear programs by my tally. Russia always says it is for civilian purposes. When it comes to Iran, Venezuela, and other countries that has at least some random chance of being true. However, for Burma and North Korea that is impossible: It is a government program. There is no capitalism, everything is government run. That goes in the opposite sense of being civilian.
There are three levels of nuclear energy: military, government, and civilian. Military is explained by you using common sense. Civilian involves businesses. Government is usually a fusion of civilian and military purposes, which is what these programs seem to be: both. That is why they can hide their military portions until they have what they need to fast track military research.
So, lets update my list when I started this blog:
I see a series of alliances forming in the world against the United States. In these alliances of the world I see four nations leading the pack.
1. Russia
2. Iran
3. Venezuela
4. China
I see the following nations being part of the alliance by affiliation to one or more of these nations.
V- Venezuela C-China I-Iran R-Russia, NK-North Korea, simple enough so lets go.
1. Syria I R C
2. Lebanon I
3. Ecuador V I R
4. Peru V
5. Bolivia V I
6. Burma (Myanmar) R NK
7. Nicaragua V R
8. Cuba V R I C
9. North Korea C
10. Serbia R
11. Somalia I
12. Pakistan C I R
13. Belarus R
14. Abkhazia R
15. South Ossetia R
16. Eritrea I
Then you have other nations unaffiliated but they hate the United States anyway.
1. Zimbabwe (Power sharing must work for me to revise this.)
2. Sudan
3. Mexico (If government loses civil war.)
4. Vietnam (If not taken over by China.)
5. Chile (If ties with Cuba and Venezuela continue to strengthen.)
6. Libya (Minor player at the moment, but one of the most powerful African states led by Pan-Am bomber Gadaffi. Gadaffi holds African Union presidency this rotation. The agenda of removing opposition is in direct conflict to our promotion of democracy.)
8. Kazakstan, other Central Asian countries (More trade, money, and promises from Russia, their former rulers during the Soviet era, than anyone else.)
Political Battlegrounds:
1. Honduras (Mitchelleti vs Zelaya)
2. Peru
3. Somalia (Government vs Islamists)
4. Yemen
5. Palestine (Hamas vs Fatah)
6. Pakistan (Government vs Taliban, Islamists)
Hidden Possibilities:
1. Sri Lanka
2. Madagascar
3. Turkey
4. El Salvador
5. Guyana
6. Nigeria
7. Guatemala
8. Argentina
9. Costa Rica
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Partisan Voting
I have stated many times I will never vote for a Democrat. I apologize and retract that statement. No, I don't plan on it. However, in a Democracy my vote is to go to the most qualified candidate regardless of political affiliation. Should someone from across the isle, or even somewhere further or closer, be a better representative of my values of government then they will get my vote.
It is our civic duty to ensure that the most qualified people get elected to office. By limiting ourselves to one political party we are disregarding (usually) more than half of the candidates available. By doing so we give ourselves less than 50% chance of voting for the most qualified individual for leadership and public service.
So to those who refuse to vote Republican, or Democrat, or even both, please look at the people and not the letter. While voting for people is preferred over organizations, sometimes the best people come from the political party system.
It is our civic duty to ensure that the most qualified people get elected to office. By limiting ourselves to one political party we are disregarding (usually) more than half of the candidates available. By doing so we give ourselves less than 50% chance of voting for the most qualified individual for leadership and public service.
So to those who refuse to vote Republican, or Democrat, or even both, please look at the people and not the letter. While voting for people is preferred over organizations, sometimes the best people come from the political party system.
Socialists Invited
If you want a place to discuss your ideas I invite any and all Socialists to my blog. Send me an e-mail and what you wish to say and I will post it. This does not mean there will not be a silent approval, there will be discussion. You will always be invited to respond to any counter to your statements or make further statements.
We Are Doomed 4
The human race now resorts to stealing sand for resorts.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jgHmDqLU_femenG_nkw722vLPzlAD99P68DO0
We are doomed.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jgHmDqLU_femenG_nkw722vLPzlAD99P68DO0
We are doomed.
Bass Park Director FAIL
The Bangor State Fair is one of the most looked forward to events of the year. This year, the admission/ticket system was replaced with a $10 for all fee (food not included). The Bass Park Director Mike Dyer forced the Fiesta company to charge this. As a result, fewer rides, longer lines, and an overall worse experience. This is why I, as a Republican, am opposed to government involvement (Mike works for the city). In the attempt to increase attendance, they lessened what was offered, the carnival makes less money, people are less happy, and this overall lessens the good image of Bangor. Lines were wrapping around other rides today in painful heat and humidity. Nobody seemed to be happy, and to be honest there were a lot of people who were rude. From the staff trying to force people to seperate their group (on one of the scarier rides, the guy told a mother to part with her daughter who was going on the ride for the first time) to people sitting at the tables without buying anything forcing the police to be called the whole thing just had a bad aura about it. Why? More people for lower price. Who did this? Mike Dyer.
The Race For Governor - Outreach
One of the best experiences I've had was being part of a political campaign. Lets just make it known that while I refuse to run my city council campaign with any money, the candidates for governor all have monetary donation requests. So, it is what you can do WITH their campaign that actually makes all the difference. If you have seen the candidates and wish to work with them, I'm going to let you know the other options they have on their websites which are listed here:
http://rhkinc.blogspot.com/2009/07/candidates-websites.html
Alright, lets start with Donna Dion's options:
None. You can't even subscribe to campaign updates yet.
Lynne Williams: You can subcribe for updates, but nothing else so far.
Dawn Hill: Her volunteer page sends you to a customized automated response with the following options:
Be a Volunteer Captain
Go Door to Door - Canvass
Host a House Gathering
Make a Donation
Make Phone Calls
Place a sign in my yard
Request Sticker for my Car
Tweet or Blog about Rep. Dawn Hill
Will volunteer in general
Willing spread the word in my community
Write to My Local Newspaper
Steve Rowe:
Host a House Party
Make Phone Calls
Go Door to Door
Make a Donation
Write to My Local Newspaper
Be a Volunteer Captain
Blog about Steve
Put Up Yard Signs
Put On a Bumper Sticker
He also has this question:
May We Use Your Name Publicly as a Rowe Supporter?
I suggest you mark no. If you want to support someone, you can support them publicly by volunteering. However, in the political environment we have it could be dangerous, and releasing those names could create a possible hit list for opponents (as in, you could become critisized just for being on his list).
Rosa Scarcelli has the following ambiguous choice:
General Volunteer
Les Otten:
go door to door
make phone calls
host a house party
work my neighborhood
attend event
blog
volunteer at HG
write my local paper (declare support)
place sticker on my car
help out in other ways
Matt Jacobson is lacking in opportunities right now.
Lastly, Bruce Poliquin:
Go Door-to-Door
Make a Donation
Make Phone Calls
Talk to Others About Bruce
Work My Neighborhood
Attend Events
Put Sign in My Yard
Blog About Bruce
Place Sticker on My Car
Help Out in Other Ways
Host House Party
Volunteer at Our HQ
Write My Local Newspaper
So, the scoreboard has Bruce Poliquin in the lead with 13 options.
In second place:Dawn Hill with 11.
Third goes to: Les Otten with 10.
Fourth: Steve Rowe with 9.
Fifth: Rosa Scarcelli with 1.
The rest do not qualify for the scoreboard.
Congradulations Bruce Poliquin. A year and four months before the election you are giving voters the most options to be involved in your campaign. I thus award you the first ever Life Blog Award for Campaign Involvement Opportunities.
The reason I decided to count them was because getting supporters involved is an important part of making certain that your campaign has what it takes to win. If you don't have positions on the issues to get people out there then you won't win an election. You need to stand out. The best way to stand out it to have your supporters out there for you. These options make it easy for supporters to get involved. The more options the more people you can reach out to in order to have them get involved. "General volunteer" is intimidating. It could mean go door-to-door, or clean the HQ toilets. Poliquin's options allow his campaign to know who to go to for certain things and know their supports will enjoy doing it. Poliquin continues to have the best outreach of all the candidates so far.
http://rhkinc.blogspot.com/2009/07/candidates-websites.html
Alright, lets start with Donna Dion's options:
None. You can't even subscribe to campaign updates yet.
Lynne Williams: You can subcribe for updates, but nothing else so far.
Dawn Hill: Her volunteer page sends you to a customized automated response with the following options:
Be a Volunteer Captain
Go Door to Door - Canvass
Host a House Gathering
Make a Donation
Make Phone Calls
Place a sign in my yard
Request Sticker for my Car
Tweet or Blog about Rep. Dawn Hill
Will volunteer in general
Willing spread the word in my community
Write to My Local Newspaper
Steve Rowe:
Host a House Party
Make Phone Calls
Go Door to Door
Make a Donation
Write to My Local Newspaper
Be a Volunteer Captain
Blog about Steve
Put Up Yard Signs
Put On a Bumper Sticker
He also has this question:
May We Use Your Name Publicly as a Rowe Supporter?
I suggest you mark no. If you want to support someone, you can support them publicly by volunteering. However, in the political environment we have it could be dangerous, and releasing those names could create a possible hit list for opponents (as in, you could become critisized just for being on his list).
Rosa Scarcelli has the following ambiguous choice:
General Volunteer
Les Otten:
go door to door
make phone calls
host a house party
work my neighborhood
attend event
blog
volunteer at HG
write my local paper (declare support)
place sticker on my car
help out in other ways
Matt Jacobson is lacking in opportunities right now.
Lastly, Bruce Poliquin:
Go Door-to-Door
Make a Donation
Make Phone Calls
Talk to Others About Bruce
Work My Neighborhood
Attend Events
Put Sign in My Yard
Blog About Bruce
Place Sticker on My Car
Help Out in Other Ways
Host House Party
Volunteer at Our HQ
Write My Local Newspaper
So, the scoreboard has Bruce Poliquin in the lead with 13 options.
In second place:Dawn Hill with 11.
Third goes to: Les Otten with 10.
Fourth: Steve Rowe with 9.
Fifth: Rosa Scarcelli with 1.
The rest do not qualify for the scoreboard.
Congradulations Bruce Poliquin. A year and four months before the election you are giving voters the most options to be involved in your campaign. I thus award you the first ever Life Blog Award for Campaign Involvement Opportunities.
The reason I decided to count them was because getting supporters involved is an important part of making certain that your campaign has what it takes to win. If you don't have positions on the issues to get people out there then you won't win an election. You need to stand out. The best way to stand out it to have your supporters out there for you. These options make it easy for supporters to get involved. The more options the more people you can reach out to in order to have them get involved. "General volunteer" is intimidating. It could mean go door-to-door, or clean the HQ toilets. Poliquin's options allow his campaign to know who to go to for certain things and know their supports will enjoy doing it. Poliquin continues to have the best outreach of all the candidates so far.
Fanatical Blindness
http://www.discoverthenetworks.org/Articles/UNNECESSARY%20%20%20LOSSES.htm
In the letter the person writes:
But after all the garbage has been left behind I do hold certain basic tenets from my old left background. The first is that there are classes and the rich are not on the same side as the rest of us. They exploit. The second is that I am still a socialist. I still believe in theory socialism is better than capitalism. If it has not worked so far, it is because it has not really been tried.
What concerns me about you is that you have lost the compassion and humanism which motivated our parents to make their original choice. There can be no other explanation for your support of the vile policies of Ronald Reagan. Except that you are operating from an emotional position which surpasses rational thinking. Also, by assuming that because you are no longer "left," you must be "right, "you appear to be lacking a capacity to tolerate ambiguity; and the real world is indeed ambiguous. Why do you feel the need to jump on establishment bandwagons? I assume they are paying you well for your efforts.
Excerpt over. The rich work, they do not exploit. I know the rich and the poor in person. They work for a living. Is it true for all? No, but the majority do work.
Socialism has not been tried, because it is impossible to achieve with human beings. To create a classless, wealthless society you need to remove human emotion. Socialism requires a human race that has no desires in any form. It requires us to forgo excess but also in times of need not feel hunger should food not be available for all. Socialism can not be tried.
I am looking for an intellectual discussion. Socialists, contact me.
The last line is just spiteful.
The entire article is personal, and real. This is the fanaticism we face, and we must not allow one line of rhetoric to go unanswered. In response, if they believe what they say, they should refute every line we on the side of democracy and capitalism say. The points without refutability are the solid basis of truth. The side with the most solid basis after any number of interactions is what should decide this truth. So I challenge you, Socialists, Communists, and Anarchists to send me your vision of a better world and how to get there. I will respond, without being spiteful or insulting I promise, and we will settle the fanatical debates once and for all regarding these philosophies.
In the letter the person writes:
But after all the garbage has been left behind I do hold certain basic tenets from my old left background. The first is that there are classes and the rich are not on the same side as the rest of us. They exploit. The second is that I am still a socialist. I still believe in theory socialism is better than capitalism. If it has not worked so far, it is because it has not really been tried.
What concerns me about you is that you have lost the compassion and humanism which motivated our parents to make their original choice. There can be no other explanation for your support of the vile policies of Ronald Reagan. Except that you are operating from an emotional position which surpasses rational thinking. Also, by assuming that because you are no longer "left," you must be "right, "you appear to be lacking a capacity to tolerate ambiguity; and the real world is indeed ambiguous. Why do you feel the need to jump on establishment bandwagons? I assume they are paying you well for your efforts.
Excerpt over. The rich work, they do not exploit. I know the rich and the poor in person. They work for a living. Is it true for all? No, but the majority do work.
Socialism has not been tried, because it is impossible to achieve with human beings. To create a classless, wealthless society you need to remove human emotion. Socialism requires a human race that has no desires in any form. It requires us to forgo excess but also in times of need not feel hunger should food not be available for all. Socialism can not be tried.
I am looking for an intellectual discussion. Socialists, contact me.
The last line is just spiteful.
The entire article is personal, and real. This is the fanaticism we face, and we must not allow one line of rhetoric to go unanswered. In response, if they believe what they say, they should refute every line we on the side of democracy and capitalism say. The points without refutability are the solid basis of truth. The side with the most solid basis after any number of interactions is what should decide this truth. So I challenge you, Socialists, Communists, and Anarchists to send me your vision of a better world and how to get there. I will respond, without being spiteful or insulting I promise, and we will settle the fanatical debates once and for all regarding these philosophies.
Listen Close Republicans
No more witch doctor photos of Obama. Alright? We live in a Democracy, a free nation. We have the greatest country on earth to call our home. You lower our level of civility by making these pointless and uncivilized attacks on Barack Obama. We focus on the issues, not the looks. Lets focus on the taxpaying dollars spent by a politician's vacation, and not Michelle Obama's dress or Barack Obama's jeans and baseball pitches. We focus on the issues and there is nothing that the Democrats could ever do to hurt us. Let them act like attack dogs, lets be civilized.
Interim Government Crackdown
The legal government of Honduras must not abuse the power it was given Constitutionally. From this point on a police of only having commanding officers carry armed guns should be made to prevent any further needless bloodshed being blamed on Honduran authorities.
There should be a public forum, open to the public to attend where both sides can appeal to an independant jury with one jury for Zelaya, one for the interim government, and a neutral international diplomat from the U.N. along with two Constitutional experts. These five jurors will make the case of the situation and allow the public to see the facts, dispell the rumors, and clarify the situation. While the forum takes place, hopefully people will listen more than protest.
However, the crackdown by the interim government must end. A democracy is founded on the freedom to think and express yourself. While the Mitchelleti government is legal, it should not be outside the law. Going in that direction is why Zelaya had to be removed.
http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSTRE5701J420090801
There should be a public forum, open to the public to attend where both sides can appeal to an independant jury with one jury for Zelaya, one for the interim government, and a neutral international diplomat from the U.N. along with two Constitutional experts. These five jurors will make the case of the situation and allow the public to see the facts, dispell the rumors, and clarify the situation. While the forum takes place, hopefully people will listen more than protest.
However, the crackdown by the interim government must end. A democracy is founded on the freedom to think and express yourself. While the Mitchelleti government is legal, it should not be outside the law. Going in that direction is why Zelaya had to be removed.
http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSTRE5701J420090801
Missile Defense Works
Well, on short range missiles. However, if North Korea launches towards us it will be a long range missile we have to worry about. Which makes our test in Hawaii seem almost pointless.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5in-BbOZrPDAgjSNDPjFjGxuijnjw
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5in-BbOZrPDAgjSNDPjFjGxuijnjw
Friday, July 31, 2009
Cash For Freedom
I am deeply troubled. The Cash for Clunkers program is nothing less than invasive, illegal, and totalitarian. I give what has been discovered about the Cash for Clunkers program 24 hours to become a national news sensation. If not, I am going to do two things:
1. Scream.
2. Post a blog.
1. Scream.
2. Post a blog.
My Race Begins
I am hoping that by the end of the week I will have accomplished two things:
1. Have a campaign website up.
2. Have the petition forms needed to get me on the ballot.
By the end of August I am hoping to have the following accomplished:
1. Have the minimum 150 signatures to be on the Bangor ballot in November.
2. Spoken publicly with other candidates on at least two occassions.
3. Have my college preparations complete.
My daily plan this week is to prepare my walk through Bangor. Now, I will post on twitter when I can, which will be before and after I go on my door-to-door campaign. This will allow people to know when I am out walking so they can come talk with me and we can discuss issues in a more in depth manner.
You have no idea how weird this is for me. Most of my life I have critisized politicians for saying the things I am saying but once your in that position it comes like a genuine instict. I am writing this part of things down so I remember this feeling and make certain it stays genuine. I really mean what I am saying.
1. Have a campaign website up.
2. Have the petition forms needed to get me on the ballot.
By the end of August I am hoping to have the following accomplished:
1. Have the minimum 150 signatures to be on the Bangor ballot in November.
2. Spoken publicly with other candidates on at least two occassions.
3. Have my college preparations complete.
My daily plan this week is to prepare my walk through Bangor. Now, I will post on twitter when I can, which will be before and after I go on my door-to-door campaign. This will allow people to know when I am out walking so they can come talk with me and we can discuss issues in a more in depth manner.
You have no idea how weird this is for me. Most of my life I have critisized politicians for saying the things I am saying but once your in that position it comes like a genuine instict. I am writing this part of things down so I remember this feeling and make certain it stays genuine. I really mean what I am saying.
The Races - Oh Forget It
Paul LePage is going to run for governor. Or not, we will find out in a month.
Running To City Hall
You all know I'm running for Bangor City Council, well soon I will have a campaign website up and running. I will have the link when it is finished, but here is where you come in. I have reviewed other candidates websites, and although my attempt is through a free website and some knowledge of coding, I'd like to have you compare its quality to others. Yes, I will bring you into the fold and allow you a guest appearance (the random guest appearance approach isn't working, so I'll give you a target) and you can review my campaign website. Post a comment below if your going to be involved, or send me an e-mail.
Twitter - The New Frontier
Twitter. This simple website had created a frenzy, helped stage an attempted political revolution in Iran, and has mired the communication of humanity into 140 characters. The White House has breached the defenses of twitter and now has other famous political identities like Jay-Z speaking on their behalf. Its immense quality of net speak combined with the shortness of a night with Stan from the Golden Girls, twitter truly leaves speedy yet catchy number of phrases in the minds of those reading the tweets of millions.
Slogans of politicians, advertisements by businesses, updates by health authorities along with the rally cries of millions of video gaming addicted 13 year olds expressing themselves the only way they know how (virtually) display the immense knowledge and creativity of the global populace. With messages like "wut b ur pbm mn, go tok a reef" to "Maine is boring" a buffet of exposure to new and wonderful things in the world is now within grasp of anyone with a two hundred dollar electric bill, a five hundred dollar computer, with a twenty dollar internet access, and an evolved mind capable of comprehending the messages.
Twitter is truly the newest frontier of humanity. The internet has been taken to a universal jump with twitter. A jump which, when entered, is frightening. The millions of users sending messages at lightspeed communicate in a global highway you are suddenly standing in the middle of. Moving from a universe where thousands of chirps moved by at stunningly slow email speeds to this new million-message-collaboration of humanity can be an experience that will leave you staggering like a victim of Bubba. Yet no amount of Presidential "Sud" Summits one may enter, the initial shock lasts not for long. Soon you are hitch-hiking for a way home, and once picked up, you are on the highway forever.
Your initial screams are no more than tweets. The importance of pain is lost in the beauty of instantly heard, and instantly forgotten communication. You know everyone is watching, and at the same time you know that everyone is twittering themselves into the universe. The focus constantly shifting may leave some ignored, but they continue to tweet addicted to the chance of something they lack outside of the inescapable highway: social interaction.
Being here is a wonderous moment and also a curse. Yet twitter makes that curse disappear and leaves only the friendship of acronyms and a keyboard as necessary. It provides a new voice in a new universe. This is why I have crossed into the world of twitter. I entered, got on a bus, and have yet to see reason to pull the brake line. However, I was faced with a massive mountainous obstacle. There were many titles and positions of power that were removed entirely by this new universe. We all were equal. Our value determined by the number of our tweets. Names meant nothing, and yet they distiguished us from our fellow insta-socialites. What would I call myself?
What would a name mean if it was not valued by anything other than a passing judgement in a highway of millions? Why call myself anything at all? The message said it was required. So a new approach had to be taken.
Could this be a chance to bring something from the old world into the new? I was losing hold of my former memories as the new information was taking the place of my worthless real life knowledge. I had already prepared the information of breathing and liver function to the recycling bin of my CPU. Shipments of friends and family were on their way. Was my name among that? It certainly had to be. Who you were was defined by your former human self by who you seperated yourself from. My thoughts raced the dump trucks to the incinerator that was my heart. They arrived too late. In fact the trucks had made two other trips before my army of reduced thoughts arrived (they got bottle-necked in a pile up at the cereberal cortex). The only thing left coming was the remaining knowledge of the internet. Something had to be saved.
Preserving the knowledge of the internet served two purposes. One, find some manner of identifying myself. Second, in the event of a maintainence roadblock on the tweeting highway there would be some escape possible. Withdrawal could be starved with distractions on youtube or the ignoring of messages on myspace and facebook from friends you knew no more. Arriving, the title of a blog was one of the sole virtual creations of my former self. A name was chosen. A name was found. A name, for twitter, to be communicated with, was determined. The world could now tweet me as well as hear my equal yet different tweet. That name was: @rhkinc
--My Twitter-Addicted Future Approach To Blogging (should I get addicted)--
I am now on twitter. I'm confused as to why only 140. I suppose it will challenge me to ramble less and say more. Luckily, more in depth approaches will still be here, but my rambling (see http://rhkinc.blogspot.com/2009/07/donna-dion-running-with-three-pdf-pages.html ) faces the risk of forming a more adjective-less form.
If you wish to follow the shortened version of me with some extras of humor and piontless displays of distraction thrown in, you can tweet away at me @rhkinc .
Slogans of politicians, advertisements by businesses, updates by health authorities along with the rally cries of millions of video gaming addicted 13 year olds expressing themselves the only way they know how (virtually) display the immense knowledge and creativity of the global populace. With messages like "wut b ur pbm mn, go tok a reef" to "Maine is boring" a buffet of exposure to new and wonderful things in the world is now within grasp of anyone with a two hundred dollar electric bill, a five hundred dollar computer, with a twenty dollar internet access, and an evolved mind capable of comprehending the messages.
Twitter is truly the newest frontier of humanity. The internet has been taken to a universal jump with twitter. A jump which, when entered, is frightening. The millions of users sending messages at lightspeed communicate in a global highway you are suddenly standing in the middle of. Moving from a universe where thousands of chirps moved by at stunningly slow email speeds to this new million-message-collaboration of humanity can be an experience that will leave you staggering like a victim of Bubba. Yet no amount of Presidential "Sud" Summits one may enter, the initial shock lasts not for long. Soon you are hitch-hiking for a way home, and once picked up, you are on the highway forever.
Your initial screams are no more than tweets. The importance of pain is lost in the beauty of instantly heard, and instantly forgotten communication. You know everyone is watching, and at the same time you know that everyone is twittering themselves into the universe. The focus constantly shifting may leave some ignored, but they continue to tweet addicted to the chance of something they lack outside of the inescapable highway: social interaction.
Being here is a wonderous moment and also a curse. Yet twitter makes that curse disappear and leaves only the friendship of acronyms and a keyboard as necessary. It provides a new voice in a new universe. This is why I have crossed into the world of twitter. I entered, got on a bus, and have yet to see reason to pull the brake line. However, I was faced with a massive mountainous obstacle. There were many titles and positions of power that were removed entirely by this new universe. We all were equal. Our value determined by the number of our tweets. Names meant nothing, and yet they distiguished us from our fellow insta-socialites. What would I call myself?
What would a name mean if it was not valued by anything other than a passing judgement in a highway of millions? Why call myself anything at all? The message said it was required. So a new approach had to be taken.
Could this be a chance to bring something from the old world into the new? I was losing hold of my former memories as the new information was taking the place of my worthless real life knowledge. I had already prepared the information of breathing and liver function to the recycling bin of my CPU. Shipments of friends and family were on their way. Was my name among that? It certainly had to be. Who you were was defined by your former human self by who you seperated yourself from. My thoughts raced the dump trucks to the incinerator that was my heart. They arrived too late. In fact the trucks had made two other trips before my army of reduced thoughts arrived (they got bottle-necked in a pile up at the cereberal cortex). The only thing left coming was the remaining knowledge of the internet. Something had to be saved.
Preserving the knowledge of the internet served two purposes. One, find some manner of identifying myself. Second, in the event of a maintainence roadblock on the tweeting highway there would be some escape possible. Withdrawal could be starved with distractions on youtube or the ignoring of messages on myspace and facebook from friends you knew no more. Arriving, the title of a blog was one of the sole virtual creations of my former self. A name was chosen. A name was found. A name, for twitter, to be communicated with, was determined. The world could now tweet me as well as hear my equal yet different tweet. That name was: @rhkinc
--My Twitter-Addicted Future Approach To Blogging (should I get addicted)--
I am now on twitter. I'm confused as to why only 140. I suppose it will challenge me to ramble less and say more. Luckily, more in depth approaches will still be here, but my rambling (see http://rhkinc.blogspot.com/2009/07/donna-dion-running-with-three-pdf-pages.html ) faces the risk of forming a more adjective-less form.
If you wish to follow the shortened version of me with some extras of humor and piontless displays of distraction thrown in, you can tweet away at me @rhkinc .
Just Cruel And Creepy
I was looking on how to get this blog more following, and I went to a site with a list of ideas. One was to see what was popular on several other websites, one being reddit.com, and I went there. I clicked on the number one post, and got sent to this page about a pharmaceutical drug dealer being arrested and how my IP address had been logged and I would be subpeona'd by the FBI.
My heart is racing. I want to get out there, but not by being in the press for an FBI investigation. I hope the FBI will look at my record, read my blog, and understand.
Why that would be there is just - urg. Its annoying and cruel. Its not a good feeling to just be informed your being watched. (I'd rather they not inform the criminals, and catch them when they come to that drug store for the drug they so eagerly desire.) It is just so- I can't even describe it. I will never go to reddit.com thats for sure.
My heart is racing. I want to get out there, but not by being in the press for an FBI investigation. I hope the FBI will look at my record, read my blog, and understand.
Why that would be there is just - urg. Its annoying and cruel. Its not a good feeling to just be informed your being watched. (I'd rather they not inform the criminals, and catch them when they come to that drug store for the drug they so eagerly desire.) It is just so- I can't even describe it. I will never go to reddit.com thats for sure.
New Tax Code
I was going to present here the whole issue over the newly passed tax law in Maine. I read through probably 1/20 of the bill, and it took me an hour. I give up on that mess of BS. Just when one part makes sense, they follow it up with "alternative method" sections that are as confusing as an eternal question.
So I decided to write my own tax code. I hope common sense is turned on when you read it. Then you will understand why there are no deductions (otherwise translated as incentives). Common sense also tells you that fines for crimes and fees to register pets and so forth are not covered here.
A. Tax Code
1. Code
a.The only alterable section of this code is "c" subsection of sections "2" and "3". The alteration is only allowed by citizen referendum.
b. These taxes are to take effect at the time of currency exchange.
1. Sales Tax
a. Sales is defined as an exchange of currency for anything other than labor.
b. Labor is defined as the efforts of a person.
c. Sales Tax: 5%
2. Income Tax
a. Income is defined as the exchange of currency for labor.
b. Labor is defined as the efforts of a person.
c. Income Tax: 5%
B. Tax Code Exemption
1. Government
a. Any exchange of currency with the government as a party or observer will not be taxed.
So I decided to write my own tax code. I hope common sense is turned on when you read it. Then you will understand why there are no deductions (otherwise translated as incentives). Common sense also tells you that fines for crimes and fees to register pets and so forth are not covered here.
A. Tax Code
1. Code
a.The only alterable section of this code is "c" subsection of sections "2" and "3". The alteration is only allowed by citizen referendum.
b. These taxes are to take effect at the time of currency exchange.
1. Sales Tax
a. Sales is defined as an exchange of currency for anything other than labor.
b. Labor is defined as the efforts of a person.
c. Sales Tax: 5%
2. Income Tax
a. Income is defined as the exchange of currency for labor.
b. Labor is defined as the efforts of a person.
c. Income Tax: 5%
B. Tax Code Exemption
1. Government
a. Any exchange of currency with the government as a party or observer will not be taxed.
Cash For Confusion
The cash for clunkers program is, or isn't on its deathbed. It is, or isn't, out of money. It will, or won't, have an emergency expansion of funds for a program that may, or may not, be running on fumes. The news reports are numerous, and all of them contradictory of the one that came before it.
Good to know used car sales have the same effect on the government as it does on us.
Just think, soon we could have this level of confusion about our health care too!
Good to know used car sales have the same effect on the government as it does on us.
Just think, soon we could have this level of confusion about our health care too!
Cash For Clunkers
My initial opposition to this program has faded because indeed it has been getting car sales going. Now, to the situation at hand.
6 days, a billion dollars, and 200,000 cars at least by my figures, and the cash for clunkers program is broke. Out of cash that it, not broken. The response? Lets find more cash to throw at the program:
Stabenow, a Michigan Democrat, and other lawmakers called for an infusion of taxpayer money to subsidize more new-vehicle purchases in the effort to revive dealerships and automakers while getting older, less fuel-efficient vehicles off the road.
Excerpt over. Why am I paying for someone's new car? I demand this program be halted immediately. It is not the government's place to buy people new cars. The billion dollars isn't used up though:
The administration’s reports on clunkers applications from dealers didn’t indicate that the funds were near exhaustion. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which is running the program, said yesterday that 22,782 vehicles worth $95.9 million had been sold.
Excerpt over. Still, why should I be the one to pay for this? Until that question is answered it should not go forward.
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aWKYBKED5EKI
6 days, a billion dollars, and 200,000 cars at least by my figures, and the cash for clunkers program is broke. Out of cash that it, not broken. The response? Lets find more cash to throw at the program:
Stabenow, a Michigan Democrat, and other lawmakers called for an infusion of taxpayer money to subsidize more new-vehicle purchases in the effort to revive dealerships and automakers while getting older, less fuel-efficient vehicles off the road.
Excerpt over. Why am I paying for someone's new car? I demand this program be halted immediately. It is not the government's place to buy people new cars. The billion dollars isn't used up though:
The administration’s reports on clunkers applications from dealers didn’t indicate that the funds were near exhaustion. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which is running the program, said yesterday that 22,782 vehicles worth $95.9 million had been sold.
Excerpt over. Still, why should I be the one to pay for this? Until that question is answered it should not go forward.
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aWKYBKED5EKI
Human Rights Advocates
I support human rights. I was proud of the way Saddam got such excellent treatment despite his ruthless regime. Saddam did not try to escape.
In Nigeria human rights groups are calling the death of the leader of Boko Haram unlawful. This man was responsible for over three hundred deaths in a week and I am glad that he died instead of escaping to be recaptured. Human rights groups should sigh in relief that a radical was stopped before being unleashed for more mayhem.
Now, I will admit that if he was not trying to escape this was illegal and should be investigated. However, the public denouncement and almost support of Boko Haram coming from the human rights groups is appalling. BBC the following:
Several days of gun battles between militants and Nigerian security forces ensued, culminating in the assault on the militant's stronghold. Human rights groups have accused the military of excessive violence in quelling the militants.
Excerpt over. My common sense defenses are on high alert. They were in a WARZONE!!!!!!! WHAT LEVEL OF VIOLENCE IS NOT GOING TO BE REACHED IN A WARZONE?!?!?! Yes, war is bad, but WAR HAS DEATH AND VIOLENCE. When it happens, it is not excessive, it is war. The forces they were fighting wanted the overthrow of the Nigerian government. The human rights groups should be glad the overthrow failed because I doubt they would be allowed to report of any human rights abuses under Sharia.
They want to investigate the wrongful holding and possibly torture of people when it shouldn't happen? How about they head over to Greece and help release 200 Somalis herded into minibuses by the police without being told why.
Greece: http://allafrica.com/stories/200907300896.html
Based on: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8177681.stm
In Nigeria human rights groups are calling the death of the leader of Boko Haram unlawful. This man was responsible for over three hundred deaths in a week and I am glad that he died instead of escaping to be recaptured. Human rights groups should sigh in relief that a radical was stopped before being unleashed for more mayhem.
Now, I will admit that if he was not trying to escape this was illegal and should be investigated. However, the public denouncement and almost support of Boko Haram coming from the human rights groups is appalling. BBC the following:
Several days of gun battles between militants and Nigerian security forces ensued, culminating in the assault on the militant's stronghold. Human rights groups have accused the military of excessive violence in quelling the militants.
Excerpt over. My common sense defenses are on high alert. They were in a WARZONE!!!!!!! WHAT LEVEL OF VIOLENCE IS NOT GOING TO BE REACHED IN A WARZONE?!?!?! Yes, war is bad, but WAR HAS DEATH AND VIOLENCE. When it happens, it is not excessive, it is war. The forces they were fighting wanted the overthrow of the Nigerian government. The human rights groups should be glad the overthrow failed because I doubt they would be allowed to report of any human rights abuses under Sharia.
They want to investigate the wrongful holding and possibly torture of people when it shouldn't happen? How about they head over to Greece and help release 200 Somalis herded into minibuses by the police without being told why.
Greece: http://allafrica.com/stories/200907300896.html
Based on: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8177681.stm
Slow News Day?
Considering the often covered topic of yesterday, my ability to report was severely limited due to a lack of ethical journalism, leadership, and overall common sense.(I like to report on the short stories given three seconds and an eyebrow raise before never being heard of again on tv to get a feel of still being slightly mainstream on this blog.) So, the story they covered involved alcohol. You know what I am refering to. If you have followed this blog you know I would vote for prohibition at the ballot. Such a decision, however, I would never decide in office. Lets clarify:
I support prohibition.
I support voting.
I support voting on prohibition.
I believe that should clear up any confusion in the future. Sure, many groups will hate me for having a personal view I vow not to force on anyone else; but such is life I suppose.
I support prohibition.
I support voting.
I support voting on prohibition.
I believe that should clear up any confusion in the future. Sure, many groups will hate me for having a personal view I vow not to force on anyone else; but such is life I suppose.
My Favorite Democrat
Rosa Scarcelli is my favorite Democrat for the following reason: the first sentence on her issues page was as follows:
State government can’t create jobs, but we can create a climate for businesses to grow and expand
Excerpt over. This is why she is my favorite Democrat. Compare this to Donna Dion:
We can build from the blueprint to form a strong State structure that will carry all citizens forward to a better tomorrow.
Excerpt over. Lets clear this statement up a little:
We can build a strong State structure that will carry all citizens.
Clearing over. I'd quote other Democrats, but they have been ridiculously slow in making websites that prove they are serious about running. As a Republican it is painful to hear anyone believe the solutions to our lives problems are going to come from the government.
Sure, if I need some invading enemy nation taken care of, the government can have at it. It is the only thing the government does well.
If I need a job I want to go to a business, not a government office.
If I need to be treated for something I want to go to a hospital, not a government clinic.
If I need food I want to buy what appeals to me at a grocery store, not a government stocked bunker where what I get is determined by a rations card.
If I want clothing I want to go to a business, not a government supply center where I will be turned away if I purchased clothes already regardless of the value of my money.
If I need money I want to earn it, not be given a check in the mail for being a citizen.
Rosa Scarcelli website: http://rosaformaine.com/splash
Donna Dion: http://donnajdionforgovernor2010.com/
Steve Rowe (Note-this will be rennovated soon to be a fully operational campaign website) http://www.roweforgovernor.com/
State government can’t create jobs, but we can create a climate for businesses to grow and expand
Excerpt over. This is why she is my favorite Democrat. Compare this to Donna Dion:
We can build from the blueprint to form a strong State structure that will carry all citizens forward to a better tomorrow.
Excerpt over. Lets clear this statement up a little:
We can build a strong State structure that will carry all citizens.
Clearing over. I'd quote other Democrats, but they have been ridiculously slow in making websites that prove they are serious about running. As a Republican it is painful to hear anyone believe the solutions to our lives problems are going to come from the government.
Sure, if I need some invading enemy nation taken care of, the government can have at it. It is the only thing the government does well.
If I need a job I want to go to a business, not a government office.
If I need to be treated for something I want to go to a hospital, not a government clinic.
If I need food I want to buy what appeals to me at a grocery store, not a government stocked bunker where what I get is determined by a rations card.
If I want clothing I want to go to a business, not a government supply center where I will be turned away if I purchased clothes already regardless of the value of my money.
If I need money I want to earn it, not be given a check in the mail for being a citizen.
Rosa Scarcelli website: http://rosaformaine.com/splash
Donna Dion: http://donnajdionforgovernor2010.com/
Steve Rowe (Note-this will be rennovated soon to be a fully operational campaign website) http://www.roweforgovernor.com/
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Zelaya Intent On Violence
With his previous two week "will arrive in Honduras at any hour" situation being a failure with no massive outpouring of support and no march to the Honduran capital, a new decree has come from Zelaya. He made certain, even if it was comical, that he fulfil the previous promise that this one may have the same determination behind it. A news article quotes him:
Ousted Honduran President Manuel Zelaya says disgruntled military officers could rebel "at any moment" against the government installed in a coup.
Zelaya says he has information that some soldiers and officers are "repudiating the way in which the military leadership is directing the armed forces."
He warns young officers could rebel "at any moment" and force military chief Gen. Romeo Vasquez to restore the deposed president to power.
Excerpt over. If he makes true on this "at any moment" promise it gaurantees bloodshed. If it doesn't happen, how many more of these provokations towards a bloody resultion does the world need to stand by and watch before they realize he not the legitimate president nor is he of sound mind to be president.
From: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jAkMGKIUDg_ngUiZboxQbYj5_DPwD99OQDUO0
Ousted Honduran President Manuel Zelaya says disgruntled military officers could rebel "at any moment" against the government installed in a coup.
Zelaya says he has information that some soldiers and officers are "repudiating the way in which the military leadership is directing the armed forces."
He warns young officers could rebel "at any moment" and force military chief Gen. Romeo Vasquez to restore the deposed president to power.
Excerpt over. If he makes true on this "at any moment" promise it gaurantees bloodshed. If it doesn't happen, how many more of these provokations towards a bloody resultion does the world need to stand by and watch before they realize he not the legitimate president nor is he of sound mind to be president.
From: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jAkMGKIUDg_ngUiZboxQbYj5_DPwD99OQDUO0
"You Can Keep What You Have"
That was a lie. Take a look at this statement from a Democrat from Montana about the compromise bill of 900 Billion:
“C.B.O. has reviewed a draft of the health care reform bill we are currently negotiating,” he said. “Keep in mind the current draft does not include resolution of several key issues. Nevertheless, the report is encouraging. The current draft of the bill scores below $900 billion over 10 years, covers 95 percent of all Americans by 2015 and is fully offset.”
Excerpt over. So, in five and a half years, only 5% of Americans will be allowed to choose their health insurance. I wish I were joking you, but yes, Obama lied when he said the following:
First of all, no one is talking about a government takeover of the health care plan. As I was driving up, I saw some signs. You know, some folks -- folks were all riled up. You know, they're listening to certain radio programs or watching certain cable shows, and so somehow I guess they think we're just going to take over health care.
Excerpt over. Nope, I am actually annoyed by Limbaugh, and why you keep insulting the highest rated news network on tv I will never know, anyhow. I am actually, see first quote again, listening to the people who are writing the bill. In business when it gets over 50% in ownership, its a takeover. 95%? Its a monopoly.
So onward we go to Obama's lie:
If you like your health care plan, you will keep your plan.
Now, if you're one of 46 million Americans who don't have health care coverage, you'll finally be able to get quality, affordable coverage.
Lie over. Let me rephrase his statement for you:
If you like your healthcare plan, you will keep your plan until 2015.
Now, if your one of the 254 million American's who do have health care coverage, you'll finally be able to get government provided coverage.
Interpretation over. Lets compare Obama's statement to reality:
Obama: you will keep your plan.
Reality: covers 95 percent of all Americans by 2015
Comparison over. Verdict: guilty.
Do I need to say it again? I've been saying this for a while now. Obama keeps his message the same and people keep telling me they will keep their choice. I keep giving the facts, the reality. I may be going a little over the top by repeating it all the time but the truth should never be silenced.
Senator quote: http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/07/29/senator-sees-good-news-in-cost-estimate-on-compromise-health-bill/?nl=pol&emc=pola1
Obama quotes: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/29/AR2009072902644.html
“C.B.O. has reviewed a draft of the health care reform bill we are currently negotiating,” he said. “Keep in mind the current draft does not include resolution of several key issues. Nevertheless, the report is encouraging. The current draft of the bill scores below $900 billion over 10 years, covers 95 percent of all Americans by 2015 and is fully offset.”
Excerpt over. So, in five and a half years, only 5% of Americans will be allowed to choose their health insurance. I wish I were joking you, but yes, Obama lied when he said the following:
First of all, no one is talking about a government takeover of the health care plan. As I was driving up, I saw some signs. You know, some folks -- folks were all riled up. You know, they're listening to certain radio programs or watching certain cable shows, and so somehow I guess they think we're just going to take over health care.
Excerpt over. Nope, I am actually annoyed by Limbaugh, and why you keep insulting the highest rated news network on tv I will never know, anyhow. I am actually, see first quote again, listening to the people who are writing the bill. In business when it gets over 50% in ownership, its a takeover. 95%? Its a monopoly.
So onward we go to Obama's lie:
If you like your health care plan, you will keep your plan.
Now, if you're one of 46 million Americans who don't have health care coverage, you'll finally be able to get quality, affordable coverage.
Lie over. Let me rephrase his statement for you:
If you like your healthcare plan, you will keep your plan until 2015.
Now, if your one of the 254 million American's who do have health care coverage, you'll finally be able to get government provided coverage.
Interpretation over. Lets compare Obama's statement to reality:
Obama: you will keep your plan.
Reality: covers 95 percent of all Americans by 2015
Comparison over. Verdict: guilty.
Do I need to say it again? I've been saying this for a while now. Obama keeps his message the same and people keep telling me they will keep their choice. I keep giving the facts, the reality. I may be going a little over the top by repeating it all the time but the truth should never be silenced.
Senator quote: http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/07/29/senator-sees-good-news-in-cost-estimate-on-compromise-health-bill/?nl=pol&emc=pola1
Obama quotes: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/29/AR2009072902644.html
40% Unemployment - I'm Serious
I went to the government website with the numbers for our unemployment. I looked at it and the numbers they use for workers is only those seeking jobs. Here is the link:
http://www.bls.gov/news.release/empsit.nr0.htm
Now, I looked at the numbers and decided, what about all the people like myself who want a job, but know there is no chance at all of getting on? Including people like myself, unemployment is 40%. Almost half of America is not working. However, interesting side statistic, 40% of Americans don't pay taxes. I always saw that statistic as something that was true, but had to be a fluke of some sort. Now, I confirmed it. 40% of the nation isn't working, and thus doesn't pay taxes.
What does this mean? If you work, you are supporting 120 million Americans. Your a majority of people, you represent 180 million Americans.
Consider the following proposals:
Free College (Native-Americans Included) 26 Billion Annually
Universal Health Care (We Already Have It) 18 Trillion Annually
Universal Health Insurance (The Real Deal Being Proposed) See Above
Second Army (As Large And Funded As The Current Military) 500 Billion Annually
Should-be-headlines in ()
Result: 18.5 trillion more spending on a budget that is only (only, HA) 3.9 trillion.
Think about those, and think how long until your taxes, and taxes overall go up and your job is actually safe. Think about how it would feel to be among the 120 million paying the keep of 180 million Americans. Now the next time you vote, please vote responsibly.
http://www.bls.gov/news.release/empsit.nr0.htm
Now, I looked at the numbers and decided, what about all the people like myself who want a job, but know there is no chance at all of getting on? Including people like myself, unemployment is 40%. Almost half of America is not working. However, interesting side statistic, 40% of Americans don't pay taxes. I always saw that statistic as something that was true, but had to be a fluke of some sort. Now, I confirmed it. 40% of the nation isn't working, and thus doesn't pay taxes.
What does this mean? If you work, you are supporting 120 million Americans. Your a majority of people, you represent 180 million Americans.
Consider the following proposals:
Free College (Native-Americans Included) 26 Billion Annually
Universal Health Care (We Already Have It) 18 Trillion Annually
Universal Health Insurance (The Real Deal Being Proposed) See Above
Second Army (As Large And Funded As The Current Military) 500 Billion Annually
Should-be-headlines in ()
Result: 18.5 trillion more spending on a budget that is only (only, HA) 3.9 trillion.
Think about those, and think how long until your taxes, and taxes overall go up and your job is actually safe. Think about how it would feel to be among the 120 million paying the keep of 180 million Americans. Now the next time you vote, please vote responsibly.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
The Most Partisan Blog
I've found it, and it isn't Republican or Democrat, its ..... Libertarian? Who would have thought it, although the fringe usually are passionate... anyhow back to the link.
http://delawarelibertarian.blogspot.com
This is the first part of one of their posts:
The Democrat nannies are on the loose, run amok, busting out the time-worn federal funds withholding extortion to hammer the states into compliance with their latest federal fetish to control our daily habits and activities.
There is no end to the mass control freak mentality of this ilk. What's next? Mandating cars have ignition shutoff sensors triggered by use of a mobile device inside the vehicle? Hell, why not...it all makes sense in service to sating nanny's whims so nanny can make use all feel safe and happy (and nanny's helpers bloated with traffic fine revenues, btw).
Lawmakers want ban on texting while driving
Rant over. Choose your battles wisely young Libertarian (yes, I know your older than me physically.)
http://delawarelibertarian.blogspot.com
This is the first part of one of their posts:
The Democrat nannies are on the loose, run amok, busting out the time-worn federal funds withholding extortion to hammer the states into compliance with their latest federal fetish to control our daily habits and activities.
There is no end to the mass control freak mentality of this ilk. What's next? Mandating cars have ignition shutoff sensors triggered by use of a mobile device inside the vehicle? Hell, why not...it all makes sense in service to sating nanny's whims so nanny can make use all feel safe and happy (and nanny's helpers bloated with traffic fine revenues, btw).
Lawmakers want ban on texting while driving
Rant over. Choose your battles wisely young Libertarian (yes, I know your older than me physically.)
Donna Dion Running (with three PDF pages, why?)
This 2010 Democratic candidate for governor has a website started here: http://donnajdionforgovernor2010.com/
I would link to her "Blueprint for Success Page" but it is in .pdf format and I don't wish to burden those of you without adobe readers (to the majority who do, sorry, click it on her front page). She vows to follow the Clean Elections Act that way she can have moral high ground at the end of the day. This gives me a perfect opportunity to discuss something about the morals of the "clean elections". However, thats for a later blog. Now, back to her site. She states:
Empower the communities to evaluate new businesses and make the process simpler and quicker but not at the expense of the environment or increasing the tax expenses already being carried by our citizens.
Excerpt over. So, ease business beaurocracy, but protect the environment (good)and make certain citizens have priority over businesses when discussing tax hikes (bad). She leaves the door open to tax increases on businesses. Alright, I won't have to pay new taxes. However, when the Governors down the street has to lay off someone because the taxes went up, I can still applaud them. (It is still a small, perhaps medium sized business, it employs fewer than 5 thousand people which qualifies a large business. Now you know.)
As for education after high school, she makes this statement:
They [students] should first say “where can I go?” and not “can I afford to go?”
Excerpt over. So, this alludes to cheap or free college. I know the college we currently have is not cheap. (I know because I'm going.) Somewhere over the shattering rainbow of hope I read Maine was having a budget crisis. We can call that statement an ambiguously failed statement of short sighted thoughtfulness about colleges in Maine. She goes on and mentions workers joining the workforce with the skills needed (very good). She then says this:
Work within each county to evaluate and prioritize their assets and work with them to develop a new economy specific to their needs.
Excerpt over. If only counties had Constitutions.... It sounds like funding may be determined by county and not by state program. Or, it could mean the state would want to overlook county funds and have the "government come to help". So what if it is government "helping" government, it can't work out well. Remember the former Shah of Iran? Either way it sounds like the way the federal government has been intruding on the states rights.
Yet, back to topic. She gives guidelines:
Must maintain sensitivity to:
Environment
Tax burden on Mainers
Education for the future
Training for the current and new job market
Development of new business throughout the State
Assistance to the more vulnerable population of our State, elderly and developmental disabled and our children in crisis.
Equal opportunity for all people.
Affordable health care
Excerpt over. Environment gets a thumbs up from me. Tax burden on Mainers should include businesses. Education for the future is ambiguous and a nice phrase without meaning much. Job market is thumbs up. New business, no clear plan, and will be difficult if their taxes go up. The vulnerable Democratic punchline. The elderly need care from DHS, not the governor. Look up Stillwater Healthcare in Bangor, visit it sometime. Why the police haven't stormed that place despite all the complaints to Augusta is beyond me. Ahem. Moving on. Developmental disabled? gaff. A good mentioning, I hear politicians promise us a lot, I rarely see them give any. I think it has to do with so few of us vote. Ranking below the living dead and Mickey Mouse, children with severe autism are some of the least likely voters in America. This is one who will be voting, and certainly not for - ahem, composure. Equal opportunity, I think she should run for Mayor of Lewiston instead of Governor. She would be closer to that issue. Affordable health care? I hope she means to shut down Dirigo health. Did you know it has costed 100 million dollars but only covers ten thousand people? Did you know its original goal was 5 million dollars and 100,000 people?
Finally:
We can build from the blueprint to form a strong State structure that will carry all citizens forward to a better tomorrow.
Quote from Marx, I mean excerpt over. "Strong State structure" "will carry all citizens". Only a Democrat (of the two main parties, hopefully).
This humorous, yet sadly real, blog posting brought to you by Randy Hughes-King, author of RHKINC.blogspot.com, also running for city, um, council- but remember I'm an author.
P.S. This is real, commentary is real, but I am not this stupid. Trust me. I have aspergers and one of the symptoms is I can't, or am not very good at lying(as in I've never successfully pulled one off).
I would link to her "Blueprint for Success Page" but it is in .pdf format and I don't wish to burden those of you without adobe readers (to the majority who do, sorry, click it on her front page). She vows to follow the Clean Elections Act that way she can have moral high ground at the end of the day. This gives me a perfect opportunity to discuss something about the morals of the "clean elections". However, thats for a later blog. Now, back to her site. She states:
Empower the communities to evaluate new businesses and make the process simpler and quicker but not at the expense of the environment or increasing the tax expenses already being carried by our citizens.
Excerpt over. So, ease business beaurocracy, but protect the environment (good)and make certain citizens have priority over businesses when discussing tax hikes (bad). She leaves the door open to tax increases on businesses. Alright, I won't have to pay new taxes. However, when the Governors down the street has to lay off someone because the taxes went up, I can still applaud them. (It is still a small, perhaps medium sized business, it employs fewer than 5 thousand people which qualifies a large business. Now you know.)
As for education after high school, she makes this statement:
They [students] should first say “where can I go?” and not “can I afford to go?”
Excerpt over. So, this alludes to cheap or free college. I know the college we currently have is not cheap. (I know because I'm going.) Somewhere over the shattering rainbow of hope I read Maine was having a budget crisis. We can call that statement an ambiguously failed statement of short sighted thoughtfulness about colleges in Maine. She goes on and mentions workers joining the workforce with the skills needed (very good). She then says this:
Work within each county to evaluate and prioritize their assets and work with them to develop a new economy specific to their needs.
Excerpt over. If only counties had Constitutions.... It sounds like funding may be determined by county and not by state program. Or, it could mean the state would want to overlook county funds and have the "government come to help". So what if it is government "helping" government, it can't work out well. Remember the former Shah of Iran? Either way it sounds like the way the federal government has been intruding on the states rights.
Yet, back to topic. She gives guidelines:
Must maintain sensitivity to:
Environment
Tax burden on Mainers
Education for the future
Training for the current and new job market
Development of new business throughout the State
Assistance to the more vulnerable population of our State, elderly and developmental disabled and our children in crisis.
Equal opportunity for all people.
Affordable health care
Excerpt over. Environment gets a thumbs up from me. Tax burden on Mainers should include businesses. Education for the future is ambiguous and a nice phrase without meaning much. Job market is thumbs up. New business, no clear plan, and will be difficult if their taxes go up. The vulnerable Democratic punchline. The elderly need care from DHS, not the governor. Look up Stillwater Healthcare in Bangor, visit it sometime. Why the police haven't stormed that place despite all the complaints to Augusta is beyond me. Ahem. Moving on. Developmental disabled? gaff. A good mentioning, I hear politicians promise us a lot, I rarely see them give any. I think it has to do with so few of us vote. Ranking below the living dead and Mickey Mouse, children with severe autism are some of the least likely voters in America. This is one who will be voting, and certainly not for - ahem, composure. Equal opportunity, I think she should run for Mayor of Lewiston instead of Governor. She would be closer to that issue. Affordable health care? I hope she means to shut down Dirigo health. Did you know it has costed 100 million dollars but only covers ten thousand people? Did you know its original goal was 5 million dollars and 100,000 people?
Finally:
We can build from the blueprint to form a strong State structure that will carry all citizens forward to a better tomorrow.
Quote from Marx, I mean excerpt over. "Strong State structure" "will carry all citizens". Only a Democrat (of the two main parties, hopefully).
This humorous, yet sadly real, blog posting brought to you by Randy Hughes-King, author of RHKINC.blogspot.com, also running for city, um, council- but remember I'm an author.
P.S. This is real, commentary is real, but I am not this stupid. Trust me. I have aspergers and one of the symptoms is I can't, or am not very good at lying(as in I've never successfully pulled one off).
Gubernatorial Candidate/Book Seller
These two websites were brought to my attention by the good will of Derek from "The Maine View" blog here:
http://maineview.blogspot.com/
Now, Samme Bailey has his campaign website here:
http://www.joinsamme.com/Join_Samme/Campaign.html
His slogan: Economic Revival for Maine
The slogan is only political thing on his website. (Aside from the usual sob of a life story they all present, nothing against him, just the sob life stories of most politicians. (Note to self: always cut the heaping piles of pointlessness into as little a pile as possible and get to the point when I run for offices.)) Aside from that, it looks like a promotion of his book. There is absolutely no mention of issues in Maine nor any relevence to his campaign page which lists cities in Maine but doesn't say when or where. He does say likely places will be:
Perhaps you will encounter Sam at one of the numerous places he will be while visiting your town. He may be in the local book shop autographing his book. You may see him talking with your neighbor on main street, or at the local county fair enjoying the festivities.
Excerpt over. I believe I know why he is running as an independant: None of the three parties in Maine want to be affiliated in a clear misuse of a run for political office to sell a book. One headlining section of his page is a link titled "Book" which sends you to a page where you can buy his book. It is listed before "Campaign" or "Contribute". This man's book sales driven campaign will no longer be covered by this blog. I report politics, not book sales.
Update: Bailey was on a radio show this morning and continuously said he was unqualified. I do believe not having to cover his campaign will be easy. See, Alex Hammer and Samme Bailey would make it difficult to not cover if they became front runners but since its official neither one will be, I'm not concerned.
http://maineview.blogspot.com/
Now, Samme Bailey has his campaign website here:
http://www.joinsamme.com/Join_Samme/Campaign.html
His slogan: Economic Revival for Maine
The slogan is only political thing on his website. (Aside from the usual sob of a life story they all present, nothing against him, just the sob life stories of most politicians. (Note to self: always cut the heaping piles of pointlessness into as little a pile as possible and get to the point when I run for offices.)) Aside from that, it looks like a promotion of his book. There is absolutely no mention of issues in Maine nor any relevence to his campaign page which lists cities in Maine but doesn't say when or where. He does say likely places will be:
Perhaps you will encounter Sam at one of the numerous places he will be while visiting your town. He may be in the local book shop autographing his book. You may see him talking with your neighbor on main street, or at the local county fair enjoying the festivities.
Excerpt over. I believe I know why he is running as an independant: None of the three parties in Maine want to be affiliated in a clear misuse of a run for political office to sell a book. One headlining section of his page is a link titled "Book" which sends you to a page where you can buy his book. It is listed before "Campaign" or "Contribute". This man's book sales driven campaign will no longer be covered by this blog. I report politics, not book sales.
Update: Bailey was on a radio show this morning and continuously said he was unqualified. I do believe not having to cover his campaign will be easy. See, Alex Hammer and Samme Bailey would make it difficult to not cover if they became front runners but since its official neither one will be, I'm not concerned.
Ecuador's Double Standard/ Rule Of LAW
Right now Ecuador is in a dispute with an oil company over some issue that has gone to the World Bank. They say that if the World Bank rules against them, they won't follow the ruling.
This is despite Ecuador urging Honduras to follow the OAS STATEMENTS against Honduras. There has been no judicial ruling against Honduras, but international organizations were against Honduras. Ecuador wanted Honduras to comply with those demands. However, now that an international body could rule against them, there are no signs either way, they say they will not follow it.
The rule of law is the rule of law. Laws are not meant to be broken. When the law tells you to do something, you do it no matter what (unless it violates human rights.) Honduras followed its law, its Constitution, and removed Zelaya and has followed the law regardless of what the world demands.
Ecuador, now facing a legal ruling, will defy the ruling if it is against them.
A lawless world is a dangerous world. Lawless groups are currently trying to take over countries and invent new laws to suit them. When existing laws don't go their way, they either alter their Constitutions or, as Ecuador proves, defy international rulings. This is applicable in Burma's trade with North Korea, or Venezuela's arming of FARC, or Russia's aiding of Iran with its nuclear program.
The nations have sway in global bodies such as the OAS and UN. When they get their majority, such as with the OAS, they can have international groups founded to have worldwide recognition of the law represent the next level of destroying laws. They had the OAS make demands of Honduras regardless of the laws within Honduras.
This is why Obama's statements on changing our U.S. Constitution concerns me. The Constitution does not give him what he wants, and he thinks that is enough to have it changed. (In length, he wants it changed because it doesn't allow the government to give him what he wants: more government control to provide us with things (which the government would have to supply through the taking of other things)).
We must stand with the rule of law. Currently, neither the Republican or Democratic platforms state that the Constitution is the highest law of the land. They should because it is. This explains the Obama and Bush presidency having such Constitutional line crossings without the political parties condemning them harshly.
The Constitution is the highest law of the land.
This is despite Ecuador urging Honduras to follow the OAS STATEMENTS against Honduras. There has been no judicial ruling against Honduras, but international organizations were against Honduras. Ecuador wanted Honduras to comply with those demands. However, now that an international body could rule against them, there are no signs either way, they say they will not follow it.
The rule of law is the rule of law. Laws are not meant to be broken. When the law tells you to do something, you do it no matter what (unless it violates human rights.) Honduras followed its law, its Constitution, and removed Zelaya and has followed the law regardless of what the world demands.
Ecuador, now facing a legal ruling, will defy the ruling if it is against them.
A lawless world is a dangerous world. Lawless groups are currently trying to take over countries and invent new laws to suit them. When existing laws don't go their way, they either alter their Constitutions or, as Ecuador proves, defy international rulings. This is applicable in Burma's trade with North Korea, or Venezuela's arming of FARC, or Russia's aiding of Iran with its nuclear program.
The nations have sway in global bodies such as the OAS and UN. When they get their majority, such as with the OAS, they can have international groups founded to have worldwide recognition of the law represent the next level of destroying laws. They had the OAS make demands of Honduras regardless of the laws within Honduras.
This is why Obama's statements on changing our U.S. Constitution concerns me. The Constitution does not give him what he wants, and he thinks that is enough to have it changed. (In length, he wants it changed because it doesn't allow the government to give him what he wants: more government control to provide us with things (which the government would have to supply through the taking of other things)).
We must stand with the rule of law. Currently, neither the Republican or Democratic platforms state that the Constitution is the highest law of the land. They should because it is. This explains the Obama and Bush presidency having such Constitutional line crossings without the political parties condemning them harshly.
The Constitution is the highest law of the land.
Stimulus In Maine
Alright, some details about police funding in Maine came from Susan Collins recently. It can be seen here:
http://senatorcollins.blogspot.com/2009/07/more-than-5-million-in-police-funding.html
So, here is a quick rundown of the 5 million dollar funding (each city gets 1 officer unless otherwise stated, details of officer employment after the list) :
City of Auburn (2 officers) - $374,120
• Baileyville Police Department - $209,336
• City of Bangor (4 officers) - $704,880
• Town of Boothbay Harbor - $185,180
• Caribou Police Department - $177,206
• Dexter-Foxcroft Police Department - $180,085
• Fryeburg Police Department - $143,199
• Lewiston Police Department (2 officers) - $350,412
• Mexico Police Department - $180,017
• Milo Police Department - $135,492
• Newport Police Department - $168,490
• Norway Police Department - $149, 314
• Penobscot Nation Police Department - $149,314
• City of Portland (6 officers) - $882,528
• Sanford Police Department (2 officers) - $411,362
• Town of Skowhegan - $147,308
• Westbrook Police Department (2 officers) - $375,074
• Winthrop Police Department - $175,101
The grants will provide 100 percent of the approved salary and benefits for entry level officer positions over a three-year period. Police departments receiving the grants will then be required to retain the grant-funded positions for a fourth year.
Excerpt over. So, why does one officer for three years cost Baileyville $65,000 more than an officer with the same deal in Milo?
Also, requiring the officers for a fourth year without funding is a terrible idea. What if the funds can't be raised? It means that position is saved, but an older officer will be rushed out, or a younger one with fewer benefits. That added requirement will burden those cities in four years and there will be very tough decisions. Now, the budget in my term on the council will be nearing a close, but the budget for the next year will be part of my term and this burden will have to be dealt with.
So I've decided to come up with a plan to make certain no officers are required to be laid off when that fourth year burden comes to the Bangor budget. However, the first thing I must do is see if there is a plan already in place. So I have contacted the Bangor city council and when I get a response this will have a part 2.
http://senatorcollins.blogspot.com/2009/07/more-than-5-million-in-police-funding.html
So, here is a quick rundown of the 5 million dollar funding (each city gets 1 officer unless otherwise stated, details of officer employment after the list) :
City of Auburn (2 officers) - $374,120
• Baileyville Police Department - $209,336
• City of Bangor (4 officers) - $704,880
• Town of Boothbay Harbor - $185,180
• Caribou Police Department - $177,206
• Dexter-Foxcroft Police Department - $180,085
• Fryeburg Police Department - $143,199
• Lewiston Police Department (2 officers) - $350,412
• Mexico Police Department - $180,017
• Milo Police Department - $135,492
• Newport Police Department - $168,490
• Norway Police Department - $149, 314
• Penobscot Nation Police Department - $149,314
• City of Portland (6 officers) - $882,528
• Sanford Police Department (2 officers) - $411,362
• Town of Skowhegan - $147,308
• Westbrook Police Department (2 officers) - $375,074
• Winthrop Police Department - $175,101
The grants will provide 100 percent of the approved salary and benefits for entry level officer positions over a three-year period. Police departments receiving the grants will then be required to retain the grant-funded positions for a fourth year.
Excerpt over. So, why does one officer for three years cost Baileyville $65,000 more than an officer with the same deal in Milo?
Also, requiring the officers for a fourth year without funding is a terrible idea. What if the funds can't be raised? It means that position is saved, but an older officer will be rushed out, or a younger one with fewer benefits. That added requirement will burden those cities in four years and there will be very tough decisions. Now, the budget in my term on the council will be nearing a close, but the budget for the next year will be part of my term and this burden will have to be dealt with.
So I've decided to come up with a plan to make certain no officers are required to be laid off when that fourth year burden comes to the Bangor budget. However, the first thing I must do is see if there is a plan already in place. So I have contacted the Bangor city council and when I get a response this will have a part 2.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Our Rights Cost Nothing
I'm making a spin off of an idea talked about here: http://think3institute.blogspot.com/2009/07/right-to-get-isnt-right-to-have.html
Our Constitution grants us opportunity. It never grants us the final result: achieving that is our responsibility.
Freedom of speech means we can not have the opportunity to speak taken away, but it does not mean everyone else has to listen by government mandate. The right to bear arms means I have the opportunity to own a gun, but it is not the government's responsibility to buy and distribute guns to everyone.
To those who say healthcare is a right show me where it is in the Constitution. To those who are still not deterred, considering the fact that by law no person can be turned away in an emergency room, how is the opportunity to be treated, to have health care, not here already? Using the Constitution's philosophy of rights without mandate (right to speak, not forced to speak, not forced to listen to others speak) why do you support the government providing health care insurance and mandating it?
I would like an answer.
Our Constitution grants us opportunity. It never grants us the final result: achieving that is our responsibility.
Freedom of speech means we can not have the opportunity to speak taken away, but it does not mean everyone else has to listen by government mandate. The right to bear arms means I have the opportunity to own a gun, but it is not the government's responsibility to buy and distribute guns to everyone.
To those who say healthcare is a right show me where it is in the Constitution. To those who are still not deterred, considering the fact that by law no person can be turned away in an emergency room, how is the opportunity to be treated, to have health care, not here already? Using the Constitution's philosophy of rights without mandate (right to speak, not forced to speak, not forced to listen to others speak) why do you support the government providing health care insurance and mandating it?
I would like an answer.
City Council Opposes Citizen's Voice
http://www.bangordailynews.com/detail/111627.html
The article refers to whether or not the city would support or oppose the TABOR bill along with a provision to reduce the exise tax on cars five years old or newer. The article states Gratwick's opposition:
Councilor Geoffrey Gratwick outlined the city’s resolve opposing TABOR II — largely on the basis that it sets a policy of budgeting by referendum and undercuts the authority of elected officials.
Excerpt over. A policy of budgeting by referendum has another interpretation: allowing the people to choose where their money is spent. As for the authority of elected officials, the less power the better.
Even if requested to do so, elected officials have a job to do. That job should not include using that job to make stances on the referendum. Opinions are fine, but in the city council referendums are up to the people, not the council. This lack of connection with the citizens of Bangor (most support TABOR) gives me another reason to run for office. We need people to stand up and take responsibility. For too long we have had people in office who make things worse.
Now, TABOR, the taxpayer bill of rights, would limit tax increases and spending to inflation plus population growth. Opponents say that because education and healthcare rise in cost faster than the things people pay for (which is what determines inflation) that it would cripple the state. I say, not if the government does its job.
There won't be a problem with increased costs if the government makes things more efficient and in so doing will cut costs despite any increase. There is always a way with our current governments on all levels, to cut something without doing harm.
Until we elect leaders who understand this, taxpayers will lack control over what their taxes are spent on and how much money is taken from them through taxes.
The article refers to whether or not the city would support or oppose the TABOR bill along with a provision to reduce the exise tax on cars five years old or newer. The article states Gratwick's opposition:
Councilor Geoffrey Gratwick outlined the city’s resolve opposing TABOR II — largely on the basis that it sets a policy of budgeting by referendum and undercuts the authority of elected officials.
Excerpt over. A policy of budgeting by referendum has another interpretation: allowing the people to choose where their money is spent. As for the authority of elected officials, the less power the better.
Even if requested to do so, elected officials have a job to do. That job should not include using that job to make stances on the referendum. Opinions are fine, but in the city council referendums are up to the people, not the council. This lack of connection with the citizens of Bangor (most support TABOR) gives me another reason to run for office. We need people to stand up and take responsibility. For too long we have had people in office who make things worse.
Now, TABOR, the taxpayer bill of rights, would limit tax increases and spending to inflation plus population growth. Opponents say that because education and healthcare rise in cost faster than the things people pay for (which is what determines inflation) that it would cripple the state. I say, not if the government does its job.
There won't be a problem with increased costs if the government makes things more efficient and in so doing will cut costs despite any increase. There is always a way with our current governments on all levels, to cut something without doing harm.
Until we elect leaders who understand this, taxpayers will lack control over what their taxes are spent on and how much money is taken from them through taxes.
The Candidates Websites
To give easy reference for those following, the following candidates for the 2010 gubernatorial election have websites:
Bruce Poliquin:
http://www.bruceforme.com
Les Otten:
http://www.lesotten.com/
Matt Jacobson:
http://www.jacobsonforgovernor.com/
Rosa Scarcelli:
http://rosaformaine.com/splash
Dawn Hill:
http://www.dawnhillforgovernor.com/
Steve Rowe:
http://www.roweforgovernor.com/
Lynne Williams:
http://www.lynnewilliams2010.org/
The candidates without websites so far:
Donna Dion
Peter Truman
Peter Mills
Patrick Quinlan
Samme Bailey
Augustus Edgerton
John Whitcomb
Candidates I refuse to aknowledge:
Alex Hammer
Bruce Poliquin:
http://www.bruceforme.com
Les Otten:
http://www.lesotten.com/
Matt Jacobson:
http://www.jacobsonforgovernor.com/
Rosa Scarcelli:
http://rosaformaine.com/splash
Dawn Hill:
http://www.dawnhillforgovernor.com/
Steve Rowe:
http://www.roweforgovernor.com/
Lynne Williams:
http://www.lynnewilliams2010.org/
The candidates without websites so far:
Donna Dion
Peter Truman
Peter Mills
Patrick Quinlan
Samme Bailey
Augustus Edgerton
John Whitcomb
Candidates I refuse to aknowledge:
Alex Hammer
This Evening's Entertainment - Maybe
In the second week of August the forms come in and I will begin getting the signatures to be on the ballot in November. Sadly, tonight is the GOP meeting and my recent surgery has left me unable to attend this evening. I was looking forward to it too, but, the doctor's orders are the doctor's orders. I will however plan to rest myself to be in condition when the time comes to be in shape to defy the doctor.
We Are Doomed
JOHN CONYERS: I love these members that get up and say, 'Read the bill.' What good is reading the bill if it's a thousand pages and you don't have two days and two lawyers to find out what it means after you read the bill?
Excerpt over. What good is it? How about the part where it is your job? Do your job, regardless of how pointless you may think it to be.
Excerpt over. What good is it? How about the part where it is your job? Do your job, regardless of how pointless you may think it to be.
Syria Hopes?
In a news article from a few days ago it seems Syria may be moving towards the West. The speedometer I read appears to show that it is moving at the speed of a parked car. No agreements have been made, and Syrian demands remain the same while their support for Hamas and Hezbolla have not been reduced.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hJ9xysPGw0DDewJBDQQ5yzEYDQ5AD99KUEUG0
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hJ9xysPGw0DDewJBDQQ5yzEYDQ5AD99KUEUG0
Scientists Confirm U.S. Has World’s Biggest Oil Reserves
http://www.americanfreepress.net/html/biggest_oil_reserves_182.html
That reserve, combined with:
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hwILkN6M43ElH1UydmDBmsNvMQhgD99EAOH01
And this:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/09/05/AR2006090500275.html
To start, yes oil shale is very difficult to extract, I understand this.
One question, if we have, at least, 400 billion barrels of oil in this country, and if the second site matches Bakken, 800 billion, why isn't the technology being rushed like the space race? Oil shale technology should become top priority. Imagine being able to fuel ourselves and never import another barrel of oil? Think of 100 years of time to develop and adapt to alternative energies, and that's if we don't use any other oil fields in the country or find any new sources in our territory.
You have no idea how much I want to scream with hearing this news. On the one hand, I'm excited and happy about the prospects. In the other, to know that we have known about this since the 1950s and done almost nothing makes me want to hit someone upside the head. Common sense should tell you that even if the Army Corps of Engineers has to do it, this should have been done.
Considering we have the largest oil shale reserves in the world without question, there is no reason that Estonia should be the world's leading oil shale producer.
That reserve, combined with:
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hwILkN6M43ElH1UydmDBmsNvMQhgD99EAOH01
And this:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/09/05/AR2006090500275.html
To start, yes oil shale is very difficult to extract, I understand this.
One question, if we have, at least, 400 billion barrels of oil in this country, and if the second site matches Bakken, 800 billion, why isn't the technology being rushed like the space race? Oil shale technology should become top priority. Imagine being able to fuel ourselves and never import another barrel of oil? Think of 100 years of time to develop and adapt to alternative energies, and that's if we don't use any other oil fields in the country or find any new sources in our territory.
You have no idea how much I want to scream with hearing this news. On the one hand, I'm excited and happy about the prospects. In the other, to know that we have known about this since the 1950s and done almost nothing makes me want to hit someone upside the head. Common sense should tell you that even if the Army Corps of Engineers has to do it, this should have been done.
Considering we have the largest oil shale reserves in the world without question, there is no reason that Estonia should be the world's leading oil shale producer.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Raising Children
Many arguements against same sex marriage include this one: children should be raised by a man and woman for the best results.
So I began wondering what is the best environment to raise a child. What will produce the best member of society?
First, I looked at whether or not it was the man, woman, two and a half kids with a dog theory. I used myself as an example.
The results: active member of society who will be attending college with a basis of morals and manners despite not being exposed to religion.
I am the complete contradiction to the "ideal family" theory. So what makes a child's upbringing successful? Family values.
Before you attack, I said family values. I did not say family quota (man, woman, two and a half kids with a dog.)
A person will grow up with morals if they are taught them. It requires the parent to have values to teach. For me, these values did not come from religion, but my parents. I will pass them on to any child I should raise. Who teaches these values best? Those with values. So one requirement for a successful upbringing is being raised by a parent with values.
Is that all? Maybe. Being active in the community is a good quality to have. Does this come from a parent who is active in the community? In my case, no. I developed it on my own it seems. My parents even discourage me occassionally (they think I do too much). So the values must extend a sense of duty to community.
What else? Why didn't I end up repressed and anti-social? I admit I was close at some points. I could easily distrust the world around me and isolate myself from pain that so many others have done. Why didn't I? My parents loved and cared for me so that when I entered those moments of anti-social behavior the urges for isolation were countered. Family values make helping those you love a natural instinct. If they hadn't had those family values, I could have ended up the wreckage so many other kids become.
I could go on with example after example but I think the reality speaks for itself. We want family values in this country, not quotas. It is a moral code that makes our society great, not a stereotype utopia.
So I began wondering what is the best environment to raise a child. What will produce the best member of society?
First, I looked at whether or not it was the man, woman, two and a half kids with a dog theory. I used myself as an example.
The results: active member of society who will be attending college with a basis of morals and manners despite not being exposed to religion.
I am the complete contradiction to the "ideal family" theory. So what makes a child's upbringing successful? Family values.
Before you attack, I said family values. I did not say family quota (man, woman, two and a half kids with a dog.)
A person will grow up with morals if they are taught them. It requires the parent to have values to teach. For me, these values did not come from religion, but my parents. I will pass them on to any child I should raise. Who teaches these values best? Those with values. So one requirement for a successful upbringing is being raised by a parent with values.
Is that all? Maybe. Being active in the community is a good quality to have. Does this come from a parent who is active in the community? In my case, no. I developed it on my own it seems. My parents even discourage me occassionally (they think I do too much). So the values must extend a sense of duty to community.
What else? Why didn't I end up repressed and anti-social? I admit I was close at some points. I could easily distrust the world around me and isolate myself from pain that so many others have done. Why didn't I? My parents loved and cared for me so that when I entered those moments of anti-social behavior the urges for isolation were countered. Family values make helping those you love a natural instinct. If they hadn't had those family values, I could have ended up the wreckage so many other kids become.
I could go on with example after example but I think the reality speaks for itself. We want family values in this country, not quotas. It is a moral code that makes our society great, not a stereotype utopia.
Same-Sex Marriage - The Arguements Against
Simply any arguement on the basis of quotes from the Bible, or Qu'ran, or any religious text I will refute first: seperation of church and state.
If common sense doesn't give you the conclusion to that one, stop reading now and practice your abc's.
To those who say marriage is between a man and woman: not unless it isn't. Like in some European countries.
To those who say it is for procreation: what about the kids born outside of marriage? Marriage certainly wasn't required for them to procreate.
Gays are immoral: See first line.
It is an untried social experiment: Love between gays is nothing new. Giving them the same recognition for their love is the only new thing. No social experiment: only legal.
It will allow other forms of relationships (bestiality, polygamy, incest):
Bestiality: The animal can not speak and thus is unable to say "I do."
Polygamy: These relationships are often cult like in that it permits male dominance over many females. On such cultist basis, they can be refused.
Incest: The blood line boundary is a line that can not be crossed.
Pedophiles: Children are unable nor old enough to have the understanding an of age person does.
Giving gays marriage is a special right: Then if gays can't have it, why should straights? Special rights, if not givable to gays, shouldn't be granted to anyone else.
Churches would be forced to marry against their will: The law can be written so that religion has a choice. Seperation of church and state.
Homosexuality will be taught in schools: So is drug use. To say it would be promoted is simply ridiculous.
Undermine Western civilization: hasn't yet.
Lastly, same-sex couples are not the optimum environment to raise children: I was raised by two women. They are not lesbians, but still, I turned out just fine. This arguement is going to be the basis of my next post.
If common sense doesn't give you the conclusion to that one, stop reading now and practice your abc's.
To those who say marriage is between a man and woman: not unless it isn't. Like in some European countries.
To those who say it is for procreation: what about the kids born outside of marriage? Marriage certainly wasn't required for them to procreate.
Gays are immoral: See first line.
It is an untried social experiment: Love between gays is nothing new. Giving them the same recognition for their love is the only new thing. No social experiment: only legal.
It will allow other forms of relationships (bestiality, polygamy, incest):
Bestiality: The animal can not speak and thus is unable to say "I do."
Polygamy: These relationships are often cult like in that it permits male dominance over many females. On such cultist basis, they can be refused.
Incest: The blood line boundary is a line that can not be crossed.
Pedophiles: Children are unable nor old enough to have the understanding an of age person does.
Giving gays marriage is a special right: Then if gays can't have it, why should straights? Special rights, if not givable to gays, shouldn't be granted to anyone else.
Churches would be forced to marry against their will: The law can be written so that religion has a choice. Seperation of church and state.
Homosexuality will be taught in schools: So is drug use. To say it would be promoted is simply ridiculous.
Undermine Western civilization: hasn't yet.
Lastly, same-sex couples are not the optimum environment to raise children: I was raised by two women. They are not lesbians, but still, I turned out just fine. This arguement is going to be the basis of my next post.
Obama Fills The Template
I found a quote from Obama's campaign days. It is thus:
"We cannot continue to rely on our military in order to achieve the national security objectives we've set. We've got to have a civilian national security force that's just as powerful, just as strong, just as well-funded."
Excerpt over. Let us compare this to Hugo Chavez:
President Chavez has returned to speaking about the reserve or territorial force, proclaiming that the old model must end and revolutionary changes within the concept of integral defense deepened. The Bolivarian Militia, the President insists, must be the people-in-arms.
Everybody should be in the militia, Chavez continues, from commanders of the Bolivarian Armed Force (FAB) to leaders of community councils. "We must convert Venezuela into an impregnable country shielded on all sides, inside and outside ... it is necessary to give life and shape to the doctrine of the People’s War ... we are all soldiers." Outlining his policy, the President suggests that the militia should organized into combat units, logistical and intelligence units but he did indicate that not all were to have possession of weapons.
Excerpt over. What has Hugo Chavez used the forces under his command to do so far? Take a look:
National Guard troops in Curiepe, Venezuela, seized a police station controlled by a leading opponent of President Hugo Chavez on Wednesday, setting off clashes between troops and protesters that the police said left eight injured.
Excerpt over. Since such comparisons of Obama to Hitler would be completely out of line, lets compare Chavez' civilian military program to that of Hitler's instead. I refuse to quote Hitler on this blog, so I will simply let you know of the Waffen SS and the Hitler Youth. Secondary forces under control of Hitler, just like the National Gaurd is under the control of Chavez. In this country, our National Gaurd is controlled by states and the military jointly it seems.
So, since the states already have a force of their own that Obama can't control, he wants one of his own. I urge you to turn on the common sense sector of your brain and read everything except Obama's quote and then read Obama's quote.
Not only would this mean 500 billion for a new civilian army, but make a secondary force outside of control of the military. While this in premise is good if controlled by the states (like the National Gaurd is) it poses some problems. Obama said it would be the same as the military, in funding, size, and power. He didn't say who would control it. Americorps? ACORN? Obama? My money goes to Obama.
Those hard-liners will say "you support militias and gun rights." Yes, I do. When the states and the people have them with the purpose to defend their neighbors I support it. When it is used as a tool of competing power with the Armed Forces I oppose it.
Lastly, why does Obama doubt the ability of our forces? We have not been attacked since 9/11 so why does he believe our forces are failing to protect our security? If he didn't mean what he said, why did he say it?
Obama quote: http://www.wnd.com/index.php?pageId=69601
Chavez quote 1: http://www.pr-inside.com/venezuela-s-president-chavez-turns-r1384104.htm
Chavez quote 2:http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/16/world/americas/16venez-floater.html
"We cannot continue to rely on our military in order to achieve the national security objectives we've set. We've got to have a civilian national security force that's just as powerful, just as strong, just as well-funded."
Excerpt over. Let us compare this to Hugo Chavez:
President Chavez has returned to speaking about the reserve or territorial force, proclaiming that the old model must end and revolutionary changes within the concept of integral defense deepened. The Bolivarian Militia, the President insists, must be the people-in-arms.
Everybody should be in the militia, Chavez continues, from commanders of the Bolivarian Armed Force (FAB) to leaders of community councils. "We must convert Venezuela into an impregnable country shielded on all sides, inside and outside ... it is necessary to give life and shape to the doctrine of the People’s War ... we are all soldiers." Outlining his policy, the President suggests that the militia should organized into combat units, logistical and intelligence units but he did indicate that not all were to have possession of weapons.
Excerpt over. What has Hugo Chavez used the forces under his command to do so far? Take a look:
National Guard troops in Curiepe, Venezuela, seized a police station controlled by a leading opponent of President Hugo Chavez on Wednesday, setting off clashes between troops and protesters that the police said left eight injured.
Excerpt over. Since such comparisons of Obama to Hitler would be completely out of line, lets compare Chavez' civilian military program to that of Hitler's instead. I refuse to quote Hitler on this blog, so I will simply let you know of the Waffen SS and the Hitler Youth. Secondary forces under control of Hitler, just like the National Gaurd is under the control of Chavez. In this country, our National Gaurd is controlled by states and the military jointly it seems.
So, since the states already have a force of their own that Obama can't control, he wants one of his own. I urge you to turn on the common sense sector of your brain and read everything except Obama's quote and then read Obama's quote.
Not only would this mean 500 billion for a new civilian army, but make a secondary force outside of control of the military. While this in premise is good if controlled by the states (like the National Gaurd is) it poses some problems. Obama said it would be the same as the military, in funding, size, and power. He didn't say who would control it. Americorps? ACORN? Obama? My money goes to Obama.
Those hard-liners will say "you support militias and gun rights." Yes, I do. When the states and the people have them with the purpose to defend their neighbors I support it. When it is used as a tool of competing power with the Armed Forces I oppose it.
Lastly, why does Obama doubt the ability of our forces? We have not been attacked since 9/11 so why does he believe our forces are failing to protect our security? If he didn't mean what he said, why did he say it?
Obama quote: http://www.wnd.com/index.php?pageId=69601
Chavez quote 1: http://www.pr-inside.com/venezuela-s-president-chavez-turns-r1384104.htm
Chavez quote 2:http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/16/world/americas/16venez-floater.html
Truce With Taliban A Reality
http://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSSP509252
We will not attack the Taliban in one of Afghanistan's provinces. The Obama administration has not made a phone call that no truce with the Taliban is to be recognized. Al Qaeda was the radical wing of the Taliban and since our invasion merged into one entity. Regardless of the internal fractures of "moderates" in the Taliban to those who are hardline extremists, the Taliban should be recognized at all times as a terrorist organization and not be negotiated with unless it involves the laying down of arms.
This truce does not require the surrender, or even disbanding of the Taliban. It even allows them to vote in the upcoming election. Even when Pakistan agreed to allow the laws to be written by the Taliban the truces signed were broken every time. They used the truce to expand and support attacks in other areas. The truce has been tried, and they failed. Pakistan is now facing 8,000 more Taliban fighters than it would have at the time it signed the first truce.
This is a war of ideology. We need to talk to the people more, not the enemy. We get the support of the people, the enemy will lose. Iraq proved this, so why can't Afghanistan's leadership and Obama come to common sense? Letting these fighters vote in an election they want, vow, and fight to stop, destroy, and corrupt is the worst thing to do.
We will not attack the Taliban in one of Afghanistan's provinces. The Obama administration has not made a phone call that no truce with the Taliban is to be recognized. Al Qaeda was the radical wing of the Taliban and since our invasion merged into one entity. Regardless of the internal fractures of "moderates" in the Taliban to those who are hardline extremists, the Taliban should be recognized at all times as a terrorist organization and not be negotiated with unless it involves the laying down of arms.
This truce does not require the surrender, or even disbanding of the Taliban. It even allows them to vote in the upcoming election. Even when Pakistan agreed to allow the laws to be written by the Taliban the truces signed were broken every time. They used the truce to expand and support attacks in other areas. The truce has been tried, and they failed. Pakistan is now facing 8,000 more Taliban fighters than it would have at the time it signed the first truce.
This is a war of ideology. We need to talk to the people more, not the enemy. We get the support of the people, the enemy will lose. Iraq proved this, so why can't Afghanistan's leadership and Obama come to common sense? Letting these fighters vote in an election they want, vow, and fight to stop, destroy, and corrupt is the worst thing to do.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
NASCAR's Unluckiest Driver
Dale Earnhardt Junior, please, I know you sell a lot of t-shirts, but could you try to drive a bit better?
Every week I watch the race, and Gordon, Martin, Johnson do fairly well every week. Dale? Well, honestly, FAIL. He broke his car when he used the clutch incorrectly.
Side note: Is it me or was Montoya's rant the first time you've ever heard a driver threaten to kill NASCAR?
Every week I watch the race, and Gordon, Martin, Johnson do fairly well every week. Dale? Well, honestly, FAIL. He broke his car when he used the clutch incorrectly.
Side note: Is it me or was Montoya's rant the first time you've ever heard a driver threaten to kill NASCAR?
Coup In Venezuela?
The following article, although from a source I myself declare uncredible, has taken a full swing from its usual reporting to sound anti-Chavez, while still having Socialist leanings, in a difficult news situation in Venezuela. I can not confirm at this point, but it sounds like chaos is occuring in Venezuela right now:
http://www.vheadline.com/readnews.asp?id=82212
This is a very, well, the news/opinion piece falls apart about halfway through to anti-capitalism bantor with many adjectives of hate however, the pro-Chavez site rarely speaks of anything negative towards him (which is why for so long I discredited it) but this article goes against everything in the past. Either something broke in the capital, or this is big. I will continue to research this.
Update: From what I can confirm is little about the current situation. In the past week however, the judge ruling on a case against the owner of an anti-Chavez news outlet was fired after she claimed she was being pressured to rule against him in the case. The Chavez government is having 240 news outlets shut down and this created a major issue among the media groups as they said that it is clear what Chavez was doing now.
In the past two days the military was sent to a small down near Caracas and they took over the police station there. The reason was not given and the people have been peacefully protesting, but still an ominous sign. I can not figure out if the current media blackout is caused by a coup, or just no news happening. If there is something going on, it could go in two directions. This could either be a takeover by Chavez of the country, or a removal of Chavez. Either way, the sources I usually turn to for news on Venezuela were recently silenced (I followed three of the 240 shut down by the Chavez government recently). So, I'll continue trying, but it is odd to have no news out of a country for a whole day.
UPDATE: No coup. The source proved to be unreliable yet again. The previous events with the judge and the town are true however. So it looks like Chavez is solidifying his power, but a quick grab by anyone has yet to occur.
http://www.vheadline.com/readnews.asp?id=82212
This is a very, well, the news/opinion piece falls apart about halfway through to anti-capitalism bantor with many adjectives of hate however, the pro-Chavez site rarely speaks of anything negative towards him (which is why for so long I discredited it) but this article goes against everything in the past. Either something broke in the capital, or this is big. I will continue to research this.
Update: From what I can confirm is little about the current situation. In the past week however, the judge ruling on a case against the owner of an anti-Chavez news outlet was fired after she claimed she was being pressured to rule against him in the case. The Chavez government is having 240 news outlets shut down and this created a major issue among the media groups as they said that it is clear what Chavez was doing now.
In the past two days the military was sent to a small down near Caracas and they took over the police station there. The reason was not given and the people have been peacefully protesting, but still an ominous sign. I can not figure out if the current media blackout is caused by a coup, or just no news happening. If there is something going on, it could go in two directions. This could either be a takeover by Chavez of the country, or a removal of Chavez. Either way, the sources I usually turn to for news on Venezuela were recently silenced (I followed three of the 240 shut down by the Chavez government recently). So, I'll continue trying, but it is odd to have no news out of a country for a whole day.
UPDATE: No coup. The source proved to be unreliable yet again. The previous events with the judge and the town are true however. So it looks like Chavez is solidifying his power, but a quick grab by anyone has yet to occur.
Somalia
The situation in Somalia has for many years been one of shifting alliances and civil war. However, there may be hope for an end to the violence. It will certainly not be quick, nothing in Africa ever seems to be. However, with a major town in the north being taken without resistance by the government, following a tense stalemate in that town, the government has proven it has the forces to intimidate Al Shabaab.
Al Shabaab is seeking to merge with Hizbul radicals, showing they need backup. If their alliance goes through, I think it is too little too late. With battles consisting of twenty or so fighters on a regular basis, the victories are more about having the courage to hold territory and not retreat. Which is where I believe a new approach to international peacekeeping should be undertaken.
Peacekeepers should be deployed to areas held by nation's military forces with a vow to hold the territory for that country's government. However, if more territory is to come under the government control, that government will have to use its own forces to retake territory owned by the other factions. I speak in Somalia terms, as other situations (Palestine, Kosovo) require both sides to be defended. However, as Somalia fractures, the Islamic extremists would rather see the peacekeepers be hanged than on their side.
What this means is that defensive tactics, the ultimately best case scenario all militaries in the world could achieve to make peace on earth a reality, would be emphasized by this peacekeeping force.
-------------------------------------------------------
I believe the uproar about Obama's comments that the police who arrested Gates were acting stupidly places emphasis on the stereotypes against police in this country and the prejudice that police face from groups that wish to use race as a reason to resist cooperating with authorities. The reason most media talks about is how police racism is highlighted by this event, while I see it as racists using their own race as justification for their prejudices against the police. President Obama obviously ranks race above title in this incident. He said he didn't know the facts, yet decided to make a statement on it which sided with his race rather than the authorities.
Our country does not have as much issues of race as it does with those who are ignorant and ill tempered.
-----------------------------------------------
In other news (A glance at the headlines):
Russia opposes companies who sell weapons to Georgia.
Joe Biden says we support Ukraine and Georgia entering NATO.
Worldwide marches in support of the Iranian people took place today.
Venezuela will have to import coffee due to its government policies resulting in lower production (they have price controls and export caps). This is the first time the country has to import coffee (Venezuela grows a lot of coffee).
Hezbolla is claiming that there will be a war between the end of this year and next spring.
Ecuador will not follow a World Bank ruling if the ruling is not in favor of them.
North Korea executed a woman for distributing bibles.
WoW, next headline requires its own blog post.
Al Shabaab is seeking to merge with Hizbul radicals, showing they need backup. If their alliance goes through, I think it is too little too late. With battles consisting of twenty or so fighters on a regular basis, the victories are more about having the courage to hold territory and not retreat. Which is where I believe a new approach to international peacekeeping should be undertaken.
Peacekeepers should be deployed to areas held by nation's military forces with a vow to hold the territory for that country's government. However, if more territory is to come under the government control, that government will have to use its own forces to retake territory owned by the other factions. I speak in Somalia terms, as other situations (Palestine, Kosovo) require both sides to be defended. However, as Somalia fractures, the Islamic extremists would rather see the peacekeepers be hanged than on their side.
What this means is that defensive tactics, the ultimately best case scenario all militaries in the world could achieve to make peace on earth a reality, would be emphasized by this peacekeeping force.
-------------------------------------------------------
I believe the uproar about Obama's comments that the police who arrested Gates were acting stupidly places emphasis on the stereotypes against police in this country and the prejudice that police face from groups that wish to use race as a reason to resist cooperating with authorities. The reason most media talks about is how police racism is highlighted by this event, while I see it as racists using their own race as justification for their prejudices against the police. President Obama obviously ranks race above title in this incident. He said he didn't know the facts, yet decided to make a statement on it which sided with his race rather than the authorities.
Our country does not have as much issues of race as it does with those who are ignorant and ill tempered.
-----------------------------------------------
In other news (A glance at the headlines):
Russia opposes companies who sell weapons to Georgia.
Joe Biden says we support Ukraine and Georgia entering NATO.
Worldwide marches in support of the Iranian people took place today.
Venezuela will have to import coffee due to its government policies resulting in lower production (they have price controls and export caps). This is the first time the country has to import coffee (Venezuela grows a lot of coffee).
Hezbolla is claiming that there will be a war between the end of this year and next spring.
Ecuador will not follow a World Bank ruling if the ruling is not in favor of them.
North Korea executed a woman for distributing bibles.
WoW, next headline requires its own blog post.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Alvaro Uribe
As an American and ally of your people, accept the two term limit on presidency and advocate for your people outside of office. You can serve your people, leave your constitution alone, and accept your term limits like a true leader of free people.
Friday, July 24, 2009
I wish I had money
I would sue SYFY for everything they have done. The bait-and-switch they did with Primeval happened again tonight. I was angry, but I was going to give them hell on their forums, to find a thread or two had started recently. I found the threads were short, and that one of them talked about how their complaints were being removed from the forums. I can take the bait-and-switch and walk away from SYFY. I will not accept them violating the Constitution. (I can't get Obama, so I'm on a mission with this one.)
I am going to boycott SYFY programs. My parents, who I convinced to watch Scifi shows years ago, and they ended up liking them, will have to deal with SYFY themselves. I will not watch the new Caprica series, or Stargate Universal, and Eureka is an afterthought.
I endured NBC cancelling Surface, and Scifi cancelling Tremors, Painkiller Jane, Flash Gordon, Stargate Atlantis, Dresden Files, and thats just off the top of my head. However, the talk of making an edgier U.S. version of a show that was making $1.2 million profit in Britain per episode, that was cancelled to keep a 9 pm time slot for a drama, is simply unacceptable. They lied about the reason for it being cancelled, and the reason was petty. The channel ITV took something profitable, and because they wanted a drama, instead of an already successful show, I wish them the worst ratings in the future.
However, boycott SYFY. I urge you to do so. I'm actually leaning towards only watching tv series when they come out on DVD now, that way I watch when I want, and no hassels of commercials, and I get the full show (SYFY cut out scenes from Primeval to make time for MORE commercials).
I am going to boycott SYFY programs. My parents, who I convinced to watch Scifi shows years ago, and they ended up liking them, will have to deal with SYFY themselves. I will not watch the new Caprica series, or Stargate Universal, and Eureka is an afterthought.
I endured NBC cancelling Surface, and Scifi cancelling Tremors, Painkiller Jane, Flash Gordon, Stargate Atlantis, Dresden Files, and thats just off the top of my head. However, the talk of making an edgier U.S. version of a show that was making $1.2 million profit in Britain per episode, that was cancelled to keep a 9 pm time slot for a drama, is simply unacceptable. They lied about the reason for it being cancelled, and the reason was petty. The channel ITV took something profitable, and because they wanted a drama, instead of an already successful show, I wish them the worst ratings in the future.
However, boycott SYFY. I urge you to do so. I'm actually leaning towards only watching tv series when they come out on DVD now, that way I watch when I want, and no hassels of commercials, and I get the full show (SYFY cut out scenes from Primeval to make time for MORE commercials).
Zelaya's Return - Finally
After the "return any hour now" headline was tossed around for over a week, Zelaya returned to Honduras today, for about thirty seconds before hopping back into Nicaragua.
This is going to be manipulated in many ways. He was not arrested by the forces present, but they probably did not want to act with the reporters, probably outnumbering them, watching closely. Zelaya can say he has control because he wasn't arrested. The Honduran government can call Zelaya a coward for not entering and doing the march to the capital as promised.
Despite this, the crowd in favor of Zelaya had to be dispersed in Honduras with tear gas when they became belligerent. Now, the quick return is described as follows:
LAS MANOS, Nicaragua (Reuters) - Ousted President Manuel Zelaya took a symbolic step inside Honduras on Friday but he paused at the border, backing away from a confrontation with Honduran troops waiting to arrest him.
Accompanied by a pack of international reporters and television cameras, the ousted leader in his trademark cowboy hat took a step or two inside Honduran territory in the small town of Las Manos on the border with Nicaragua.
Pausing to give live telephone interviews, he approached the chain dividing the two central American nations, stepping briefly over and holding the chain over his head in triumph for a moment and touching a sign saying "Welcome to Honduras."
With troops standing just yards away, he said he did not want to proceed further out of "respect for the principles" of the military.
Excerpt over. Zelaya paused out of fear of the arrest order those soldiers have, not respect for their principles. If he respected their principles he would not have fired the top general before being removed because that general refused to go forward with distributing ballots for a vote declared illegal by the supreme court and congress of Honduras. If he respected them he would not have stormed a military base with his supports trying to force the vote a day before his removal.
He has no respect for the Honduras military or the rule of law. He did not march to the capital because he has fear, not respect.
Update: The article this was based on is here:
http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKTRE56N4YL20090724
This is going to be manipulated in many ways. He was not arrested by the forces present, but they probably did not want to act with the reporters, probably outnumbering them, watching closely. Zelaya can say he has control because he wasn't arrested. The Honduran government can call Zelaya a coward for not entering and doing the march to the capital as promised.
Despite this, the crowd in favor of Zelaya had to be dispersed in Honduras with tear gas when they became belligerent. Now, the quick return is described as follows:
LAS MANOS, Nicaragua (Reuters) - Ousted President Manuel Zelaya took a symbolic step inside Honduras on Friday but he paused at the border, backing away from a confrontation with Honduran troops waiting to arrest him.
Accompanied by a pack of international reporters and television cameras, the ousted leader in his trademark cowboy hat took a step or two inside Honduran territory in the small town of Las Manos on the border with Nicaragua.
Pausing to give live telephone interviews, he approached the chain dividing the two central American nations, stepping briefly over and holding the chain over his head in triumph for a moment and touching a sign saying "Welcome to Honduras."
With troops standing just yards away, he said he did not want to proceed further out of "respect for the principles" of the military.
Excerpt over. Zelaya paused out of fear of the arrest order those soldiers have, not respect for their principles. If he respected their principles he would not have fired the top general before being removed because that general refused to go forward with distributing ballots for a vote declared illegal by the supreme court and congress of Honduras. If he respected them he would not have stormed a military base with his supports trying to force the vote a day before his removal.
He has no respect for the Honduras military or the rule of law. He did not march to the capital because he has fear, not respect.
Update: The article this was based on is here:
http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKTRE56N4YL20090724
Thursday, July 23, 2009
The Races - On Your Marks- Wait, New Entry For Governor
Peter Mills had decided to run for governor on the Republican ticket. He is the first GOP candidate to be a career politician. He does not yet have a website or a blog. However, if he represents your district you can read his congressional page here:
http://petermills.info/
Update: The Dawn Hill website is functional, but under development. Steve Rowe's website is uniquely designed, but is deceptively lacking in anything specific. It is basically an announcement speech with donate buttons.
Steve mentions the following:
Steve also knows that problems such as substance abuse, mental illness and domestic abuse are devastating to Maine people and to our state’s economy. Steve will work to eliminate these problems so that the true potential of Maine people and the state’s economy can be realized.
Excerpt over. Haven't seen that one often, and it is good to see. However, it lacks plans or facts or, well, basically anything substantial.
Dawn Hill's website:
http://www.dawnhillforgovernor.com/
Steve Rowe's website (I link to the more detailed page) :
http://www.roweforgovernor.com/about-steve
http://petermills.info/
Update: The Dawn Hill website is functional, but under development. Steve Rowe's website is uniquely designed, but is deceptively lacking in anything specific. It is basically an announcement speech with donate buttons.
Steve mentions the following:
Steve also knows that problems such as substance abuse, mental illness and domestic abuse are devastating to Maine people and to our state’s economy. Steve will work to eliminate these problems so that the true potential of Maine people and the state’s economy can be realized.
Excerpt over. Haven't seen that one often, and it is good to see. However, it lacks plans or facts or, well, basically anything substantial.
Dawn Hill's website:
http://www.dawnhillforgovernor.com/
Steve Rowe's website (I link to the more detailed page) :
http://www.roweforgovernor.com/about-steve
Zelaya's March
Manuel Zelaya is going to have a peaceful march to the border of Honduras from the Nicaraguan capital. It started earlier this day with him and his family. However, how peaceful it will be after that is questionable.
I urge non-violence in this entire situation. I recommend the Honduran border patrol or military or police (whoever monitors such things) to arrest Zelaya as the Supreme Court ordered them to do almost a month ago now.
I urge non-violence in this entire situation. I recommend the Honduran border patrol or military or police (whoever monitors such things) to arrest Zelaya as the Supreme Court ordered them to do almost a month ago now.
Surgery Today
I am going into surgery, oh, about thirty minutes from now to remove three very oddly impacted wisdom teeth. May not post for two days.
We Got bin Laden
Saad Bin Laden is dead. He is the son of Usama (Osama) bin Laden. He was killed by a U.S. airstrike in Pakistan. Next question: What are the odds Osama is also in Pakistan? I say 90% just on gut feeling.
Bad news is he wasn't very important. Also, we can't confirm if he was killed. Also, they say the strike occured earlier this year. Also, out of 50 airstrikes since our air campaign started, only 11 got their targets. Is this really the best that the world's undisputed best airforce can do? We have no enemies in the skies! Seriously, if we are being careful, we have the resources, lets try to make sure we have a 50% success rate. For the best armed forces in the world, I think that isn't asking too much.
Bad news is he wasn't very important. Also, we can't confirm if he was killed. Also, they say the strike occured earlier this year. Also, out of 50 airstrikes since our air campaign started, only 11 got their targets. Is this really the best that the world's undisputed best airforce can do? We have no enemies in the skies! Seriously, if we are being careful, we have the resources, lets try to make sure we have a 50% success rate. For the best armed forces in the world, I think that isn't asking too much.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
The Races - Rosa Scarcelli
This Democratic candidate has made accessing her website easier than the other candidates not on the Republican ticket (Alex Hammer, I mean you!). Here is the link to her issues page: http://www.rosaformaine.com/splash/Issues
Now, some say the colors are bold, and indeed they are. However, who cares? On to the actual issues. Lets take an excerpt:
State government can’t create jobs, but we can create a climate for businesses to grow and expand – and support the businesses that are the backbone of Maine. We do that by continuing recent efforts to make our tax rates more attractive, and by making state government more cost effective and efficient in order to have the needed resources to make strategic investments in education, workforce development, health care, transportation and alternative energy to lower our heating costs for homes and businesses.
Excerpt over. That is the clarity I have been looking for in a candidate. Knowing the limits, but also giving a plan (tax rates lower, better government) and what to do with the gains made by that plan. All in one paragraph. However, the detail I've been looking for is lacking.
I want to be clear, this is not perfect. However, it condensed the big thinking and philosophy other candidates always have, into a single paragraph. She continues:
We can offer the world what no other state can. That means focusing on our natural resources. We can embrace and revive our great traditions in wood and wood products, boatbuilding, agriculture, seafood, and recreation – but do it smarter and better than in the past, with new technologies, new products and new techniques.
Excerpt ceased. We have plenty of trees, but I doubt we can revitalize our logging industry to compete with Brazil. Otherwise this is a good statement. If only it had details. Her website lacks even facts to support having knowledge of the current situation in Maine.
The education segment and healthcare segment lack details and make a good speech. It however only gives a philosophy to a solution that isn't complete.
She does urge energy independance through weatherization. Otherwise she has little plans other than proposing green energy solutions. This could be hamsters on a wheel or solar energy, she just doesn't say.
Then a twist. She urges the promotion of eating locally grown foods and increasing farm production (and thus jobs, while using less energy transporting it.) This is the first I've heard of making the growth of farming in Maine as an issue of its own. She finishes by giving the clean air, water, earth line of every politician since "The Jungle".
Note: Still searching for other candidates websites. I check once a week. If it doesn't exist with an issues page, I don't bother. To Alex Hammer: give up already. You are the Al Gore of Maine's governor elections.
Now, some say the colors are bold, and indeed they are. However, who cares? On to the actual issues. Lets take an excerpt:
State government can’t create jobs, but we can create a climate for businesses to grow and expand – and support the businesses that are the backbone of Maine. We do that by continuing recent efforts to make our tax rates more attractive, and by making state government more cost effective and efficient in order to have the needed resources to make strategic investments in education, workforce development, health care, transportation and alternative energy to lower our heating costs for homes and businesses.
Excerpt over. That is the clarity I have been looking for in a candidate. Knowing the limits, but also giving a plan (tax rates lower, better government) and what to do with the gains made by that plan. All in one paragraph. However, the detail I've been looking for is lacking.
I want to be clear, this is not perfect. However, it condensed the big thinking and philosophy other candidates always have, into a single paragraph. She continues:
We can offer the world what no other state can. That means focusing on our natural resources. We can embrace and revive our great traditions in wood and wood products, boatbuilding, agriculture, seafood, and recreation – but do it smarter and better than in the past, with new technologies, new products and new techniques.
Excerpt ceased. We have plenty of trees, but I doubt we can revitalize our logging industry to compete with Brazil. Otherwise this is a good statement. If only it had details. Her website lacks even facts to support having knowledge of the current situation in Maine.
The education segment and healthcare segment lack details and make a good speech. It however only gives a philosophy to a solution that isn't complete.
She does urge energy independance through weatherization. Otherwise she has little plans other than proposing green energy solutions. This could be hamsters on a wheel or solar energy, she just doesn't say.
Then a twist. She urges the promotion of eating locally grown foods and increasing farm production (and thus jobs, while using less energy transporting it.) This is the first I've heard of making the growth of farming in Maine as an issue of its own. She finishes by giving the clean air, water, earth line of every politician since "The Jungle".
Note: Still searching for other candidates websites. I check once a week. If it doesn't exist with an issues page, I don't bother. To Alex Hammer: give up already. You are the Al Gore of Maine's governor elections.
"Maine Human Rights Referendum"
In 2010 there is going to be a referendum on the ballot in Maine. Despite speaking for human rights, it proposes that the following occur:
1. Clarify marriage law limiting the institution of marriage to one man and one woman.
2. Forbid the establishment of civil unions.
3. Clarify adoption law to allow only one person, or a married couple, to adopt.
4. Remove the designation "sexual orientation" from the Maine Human Rights Act.
5. Eliminate funding for the Maine attorney general’s school civil rights team program.
From: http://ballotpedia.org/wiki/index.php/Maine_Human_Rights_Referendum_%282009%29
Seeing the efforts of a civil rights team this year address obesity, and homelessness (even having a successful fundraiser for the shelter) along with numerous other racial issues I know the importance they have in Maine. There is discrimination and hatred in Maine and this group brings awareness to such problems in our public schools by having students who see it first hand be the ones to move for a more civil society.
A teenager a few years ago was killed in downtown Bangor because he was gay. His sexual orientation was the reason he was killed. Crimes of hatred should have stronger punishments and the MHRA provides for that.
The new rules for adoption would have prevented me from growing up in the best family in the world. I was adopted by two women. (They are simply lifelong friends, not lesbians; it is like the Golden Girls.) Preventing such adoption would remove so many options kids need to have in order for the best chance to grow up in a loving, providing family.
Not only preventing equal marriage, they would take away the provisions that allow some recognition to the love that same-sex couples have in the law. This vote places a civil society on the line from one of respect and equal opportunity to one of discrimination that permits hatred. This referendum must fail. Every point it makes is an insult to the cause of human rights.
The name itself could be misleading to those who vote. Seeing the title one has the internal gut reaction to support human rights and could vote yes without knowing it will actually remove rights that citizens in a country where all men are equal deserve.
This is not to be confused with the referendum this year to repeal the law which allows same-sex marriage. My views on same-sex marriage are posted months ago, but I will clarify and refresh memories soon.
1. Clarify marriage law limiting the institution of marriage to one man and one woman.
2. Forbid the establishment of civil unions.
3. Clarify adoption law to allow only one person, or a married couple, to adopt.
4. Remove the designation "sexual orientation" from the Maine Human Rights Act.
5. Eliminate funding for the Maine attorney general’s school civil rights team program.
From: http://ballotpedia.org/wiki/index.php/Maine_Human_Rights_Referendum_%282009%29
Seeing the efforts of a civil rights team this year address obesity, and homelessness (even having a successful fundraiser for the shelter) along with numerous other racial issues I know the importance they have in Maine. There is discrimination and hatred in Maine and this group brings awareness to such problems in our public schools by having students who see it first hand be the ones to move for a more civil society.
A teenager a few years ago was killed in downtown Bangor because he was gay. His sexual orientation was the reason he was killed. Crimes of hatred should have stronger punishments and the MHRA provides for that.
The new rules for adoption would have prevented me from growing up in the best family in the world. I was adopted by two women. (They are simply lifelong friends, not lesbians; it is like the Golden Girls.) Preventing such adoption would remove so many options kids need to have in order for the best chance to grow up in a loving, providing family.
Not only preventing equal marriage, they would take away the provisions that allow some recognition to the love that same-sex couples have in the law. This vote places a civil society on the line from one of respect and equal opportunity to one of discrimination that permits hatred. This referendum must fail. Every point it makes is an insult to the cause of human rights.
The name itself could be misleading to those who vote. Seeing the title one has the internal gut reaction to support human rights and could vote yes without knowing it will actually remove rights that citizens in a country where all men are equal deserve.
This is not to be confused with the referendum this year to repeal the law which allows same-sex marriage. My views on same-sex marriage are posted months ago, but I will clarify and refresh memories soon.
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