The Founding Fathers rightly sought to avoid the European practice of establishing an official, State religion, thus we have the 1st Amendment. The second part of the 1st Amendment is often (intentionally?) omitted by liberals and other secularists and states, "...or prohibiting the free exercise thereof..."
It is the second phrase of the 1st Amendment that is key to the objections of conservatives and all persons of faith to the increasingly common practice of removing all reference, symbols, and discourse relating to religion from the public square. The Founding Fathers never intended that. This is a rather recent phenomenon and is gaining momentum. Thus we have "Winter Holiday" instead of Christmas, "Happy Holidays" instead of Merry Christmas, "Spring Break" instead of Easter Vacation, the prohibition of the displays of Christmas trees and Christmas pageants in schools, attempts to remove "In God We Trust" from our coins, the Gideon's can no longer distribute Bibles in schools, efforts to delete "under God" from the Pledge of Allegiance, etc., etc. The United States survived and prospered long before the ACLU and other liberals 'discovered' the illegality of such public displays of faith. Yet, while it is forbidden to pray in the public schools, it is OK to murder unborn human beings. It's all part of the larger culture war... and we are slowly losing. Our nation was founded on Judeo-Christian principles and values and we are all (secularists included) the better for it.
Georgetown University should be ashamed for caving into the request to cover the religious symbols. Georgetown is a private, Catholic university and the government has no right to request that they deny who they are. Obama is coming to Notre Dame in a few weeks and already there is a huge debate over the appropriateness of that. What would Notre Dame do if Obama ask that a large drape cover "Touchdown Jesus"?
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Q.E.D.
Hillary Clinton, the person who easily might have been our Commander-in-Chief, said recently that the piracy problem requires 21th Century solutions. WRONG!
The piracy problem requires 18th century solutions. Thomas Jefferson, who hated war and preferred diplomacy had the right idea. Jefferson sent his navy and destroyed them.
Liberals like to say that piracy is a criminal offence and is more a law enforcement issue than a terrorist matter. This is the sort of fuzzy logic that always results in a bad outcome.
Here is my simple and cheap solution to 21th Century piracy:
1. Equip all merchant ships who travel in dangerous waters with 4 to 6 heavy machine guns. Train the crew on their use.
2. Issue a world-wide edict that henceforth, any unidentified watercraft that comes with 200 yards of a merchant ship will receive warning shots and if they don’t turn around immediately, they will be blasted out of the water. No apology, no negotiations, no seeking approval from the United Nations. Those who engage in piracy on the high seas have forfeited any "rights" and are to be considered rogue humanoids and enemies of humanity.
3. Identify and destroy all bases giving safe harbor to pirates. We pretty much know where they are.
The "piracy problem" will end in short order.
All the talk about maritime treaties or laws forbidding the use of weapons on merchant ships for self-defense is hogwash. Any civilian casualties will be considered unfortunate victims of terrorism. We cannot negotiate with terrorists. If the suggested measures are taken, there will be very few, if any, further civilian casualties to worry about.
Q.E.D.
The piracy problem requires 18th century solutions. Thomas Jefferson, who hated war and preferred diplomacy had the right idea. Jefferson sent his navy and destroyed them.
Liberals like to say that piracy is a criminal offence and is more a law enforcement issue than a terrorist matter. This is the sort of fuzzy logic that always results in a bad outcome.
Here is my simple and cheap solution to 21th Century piracy:
1. Equip all merchant ships who travel in dangerous waters with 4 to 6 heavy machine guns. Train the crew on their use.
2. Issue a world-wide edict that henceforth, any unidentified watercraft that comes with 200 yards of a merchant ship will receive warning shots and if they don’t turn around immediately, they will be blasted out of the water. No apology, no negotiations, no seeking approval from the United Nations. Those who engage in piracy on the high seas have forfeited any "rights" and are to be considered rogue humanoids and enemies of humanity.
3. Identify and destroy all bases giving safe harbor to pirates. We pretty much know where they are.
The "piracy problem" will end in short order.
All the talk about maritime treaties or laws forbidding the use of weapons on merchant ships for self-defense is hogwash. Any civilian casualties will be considered unfortunate victims of terrorism. We cannot negotiate with terrorists. If the suggested measures are taken, there will be very few, if any, further civilian casualties to worry about.
Q.E.D.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Oh my!
Just 53% Say Capitalism Better Than Socialism
According to the latest Rasmussen poll, only 53% of American adults believe capitalism is better than socialism. Adults over 40 strongly favor capitalism, and just 13% of those older Americans believe socialism is better.
This is what we may expect when our nation's youth are not instructed in basic US history, civics, and economics. But perhaps it doesn't make any difference considering the liberal worldview of the teachers. If you want your kids to learn anything, better home school, enroll them in private schools, or at least fill in the gaps in their education at home. Don't expect them to learn the basics in public schools or in most colleges. When the older citizens are gone, we will be another France. Oh my!
According to the latest Rasmussen poll, only 53% of American adults believe capitalism is better than socialism. Adults over 40 strongly favor capitalism, and just 13% of those older Americans believe socialism is better.
This is what we may expect when our nation's youth are not instructed in basic US history, civics, and economics. But perhaps it doesn't make any difference considering the liberal worldview of the teachers. If you want your kids to learn anything, better home school, enroll them in private schools, or at least fill in the gaps in their education at home. Don't expect them to learn the basics in public schools or in most colleges. When the older citizens are gone, we will be another France. Oh my!
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Multiple Choice Question
What was Former President-Elect Obama REALLY doing as he met the King of Saudi Arabia?
1. Checking out the King's $800 Italian shoes
2. Picking up a lost contact lens.
3. Admiring the priceless Persian rug
4. Experiencing an explosive hiccup.
5. Discretely adjusting his underwear from the wedgie one of the King's wives playfully had just given him.
6. Looking for his teleprompter back-up notes.
7. Bowing to a fellow Muslim head of state.
1. Checking out the King's $800 Italian shoes
2. Picking up a lost contact lens.
3. Admiring the priceless Persian rug
4. Experiencing an explosive hiccup.
5. Discretely adjusting his underwear from the wedgie one of the King's wives playfully had just given him.
6. Looking for his teleprompter back-up notes.
7. Bowing to a fellow Muslim head of state.
Get out the vote
Schumer: States Must Help the Poor to Vote
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
WASHINGTON —A Senate chairman on Tuesday urged Attorney General Eric Holder to sue any states that aren't helping needy citizens to register to vote.Federal laws call for state agencies to try to register people to vote when they are distributing aid, such as food stamps and unemployment benefits.Senator Schumer stated that it was his party's goal to register as many government-dependent voters as possible in an ongoing effort to expand and maintain a permanent majority in Congress.
Furthermore, Schumer said he was prepared to introduce new legislation that would require these new eligible voters to actually vote in addition to registering. "We are prepared to reduce government benefits to those on welfare who do not show up at the polls. We are serious about bringing everyone into the electorial process. We are in the process of cross-matching all welfare recipients with voter sign-in records. Those on welfare who don't bother to vote will see their benefits reduced along with those who dare register as Republicans."
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
WASHINGTON —A Senate chairman on Tuesday urged Attorney General Eric Holder to sue any states that aren't helping needy citizens to register to vote.Federal laws call for state agencies to try to register people to vote when they are distributing aid, such as food stamps and unemployment benefits.Senator Schumer stated that it was his party's goal to register as many government-dependent voters as possible in an ongoing effort to expand and maintain a permanent majority in Congress.
Furthermore, Schumer said he was prepared to introduce new legislation that would require these new eligible voters to actually vote in addition to registering. "We are prepared to reduce government benefits to those on welfare who do not show up at the polls. We are serious about bringing everyone into the electorial process. We are in the process of cross-matching all welfare recipients with voter sign-in records. Those on welfare who don't bother to vote will see their benefits reduced along with those who dare register as Republicans."
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Honorary Degree
Honorary Degree
Goshen, Indiana
AP
Officials at Goshen College have confirmed reports today that President Barack Obama will travel to this economically-stressed community in northern Indiana immediately after his address at the University of Notre Dame next month. He will receive an honorary Doctor of Pacifism degree in appreciation of his recent speech where he promised to "rid the world of all nuclear weapons" by the end of his first term. When asked by reporters if he was concerned that the United States would be vulnerable to attack or blackmail by other nuclear-powered nations should the US have no nuclear deterrent, he said he would be happy to answer that question next week when his teleprompter would be updated with appropriate answers.
President Obama did mention that due to the growing criticism of his appearance at Notre Dame because of the Catholic Church's opposition to abortion, he was looking forward to traveling down the road to Goshen for another degree that would be in a more accepting environment. Unilateral disarmament is universally approved at Goshen College.
In addition, his combining trips would make the environmentalists happy as this would reduce his carbon footprint. Negotiations are underway between Goshen College and the Secret Service regarding the prohibition of guns on the pacifist campus. A compromise is likely where the President's personal bodyguard will be allowed to carry starter pistols that can only fire blanks while on campus. But they will not be allowed to point them at anyone least they become frightened but will be allowed to shoot the blanks into the air in hopes the noise would frighten off any potential threat.
Goshen, Indiana
AP
Officials at Goshen College have confirmed reports today that President Barack Obama will travel to this economically-stressed community in northern Indiana immediately after his address at the University of Notre Dame next month. He will receive an honorary Doctor of Pacifism degree in appreciation of his recent speech where he promised to "rid the world of all nuclear weapons" by the end of his first term. When asked by reporters if he was concerned that the United States would be vulnerable to attack or blackmail by other nuclear-powered nations should the US have no nuclear deterrent, he said he would be happy to answer that question next week when his teleprompter would be updated with appropriate answers.
President Obama did mention that due to the growing criticism of his appearance at Notre Dame because of the Catholic Church's opposition to abortion, he was looking forward to traveling down the road to Goshen for another degree that would be in a more accepting environment. Unilateral disarmament is universally approved at Goshen College.
In addition, his combining trips would make the environmentalists happy as this would reduce his carbon footprint. Negotiations are underway between Goshen College and the Secret Service regarding the prohibition of guns on the pacifist campus. A compromise is likely where the President's personal bodyguard will be allowed to carry starter pistols that can only fire blanks while on campus. But they will not be allowed to point them at anyone least they become frightened but will be allowed to shoot the blanks into the air in hopes the noise would frighten off any potential threat.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
The Boy Scout Law
The world would be a far better place if everyone subscribed to and lived by the values as set forth by the Boy Scout Law. I am proud to have been a Boy Scout. To all who have sons, encourage them to be a Boy Scout. Today, more than ever, we need more boys who benefit from scouting.
THE BOY SCOUT LAW
A Scout is Trustworthy.
A Scout tells the truth. He is honest, and he keeps his promises. People can depend on him.
A Scout is Loyal.
A Scout is true to his family, friends, Scout leaders, school, and nation.
A Scout is Helpful.
A Scout cares about other people. He willingly volunteers to help others without expecting payment or reward.
A Scout is Friendly.
A Scout is a friend to all. He is a brother to other Scouts. He offers his friendship to people of all races and nations, and respects them even if their beliefs and customs are different from his own.
A Scout is Courteous.
A Scout is polite to everyone regardless of age or position. He knows that using good manners makes it easier for people to get along.
A Scout is Kind.
A Scout knows there is strength in being gentle. He treats others as he wants to be treated. Without good reason, he does not harm or kill any living thing.
A Scout is Obedient.
A Scout follows the rules of his family, school, and troop. He obeys the laws of his community and country. If he thinks these rules and laws are unfair, he tries to have them changed in an orderly manner rather than disobeying them.
A Scout is Cheerful.
A Scout looks for the bright side of life. He cheerfully does tasks that come his way. He tries to make others happy.
A Scout is Thrifty.
A Scout works to pay his own way and to help others. He saves for the future. He protects and conserves natural resources. He carefully uses time and property.
A Scout is Brave.
A Scout can face danger although he is afraid. He has the courage to stand for what he thinks is right even if others laugh at him or threaten him.
A Scout is Clean.
A Scout keeps his body and mind fit and clean. He chooses the company of those who live by high standards. He helps keep his home and community clean.
A Scout is Reverent.
A Scout is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties. He respects the beliefs of others.
THE BOY SCOUT LAW
A Scout is Trustworthy.
A Scout tells the truth. He is honest, and he keeps his promises. People can depend on him.
A Scout is Loyal.
A Scout is true to his family, friends, Scout leaders, school, and nation.
A Scout is Helpful.
A Scout cares about other people. He willingly volunteers to help others without expecting payment or reward.
A Scout is Friendly.
A Scout is a friend to all. He is a brother to other Scouts. He offers his friendship to people of all races and nations, and respects them even if their beliefs and customs are different from his own.
A Scout is Courteous.
A Scout is polite to everyone regardless of age or position. He knows that using good manners makes it easier for people to get along.
A Scout is Kind.
A Scout knows there is strength in being gentle. He treats others as he wants to be treated. Without good reason, he does not harm or kill any living thing.
A Scout is Obedient.
A Scout follows the rules of his family, school, and troop. He obeys the laws of his community and country. If he thinks these rules and laws are unfair, he tries to have them changed in an orderly manner rather than disobeying them.
A Scout is Cheerful.
A Scout looks for the bright side of life. He cheerfully does tasks that come his way. He tries to make others happy.
A Scout is Thrifty.
A Scout works to pay his own way and to help others. He saves for the future. He protects and conserves natural resources. He carefully uses time and property.
A Scout is Brave.
A Scout can face danger although he is afraid. He has the courage to stand for what he thinks is right even if others laugh at him or threaten him.
A Scout is Clean.
A Scout keeps his body and mind fit and clean. He chooses the company of those who live by high standards. He helps keep his home and community clean.
A Scout is Reverent.
A Scout is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties. He respects the beliefs of others.
Fair ?
Two natives live on a small island in the South Pacific. One has ten coconuts and the other only has two.Is that fair? Wouldn't it be more fair to take four coconuts from the one with ten and give them to the one with two? But there are many coconut trees on the island and plenty of coconuts for anyone willing to climb a tree.
Now what's fair? America is still a land of incredible opportunity. There is plenty of opportunity here for anybody to make a good life for themselves -- even despite physical disabilities, past discrimination, gender, age, or sexual preferences. There are too many examples of people with "handicaps" such as these who have made it here in this country. If you want more coconuts, go climb a tree.
Now what's fair? America is still a land of incredible opportunity. There is plenty of opportunity here for anybody to make a good life for themselves -- even despite physical disabilities, past discrimination, gender, age, or sexual preferences. There are too many examples of people with "handicaps" such as these who have made it here in this country. If you want more coconuts, go climb a tree.
Friday, April 3, 2009
What a Deal
Some guy I don't even know buys a car. He gets laid off and his car breaks. The auto manufacturer pays his car payments. The government pays to fix his car.
Or does it work this way?
The auto manufacturer is broke. The auto manufacturer has no money to pay for anything. The auto manufacturer gets the money to make this guy's car payments from a government bail-out (from the tax payer - that is me). The government guarantees the warranty so is paying to fix this guy's car with tax payer money - that is me. I am buying this guy's car and keeping it running for him.
Why not. I owe him a home, why not a car?
Or does it work this way?
The auto manufacturer is broke. The auto manufacturer has no money to pay for anything. The auto manufacturer gets the money to make this guy's car payments from a government bail-out (from the tax payer - that is me). The government guarantees the warranty so is paying to fix this guy's car with tax payer money - that is me. I am buying this guy's car and keeping it running for him.
Why not. I owe him a home, why not a car?
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