These are momentous times
Half the country likes what is happening in D.C. Half the country doesn’t like what is happening in D.C. When both sides have people go cold and hungry this coming winter, things and times will change.
An obvious consequence is the rise of a new third party, based on an idea and not any personality. This is momentous, but it does happen. In our American past we had a Whig national party that went under eventually. Such is going on now. Both national parties today are vulnerable. And the name of this new party is still up for grabs. One could have predicted all this for the year 2016, but now it may happen before this year.
Our country is being run, and has been run for decades, by those who still promise more and more benefits. That these benefits exceed our taxes is simple by borrowing, which has become a status quo. The hard political decisions to debate priorities and then decide priorities have faded.
Now half of the population seems to want even more than exceeds our tax base. The other half are worried we will bankrupt our country. Let me define one part of bankruptcy: we can’t pay unemployment benefits or accompanied medical benefits.
Now some lightweights with little experience and lots of good intentions and egos are in the executive. And we have a Congress that goes along for its own reasons, it seems. This is why these are momentous times.
We are still a nation of laws vice a nation of political leaders. Stand by for much friction as momentous times come in to play.
And then we live in the real world. We have enemies in spite of our national character.
What can we do?
Vote. School board, locally, state, and federal.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
The American dream is about Americans
And we are people, too. And the dream should be about all of us. The classic phrase “hearts and minds” applies to Americans, too.
It is a shame that it has taken these hard economic times for so many fellow Americans in their distressed regions to remind us of all this.
And perhaps we Americans are not perfect; no national population is, I suspect. But we have our own expectations and expect results that benefit our families, and our children. Everything else is “gravy”.
So balancing ideas that let idealism compete with reality of American lives continues. And it depends on our leaders, and our votes. So be it.
Our rising benefits have been well funded by our federal government over the last decades. Our taxes are considerable, and it has been spent. What is a shame is that the status quo to vote yes vice debate the merits have led we Americans into national debt that appears to be compounding beyond our means. Where are the old time politicians who would debate the merits of any idea and its costs. When most politicians say yes to all, well, we end up where we are. And we Americans elected them, but somehow things have gotten worse, also. So, let us share the blame.
And then vote.
And we are people, too. And the dream should be about all of us. The classic phrase “hearts and minds” applies to Americans, too.
It is a shame that it has taken these hard economic times for so many fellow Americans in their distressed regions to remind us of all this.
And perhaps we Americans are not perfect; no national population is, I suspect. But we have our own expectations and expect results that benefit our families, and our children. Everything else is “gravy”.
So balancing ideas that let idealism compete with reality of American lives continues. And it depends on our leaders, and our votes. So be it.
Our rising benefits have been well funded by our federal government over the last decades. Our taxes are considerable, and it has been spent. What is a shame is that the status quo to vote yes vice debate the merits have led we Americans into national debt that appears to be compounding beyond our means. Where are the old time politicians who would debate the merits of any idea and its costs. When most politicians say yes to all, well, we end up where we are. And we Americans elected them, but somehow things have gotten worse, also. So, let us share the blame.
And then vote.
Friday, September 11, 2009
The human factor
There is much to bind we humans together, and even guess how we are doing. The quick grade is average.
Most of us say our kids are smarter than us, but if one just runs the numbers then we should have a bunch of Einstein’s running around, and most don’t think that is the case. Perhaps better educated, but smarter, I don’t think so.
Most Americans think clean running water and forced air heat are rights rather than privileges of being an American. We even expect refrigerators and freezers to work all the time, and be able to turn on the lights whenever we want to. Now that’s human. Most don’t think about the dedicated fellow Americans who work hard to make this happen. That’s human, too. And even splinter free toilet paper wasn’t developed until the 1930’s, but many other places still don’t even have toilet paper. And they’re humans, too.
Humans can mess up about anything, given enough time. Never assume conspiracy when sheer incompetency will do. This human factor can apply to companies, religions, governments, or whatever.
It seems like the framers of the American Constitution recognized the need and benefits of a common government, and the fear of the human factor. What appeals to most is that we take an oath to the Constitution, not any human or party.
The idea and history of the human factor applies throughout times. For those interested, read about King Louis the 16th, or the Weimer Republic, to learn more about what these fellow humans did in their time.
The human factor is mostly blue collar, in USA terms. Our families’ protection and future survival trumps all.
Americans have hearts and minds, too. Now that's a human factor.
Last, we have a lot of humans on the earth. And the human factor is only going to get more assertive just because of numbers alone.
There is much to bind we humans together, and even guess how we are doing. The quick grade is average.
Most of us say our kids are smarter than us, but if one just runs the numbers then we should have a bunch of Einstein’s running around, and most don’t think that is the case. Perhaps better educated, but smarter, I don’t think so.
Most Americans think clean running water and forced air heat are rights rather than privileges of being an American. We even expect refrigerators and freezers to work all the time, and be able to turn on the lights whenever we want to. Now that’s human. Most don’t think about the dedicated fellow Americans who work hard to make this happen. That’s human, too. And even splinter free toilet paper wasn’t developed until the 1930’s, but many other places still don’t even have toilet paper. And they’re humans, too.
Humans can mess up about anything, given enough time. Never assume conspiracy when sheer incompetency will do. This human factor can apply to companies, religions, governments, or whatever.
It seems like the framers of the American Constitution recognized the need and benefits of a common government, and the fear of the human factor. What appeals to most is that we take an oath to the Constitution, not any human or party.
The idea and history of the human factor applies throughout times. For those interested, read about King Louis the 16th, or the Weimer Republic, to learn more about what these fellow humans did in their time.
The human factor is mostly blue collar, in USA terms. Our families’ protection and future survival trumps all.
Americans have hearts and minds, too. Now that's a human factor.
Last, we have a lot of humans on the earth. And the human factor is only going to get more assertive just because of numbers alone.
Friday, September 04, 2009
Somebody’s got to mow the grass.
Of course this presumes we even want grass, usually Kentucky fescue, and then assume the burden. Being a home owner is a big deal.
Being a big deal is a local issue, at least to me. The obvious consequence is that some local governments are better than others. But then that is what we vote about.
I think we used to say before the civil war, which started about 150 years ago, a phrase like we the united states. Now we say the united states. Such is federalism.
The obvious consequence, at least to this voter, is disparity. Whoever has access to the public treasuries (local, state, and federal), will do what these fellow Americans think is both right, and within the laws our politicians have passed.
This recession has brought tax revenues down enough to make our present elected politicians have to make more fundamental decisions, like priorities. Too many are pretty much use to the status quo in their voting district. Now we voters may have changed. The one factor that is obvious is we voters who still have a job still have to work and support a family. For those unemployed, what happens when all the unemployed benefits run out when their government is broke.
And these politicians we elect will probably change as well. The alternative is civil war or revolt or revolution, and I suspect this is just not how we new world Americans operate. Only time will tell, of course.
These are momentous times.
Of course this presumes we even want grass, usually Kentucky fescue, and then assume the burden. Being a home owner is a big deal.
Being a big deal is a local issue, at least to me. The obvious consequence is that some local governments are better than others. But then that is what we vote about.
I think we used to say before the civil war, which started about 150 years ago, a phrase like we the united states. Now we say the united states. Such is federalism.
The obvious consequence, at least to this voter, is disparity. Whoever has access to the public treasuries (local, state, and federal), will do what these fellow Americans think is both right, and within the laws our politicians have passed.
This recession has brought tax revenues down enough to make our present elected politicians have to make more fundamental decisions, like priorities. Too many are pretty much use to the status quo in their voting district. Now we voters may have changed. The one factor that is obvious is we voters who still have a job still have to work and support a family. For those unemployed, what happens when all the unemployed benefits run out when their government is broke.
And these politicians we elect will probably change as well. The alternative is civil war or revolt or revolution, and I suspect this is just not how we new world Americans operate. Only time will tell, of course.
These are momentous times.
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
Our vote does count
And it is local, state, and federal, all which affect our lives and safety and our children’s future. This pretty much is the function of governments, though that might not be the case today in too many places. After all, some governments are better than others.
Governments at all levels should not be a jobs program, period. Government’s priorities should be to serve the people's common interests, first. Police, fire, water, and waste water come to mind, as does transportation. These governments depend on our tax payments, which we have been paying routinely.
And I think we Americans will use our vote, vice having a revolution. The idea of driving down the interstate and being intercepted or shot is simply beyond me. Pitch forks in the streets may have happened elsewhere in history, but probably will not happen here in the USA today. At least I hope so. Having lived in countries like this, it is not an enjoyable American experience if it should happen here.
The idea of an imperial Congress really suggests our leaders follow their (and their staffs) own instincts, and perks. What we the people think is a lesser consideration. That seems to be the status quo these days. Whether these politicians can change, or just be voted out, is up to we Americans.
A new national party seems to be an obvious result, even if it takes years. Many members will come from the present Republicans and Democrats, as well as others. Third party efforts like TR and the Bull Moose Party, Strom Thurmond, George Wallace, John Anderson, and Ross Perot were all base on individuals. This prediction is based on an idea, like the idea of a Whig Party, which went under decades ago based on its ideas, and corruption. The name of this new party is still evolving, I think.
And it is local, state, and federal, all which affect our lives and safety and our children’s future. This pretty much is the function of governments, though that might not be the case today in too many places. After all, some governments are better than others.
Governments at all levels should not be a jobs program, period. Government’s priorities should be to serve the people's common interests, first. Police, fire, water, and waste water come to mind, as does transportation. These governments depend on our tax payments, which we have been paying routinely.
And I think we Americans will use our vote, vice having a revolution. The idea of driving down the interstate and being intercepted or shot is simply beyond me. Pitch forks in the streets may have happened elsewhere in history, but probably will not happen here in the USA today. At least I hope so. Having lived in countries like this, it is not an enjoyable American experience if it should happen here.
The idea of an imperial Congress really suggests our leaders follow their (and their staffs) own instincts, and perks. What we the people think is a lesser consideration. That seems to be the status quo these days. Whether these politicians can change, or just be voted out, is up to we Americans.
A new national party seems to be an obvious result, even if it takes years. Many members will come from the present Republicans and Democrats, as well as others. Third party efforts like TR and the Bull Moose Party, Strom Thurmond, George Wallace, John Anderson, and Ross Perot were all base on individuals. This prediction is based on an idea, like the idea of a Whig Party, which went under decades ago based on its ideas, and corruption. The name of this new party is still evolving, I think.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
A modicum of civility
Most Americans I think associate being poor with the urban Black or Latino people. After all, that is what is presented to us in the media. The presentation is that they are poor through no fault of their own.
Yet I live on the Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee, and we also have plenty of poor people, almost all White.
I almost never hear about a dead beat factor, that is so many poor people are in that state out of choice (they are lazy), and our American churches and governments support it by donations and taxes. Just go to the local flea market, and see how fat these people are, and see what nice vehicles they have. More local knowledge also recognizes this class has enough money to screw and have babies, get tattoos, get piercings, do drugs, and do alcohol, and do cigarettes. I have personally seen a gal who did not even know the name of her present boyfriend. It’s a way of life, and it works.
The alternatives like seeing really poor people when going through a Philippine village after a typhoon simply are not part of our American experience.
So I suggest we Americans try to help our poor through no fault of their own, and even our dead beats, through the present system. Until I see another better way for change, we Americans are doing OK already in helping our less well off. At least that is how it appears to me on the Cumberland Plateau in Tennesse.
I am waiting for the opportunity for some tough love, though.
Most Americans I think associate being poor with the urban Black or Latino people. After all, that is what is presented to us in the media. The presentation is that they are poor through no fault of their own.
Yet I live on the Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee, and we also have plenty of poor people, almost all White.
I almost never hear about a dead beat factor, that is so many poor people are in that state out of choice (they are lazy), and our American churches and governments support it by donations and taxes. Just go to the local flea market, and see how fat these people are, and see what nice vehicles they have. More local knowledge also recognizes this class has enough money to screw and have babies, get tattoos, get piercings, do drugs, and do alcohol, and do cigarettes. I have personally seen a gal who did not even know the name of her present boyfriend. It’s a way of life, and it works.
The alternatives like seeing really poor people when going through a Philippine village after a typhoon simply are not part of our American experience.
So I suggest we Americans try to help our poor through no fault of their own, and even our dead beats, through the present system. Until I see another better way for change, we Americans are doing OK already in helping our less well off. At least that is how it appears to me on the Cumberland Plateau in Tennesse.
I am waiting for the opportunity for some tough love, though.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Political capabilities vs. intentions
There are alternatives to revolution, like the vote. This is a more American way, though we have done it the other way, too.
Those who try to guess their political opponents real intentions are usually wasting their time.
And the vote for Obama showed we Americans are ready for change, and now most know he is not the one. I think most suspect any Democrat or Republican is also not the one. After all, they got us into this mess after decades of control. Hence, another political party will arise based on an idea vice an individual.
These are momentous times, and one might recognize these fundamental shifts going on. The American people are just being themselves.
It is fair to say most of us want to be ruled. Common interests like transportation, clean water, waste water treatment, police and fire protection, etc, are why. And we are willing to pay local, state, and federal taxes to do so. And the idea of a Constitution still sells to most Americans. And our governments must deliver common services.
One does not change the course of an aircraft carrier on the ocean, or a country such as ours in our world, quickly. And our new world advantages still work. No wonder so many immigrate here. They are voting with their feet.
There are alternatives to revolution, like the vote. This is a more American way, though we have done it the other way, too.
Those who try to guess their political opponents real intentions are usually wasting their time.
And the vote for Obama showed we Americans are ready for change, and now most know he is not the one. I think most suspect any Democrat or Republican is also not the one. After all, they got us into this mess after decades of control. Hence, another political party will arise based on an idea vice an individual.
These are momentous times, and one might recognize these fundamental shifts going on. The American people are just being themselves.
It is fair to say most of us want to be ruled. Common interests like transportation, clean water, waste water treatment, police and fire protection, etc, are why. And we are willing to pay local, state, and federal taxes to do so. And the idea of a Constitution still sells to most Americans. And our governments must deliver common services.
One does not change the course of an aircraft carrier on the ocean, or a country such as ours in our world, quickly. And our new world advantages still work. No wonder so many immigrate here. They are voting with their feet.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Can the present political leaders really change America?
Probably not.
The similarities to the Weimer Republic and the royal ruling of France under King Louis 16th are tending to predict our human behavior here in America. Is that what we want to replicate. This applies to both the present political leaders, and we common citizens.
We in the new world are normal human beings, and have a better deal than the rest of the world. No wonder so many people immigrate here. And most know this, and both are the practical get through life point of view and the more idealistic protect what we have point of view.
How will we react. I am not sure, but I think we will use our vote vice have a revolution. I can’t believe I am even discussing such a possibility. But there it is, and I think the American personality will tend more towards the vote than a revolution.
The most base ideas of political control are becoming apparent. And we elected them. What a fabulous political method to say one popular idea, and do another. I suspect we Americans will not go along. We Americans will be ourselves in the end. And we are different, and should be proud of what makes us different from the rest of the world. We people will not be stampeded into changing our country, though our political leaders may be.
If our country’s present political leaders try to circumvent the constitution, then a natural correction will occur, again through the vote I hope.
Last, our national politics under both present political parties have depended on borrowing. When our federal government can’t get loans, imagine what will happen, like we will have to live within our means, and politicians will have to fight over priorities.
Probably not.
The similarities to the Weimer Republic and the royal ruling of France under King Louis 16th are tending to predict our human behavior here in America. Is that what we want to replicate. This applies to both the present political leaders, and we common citizens.
We in the new world are normal human beings, and have a better deal than the rest of the world. No wonder so many people immigrate here. And most know this, and both are the practical get through life point of view and the more idealistic protect what we have point of view.
How will we react. I am not sure, but I think we will use our vote vice have a revolution. I can’t believe I am even discussing such a possibility. But there it is, and I think the American personality will tend more towards the vote than a revolution.
The most base ideas of political control are becoming apparent. And we elected them. What a fabulous political method to say one popular idea, and do another. I suspect we Americans will not go along. We Americans will be ourselves in the end. And we are different, and should be proud of what makes us different from the rest of the world. We people will not be stampeded into changing our country, though our political leaders may be.
If our country’s present political leaders try to circumvent the constitution, then a natural correction will occur, again through the vote I hope.
Last, our national politics under both present political parties have depended on borrowing. When our federal government can’t get loans, imagine what will happen, like we will have to live within our means, and politicians will have to fight over priorities.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Try ignore the merits of any case
It is realistic to ignore the merits of any case, and just focus on the facts. To develop this idea, one should think about capabilities vice intents. All that is going on today, presently health care reform and cap and trade, naturally fall into this normal category. Trying to figure out intents, which is the American way, is a waste of time to most people, though they will do it, anyway.
More alarming is so many American people who seem (ignorantly I think) to subjugate the American Constitution to their point of view and I believe, honestly held beliefs. Along the way in this process, these fellow Americans are becoming more like Banana Republic’s leaders in their method, and are using the best marketing methods to sell their idea (which used to be called Nazi propaganda). The idea of separation of powers and the Constitution has seemed to dim compared to executing one’s point of view.
There are other ways. Mostly there are American ways. We Americans are different from the rest of the world for a good reason, and so many people who come here are a sign of all this. The illegal south of the border people are the most recent example.
In the end, the merits of any case can be debated, manipulated, etc. But if it can’t be financed, then it in the end won’t happen. Back a couple of years ago, Moody, the financial rating firm, forecasted the federal borrowing bonds would hit junk bond status in 2016. Now it has been moved up by them to closer times, like 2010. Even President Obama has said if people won’t loan the money the federal government needs to meet the passed legislation, then “the party’s over”.
What does a country like the USA defaulting mean? Nobody really knows. One good guess is that the federal Congress will rescind most of the laws that demanded more federal borrowing. Also expect havoc to prevail. Uncertainty will be the main cause. Thank goodness we still live here and things will respond to our needs. Life and taxes will go on. And we are already paying considerable federal taxes. Imagine if federal politicians have to do the traditional debate and fight about distributing what federal taxes already exist.
One can reasonably guess that a third party will arise. Americans are more likely to vote than revolt. If a third party arises, this one will based on an idea vice all the earlier examples based on an individual. Whatever the name is assigned, it is hard to do (creating a national party). And many of this party’s members will be from the present Democrats and Republicans. And there is nothing in the Constitution about the two parties that run the country today. Even the Whig national party has long faded, so there is nothing constant. And one can also predict that an amendment will come out of all this, one that term limits members of the Senate and the House of Representatives. After all, they term limited the President already.
Back to the theme. Try ignore the merits of any case because finances will take over. This normally applies if our Country can’t pay for it, and these are idealist goals at best.
It is realistic to ignore the merits of any case, and just focus on the facts. To develop this idea, one should think about capabilities vice intents. All that is going on today, presently health care reform and cap and trade, naturally fall into this normal category. Trying to figure out intents, which is the American way, is a waste of time to most people, though they will do it, anyway.
More alarming is so many American people who seem (ignorantly I think) to subjugate the American Constitution to their point of view and I believe, honestly held beliefs. Along the way in this process, these fellow Americans are becoming more like Banana Republic’s leaders in their method, and are using the best marketing methods to sell their idea (which used to be called Nazi propaganda). The idea of separation of powers and the Constitution has seemed to dim compared to executing one’s point of view.
There are other ways. Mostly there are American ways. We Americans are different from the rest of the world for a good reason, and so many people who come here are a sign of all this. The illegal south of the border people are the most recent example.
In the end, the merits of any case can be debated, manipulated, etc. But if it can’t be financed, then it in the end won’t happen. Back a couple of years ago, Moody, the financial rating firm, forecasted the federal borrowing bonds would hit junk bond status in 2016. Now it has been moved up by them to closer times, like 2010. Even President Obama has said if people won’t loan the money the federal government needs to meet the passed legislation, then “the party’s over”.
What does a country like the USA defaulting mean? Nobody really knows. One good guess is that the federal Congress will rescind most of the laws that demanded more federal borrowing. Also expect havoc to prevail. Uncertainty will be the main cause. Thank goodness we still live here and things will respond to our needs. Life and taxes will go on. And we are already paying considerable federal taxes. Imagine if federal politicians have to do the traditional debate and fight about distributing what federal taxes already exist.
One can reasonably guess that a third party will arise. Americans are more likely to vote than revolt. If a third party arises, this one will based on an idea vice all the earlier examples based on an individual. Whatever the name is assigned, it is hard to do (creating a national party). And many of this party’s members will be from the present Democrats and Republicans. And there is nothing in the Constitution about the two parties that run the country today. Even the Whig national party has long faded, so there is nothing constant. And one can also predict that an amendment will come out of all this, one that term limits members of the Senate and the House of Representatives. After all, they term limited the President already.
Back to the theme. Try ignore the merits of any case because finances will take over. This normally applies if our Country can’t pay for it, and these are idealist goals at best.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Don’t mess with my water!
Over the last 100 plus years this place on the Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee has had its own water system. The sources are the springs, and the power is by gravity using a hydraulic ram, which these days are found mostly in the third world.
This whole system would make a hippy proud. My ancestors installed it because they had to, and we newer generations have reinforced success with modest improvements, but have always kept the basic system because it works, and provides good clean spring water.
Now some trespassers have messed with the water tank part of the system. I know they messed up the overflow, and may have contaminated the tank with urine, etc. Now there is a lock on the tank, which at best will delay anyone purposely intent on messing with my water. They probably don’t know the impact of their actions, but my actions have been considerable in countering future such deeds of trespassing and messing with my water.
It seems like too many of today’s kids don’t know the limits of “don’t mess with people’s water”. Why I don’t know; and it may have happened in the past, but any such deeds are lost to the fog of history. Normally such people are seasoned with life’s experiences, or move away. Alternatives like hooking to government water are both expensive and are believed to provide a lower quality of water.
Like I said, don’t mess with my water.
Over the last 100 plus years this place on the Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee has had its own water system. The sources are the springs, and the power is by gravity using a hydraulic ram, which these days are found mostly in the third world.
This whole system would make a hippy proud. My ancestors installed it because they had to, and we newer generations have reinforced success with modest improvements, but have always kept the basic system because it works, and provides good clean spring water.
Now some trespassers have messed with the water tank part of the system. I know they messed up the overflow, and may have contaminated the tank with urine, etc. Now there is a lock on the tank, which at best will delay anyone purposely intent on messing with my water. They probably don’t know the impact of their actions, but my actions have been considerable in countering future such deeds of trespassing and messing with my water.
It seems like too many of today’s kids don’t know the limits of “don’t mess with people’s water”. Why I don’t know; and it may have happened in the past, but any such deeds are lost to the fog of history. Normally such people are seasoned with life’s experiences, or move away. Alternatives like hooking to government water are both expensive and are believed to provide a lower quality of water.
Like I said, don’t mess with my water.
Friday, December 12, 2008
The road to hell is paved with good intentions
There is little doubt that most politicians and most voting citizens are sincere in their thoughts about all the financial mess we are in.
What is most alarming, and suggestive that the worst is yet to come, is the fact that most of what our federal politicians are doing is being paid for with borrowed money. There is much to suggest this decades long era of borrowing to finance good intentions will come to an end, and then we will have to pay as we go. Less one doubts this possibility; remember as recently as World War Two we had to have war bond drives to get Americans to loan enough to finance this war. Then the politicians will have to earn their pay, like earlier times when priorities were set, public policy practiced, and we had to live within our means. And our means are quite considerable.
Too much of our present borrowed monies now come from overseas, so now there are foreign considerations.
Most Americans have bought into the ideas of helping our less well off. That much of this was financed with borrowed monies and increased tax incomes was seldom spoken about by all our politicians, whether at the federal, state, county, city, or school board levels. Thank goodness, some of these entities are better off, and hats off to those fellow Americans with more foresight in financing their entity, and planning for a rainy day.
It is alarming that even the Social Security and Medicare funds the federal government has collected for decades have been raided as another source of monies. Now what is to happen?
What is also galling is that many hard working Americans are being dragged down in the financial mess we are in. Now they are sharing in the hard times. Will anyone tell them thank you for all they have supported in the past.
We Americans went through a War of Independence, a revolutionary war. One often cited reason by those who made up the resistance was taxation without representation. Now the federal politicians are doing that to our future American citizens, and dragging them down most likely. Now many of these future generations might rather default on what their ancestors have done since they did not get a vote.
And at many local levels many politicians are already giving priorities to providing job programs at the expense of basic government functions like police and fire protection, waste water treatment, pothole maintenance, and real public school education that benefits our children. Only the people’s votes can change these priorities it seems.
One’s thoughts on all this mess we are in often has to do with when do we bite the bullet, as in the auto manufacturing discussion going on today. Too many are talking past each other, and not even mentioning the question and timing of when we do bite the bullet. Now this is a voter issue.
And the voting American citizens who are the beneficiaries of all these good intentions may predominate in the votes at all levels. But predomination will not change what happens when others will no longer loan the USA monies to finance all these well intentioned benefits.
What is a shame is that many good American providers are being dragged down with the less well off beneficiaries.
There is little doubt that most politicians and most voting citizens are sincere in their thoughts about all the financial mess we are in.
What is most alarming, and suggestive that the worst is yet to come, is the fact that most of what our federal politicians are doing is being paid for with borrowed money. There is much to suggest this decades long era of borrowing to finance good intentions will come to an end, and then we will have to pay as we go. Less one doubts this possibility; remember as recently as World War Two we had to have war bond drives to get Americans to loan enough to finance this war. Then the politicians will have to earn their pay, like earlier times when priorities were set, public policy practiced, and we had to live within our means. And our means are quite considerable.
Too much of our present borrowed monies now come from overseas, so now there are foreign considerations.
Most Americans have bought into the ideas of helping our less well off. That much of this was financed with borrowed monies and increased tax incomes was seldom spoken about by all our politicians, whether at the federal, state, county, city, or school board levels. Thank goodness, some of these entities are better off, and hats off to those fellow Americans with more foresight in financing their entity, and planning for a rainy day.
It is alarming that even the Social Security and Medicare funds the federal government has collected for decades have been raided as another source of monies. Now what is to happen?
What is also galling is that many hard working Americans are being dragged down in the financial mess we are in. Now they are sharing in the hard times. Will anyone tell them thank you for all they have supported in the past.
We Americans went through a War of Independence, a revolutionary war. One often cited reason by those who made up the resistance was taxation without representation. Now the federal politicians are doing that to our future American citizens, and dragging them down most likely. Now many of these future generations might rather default on what their ancestors have done since they did not get a vote.
And at many local levels many politicians are already giving priorities to providing job programs at the expense of basic government functions like police and fire protection, waste water treatment, pothole maintenance, and real public school education that benefits our children. Only the people’s votes can change these priorities it seems.
One’s thoughts on all this mess we are in often has to do with when do we bite the bullet, as in the auto manufacturing discussion going on today. Too many are talking past each other, and not even mentioning the question and timing of when we do bite the bullet. Now this is a voter issue.
And the voting American citizens who are the beneficiaries of all these good intentions may predominate in the votes at all levels. But predomination will not change what happens when others will no longer loan the USA monies to finance all these well intentioned benefits.
What is a shame is that many good American providers are being dragged down with the less well off beneficiaries.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
The rise of a new National Party is well underway
“Vital” national interests are starting to be discussed in earnest. That is the way politics used to be.
One’s political persuasion has little to do with what is important to our survival and way of life. Frustration and cynicism seems to abound, but our families and personal security in all aspects always trumps. Quality of life can mean many things to many citizens, but simple and basic things life a job, food, heat, public health safety, and common infrastructure that benefits all citizens seems to be vital to most of us. The War on Poverty in the USA is of interest to our national psyche, but not vital to most citizens. And the two national parties have had long periods to work their magic and ways, but decades of their influence has seemingly made things worse. It is fair to say the courses of action they chose, and the time frames they chose, are not the only choices they and we had. For example, we have chosen to borrow vast sums of money to pay all the present bills that exceeded our tax incomes. And at the state, county, and city levels we have made many promises to our fellow citizens in government unions that all too often depend on rising property and sales taxes in perpetuity. Even all the social security and Medicare monies that we have been paying for decades have already been spent on today’s and yesterday’s bills. Is that what we wanted? Is that what we expected? And do we expect other people will continue to loan us money to help pay all our bills. There was a time in the past when no one in their right mind would loan the USA money, and we even had to have War Fund Drives to solicit loans from our citizens to fight World War II. For those who legitimately think that the loan status quo will continue in perpetuity, can they imagine if we can’t get the loans which have been so automatic in the past. Perhaps we will have to “time phase” our spending as in postpone certain spending interests in favor of “vital” spending interests today? What seems shameful is that we may not be able to wean ourselves off of borrowing until the time comes that we cannot borrow, and then another “crisis” will be upon us.
Our country has had two national parties in charge for many decades. And there is nothing in our Constitution that requires the present status quo of two national parties. Parties like the Whigs have come and gone in our past, and it can happen again. We have laws against bribery, but seem to tolerate similar things with lobbyists and the two national parties, today. We even amended our Constitution to put terms limits on those serving as President. We can do the same for those in Congress, if we choose.
Term limits for Congress, and the promotion of “vital” national interests can be the start of a new national party. Controlling “have nots” voting themselves benefits from the “haves” can be the basis of a new national party. Developing new public policies that emphasize growing national wealth before spending national wealth seems obvious to many. And America is oozing with leaders and leadership; some already serving as elected officials from the two present national parties, and others being forced into a new way of doing things and away from the two national parties. In any case, we have other alternatives to the present situation in the USA, and we are still in charge as long as we vote.
“Vital” national interests are starting to be discussed in earnest. That is the way politics used to be.
One’s political persuasion has little to do with what is important to our survival and way of life. Frustration and cynicism seems to abound, but our families and personal security in all aspects always trumps. Quality of life can mean many things to many citizens, but simple and basic things life a job, food, heat, public health safety, and common infrastructure that benefits all citizens seems to be vital to most of us. The War on Poverty in the USA is of interest to our national psyche, but not vital to most citizens. And the two national parties have had long periods to work their magic and ways, but decades of their influence has seemingly made things worse. It is fair to say the courses of action they chose, and the time frames they chose, are not the only choices they and we had. For example, we have chosen to borrow vast sums of money to pay all the present bills that exceeded our tax incomes. And at the state, county, and city levels we have made many promises to our fellow citizens in government unions that all too often depend on rising property and sales taxes in perpetuity. Even all the social security and Medicare monies that we have been paying for decades have already been spent on today’s and yesterday’s bills. Is that what we wanted? Is that what we expected? And do we expect other people will continue to loan us money to help pay all our bills. There was a time in the past when no one in their right mind would loan the USA money, and we even had to have War Fund Drives to solicit loans from our citizens to fight World War II. For those who legitimately think that the loan status quo will continue in perpetuity, can they imagine if we can’t get the loans which have been so automatic in the past. Perhaps we will have to “time phase” our spending as in postpone certain spending interests in favor of “vital” spending interests today? What seems shameful is that we may not be able to wean ourselves off of borrowing until the time comes that we cannot borrow, and then another “crisis” will be upon us.
Our country has had two national parties in charge for many decades. And there is nothing in our Constitution that requires the present status quo of two national parties. Parties like the Whigs have come and gone in our past, and it can happen again. We have laws against bribery, but seem to tolerate similar things with lobbyists and the two national parties, today. We even amended our Constitution to put terms limits on those serving as President. We can do the same for those in Congress, if we choose.
Term limits for Congress, and the promotion of “vital” national interests can be the start of a new national party. Controlling “have nots” voting themselves benefits from the “haves” can be the basis of a new national party. Developing new public policies that emphasize growing national wealth before spending national wealth seems obvious to many. And America is oozing with leaders and leadership; some already serving as elected officials from the two present national parties, and others being forced into a new way of doing things and away from the two national parties. In any case, we have other alternatives to the present situation in the USA, and we are still in charge as long as we vote.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
The road to hell is paved with good intentions
In the end, being warm this winter, and being able to cook and eat, will trump all other factors. Security counts a lot, too. Security is things like police and fire protection, clean water, sanitation, health safety, 3R’s schools …the basics.
In early June this year, a round trip air ticket from Atlanta to Managua was around $708. One fellow did it by car for $600 in gas, plus $900 in bribes. Decades of “good intentions” by voters, their politicians, and their bureaucrats have the USA on the same path. Is that what we wanted, and expected? Bitter discussion and rancor seems to change little of people’s minds. Will it come down to freezing, starving, wild west type crime, and paying bribes to get the basics in order to make a point.
Much has been published about the young moving in with old, but how about the old social security of big families and the old moving in with the young, and entire families sharing large old people medical bills. Is this what the voters wanted and expected?
What happens when governments can no longer borrow money as a course of action to pay all the promised benefits? What happens when governments, city, county, state, and federal have to pay their way or default on obligations. What happens when all our safety nets get saturated by all the guarantees come due, and the voters finally figure out they are left holding the bag, even when they work all 12 months of the year to just pay city, county, state, and federal taxes?
One thing seems likely. The two national parties that led us into this mess over decades will be replaced, as they should be. Now is a good time for voters to think about what they want and expect for their future politicians and bureaucrats.
In the end, being warm this winter, and being able to cook and eat, will trump all other factors. Security counts a lot, too. Security is things like police and fire protection, clean water, sanitation, health safety, 3R’s schools …the basics.
In early June this year, a round trip air ticket from Atlanta to Managua was around $708. One fellow did it by car for $600 in gas, plus $900 in bribes. Decades of “good intentions” by voters, their politicians, and their bureaucrats have the USA on the same path. Is that what we wanted, and expected? Bitter discussion and rancor seems to change little of people’s minds. Will it come down to freezing, starving, wild west type crime, and paying bribes to get the basics in order to make a point.
Much has been published about the young moving in with old, but how about the old social security of big families and the old moving in with the young, and entire families sharing large old people medical bills. Is this what the voters wanted and expected?
What happens when governments can no longer borrow money as a course of action to pay all the promised benefits? What happens when governments, city, county, state, and federal have to pay their way or default on obligations. What happens when all our safety nets get saturated by all the guarantees come due, and the voters finally figure out they are left holding the bag, even when they work all 12 months of the year to just pay city, county, state, and federal taxes?
One thing seems likely. The two national parties that led us into this mess over decades will be replaced, as they should be. Now is a good time for voters to think about what they want and expect for their future politicians and bureaucrats.
Saturday, August 02, 2008
The End of the World as We Know It
The status quo is dead. Long live the status quo.
Not too long ago, many thought the Soviet Union would go on. Many think the two USA national parties will go on because they have in the last many decades. But the status quo is no guarantee of future existence. Satisfying the peoples’ needs is a better indicator, and if the status quo doesn’t solve the problems, then the people will find a better way out of necessity. Yes, people will be selfish, especially when it comes to having security, a job, having food, and being warm enough in the winter to live. The burden is especially harsh on those with children.
Our national personality includes the most altruistic and noble instincts to help our fellow Americans. This has been expressed federally as programs like social security and Medicare, and at the state and local levels (county, city, and school system) by extending good pay and benefits to fellow Americans who serve in these governments. Americans have for decades supported all this to include the ideas of tolerating crime against individuals while addressing the underlying causes, and increasing our expectations that results should happen sooner rather than later.
One trend is the degree to which we Americans have turned to borrowing to finance our altruistic nature; the obvious alternatives being raising our federal and state and local taxes to preclude borrowing, or to pay for what we can afford in pursuit of our altruistic ideals. Either way, the status quo will change when borrowing comes to an end of its own weight; that is no one will loan our federal government money, as has happened in our past and been increasingly forecast for our future, and we have to pay, lower our goals and implementation schedules, or increase taxes. Our states and county and local governments will also be affected similarly, probably more so due to greater dependencies on property and sales taxes. Borrowing for them using the bond method will be tougher.
The status quo as we know it is changing right in front of us. All the passionately held opinions and talk and cynicism means much less than people losing security, jobs they want , food, and heat during cold weather. And the USA will be affected by the World as others who go without cooking oil, food, and heat choose war or emmigration to solve their problems. And the USA will be further affected as some our various governments choose employee jobs and benefits over basic services to the people, more taxes to pay for it all, or ever less effective efforts to borrow money to pay for it all.
The future status quo has many optimistic trends emerging. Time phasing as a way to implement our altruistic goals is becoming more obvious. Doing many things on multiple fronts vice one thing now is becoming obvious and necessary. Promoting our New World persona over our Old World legacies is becoming more entrenched. Royalty and nepotism are simply un-American values. Knowing disease and symptoms are different is an American value. Emotions and passion will fall by the wayside and the basics like security, jobs, food, and forced air heat are recognized as privileges as compared to rights; and public policy and laws will recognize this via the fellow Americans we elect at all levels of government. Some might perceive this as slowing things down, while others might perceive this as doing things smarter and more realistically.
The status quo will change. And no amount of talk, good intentions, passion, or cynicism can change that.
The status quo is dead. Long live the status quo.
Not too long ago, many thought the Soviet Union would go on. Many think the two USA national parties will go on because they have in the last many decades. But the status quo is no guarantee of future existence. Satisfying the peoples’ needs is a better indicator, and if the status quo doesn’t solve the problems, then the people will find a better way out of necessity. Yes, people will be selfish, especially when it comes to having security, a job, having food, and being warm enough in the winter to live. The burden is especially harsh on those with children.
Our national personality includes the most altruistic and noble instincts to help our fellow Americans. This has been expressed federally as programs like social security and Medicare, and at the state and local levels (county, city, and school system) by extending good pay and benefits to fellow Americans who serve in these governments. Americans have for decades supported all this to include the ideas of tolerating crime against individuals while addressing the underlying causes, and increasing our expectations that results should happen sooner rather than later.
One trend is the degree to which we Americans have turned to borrowing to finance our altruistic nature; the obvious alternatives being raising our federal and state and local taxes to preclude borrowing, or to pay for what we can afford in pursuit of our altruistic ideals. Either way, the status quo will change when borrowing comes to an end of its own weight; that is no one will loan our federal government money, as has happened in our past and been increasingly forecast for our future, and we have to pay, lower our goals and implementation schedules, or increase taxes. Our states and county and local governments will also be affected similarly, probably more so due to greater dependencies on property and sales taxes. Borrowing for them using the bond method will be tougher.
The status quo as we know it is changing right in front of us. All the passionately held opinions and talk and cynicism means much less than people losing security, jobs they want , food, and heat during cold weather. And the USA will be affected by the World as others who go without cooking oil, food, and heat choose war or emmigration to solve their problems. And the USA will be further affected as some our various governments choose employee jobs and benefits over basic services to the people, more taxes to pay for it all, or ever less effective efforts to borrow money to pay for it all.
The future status quo has many optimistic trends emerging. Time phasing as a way to implement our altruistic goals is becoming more obvious. Doing many things on multiple fronts vice one thing now is becoming obvious and necessary. Promoting our New World persona over our Old World legacies is becoming more entrenched. Royalty and nepotism are simply un-American values. Knowing disease and symptoms are different is an American value. Emotions and passion will fall by the wayside and the basics like security, jobs, food, and forced air heat are recognized as privileges as compared to rights; and public policy and laws will recognize this via the fellow Americans we elect at all levels of government. Some might perceive this as slowing things down, while others might perceive this as doing things smarter and more realistically.
The status quo will change. And no amount of talk, good intentions, passion, or cynicism can change that.
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
If American communities are running out of money to pay for basic government services, then something is wrong.
Basic government services are things like electricity on demand, clean tap water, managed waste water treatment, police and fire services, infrastructure maintenance and improvements, public schools, and basic health services like malaria control and polio vaccines and food safety. When one looks at budgets at the city and county and state levels, it is obvious we Americans are generating vast amounts of public tax monies, yet so many of these same governments are having to also borrow to make ends meet given their local priorities and situations. Some of these services are privately run like electricity and infrastructure maintenance, with "government" regulation. And yet there is also a rising budget competition between basic government services and legal obligations to meet the very expensive obligations due to government union employees, mostly in retirements and medical benefits.
This rising problem is new in the last two decades, not universal as some cities, counties, and states have done better than others. Many fellow Americans have much to brag about. They've done well to date.
How and why did this ever come to pass? And why are studies to date so suspect; though some more trustworthy ones suggest two things. One is that property taxes, a major source of income for many city, county, and state governments is suffering from the loss of property wealth of 6 trillion dollars from the recent mortgage problems. Less property wealth means less property tax income for these governments. While the impacts are most likely a year downstream or more, some adverse effects are already appearing in Birmingham, AL, New Jersey, and California (the State and even the wonderful city of Vallejo). Second is a study suggesting about ¼ of Americans want to continue on the present courses of action, while ¾ worry about how to pay for all this largesse as if the band might not play on forever. The ability to borrow is not automatic, and a time may come when others may not loan us money without conditions we cannot accept. This is nothing new, as in WWII we had to have War Bond Drives to promote loaning. Moodys, the loan rating company, has already given us a window of closing of 2017 or so for this old status quo to end. And with less and less Americans actually paying taxes to finance all that has gone on (we are down to 28% taxpayers by one study), we are approaching a time when we may give a tax, and nobody comes. Less this seem silly, one can note that former very liberal (as in spending our taxpayer monies) Ohio Senator and self-made millionaire Metzenbaum moved his estate to Florida from Ohio to save on income taxes and death taxes. More tricky is the fine print applied to so many of our cities, counties, and state governments. That bankruptcy is an option may leave many citizens "holding the bag" of higher taxes (expenses) and lower services, as in no firemen when needed, or being shot on the local neighborhood street while walking the dog.
One obvious solution and “the something is wrong” go hand in hand. Those who wish for all Americans to live like old world royalty only need focus on the basics, and enhancing the quality and method of delivery of services, while living within ones’ means. Said another way, there are other courses of action (from what has gone on) and methods that suggest it is imperative to recognize the common good, what is good for it, and voting for politicians working in this direction. Many would call it a “boiler plate” for how to advance the common peoples' quality of life while living within ones’ means. Techniques such as time phasing and willingness to try and fail are as old as the hills, but seldom mentioned these days. Now that is something wrong. The wrong may be in priorities, techniques, weak standards, and our bad run of having poor national party leaders, and losers wanting to be in charge, and who want to have it all, now and at any expense.
Basic government services are things like electricity on demand, clean tap water, managed waste water treatment, police and fire services, infrastructure maintenance and improvements, public schools, and basic health services like malaria control and polio vaccines and food safety. When one looks at budgets at the city and county and state levels, it is obvious we Americans are generating vast amounts of public tax monies, yet so many of these same governments are having to also borrow to make ends meet given their local priorities and situations. Some of these services are privately run like electricity and infrastructure maintenance, with "government" regulation. And yet there is also a rising budget competition between basic government services and legal obligations to meet the very expensive obligations due to government union employees, mostly in retirements and medical benefits.
This rising problem is new in the last two decades, not universal as some cities, counties, and states have done better than others. Many fellow Americans have much to brag about. They've done well to date.
How and why did this ever come to pass? And why are studies to date so suspect; though some more trustworthy ones suggest two things. One is that property taxes, a major source of income for many city, county, and state governments is suffering from the loss of property wealth of 6 trillion dollars from the recent mortgage problems. Less property wealth means less property tax income for these governments. While the impacts are most likely a year downstream or more, some adverse effects are already appearing in Birmingham, AL, New Jersey, and California (the State and even the wonderful city of Vallejo). Second is a study suggesting about ¼ of Americans want to continue on the present courses of action, while ¾ worry about how to pay for all this largesse as if the band might not play on forever. The ability to borrow is not automatic, and a time may come when others may not loan us money without conditions we cannot accept. This is nothing new, as in WWII we had to have War Bond Drives to promote loaning. Moodys, the loan rating company, has already given us a window of closing of 2017 or so for this old status quo to end. And with less and less Americans actually paying taxes to finance all that has gone on (we are down to 28% taxpayers by one study), we are approaching a time when we may give a tax, and nobody comes. Less this seem silly, one can note that former very liberal (as in spending our taxpayer monies) Ohio Senator and self-made millionaire Metzenbaum moved his estate to Florida from Ohio to save on income taxes and death taxes. More tricky is the fine print applied to so many of our cities, counties, and state governments. That bankruptcy is an option may leave many citizens "holding the bag" of higher taxes (expenses) and lower services, as in no firemen when needed, or being shot on the local neighborhood street while walking the dog.
One obvious solution and “the something is wrong” go hand in hand. Those who wish for all Americans to live like old world royalty only need focus on the basics, and enhancing the quality and method of delivery of services, while living within ones’ means. Said another way, there are other courses of action (from what has gone on) and methods that suggest it is imperative to recognize the common good, what is good for it, and voting for politicians working in this direction. Many would call it a “boiler plate” for how to advance the common peoples' quality of life while living within ones’ means. Techniques such as time phasing and willingness to try and fail are as old as the hills, but seldom mentioned these days. Now that is something wrong. The wrong may be in priorities, techniques, weak standards, and our bad run of having poor national party leaders, and losers wanting to be in charge, and who want to have it all, now and at any expense.
Monday, May 05, 2008
The split in the road is the voters choiceMany decades ago America
approached a split in the road. We are still on that path we chose. However one chooses to judge that choice in hindsight, good, bad, or indifferent, the present state of affairs is on purpose. It is not by accident. We are, again, approaching another split in the road we are on. While we cannot reverse history, we certainly can influence our future history by the choice we make in the coming split in the road we are on. Our influence is called our vote.
An example might amplify this idea of choices and our future. We chose in our past to enhance our under classes by spending vast amount of monies on addressing underlying causes. Part of this choice was giving a main effort to addressing these underlying causes, while living with and accepting the effects of the low life criminals from this underclass, as in the murders and such other crimes committed on us and our children were considered secondary. We were expected to take the results like lemmings, and keep our mouths shut like good Americans. Performance based results fell by the wayside compared to bragging about how much money was being spent. That there were other courses of action, to include funding and borrowing, to reach the same goal was suppressed, in general.
The present state of affairs, and the general mess we are in, suggests a new split in the road is appearing. Admittedly, the future vision to the present driver is fuzzy, foggy, and somewhat blind. After all, the status quo is still alive, well, confident, and forceful. The present status quo is still about the two national parties, gaining tactical advantages in the coming elections by all the usual means, and continuing on the present course chosen long ago. The fuzzy future alternative choice appearing out of the road fog is one of national interests' first, living within our means, and holding people to standards we will establish. For example, there should be shame about having a child out of wedlock. After all, the idea is about the baby, not the Mom and Dad who should know better. And the parents and grandparents should pay, not we citizens. The burden should be on the immediate family, and not society. In such an example, those on this road include our religious leaders.
The voters might keep all this in mind. The changes will be understanding there are other courses of action, and our willingness to assert our selves in these other courses of action. After all, winners reinforce success, not failure.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
America’s descent into third world standards has some advantages
As public policy multiculturalism is a disaster. The American melting pot idea is so human as to be obvious to most at home, and both the old world and the rest of the new world. Practicing vital national interests is a normal policy to most, and now that we have been led indirectly into this policy, we can reap the benefits. Even labels for the census and other USA government bureaucracies are silly, and our politicians have mandated this silliness. Many personally would resent be labeled a European-American as they are an American, pure and simple. Even Latino or Hispanic or African American are silly.
Good, bad, or indifferent, the USA has been withdrawing for decades, and now more than ever has to take what ever is served. There is a silver lining in this grey cloud.
On energy policy, let the nations that depend so heavily on middle east oil devote their national resources to protecting their interests. The USA is not one of these, and let us not enable them as allies to use our USA people and military to protect their citizens and interests. Let them step up to the plate, so to speak. For those that object to this idea, fine. But we have been degrading ourselves for decades, and now have to live this idea.
On foreign policy, we are more and more forced into organizing or joining coalitions of common interests to have our way, and compromising along the way. How to deal with the present North Korean dictatorship is a good example. The same can apply to Syria and Zimbabwe and resurgent pirates. Will we honor our treaty obligations to Israel and Taiwan allies?
On domestic policy, the financing of all the city, county, state, and federal programs is approaching collapse in the USA, as by 2017 to use a Moody’s forecast. Many third world countries depend on foreign aid and many think much goes to the despots that run these nation-states and some city-states. It appears much the same is going on in the USA, though by different means. And our present poor leaders are still on this course, unbelievably. When we start being thrifty and acting in vital national interests will be a breath of fresh air, even as many fellow Americans suffer from loss of benefits. It is not that the politicians at this future time want to be mean or perform payback, it is just that more was promised than can be paid for. Blame the present generation, even the “greatest” generation.
Most environmentalists survive only in the west. They would never survive in the third world, as be assassinated. Even if their ideas (often good from a western point of view) apply to the third world, the savvy environmentalist does not want to die for their cause. Hence the Americans are leaving Okinawa and going to Guam for the sake of a “maybe” issue about salt water manatees. What is amazing is that all this has been through the very severe Japanese wickets (it is their land and people after all), but wacko USA environmentalists have turned to USA courts. To conclude, as America reverts to a more third world status, tolerance and protection for environmentalists will decline. People starving for environmentalists’ ideas have little tolerance. This especially applies if the environmentalist is unelected.
And in the third world, many politicians with limited means tend to promote the middle class over the lower classes. When push comes to shove, expect the same here. Holding people accountable to established standards will probably have many beneficial results. If we elect politicians and indirectly religious leaders that promote sex through marriage, for example, we may be surprised, and even thanked. Those that attack our vast drug culture in the future will also be surprised, as a little toke is so different from making meth in the kitchen at home. Maybe some Thai court rulings, applied American third world style, will get some peoples attention as to what is good public policy.
As public policy multiculturalism is a disaster. The American melting pot idea is so human as to be obvious to most at home, and both the old world and the rest of the new world. Practicing vital national interests is a normal policy to most, and now that we have been led indirectly into this policy, we can reap the benefits. Even labels for the census and other USA government bureaucracies are silly, and our politicians have mandated this silliness. Many personally would resent be labeled a European-American as they are an American, pure and simple. Even Latino or Hispanic or African American are silly.
Good, bad, or indifferent, the USA has been withdrawing for decades, and now more than ever has to take what ever is served. There is a silver lining in this grey cloud.
On energy policy, let the nations that depend so heavily on middle east oil devote their national resources to protecting their interests. The USA is not one of these, and let us not enable them as allies to use our USA people and military to protect their citizens and interests. Let them step up to the plate, so to speak. For those that object to this idea, fine. But we have been degrading ourselves for decades, and now have to live this idea.
On foreign policy, we are more and more forced into organizing or joining coalitions of common interests to have our way, and compromising along the way. How to deal with the present North Korean dictatorship is a good example. The same can apply to Syria and Zimbabwe and resurgent pirates. Will we honor our treaty obligations to Israel and Taiwan allies?
On domestic policy, the financing of all the city, county, state, and federal programs is approaching collapse in the USA, as by 2017 to use a Moody’s forecast. Many third world countries depend on foreign aid and many think much goes to the despots that run these nation-states and some city-states. It appears much the same is going on in the USA, though by different means. And our present poor leaders are still on this course, unbelievably. When we start being thrifty and acting in vital national interests will be a breath of fresh air, even as many fellow Americans suffer from loss of benefits. It is not that the politicians at this future time want to be mean or perform payback, it is just that more was promised than can be paid for. Blame the present generation, even the “greatest” generation.
Most environmentalists survive only in the west. They would never survive in the third world, as be assassinated. Even if their ideas (often good from a western point of view) apply to the third world, the savvy environmentalist does not want to die for their cause. Hence the Americans are leaving Okinawa and going to Guam for the sake of a “maybe” issue about salt water manatees. What is amazing is that all this has been through the very severe Japanese wickets (it is their land and people after all), but wacko USA environmentalists have turned to USA courts. To conclude, as America reverts to a more third world status, tolerance and protection for environmentalists will decline. People starving for environmentalists’ ideas have little tolerance. This especially applies if the environmentalist is unelected.
And in the third world, many politicians with limited means tend to promote the middle class over the lower classes. When push comes to shove, expect the same here. Holding people accountable to established standards will probably have many beneficial results. If we elect politicians and indirectly religious leaders that promote sex through marriage, for example, we may be surprised, and even thanked. Those that attack our vast drug culture in the future will also be surprised, as a little toke is so different from making meth in the kitchen at home. Maybe some Thai court rulings, applied American third world style, will get some peoples attention as to what is good public policy.
Monday, April 21, 2008
The best and the brightest should be individuals and not cabals
In the not too distant past there was a dilemma at a 23,000 acre quail plantation in the Southeast USA. Many whitetail deer educated people said we had too many deer and needed to kill about a thousand does to get things back in balance. Yet there were paying customers (to the tune of about one-half million dollars a year) who paid much and traveled far, and reported they were not seeing much of any deer compared to the past, and subsequently quit paying and traveling to this plantation. The owners did listen, and convened a conference of whitetail deer educated experts to advise on what to do. Here was where many learned the politics of whitetail deer biology. Depending on one’s connections and expected outcomes, there were cabals of PhD’s on this subject at Clemson, Auburn, and the University of Georgia. The latter was chosen, and we got some good advice, and how things sorted out in the end is unknown for this post. These eco type things take time.
This story of cabals, connections, and expected outcomes applies to those staff members hired to work at all levels of government and even media, since even pundits often have hired staffs. So when you read about a new law or program, or a pundit’s article, it probably is done by a staff member or members as the main effort. And the federal government types, executive, legislative, and judiciary, seem to have a preference for Ivy League School cabals. Whether this is good or bad is in the eye of the beholder, but the present system smells of poor government and leadership, where experience should count more than it does these days. The preference for intelligence and education seems to trump experience these days. One can note that political party tactics and strategies include dominating even the questions that can be asked. This is another symptom of the light-weights from certain cabals being in control.
Exacerbating all this is the mean spirited atmosphere and politics of personal destruction in Washington, D.C. that drives so many of our best and brightest from even applying. One present joke line about “can we get the adults back in charge” is a symptom of what has been happening for more than a decade.
To get the best and brightest political leaders, and hired staffs, depends mostly on voters. To expect the present volunteer candidates from both national parties to undermine their status quo and many decades of comfort factors is unreasonable. More reasonable is to vote in Americans to make things happen in 2008, 2010, and 2012, and subsequent elections. Like the whitetail deer story, these things take time to have an effect.
In the not too distant past there was a dilemma at a 23,000 acre quail plantation in the Southeast USA. Many whitetail deer educated people said we had too many deer and needed to kill about a thousand does to get things back in balance. Yet there were paying customers (to the tune of about one-half million dollars a year) who paid much and traveled far, and reported they were not seeing much of any deer compared to the past, and subsequently quit paying and traveling to this plantation. The owners did listen, and convened a conference of whitetail deer educated experts to advise on what to do. Here was where many learned the politics of whitetail deer biology. Depending on one’s connections and expected outcomes, there were cabals of PhD’s on this subject at Clemson, Auburn, and the University of Georgia. The latter was chosen, and we got some good advice, and how things sorted out in the end is unknown for this post. These eco type things take time.
This story of cabals, connections, and expected outcomes applies to those staff members hired to work at all levels of government and even media, since even pundits often have hired staffs. So when you read about a new law or program, or a pundit’s article, it probably is done by a staff member or members as the main effort. And the federal government types, executive, legislative, and judiciary, seem to have a preference for Ivy League School cabals. Whether this is good or bad is in the eye of the beholder, but the present system smells of poor government and leadership, where experience should count more than it does these days. The preference for intelligence and education seems to trump experience these days. One can note that political party tactics and strategies include dominating even the questions that can be asked. This is another symptom of the light-weights from certain cabals being in control.
Exacerbating all this is the mean spirited atmosphere and politics of personal destruction in Washington, D.C. that drives so many of our best and brightest from even applying. One present joke line about “can we get the adults back in charge” is a symptom of what has been happening for more than a decade.
To get the best and brightest political leaders, and hired staffs, depends mostly on voters. To expect the present volunteer candidates from both national parties to undermine their status quo and many decades of comfort factors is unreasonable. More reasonable is to vote in Americans to make things happen in 2008, 2010, and 2012, and subsequent elections. Like the whitetail deer story, these things take time to have an effect.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Freedom of speech is not defined by any individual
All the rancorous discussion about freedom of speech is new in the last decade or so. That such rancor and terrible statements are being made reflects poorly on our American society. The poorness may be because of the poor education of the offenders, or the dominance of ego and emotion over self-restraint and respect for improving our society. In other words, the method of political discourse is as important as the ideas debated, and some seem to have lost this so new world American idea.
The silly part is to hear, again and again, that one should not object to any individual or groups conduct or rules because they are using their free speech rights. The classic friction of individual rights compared to group rights comes up, again. If taken to an extreme, which seems to be the route we are on today in the USA, then we have a formula for inaction and anarchy.
This possibility has always been around. Even our far ancestors adopted the Alien and Sedition Acts of 1798 to ensure order trumped chaos. Even in the last century it was taken as gospel that one cannot use the free speech idea to cry fire in a theater. There are group imposed limits as well as individual imposed limits to maintain American good order and discipline. Now it appears things are getting out of hand again, and some knee-jerk reaction will be what it takes to bring things back into balance. If this comes to pass, is it the offenders or offendees that are the catalyst for the most obvious need to maintain an orderly society?
A key point is that the free speech advocates seem to need to be checked. If checking them means some new version of a 1798 law, or more recent campaign finance laws or hate speech laws, well that is where they are leading. Maybe all will it take is prosecuting the laws we already have on this subject, (since the problem is not new). What a shame, because it does not have to end up like this. As in many other cases in America today, it is time for adults to step in and take charge.
All the rancorous discussion about freedom of speech is new in the last decade or so. That such rancor and terrible statements are being made reflects poorly on our American society. The poorness may be because of the poor education of the offenders, or the dominance of ego and emotion over self-restraint and respect for improving our society. In other words, the method of political discourse is as important as the ideas debated, and some seem to have lost this so new world American idea.
The silly part is to hear, again and again, that one should not object to any individual or groups conduct or rules because they are using their free speech rights. The classic friction of individual rights compared to group rights comes up, again. If taken to an extreme, which seems to be the route we are on today in the USA, then we have a formula for inaction and anarchy.
This possibility has always been around. Even our far ancestors adopted the Alien and Sedition Acts of 1798 to ensure order trumped chaos. Even in the last century it was taken as gospel that one cannot use the free speech idea to cry fire in a theater. There are group imposed limits as well as individual imposed limits to maintain American good order and discipline. Now it appears things are getting out of hand again, and some knee-jerk reaction will be what it takes to bring things back into balance. If this comes to pass, is it the offenders or offendees that are the catalyst for the most obvious need to maintain an orderly society?
A key point is that the free speech advocates seem to need to be checked. If checking them means some new version of a 1798 law, or more recent campaign finance laws or hate speech laws, well that is where they are leading. Maybe all will it take is prosecuting the laws we already have on this subject, (since the problem is not new). What a shame, because it does not have to end up like this. As in many other cases in America today, it is time for adults to step in and take charge.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Much change is going on in plain view…though seldom reported or recognized
More people are devoted to an individual vice a constitution than ever before. This smacks of old world nobility, even if so un-American.
More politicians and their parties have loyalties that trump National Interests. The change is the degree, where ideas and lobbyist purposes other than National Interests have more influence than even three decades ago.
The rise of nobility type groups composed of today’s soothsayers and jokesters called pollsters, environmentalists, and pundits is appalling. In an older time in America, all had to enter the world of politics and elections. Now more than ever, many get hired as a staff member or sponsored as a court member to weave one’s version of entertainment mixed with policy, along with job security and income.
Another appalling change is that political managers of former and losing political campaigns of the past are now trotted out as experts on how to manage and win. Some even get rehired. The major change is gall of all this, and the silliness of even considering them, and their loser records.
Yes, much change is in the air. And much of that change is the end of the old status quo and poor leaders and managers that got us to the poor state we are in today.
We all know that talk is cheap, and alarmist claims are as old as history. We also know that change does occur, often gradually, and sometimes in lurches. We appear to be at a “lurch” time now. The seemingly ever growing influences of environmentalists and their agendas is now being balanced by companies going out of business and people going cold and hungry, or our overseas opponents defeating us with vastly increased oil prices. As one Brit pundit suggested, toleration of these eco types is no longer funny or quaint when people are being adversely affected. Food riots around the world will always trump western idealism that causes food shortages.
So are we in charge of change, or is change in charge of us. Does it take companies and people going out of business and world food riots to make change happen? Or can the power of elected ideas make change happen before people lose? To depend on today’s version of the political groups and their candidates to implement change is just how we got to where we are today.
We Americans have better alternatives and ways to change than what has been happening and can happen in our future.
More people are devoted to an individual vice a constitution than ever before. This smacks of old world nobility, even if so un-American.
More politicians and their parties have loyalties that trump National Interests. The change is the degree, where ideas and lobbyist purposes other than National Interests have more influence than even three decades ago.
The rise of nobility type groups composed of today’s soothsayers and jokesters called pollsters, environmentalists, and pundits is appalling. In an older time in America, all had to enter the world of politics and elections. Now more than ever, many get hired as a staff member or sponsored as a court member to weave one’s version of entertainment mixed with policy, along with job security and income.
Another appalling change is that political managers of former and losing political campaigns of the past are now trotted out as experts on how to manage and win. Some even get rehired. The major change is gall of all this, and the silliness of even considering them, and their loser records.
Yes, much change is in the air. And much of that change is the end of the old status quo and poor leaders and managers that got us to the poor state we are in today.
We all know that talk is cheap, and alarmist claims are as old as history. We also know that change does occur, often gradually, and sometimes in lurches. We appear to be at a “lurch” time now. The seemingly ever growing influences of environmentalists and their agendas is now being balanced by companies going out of business and people going cold and hungry, or our overseas opponents defeating us with vastly increased oil prices. As one Brit pundit suggested, toleration of these eco types is no longer funny or quaint when people are being adversely affected. Food riots around the world will always trump western idealism that causes food shortages.
So are we in charge of change, or is change in charge of us. Does it take companies and people going out of business and world food riots to make change happen? Or can the power of elected ideas make change happen before people lose? To depend on today’s version of the political groups and their candidates to implement change is just how we got to where we are today.
We Americans have better alternatives and ways to change than what has been happening and can happen in our future.
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