In his 1935 State of the Union Address, FDR spoke to a nation mired in the Depression, but still marinated in conservative values: "Continued dependence" upon welfare, said FDR, "induces a spiritual disintegration fundamentally destructive to the national fiber. To dole our relief in this way is to administer a narcotic, a subtle destroyer of the human spirit."
Behind FDR's statement was the conviction that, while the government must step in in an emergency, in normal times, men provide the food, clothing and shelter for their families.
And we did, until the war pulled us out of the Depression and a postwar boom made us, in John K. Galbraith's phrase, The Affluent Society. By the 1960s, America, the richest country on earth, was growing ever more prosperous. But with the 1964 landslide of LBJ, liberalism triumphed and began its great experiment. Behind the Great Society was a great idea: to lift America's poor out of poverty, government should now take care of all their basic needs. By giving the poor welfare, subsidized food, public housing and free medical care, government will end poverty in America.
At the Superdome and New Orleans Convention Center, we saw the failure of 40 years of the Great Society. No sooner had Katrina passed by and the 17th Street levee broke than hundreds of young men who should have taken charge in helping the aged, the sick and the women with babies to safety took to the streets to shoot, loot and rape. The New Orleans police, their numbers cut by deserters who left their posts to look after their families, engaged in running gun battles all day long to stay alive and protect people.
It was the character and conduct of its people that makes the New Orleans disaster unique. After a hurricane, people's needs are simple: food, water, shelter, medical attention. But they can be hard to meet. People buried in rubble or hiding in attics of flooded homes are tough to get to. But, even with the incompetence of the mayor and governor, and the torpor of federal officials, this was possible.
Coast Guard helicopters were operating Tuesday. There were roads open into the city for SUVs, buses and trucks. While New Orleans was flooded, the water was stagnant. People walked through to the convention center and Superdome. The flimsiest boat could navigate. Even if government dithered for days -- what else is new -- this does not explain the failure of the people themselves.
Between 1865 and 1940, the South -- having lost a fourth of its best and bravest in battle, devastated by war, mired in poverty -- was famous for the hardy self-reliance of her people, black and white.
In 1940, hundreds of British fishermen and yachtsmen sailed back and forth daily under fire across a turbulent 23-mile Channel to rescue 300,000 soldiers from Dunkirk. How do we explain to the world that a tenth that number of Americans could not be reached in four days from across a stagnant pond?
The real disaster of Katrina was that society broke down. An entire community could not cope. Liberalism, the idea that good intentions and government programs can build a Great Society, was exposed as fraud. After trillions of tax dollars (6.5 trillion to be exact--that's million with 6 more zeroes) for welfare, food stamps, public housing, job training and education have poured out since 1965, poverty remains pandemic. But today, when the police vanish, the community disappears and men take to the streets to prey on women and the weak.
Stranded for days in a pool of fetid water, almost everyone waited for the government to come save them. They screamed into the cameras for help, and the reporters screamed into the cameras for help, and the "civil rights leaders" screamed into the cameras that Bush was responsible and Bush was a racist.
Americans were once famous for taking the initiative, for having young leaders rise up to take command in a crisis. See any of that at the Superdome? Sri Lankans and Indonesians, far poorer than we, did not behave like this in a tsunami that took 400 times as many lives as Katrina has thus far.
We are the descendants of men and women who braved the North Atlantic in wooden boats to build a country in a strange land. Our ancestors traveled thousands of miles in covered wagons, fighting off Indians far braver than those cowards preying on New Orleans' poor.
Watching that performance in the Crescent City, it seems clear: We are not the people our parents were. And what are all our Lords Temporal now howling for? Though government failed at every level, they want more government.
FDR was right. A "spiritual disintegration" has overtaken us. Government-as-first provider, the big idea of the Great Society, has proven to be "a narcotic, a subtle destroyer of the human spirit."
Either we get off this narcotic, or it kills us.
Author Unknown
Thursday, November 03, 2005
How President Bush should have said it....
Citizens of the United States, I want to offer my sincerest apologies for the nature of the federal response to the hurricane Katrina disaster. My administration and I have completely failed to predict how stupid and inept the local and state government was in Louisiana. Frankly, I expected a response more along the lines of that from Mississippi, in which the locals were able to support themselves for a few days until we brought in the cavalry. However, it is clear that the state and local government leaders in Louisiana are incapable of such self reliance and emergency planning. So, as Harry Truman said, the buck stops here and I take complete responsibility for failing to recognize that we were dealing with idiots in Louisiana, people who cannot manage their own state. I am embarrassed to admit this, because after all, a simple review of the state's history and position should be more than enough to demonstrate that these people are absolute morons that need to be completely supported from day one. Sometimes I am not very good at seeing the obvious.
I should have predicted that the local government would release the criminals being held in prison into the general population instead of evacuating them. Likewise, I failed to predict that Louisiana citizens would begin shooting at and attacking the very people who were trying to help them. Along a similar vein, I should have recognized that we would need to move the people along with the wide screen televisions, clothes and other items they had stolen from local stores. Many people were heard screaming "I just stole this and now you want me to leave it behind!" I frankly cannot believe that I failed to predict such activity in and around New Orleans.
Also, I should have recognized that the federal plan would be too complicated for Governor Blanco. My failure to "dumb down" the proposal, my failure to recognize my audience, likely resulted in the loss of hundreds of lives. The extra 24 hours she needed to understand the plan was critical, I should have predicted that she was too stupid to be able to make an executive decision in short order. (Said tearfully) Had I only offered a simpler minded plan, more people would have survived.
Likewise, I want to apologize for buckling under pressure from democrats to limit what they called pork barrel spending. When Senator Kennedy publicly criticized my spending bill, asking me to reduce the federal spending on local projects in New Orleans, I caved in and reduced expenditures on the levee system that would have strengthened it to a point of being able to withstand the forces of a category four storm. I will never know if my spineless response to Senator Kennedy's harassment was instrumental in the failure of the levee system.
However, I can assure the American people that I have learned a valuable lesson. I will no longer allow the ineptness of local and state governments to circle around and cause hardship for the local citizenry. I will step in sooner to save them from their stupidity. I am frankly accustomed to being in a room with people who are smarter than me. I have little experience working with people who are even less intelligent than I am.
All I can hope is that the American people forgive me my shortcomings.
Author Unknown
I should have predicted that the local government would release the criminals being held in prison into the general population instead of evacuating them. Likewise, I failed to predict that Louisiana citizens would begin shooting at and attacking the very people who were trying to help them. Along a similar vein, I should have recognized that we would need to move the people along with the wide screen televisions, clothes and other items they had stolen from local stores. Many people were heard screaming "I just stole this and now you want me to leave it behind!" I frankly cannot believe that I failed to predict such activity in and around New Orleans.
Also, I should have recognized that the federal plan would be too complicated for Governor Blanco. My failure to "dumb down" the proposal, my failure to recognize my audience, likely resulted in the loss of hundreds of lives. The extra 24 hours she needed to understand the plan was critical, I should have predicted that she was too stupid to be able to make an executive decision in short order. (Said tearfully) Had I only offered a simpler minded plan, more people would have survived.
Likewise, I want to apologize for buckling under pressure from democrats to limit what they called pork barrel spending. When Senator Kennedy publicly criticized my spending bill, asking me to reduce the federal spending on local projects in New Orleans, I caved in and reduced expenditures on the levee system that would have strengthened it to a point of being able to withstand the forces of a category four storm. I will never know if my spineless response to Senator Kennedy's harassment was instrumental in the failure of the levee system.
However, I can assure the American people that I have learned a valuable lesson. I will no longer allow the ineptness of local and state governments to circle around and cause hardship for the local citizenry. I will step in sooner to save them from their stupidity. I am frankly accustomed to being in a room with people who are smarter than me. I have little experience working with people who are even less intelligent than I am.
All I can hope is that the American people forgive me my shortcomings.
Author Unknown
Friday, September 23, 2005
Tuesday, September 20, 2005
Things I Have Learned From Katrina
The hurricane only hit black families' property.
New Orleans was devastated and no other city was affected by the hurricane.
Mississippi is reported to have a tree blown down.
New Orleans has no white people.
The hurricane blew a limb off a tree in the yard of an Alabama resident.
When you are hungry after a hurricane, steal a big screen TV.
The hurricane did 23 billion dollars in improvements to New Orleans. Now the city is welfare, looters and gang free and they are in your city.
White folks don't make good news stories.
Don't give thanks to the thousands that came to help rescue you, Instead bitch because the government hasn't given you a debit card yet.
Only black family members got separated in the hurricane rescue efforts.
Ignore warnings to evacuate and the white folks will come get you and give you money for being stupid.
New Orleans was devastated and no other city was affected by the hurricane.
Mississippi is reported to have a tree blown down.
New Orleans has no white people.
The hurricane blew a limb off a tree in the yard of an Alabama resident.
When you are hungry after a hurricane, steal a big screen TV.
The hurricane did 23 billion dollars in improvements to New Orleans. Now the city is welfare, looters and gang free and they are in your city.
White folks don't make good news stories.
Don't give thanks to the thousands that came to help rescue you, Instead bitch because the government hasn't given you a debit card yet.
Only black family members got separated in the hurricane rescue efforts.
Ignore warnings to evacuate and the white folks will come get you and give you money for being stupid.
Monday, September 19, 2005
8th Grade Final Exam: Salina, KS -1895
Grammar (Time, one hour)
1. Give nine rules for the use of capital letters.
2. Name the parts of speech and define those that have no modifications.
3. Define verse, stanza and paragraph
4. What are the principal parts of a verb? Give principal parts of"lie,""play," and "run."
5. Define case; Illustrate each case.
6. What is punctuation? Give rules for principal marks of punctuation.
7 - 10. Write a composition of about 150 words and show therein that you understand the practical use of the rules of grammar.
Arithmetic (Time, 1.25 hours)
1. Name and define the Fundamental Rules of Arithmetic.
2. A wagon box is 2 ft. deep, 10 feet long, and 3 ft. wide. How many bushels of wheat will it hold?
3. If a load of wheat weighs 3942 lbs., what is it worth at 50cts/bushel, deducting 1050 lbs. for tare?
4. District No. 33 has a valuation of $35,000. What is the necessary levy to carry on a school seven months at $50 per month, and have $104 for incidentals?
5. Find the cost of 6720 lbs. coal at $6.00 per ton.
6. Find the interest of $512.60 for 8 months and 18 days at 7 percent.
7. What is the cost of 40 boards 12 inches wide and 16 ft. long at $20 per metre?
8. Find bank discount on $300 for 90 days (no grace) at 10 percent.
9. What is the cost of a square farm at $15 per acre, the distance of which is 640 rods?
10. Write a Bank Check, a Promissory Note, and a Receipt.
U.S. History (Time, 45 minutes)
1. Give the epochs into which U.S. History is divided.
2. Give an account of the discovery of America by Columbus.
3. Relate the causes and results of the Revolutionary War.
4. Show the territorial growth of the United States.
5. Tell what you can of the history of Kansas.
6. Describe three of the most prominent battles of the Rebellion.
7. Who were the following: Morse, Whitney, Fulton, Bell, Lincoln, Penn, and Howe?
8. Name events connected with the following dates: 1607, 1620, 1800, 1849, 1865.
Orthography (Time, one hour)
1. What is meant by the following: Alphabet, phonetic, orthography, etymology, syllabication
2. What are elementary sounds? How classified?
3. What are the following, and give examples of each: Trigraph, subvocals, diphthong, cognate letters, linguals
4. Give four substitutes for caret 'u.'
5. Give two rules for spelling words with final 'e.' Name two exceptions under each rule.
6. Give two uses of silent letters in spelling. Illustrate each.
7. Define the following prefixes and use in connection with a word: bi, dis, mis, pre, semi, post, non, inter, mono, sup.
8. Mark diacritically and divide into syllables the following, and name the sign that indicates the sound: card, ball, mercy, sir, odd, cell, rise, blood, fare, last.
9. Use the following correctly in sentences: cite, site, sight, fane, fain, feign, vane, vain, vein, raze, raise, rays.
10. Write 10 words frequently mispronounced and indicate pronunciation by use of diacritical marks and by syllabication.
Geography (Time, one hour)
1 What is climate? Upon what does climate depend?
2. How do you account for the extremes of climate in Kansas?
3. Of what use are rivers? Of what use is the ocean?
4. Describe the mountains of North America
5. Name and describe the following: Monrovia, Odessa, Denver, Manitoba, Hecla, Yukon, St. Helena, Juan Fernandez, Aspinwall and Orinoco.
6. Name and locate the principal trade centers of the U.S.
7. Name all the republics of Europe and give the capital of each.
8. Why is the Atlantic Coast colder than the Pacific in the same latitude?
9. Describe the process by which the water of the ocean returns to the sources of rivers.
10. Describe the movements of the earth. Give the inclination of the earth.
1. Give nine rules for the use of capital letters.
2. Name the parts of speech and define those that have no modifications.
3. Define verse, stanza and paragraph
4. What are the principal parts of a verb? Give principal parts of"lie,""play," and "run."
5. Define case; Illustrate each case.
6. What is punctuation? Give rules for principal marks of punctuation.
7 - 10. Write a composition of about 150 words and show therein that you understand the practical use of the rules of grammar.
Arithmetic (Time, 1.25 hours)
1. Name and define the Fundamental Rules of Arithmetic.
2. A wagon box is 2 ft. deep, 10 feet long, and 3 ft. wide. How many bushels of wheat will it hold?
3. If a load of wheat weighs 3942 lbs., what is it worth at 50cts/bushel, deducting 1050 lbs. for tare?
4. District No. 33 has a valuation of $35,000. What is the necessary levy to carry on a school seven months at $50 per month, and have $104 for incidentals?
5. Find the cost of 6720 lbs. coal at $6.00 per ton.
6. Find the interest of $512.60 for 8 months and 18 days at 7 percent.
7. What is the cost of 40 boards 12 inches wide and 16 ft. long at $20 per metre?
8. Find bank discount on $300 for 90 days (no grace) at 10 percent.
9. What is the cost of a square farm at $15 per acre, the distance of which is 640 rods?
10. Write a Bank Check, a Promissory Note, and a Receipt.
U.S. History (Time, 45 minutes)
1. Give the epochs into which U.S. History is divided.
2. Give an account of the discovery of America by Columbus.
3. Relate the causes and results of the Revolutionary War.
4. Show the territorial growth of the United States.
5. Tell what you can of the history of Kansas.
6. Describe three of the most prominent battles of the Rebellion.
7. Who were the following: Morse, Whitney, Fulton, Bell, Lincoln, Penn, and Howe?
8. Name events connected with the following dates: 1607, 1620, 1800, 1849, 1865.
Orthography (Time, one hour)
1. What is meant by the following: Alphabet, phonetic, orthography, etymology, syllabication
2. What are elementary sounds? How classified?
3. What are the following, and give examples of each: Trigraph, subvocals, diphthong, cognate letters, linguals
4. Give four substitutes for caret 'u.'
5. Give two rules for spelling words with final 'e.' Name two exceptions under each rule.
6. Give two uses of silent letters in spelling. Illustrate each.
7. Define the following prefixes and use in connection with a word: bi, dis, mis, pre, semi, post, non, inter, mono, sup.
8. Mark diacritically and divide into syllables the following, and name the sign that indicates the sound: card, ball, mercy, sir, odd, cell, rise, blood, fare, last.
9. Use the following correctly in sentences: cite, site, sight, fane, fain, feign, vane, vain, vein, raze, raise, rays.
10. Write 10 words frequently mispronounced and indicate pronunciation by use of diacritical marks and by syllabication.
Geography (Time, one hour)
1 What is climate? Upon what does climate depend?
2. How do you account for the extremes of climate in Kansas?
3. Of what use are rivers? Of what use is the ocean?
4. Describe the mountains of North America
5. Name and describe the following: Monrovia, Odessa, Denver, Manitoba, Hecla, Yukon, St. Helena, Juan Fernandez, Aspinwall and Orinoco.
6. Name and locate the principal trade centers of the U.S.
7. Name all the republics of Europe and give the capital of each.
8. Why is the Atlantic Coast colder than the Pacific in the same latitude?
9. Describe the process by which the water of the ocean returns to the sources of rivers.
10. Describe the movements of the earth. Give the inclination of the earth.
Friday, September 09, 2005
NEWS From The year 2029
* Ozone created by electric cars now killing millions in the seventh largest country in the world, Mexifornia formally known as California.
* Spotted Owl plague threatens northwestern United States crops and livestock.
* Baby conceived naturally . . . scientists stumped.
* Last remaining Fundamentalist Muslim dies in the American Territory of the Middle East (formerly known as Iran, Afghanistan, Syria and Lebanon).
* Iran still closed off; physicists estimate it will take at least 10 more years before radioactivity decreases to safe levels.
* France pleads for global help after being over taken by Jamaica.
* Castro finally dies at age 112; Cuban cigars can now be imported legally, but President Chelsea Clinton has banned all smoking .
* George Z. Bush says he will run for President in 2036.
* Postal Service raises price of first class stamp to $17.89 and reduces mail delivery to Wednesdays only.
* 85-year, $75.8 billion study: Diet and Exercise are the keys to weight loss.
* Average weight of Americans drops to 250 lbs.
* Massachusetts executes last remaining conservative.
* Supreme Court rules punishment of criminals violates their civil rights ..
* Average height of NBA players now nine feet, seven inches.
* New federal law requires that all nail clippers, screwdrivers, fly swatters and rolled-up newspapers must be registered by January 2036.
* Congress authorizes direct deposit of formerly illegal political contributions to campaign accounts.
* IRS sets lowest tax rate at 75 percent ..
* Florida voters still don't know how to use a voting machine.
* Spotted Owl plague threatens northwestern United States crops and livestock.
* Baby conceived naturally . . . scientists stumped.
* Last remaining Fundamentalist Muslim dies in the American Territory of the Middle East (formerly known as Iran, Afghanistan, Syria and Lebanon).
* Iran still closed off; physicists estimate it will take at least 10 more years before radioactivity decreases to safe levels.
* France pleads for global help after being over taken by Jamaica.
* Castro finally dies at age 112; Cuban cigars can now be imported legally, but President Chelsea Clinton has banned all smoking .
* George Z. Bush says he will run for President in 2036.
* Postal Service raises price of first class stamp to $17.89 and reduces mail delivery to Wednesdays only.
* 85-year, $75.8 billion study: Diet and Exercise are the keys to weight loss.
* Average weight of Americans drops to 250 lbs.
* Massachusetts executes last remaining conservative.
* Supreme Court rules punishment of criminals violates their civil rights ..
* Average height of NBA players now nine feet, seven inches.
* New federal law requires that all nail clippers, screwdrivers, fly swatters and rolled-up newspapers must be registered by January 2036.
* Congress authorizes direct deposit of formerly illegal political contributions to campaign accounts.
* IRS sets lowest tax rate at 75 percent ..
* Florida voters still don't know how to use a voting machine.
Thursday, September 01, 2005
New Orleans, City in a Bowl
Am I the only person who is wondering how a city that LIVES BELOW SEA LEVEL; BORDERS ON TWO SIDES the Mississippi River AND Lake Pontchartrain HAS NO PLAN!!!
"We actually live in a bowl. We live underwater," said Frank Hijuelos, director of New Orleans Office of Emergency Preparedness.
New Orleans Vulnerable City
New Orleans Evacuation Slows as Shooting, Chaos Erupts
"We actually live in a bowl. We live underwater," said Frank Hijuelos, director of New Orleans Office of Emergency Preparedness.
New Orleans Vulnerable City
New Orleans Evacuation Slows as Shooting, Chaos Erupts
A Belated Plan for Peace
A lot of people are yelling for peace but I haven't heard of a plan for peace, so, here's a plan.
1. The U.S. will apologize to the world for our "interference" in their affairs, past & present. You know, Hitler, Mussolini, Tojo, Noriega, Milosovich and the rest of those 'good ole boys.' We will never "interfere" again.
2. We'll withdraw our troops from all over the world, starting with Germany, South Korea and the Philippines. They don't want us there. We would station troops at our borders. No one sneaking through holes in the fence.
3. All illegal aliens have 90 days to get their affairs together and leave. We'll give them a free trip home. After 90 days the remainder will be gathered up and deported immediately, regardless of who or where they are. France would welcome them.
4. All future visitors will be thoroughly checked and limited to 90 days unless given a special permit. No one from a terrorist nation would be allowed in. If you don't like it there, change it yourself and don't hide here. Asylum would never be available to anyone. We don't need any more cab drivers or 7-11 cashiers.
5. No "students" over age 21. The older ones are the bombers. If they don't attend classes, they get a "D" and it's back home.
6. The U.S. will make a strong effort to become self-sufficient energy wise. This will include developing nonpolluting sources of energy but will require a temporary drilling of oil in the Alaskan wilderness. The caribou will have to cope for a while.
7. Offer Saudi Arabia and other oil producing countries $10 a barrel for their oil. If they don't like it, we go some place else. They can go somewhere else to sell their production. (About a week of the wells filling up the storage sites would be enough.)
8. If there is a famine or other natural catastrophe in the world, we won't "interfere." They can pray to Allah or whomever, for seeds, rain, cement or whatever they need. Besides most of what we give them is stolen or given to the army. The people who need it most get very little, if anything.
9. Ship the UN Headquarters to an isolated island some place. We don't need the spies and fair weather friends here. Besides, the building would make a good homeless shelter or lockup for illegal aliens.
10. All Americans must go to charm and beauty school. That way, no one can call us "Ugly Americans" any longer. The Language we speak is ENGLISH.....learn it...or LEAVE...
"The Statue of Liberty is no longer saying 'Give me your poor, your tired, your huddled masses.' She's got a baseball bat and she's yelling, 'You want a piece of me?'
1. The U.S. will apologize to the world for our "interference" in their affairs, past & present. You know, Hitler, Mussolini, Tojo, Noriega, Milosovich and the rest of those 'good ole boys.' We will never "interfere" again.
2. We'll withdraw our troops from all over the world, starting with Germany, South Korea and the Philippines. They don't want us there. We would station troops at our borders. No one sneaking through holes in the fence.
3. All illegal aliens have 90 days to get their affairs together and leave. We'll give them a free trip home. After 90 days the remainder will be gathered up and deported immediately, regardless of who or where they are. France would welcome them.
4. All future visitors will be thoroughly checked and limited to 90 days unless given a special permit. No one from a terrorist nation would be allowed in. If you don't like it there, change it yourself and don't hide here. Asylum would never be available to anyone. We don't need any more cab drivers or 7-11 cashiers.
5. No "students" over age 21. The older ones are the bombers. If they don't attend classes, they get a "D" and it's back home.
6. The U.S. will make a strong effort to become self-sufficient energy wise. This will include developing nonpolluting sources of energy but will require a temporary drilling of oil in the Alaskan wilderness. The caribou will have to cope for a while.
7. Offer Saudi Arabia and other oil producing countries $10 a barrel for their oil. If they don't like it, we go some place else. They can go somewhere else to sell their production. (About a week of the wells filling up the storage sites would be enough.)
8. If there is a famine or other natural catastrophe in the world, we won't "interfere." They can pray to Allah or whomever, for seeds, rain, cement or whatever they need. Besides most of what we give them is stolen or given to the army. The people who need it most get very little, if anything.
9. Ship the UN Headquarters to an isolated island some place. We don't need the spies and fair weather friends here. Besides, the building would make a good homeless shelter or lockup for illegal aliens.
10. All Americans must go to charm and beauty school. That way, no one can call us "Ugly Americans" any longer. The Language we speak is ENGLISH.....learn it...or LEAVE...
"The Statue of Liberty is no longer saying 'Give me your poor, your tired, your huddled masses.' She's got a baseball bat and she's yelling, 'You want a piece of me?'
Proposed Presidential Speech
I have no idea who wrote the following but we can be sure it wasn't "W".
My Fellow Americans: As you all know, the defeat of Iraq regime has been completed.
Since congress does not want to spend any more money on this war, our mission in Iraq is complete.
This morning I gave the order for a complete removal of all American forces from Iraq. This action will be complete within 30 days. It is now time to begin the reckoning.
Before me, I have two lists. One list contains the names of countries which have stood by our side during the Iraq conflict. This list is short. The United Kingdom, Spain, Bulgaria, Australia, and Poland are some of the countries listed there.
The other list contains everyone not on the first list. Most of the world's nations are on that list. My press secretary will be distributing copies of both lists later this evening.
Let me start by saying that effective immediately, foreign aid to those nations on List 2 ceases immediately and indefinitely. The money saved during the first year alone will pretty much pay for the costs of the Iraqi war.
The American people are no longer going to pour money into third world Hell-holes and watch those government leaders grow fat on corruption.
Need help with a famine? Wrestling with an epidemic? Call France.
In the future, together with Congress, I will work to redirect this money toward solving the vexing social problems we still have at home. On that note, a word to terrorist organizations. Screw with us and we will hunt you down and eliminate you and all your friends from the face of the earth.
Thirsting for a gutsy country to terrorize? Try France, or maybe China..
I am ordering the immediate severing of diplomatic relations with France, Germany, and Russia. Thanks for all your help, comrades. We are retiring from NATO as well. Bon chance, mes amis.
I have instructed the Mayor of New York City to begin towing the many UN diplomatic vehicles located in Manhattan with more than two unpaid parking tickets to sites where those vehicles will be stripped, shredded and crushed. I don't care about whatever treaty pertains to this. You creeps have tens of thousands of unpaid tickets. Pay those tickets tomorrow or watch your precious Benzes, Beamers and limos be turned over to some of the finest chop shops in the world. I love New York.
A special note to our neighbors. Canada is on List 2. Since we are likely to be seeing a lot more of each other, you folks might want to try not pissing us off for a change.
Mexico is also on List 2. President Fox and his entire corrupt government really need an attitude adjustment. I will have a couple extra tanks and infantry divisions sitting around. Guess where I am going to put, em? Yep, border security. So start doing something with your oil.
Oh, by the way, the United States is abrogating the NAFTA treaty - starting now.
We are tired of the one-way highway. Immediately, we'll be drilling for oil in Alaska - which will take care of this country's oil needs for decades to come. If you're an environmentalist who opposes this decision, I refer you to List 2 above: pick a country and move there.
They care.
It is time for America to focus on its own welfare and its own citizens. Some will accuse us of isolationism. I answer them by saying, "darn tootin."
Nearly a century of trying to help folks live a decent life around the world has only earned us the undying enmity of just about everyone on the planet. It is time to eliminate hunger in America. It is time to eliminate homelessness in America. It is time to eliminate World Cup Soccer from America.
To the nations on List 1, a final thought. Thanks guys. We owe you and we won't forget.
To the nations on List 2, a final thought: You might want to learn to speak Arabic.
God bless America. Thank you and good night.
If you can read this, thank a teacher. If you are reading it in English,
thank a soldier.
My Fellow Americans: As you all know, the defeat of Iraq regime has been completed.
Since congress does not want to spend any more money on this war, our mission in Iraq is complete.
This morning I gave the order for a complete removal of all American forces from Iraq. This action will be complete within 30 days. It is now time to begin the reckoning.
Before me, I have two lists. One list contains the names of countries which have stood by our side during the Iraq conflict. This list is short. The United Kingdom, Spain, Bulgaria, Australia, and Poland are some of the countries listed there.
The other list contains everyone not on the first list. Most of the world's nations are on that list. My press secretary will be distributing copies of both lists later this evening.
Let me start by saying that effective immediately, foreign aid to those nations on List 2 ceases immediately and indefinitely. The money saved during the first year alone will pretty much pay for the costs of the Iraqi war.
The American people are no longer going to pour money into third world Hell-holes and watch those government leaders grow fat on corruption.
Need help with a famine? Wrestling with an epidemic? Call France.
In the future, together with Congress, I will work to redirect this money toward solving the vexing social problems we still have at home. On that note, a word to terrorist organizations. Screw with us and we will hunt you down and eliminate you and all your friends from the face of the earth.
Thirsting for a gutsy country to terrorize? Try France, or maybe China..
I am ordering the immediate severing of diplomatic relations with France, Germany, and Russia. Thanks for all your help, comrades. We are retiring from NATO as well. Bon chance, mes amis.
I have instructed the Mayor of New York City to begin towing the many UN diplomatic vehicles located in Manhattan with more than two unpaid parking tickets to sites where those vehicles will be stripped, shredded and crushed. I don't care about whatever treaty pertains to this. You creeps have tens of thousands of unpaid tickets. Pay those tickets tomorrow or watch your precious Benzes, Beamers and limos be turned over to some of the finest chop shops in the world. I love New York.
A special note to our neighbors. Canada is on List 2. Since we are likely to be seeing a lot more of each other, you folks might want to try not pissing us off for a change.
Mexico is also on List 2. President Fox and his entire corrupt government really need an attitude adjustment. I will have a couple extra tanks and infantry divisions sitting around. Guess where I am going to put, em? Yep, border security. So start doing something with your oil.
Oh, by the way, the United States is abrogating the NAFTA treaty - starting now.
We are tired of the one-way highway. Immediately, we'll be drilling for oil in Alaska - which will take care of this country's oil needs for decades to come. If you're an environmentalist who opposes this decision, I refer you to List 2 above: pick a country and move there.
They care.
It is time for America to focus on its own welfare and its own citizens. Some will accuse us of isolationism. I answer them by saying, "darn tootin."
Nearly a century of trying to help folks live a decent life around the world has only earned us the undying enmity of just about everyone on the planet. It is time to eliminate hunger in America. It is time to eliminate homelessness in America. It is time to eliminate World Cup Soccer from America.
To the nations on List 1, a final thought. Thanks guys. We owe you and we won't forget.
To the nations on List 2, a final thought: You might want to learn to speak Arabic.
God bless America. Thank you and good night.
If you can read this, thank a teacher. If you are reading it in English,
thank a soldier.
Monday, August 29, 2005
How About This for Fixing Social Security?
When Social Security was established the age of 65 was the minimum age and it was beyond life expectancy at that time. The government did not expect you to live to the eligibility age.
Choose a time in the future. Let's use age 25 as the age of child bearing. In 2005 a baby is born, in 2030 that baby is 25 and produces offspring. Beginning with those people born in 2030 and beyond the eligibility age is 5 years beyond whatever life expectancy is at that time. That age would be adjusted every 50 years. Beginning in 2055 people with an income, by work or by investment or by inheritance, of $30,000 over the poverty level at that time would not be eligible to receive any income from the Social Security program. That level would be evaluated every 50 years.
Social Security would not be used for any other purposes.
If you don't like those specific ages or amounts pick those you prefer, the principal is the same.
Choose a time in the future. Let's use age 25 as the age of child bearing. In 2005 a baby is born, in 2030 that baby is 25 and produces offspring. Beginning with those people born in 2030 and beyond the eligibility age is 5 years beyond whatever life expectancy is at that time. That age would be adjusted every 50 years. Beginning in 2055 people with an income, by work or by investment or by inheritance, of $30,000 over the poverty level at that time would not be eligible to receive any income from the Social Security program. That level would be evaluated every 50 years.
Social Security would not be used for any other purposes.
If you don't like those specific ages or amounts pick those you prefer, the principal is the same.
What the Constitution Says and Does Not Say
The 1973 Roe v. Wade decision holding that women have a right to choose to have an abortion during the first two trimesters of a pregnancy was based on the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment and the so-called "right of privacy" protected in earlier decisions such as the one that struck down a ban on the use, sale, and distribution of contraceptives. As a constitutional matter Roe v. Wade was absurd. Its trimester-based analysis generally prohibits regulation of abortions in the first trimester, allows regulation for protecting the health of the mother in the second trimester, and allows complete abortion bans after six months, the approximate time a fetus becomes viable.
Although the Constitution does not mention a right of privacy, Supreme Court decisions over the years have established that the right to privacy is a basic human right, and as such is protected by virtue of the 9th Amendment. In addition, it is said that a right of privacy is inherent in many of the amendments in the Bill of Rights, such as: the 3rd Amendment, the 4th amendment, and the 5th Amendment.
The root of the problem is the inherent ignorance of the citizens of the United States of what the Constitution says and does not say. As long as the people remain ignorant their rights will continue to be infringed upon. The Supreme Court has broadened Roe v Wade to include all trimesters.
My guess is you think the Constitution contains statements such as: “separation of church and state”; “trial by a jury of your peers”; that it comments on “marriage”; talks about “judicial review” but it does not. All of those are man-made or shall I say lawyer-made. How about: “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness”, no, the Declaration of Independance; or how about “of the people, by the people, for the people”, no again, Gettsburg Address.
Until the citizens of the United States educate themselves as to the duties and responsibilities of government, President, Congress, Judicial the elite will reign.
Referenced Constitutional Amendments:
3rd Amendment (1791) --- No soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.
4th Amendment (1791) --- The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
5th Amendment (1791) --- No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia, when in actual service in time or war or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.
9th Amendment (1791)--- The enumeration in the Constituion, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
14th Amendment (1868) Process Clause of Section 1 --- No state shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States: nor shall any state deprive any person of life, liberty, or property without due process of law; nor deny any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.
Although the Constitution does not mention a right of privacy, Supreme Court decisions over the years have established that the right to privacy is a basic human right, and as such is protected by virtue of the 9th Amendment. In addition, it is said that a right of privacy is inherent in many of the amendments in the Bill of Rights, such as: the 3rd Amendment, the 4th amendment, and the 5th Amendment.
The root of the problem is the inherent ignorance of the citizens of the United States of what the Constitution says and does not say. As long as the people remain ignorant their rights will continue to be infringed upon. The Supreme Court has broadened Roe v Wade to include all trimesters.
My guess is you think the Constitution contains statements such as: “separation of church and state”; “trial by a jury of your peers”; that it comments on “marriage”; talks about “judicial review” but it does not. All of those are man-made or shall I say lawyer-made. How about: “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness”, no, the Declaration of Independance; or how about “of the people, by the people, for the people”, no again, Gettsburg Address.
Until the citizens of the United States educate themselves as to the duties and responsibilities of government, President, Congress, Judicial the elite will reign.
Referenced Constitutional Amendments:
3rd Amendment (1791) --- No soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.
4th Amendment (1791) --- The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
5th Amendment (1791) --- No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia, when in actual service in time or war or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.
9th Amendment (1791)--- The enumeration in the Constituion, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
14th Amendment (1868) Process Clause of Section 1 --- No state shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States: nor shall any state deprive any person of life, liberty, or property without due process of law; nor deny any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.
Saturday, August 27, 2005
We The People, Need to Wakeup
It is not uncommon for people to think that whenever the military is used, our rights as citizens of a free country are at stake and that is not correct. The last time someone died for our freedoms was during WWII.
The U.S. Constitution, Article 1, Sec. 8(11) states that "Congress shall have the power . . . to declare war." As Alexander Hamilton wrote, the president is commander-in-chief, but he is to fulfill his responsibilities only within the framework established by the Constitution and subject to the control of Congress.
The Constitution assigns the power to declare war exclusively to the legislature. Modern supporters of the doctrine of president-as-Caesar like to remind us that convention delegates changed Congress' authority from "make" to "declare" war, but they did so only to allow the president the authority to respond to a sudden attack. When Pierce Butler, of South Carolina, formally proposed giving the president the power to start war, Elbridge Gerry, of Massachusetts, said that he "never expected to hear in a republic a motion to empower the executive to declare war." Butler's motion was quickly rejected.
The reasoning of the conferees in opposing Butler's measure was simple. Virginia's George Mason explained, the president "is not safely to be entrusted with" the power to decide on war. Mason therefore favored "clogging rather than facilitating war." James Wilson, though an advocate of a strong presidency, observed that the new constitutional system "will not hurry us into war." Instead, "it is calculated to guard against it. It will not be in the power of a single man, or a single body of men, to involve us in such distress." Similarly, Thomas Jefferson wrote: "We have already given . . . one effectual check to the dog of war by transferring the power of letting him loose."
Even Hamilton agreed with Jefferson on this point, which he rarely did, pointing out that the war powers of the president were "in substance much inferior to" that of the British king. And Hamilton supported this result even while backing strong executive power. As he wrote in the Federalist No. 75: The history of human conduct does not warrant that exalted opinion of human virtue which would make it wise in a nation to commit interests of so delicate and momentous a kind, as those which concern its intercourse with the rest of the world, to the sole disposal of a magistrate created and circumstanced as would be a President of the United States.
This fundamental concern of the Constitution's framers — an unwillingness to trust "a single man . . . to involve us in such distress," in Wilson's words — has certainly been validated by American history. The manifold dishonest and secret machinations of this century's presidents, especially the "strong" ones so highly rated by historians, prove how dangerous it is to trust chief executives with minor grants of authority, let alone the power to take the nation into war. If requiring a legislative vote is no guarantee that the public will be protected from unnecessary and bloody national crusades, it does at least force a debate and more easily allow voters to ultimately hold someone responsible for their decisions.
Against this historical record there is no serious disagreement. George Bush, for instance, stated that "I don't think I need it" when asked if congressional approval was necessary before attacking Iraq. Why? "Many attorneys," he said, had "so advised me." He apparently did not bother to read the Constitution himself. Onetime law professor Bill Clinton offered no better justification. When it came to both Bosnia and Haiti in late 1993, Clinton said that he opposed "any attempts to encroach on" his prerogatives. He did, however, echo George Bush in saying that he would "encourage congressional authorization of any military involvement in Bosnia." As for Haiti, he stated last August: "I would welcome the support of the Congress and I hope that I will have that. But like my predecessors in both parties, I have not agreed that I was constitutionally mandated to get it." In short, the president desired a guaranteed affirmative vote. The Constitution, however, does not limit Congress to voting yes.
That the Constitution gives Congress the final decision as to war and peace does not mean that there are no gray areas. But the existence of some unclear cases does not mean that there are no unambiguous instances where congressional approval is required, such as defending South Korea from North Korea, spending a decade warring in Indochina, invading Panama and Haiti, transporting a half-million soldiers to the Middle East to attack Iraq, conquering Haiti, and intervening on Bosnia's side in the Balkans civil war.
What conceivable justification is there for ignoring the Constitution's straightforward requirement in cases such as these? Advocates of expansive executive war power — oddly enough, including those who claim to believe in a jurisprudence of "original intent" — have come up with a number of reasons to give the president virtually unrestrained authority to act. One is that the president has some undefined "foreign affairs power" that apparently overrides the war powers provision. Yet, the Constitution carefully circumscribes the president's authority in foreign affairs in a number of ways — the Senate must approve treaties and ambassadors, for instance. Both the House and Senate regulate commerce with other countries; establish the military; organize the militia; make decisions covering the use of these forces; and oversee the rules of war (by authorizing letters of marquis and reprisal, defining and punishing piracy, and so forth). All told, the constitutional provisions that laid the strongest foundation for a major executive role in foreign policy are more safely explained as a cautious reaction against the defects of exclusive senatorial control of foreign relations than as a bold attempt to convert the noble office of a republican presidency into a vigorous national leader in world affairs.
Note in the following speech the President quickly responds to provide for the common defense as written in the Preamble to the Constitution but asks Congress for a Declaration of War.
Recent Presidents do not know their place and we let them get away with it.
Joint Address to Congress Leading to a Declaration of War Against Japan
December 8, 1941
Mr. Vice President, and Mr. Speaker, and Members of the Senate and House of Representatives:
Yesterday, December 7, 1941 -- a date which will live in infamy -- the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.
The United States was at peace with that Nation and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with its Government and its Emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific. Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in the American Island of Oahu, the Japanese Ambassador to the United States and his colleague delivered to our Secretary of State a formal reply to a recent American message. And while this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or of armed attack.
It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time the Japanese Government has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.
The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian Islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. I regret to tell you that very many American lives have been lost. In addition American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu.
Yesterday the Japanese Government also launched an attack against Malaya.
Last night Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong.
Last night Japanese forces attacked Guam.
Last night Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands.
Last night the Japanese attacked Wake Island.
And this morning the Japanese attacked Midway Island.
Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday and today speak for themselves. The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our Nation.
As Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense.
But always will our whole Nation remember the character of the onslaught against us.
No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory. I believe that I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost but will make it very certain that this form of treachery shall never again endanger us.
Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory, and our interests are in grave danger.
With confidence in our armed forces -- with the unbounding determination of our people -- we will gain the inevitable triumph -- so help us God.
I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, December 7, 1941, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese Empire.
We the People of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity NEED TO WAKE UP!!!!!!!!!!!!
The U.S. Constitution, Article 1, Sec. 8(11) states that "Congress shall have the power . . . to declare war." As Alexander Hamilton wrote, the president is commander-in-chief, but he is to fulfill his responsibilities only within the framework established by the Constitution and subject to the control of Congress.
The Constitution assigns the power to declare war exclusively to the legislature. Modern supporters of the doctrine of president-as-Caesar like to remind us that convention delegates changed Congress' authority from "make" to "declare" war, but they did so only to allow the president the authority to respond to a sudden attack. When Pierce Butler, of South Carolina, formally proposed giving the president the power to start war, Elbridge Gerry, of Massachusetts, said that he "never expected to hear in a republic a motion to empower the executive to declare war." Butler's motion was quickly rejected.
The reasoning of the conferees in opposing Butler's measure was simple. Virginia's George Mason explained, the president "is not safely to be entrusted with" the power to decide on war. Mason therefore favored "clogging rather than facilitating war." James Wilson, though an advocate of a strong presidency, observed that the new constitutional system "will not hurry us into war." Instead, "it is calculated to guard against it. It will not be in the power of a single man, or a single body of men, to involve us in such distress." Similarly, Thomas Jefferson wrote: "We have already given . . . one effectual check to the dog of war by transferring the power of letting him loose."
Even Hamilton agreed with Jefferson on this point, which he rarely did, pointing out that the war powers of the president were "in substance much inferior to" that of the British king. And Hamilton supported this result even while backing strong executive power. As he wrote in the Federalist No. 75: The history of human conduct does not warrant that exalted opinion of human virtue which would make it wise in a nation to commit interests of so delicate and momentous a kind, as those which concern its intercourse with the rest of the world, to the sole disposal of a magistrate created and circumstanced as would be a President of the United States.
This fundamental concern of the Constitution's framers — an unwillingness to trust "a single man . . . to involve us in such distress," in Wilson's words — has certainly been validated by American history. The manifold dishonest and secret machinations of this century's presidents, especially the "strong" ones so highly rated by historians, prove how dangerous it is to trust chief executives with minor grants of authority, let alone the power to take the nation into war. If requiring a legislative vote is no guarantee that the public will be protected from unnecessary and bloody national crusades, it does at least force a debate and more easily allow voters to ultimately hold someone responsible for their decisions.
Against this historical record there is no serious disagreement. George Bush, for instance, stated that "I don't think I need it" when asked if congressional approval was necessary before attacking Iraq. Why? "Many attorneys," he said, had "so advised me." He apparently did not bother to read the Constitution himself. Onetime law professor Bill Clinton offered no better justification. When it came to both Bosnia and Haiti in late 1993, Clinton said that he opposed "any attempts to encroach on" his prerogatives. He did, however, echo George Bush in saying that he would "encourage congressional authorization of any military involvement in Bosnia." As for Haiti, he stated last August: "I would welcome the support of the Congress and I hope that I will have that. But like my predecessors in both parties, I have not agreed that I was constitutionally mandated to get it." In short, the president desired a guaranteed affirmative vote. The Constitution, however, does not limit Congress to voting yes.
That the Constitution gives Congress the final decision as to war and peace does not mean that there are no gray areas. But the existence of some unclear cases does not mean that there are no unambiguous instances where congressional approval is required, such as defending South Korea from North Korea, spending a decade warring in Indochina, invading Panama and Haiti, transporting a half-million soldiers to the Middle East to attack Iraq, conquering Haiti, and intervening on Bosnia's side in the Balkans civil war.
What conceivable justification is there for ignoring the Constitution's straightforward requirement in cases such as these? Advocates of expansive executive war power — oddly enough, including those who claim to believe in a jurisprudence of "original intent" — have come up with a number of reasons to give the president virtually unrestrained authority to act. One is that the president has some undefined "foreign affairs power" that apparently overrides the war powers provision. Yet, the Constitution carefully circumscribes the president's authority in foreign affairs in a number of ways — the Senate must approve treaties and ambassadors, for instance. Both the House and Senate regulate commerce with other countries; establish the military; organize the militia; make decisions covering the use of these forces; and oversee the rules of war (by authorizing letters of marquis and reprisal, defining and punishing piracy, and so forth). All told, the constitutional provisions that laid the strongest foundation for a major executive role in foreign policy are more safely explained as a cautious reaction against the defects of exclusive senatorial control of foreign relations than as a bold attempt to convert the noble office of a republican presidency into a vigorous national leader in world affairs.
Note in the following speech the President quickly responds to provide for the common defense as written in the Preamble to the Constitution but asks Congress for a Declaration of War.
Recent Presidents do not know their place and we let them get away with it.
Joint Address to Congress Leading to a Declaration of War Against Japan
December 8, 1941
Mr. Vice President, and Mr. Speaker, and Members of the Senate and House of Representatives:
Yesterday, December 7, 1941 -- a date which will live in infamy -- the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.
The United States was at peace with that Nation and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with its Government and its Emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific. Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in the American Island of Oahu, the Japanese Ambassador to the United States and his colleague delivered to our Secretary of State a formal reply to a recent American message. And while this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or of armed attack.
It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time the Japanese Government has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.
The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian Islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. I regret to tell you that very many American lives have been lost. In addition American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu.
Yesterday the Japanese Government also launched an attack against Malaya.
Last night Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong.
Last night Japanese forces attacked Guam.
Last night Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands.
Last night the Japanese attacked Wake Island.
And this morning the Japanese attacked Midway Island.
Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday and today speak for themselves. The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our Nation.
As Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense.
But always will our whole Nation remember the character of the onslaught against us.
No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory. I believe that I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost but will make it very certain that this form of treachery shall never again endanger us.
Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory, and our interests are in grave danger.
With confidence in our armed forces -- with the unbounding determination of our people -- we will gain the inevitable triumph -- so help us God.
I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, December 7, 1941, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese Empire.
We the People of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity NEED TO WAKE UP!!!!!!!!!!!!
Friday, August 26, 2005
What to Expect When Big Oil has Friends in Government
In the 1970’s when oil prices went through the roof -- and oil profits soared – oil companies were viewed as public enemy Number One and were treated as such by congress and the president.
Today, oil companies are again reporting increased profits as international crude oil prices hit new highs; yet congress has just handed them anywhere from $1.4 billion to $4 billion in tax breaks in the new energy bill and the people have said nothing.
Isn't there something wrong when oil companies profit from the misfortune of the U.S. economy and American consumers or is it just the American Way?
The drain on the average American's pocketbook has been a gusher for the big oil companies. Just look at the financial statements issued at the end of July. Exxon Mobil Corp.'s second quarter earnings climbed 35 percent from the second quarter of 2004. BP PLC said its net income increased 29 percent. At Royal Dutch Shell PLC, second-quarter profits rose 34 percent. ConocoPhillips reported a 51 percent jump in earnings.
When oil prices rise, petroleum companies that have long-term contracts or own oil reserves get a huge windfall; after all, they might have invested and developed those oil fields when prices were anywhere from $10 to $25 a barrel. Suddenly prices skyrocket and the companies are swimming in profits.
Prices for North Sea Brent crude oil averaged 46 percent more than the average a year earlier. In the United States, crude oil prices have been running about five times as high as 1998 levels.
If those companies that refine crude oil and market gasoline experience an increase in their raw material (oil), shouldn't that squeeze their earnings? One might think 'yes' but not this year. We haven't changed our driving habits, so the oil companies have just raised the price at the pump without worrying about losing business.
More than half of Exxon Mobil’s profit increase came from bigger earnings on the 2.5 million barrels a day of oil and 8.7 billion cubic feet of natural gas that Exxon Mobil produces itself. Exxon Mobil as well as other oil companies boosted margins for operations of retailing and refining. Profits in those operations were up 47 percent from 2004 while the amount of petroleum products the company sold rose less than 3 percent.
Exxon Mobil’s sales in the second quarter were at a rate that would make its revenues larger than the gross domestic product of all but 18 or so countries.
Today, oil companies are again reporting increased profits as international crude oil prices hit new highs; yet congress has just handed them anywhere from $1.4 billion to $4 billion in tax breaks in the new energy bill and the people have said nothing.
Isn't there something wrong when oil companies profit from the misfortune of the U.S. economy and American consumers or is it just the American Way?
The drain on the average American's pocketbook has been a gusher for the big oil companies. Just look at the financial statements issued at the end of July. Exxon Mobil Corp.'s second quarter earnings climbed 35 percent from the second quarter of 2004. BP PLC said its net income increased 29 percent. At Royal Dutch Shell PLC, second-quarter profits rose 34 percent. ConocoPhillips reported a 51 percent jump in earnings.
When oil prices rise, petroleum companies that have long-term contracts or own oil reserves get a huge windfall; after all, they might have invested and developed those oil fields when prices were anywhere from $10 to $25 a barrel. Suddenly prices skyrocket and the companies are swimming in profits.
Prices for North Sea Brent crude oil averaged 46 percent more than the average a year earlier. In the United States, crude oil prices have been running about five times as high as 1998 levels.
If those companies that refine crude oil and market gasoline experience an increase in their raw material (oil), shouldn't that squeeze their earnings? One might think 'yes' but not this year. We haven't changed our driving habits, so the oil companies have just raised the price at the pump without worrying about losing business.
More than half of Exxon Mobil’s profit increase came from bigger earnings on the 2.5 million barrels a day of oil and 8.7 billion cubic feet of natural gas that Exxon Mobil produces itself. Exxon Mobil as well as other oil companies boosted margins for operations of retailing and refining. Profits in those operations were up 47 percent from 2004 while the amount of petroleum products the company sold rose less than 3 percent.
Exxon Mobil’s sales in the second quarter were at a rate that would make its revenues larger than the gross domestic product of all but 18 or so countries.
Why Government Should Not Be In The Gasoline Business
Gasoline itself has become less expensive because the marketplace has dictated that the industry become more efficient. The pump price is (relatively) higher because government has also become more efficient at picking the pockets of consumers.
In March, the Environmental Protection Agency suggested it would grant waivers exempting 2 states from clean-air rules requiring the use of reformulated gasoline (RFG). Gasoline futures immediately plummeted in the mercantile exchanges, illustrating the role played by federal regulations in jacking up gasoline prices.
Under the Clean Air Act of 1990, passed with the emphatic support of the Bush (41) administration, the EPA was given the power to mandate the use of RFG blends that include oxygenates such as ethanol and methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE). The assumption is that the use of such blends, which would reduce gasoline evaporation and help gasoline burn more thoroughly, would reduce smog in certain cities. However, a 1999 study by the National Academy of Sciences concluded that "commonly available ethanol and MTBE blends do little to reduce smog." In fact, MTBE has infiltrated the groundwater of many communities, causing health hazards and imposing hugely expensive clean-up and recovery efforts. Of course, the media pundits and pencil-pushing bureaucrats will blame the market system for this, not the government’s own meddlesome regulations.
Bloomberg wire service reported on April 1, "RFG mandates have helped boost the average retail price of [gasoline] to an all-time high," in large measure because the costs they impose on our already overburdened refining sector are passed along at the pump. The rules also create needless shortages. For example, the report noted, "Fuel for New Jersey cannot be sold in New York … because New Jersey is still using MTBE to meet the federal rules. Most ethanol is shipped by rail or barge from the U.S. Midwest, raising the possibility of supply disruptions." Granting RFG waivers would give refiners "the flexibility to meet demand."
12 states have statutory minimum gasoline prices, a form of government-sponsored seller collusion. 1 state has the "Unfair Sales Act" — which is meant to describe what would supposedly happen if gas prices were permitted to fall to market levels.
In March, the Environmental Protection Agency suggested it would grant waivers exempting 2 states from clean-air rules requiring the use of reformulated gasoline (RFG). Gasoline futures immediately plummeted in the mercantile exchanges, illustrating the role played by federal regulations in jacking up gasoline prices.
Under the Clean Air Act of 1990, passed with the emphatic support of the Bush (41) administration, the EPA was given the power to mandate the use of RFG blends that include oxygenates such as ethanol and methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE). The assumption is that the use of such blends, which would reduce gasoline evaporation and help gasoline burn more thoroughly, would reduce smog in certain cities. However, a 1999 study by the National Academy of Sciences concluded that "commonly available ethanol and MTBE blends do little to reduce smog." In fact, MTBE has infiltrated the groundwater of many communities, causing health hazards and imposing hugely expensive clean-up and recovery efforts. Of course, the media pundits and pencil-pushing bureaucrats will blame the market system for this, not the government’s own meddlesome regulations.
Bloomberg wire service reported on April 1, "RFG mandates have helped boost the average retail price of [gasoline] to an all-time high," in large measure because the costs they impose on our already overburdened refining sector are passed along at the pump. The rules also create needless shortages. For example, the report noted, "Fuel for New Jersey cannot be sold in New York … because New Jersey is still using MTBE to meet the federal rules. Most ethanol is shipped by rail or barge from the U.S. Midwest, raising the possibility of supply disruptions." Granting RFG waivers would give refiners "the flexibility to meet demand."
12 states have statutory minimum gasoline prices, a form of government-sponsored seller collusion. 1 state has the "Unfair Sales Act" — which is meant to describe what would supposedly happen if gas prices were permitted to fall to market levels.
Monday, August 22, 2005
George Barnard Photographer
As photographer of the Military Division of the Mississippi George Barnard wanted to capture Atlanta with his camera so he followed Sherman’s army as it moved south from Chattanooga in 1864. Barnard expected Atlanta would provide elaborate fortifications and war-scarred ruins.
At the end of the war he published a book of sixty-one large photographs. Reception in the North was as expected, Barnard was lauded for his “care and judgment in selecting the point of view, for the delicacy of execution, for scope of treatment, and for fidelity of impression.”
In the South, reaction was equally as high, but entirely different in nature. Ex-Confederates saw the photographs as indisputable evidence that Sherman had destroyed Atlanta as had no other military leader in any other city.
One photograph was of railroad iron piled on crossties, soon to be set afire so the rails could be bent into “Sherman neckties’. Another showed the ruined roundhouse of the Atlantic & Western Railroad, while a companion photograph portrayed a bank building gutted beyond recognition.
The photograph people found to be the most compelling showed iron wheels and axles of railroad cars against the background of a burned-out factory. As far as could be seen, the desolate wreckage stretched along the track. Those first to see this photograph concluded, that it clearly proved, Sherman had destroyed anything and everything he couldn’t take with him.
There was no doubt about it, Barnard had captured the Atlanta campaign as no other photographer captured any other campaign. His caption for photograph no. 44 was quite accurate also, “Destruction of Hood’s Ordinance Train.”
But what Barnard did not say, because it is thought that he assumed everyone knew it, was that General John B. Hood, C.S.A., not Sherman, was responsible for the destruction Barnard had captured. Records show that on the evening before pulling out of Atlanta, General Hood ordered his troops to burn or to blow up everything the enemy might be able to use. When his men fired his own eighty-one–car ammunition train, explosions set the nearby Atlanta Gas Works on fire, a scene of destruction later brought to life in the movie Gone With the Wind.
Had Barnard not been along to document the destruction and had he not failed to label it as the work of the Confederates, Sherman would still be hated in the South, but possibly not so vehemently.
As we know photographs are subject to interpretation from the standpoint of the viewer .
At the end of the war he published a book of sixty-one large photographs. Reception in the North was as expected, Barnard was lauded for his “care and judgment in selecting the point of view, for the delicacy of execution, for scope of treatment, and for fidelity of impression.”
In the South, reaction was equally as high, but entirely different in nature. Ex-Confederates saw the photographs as indisputable evidence that Sherman had destroyed Atlanta as had no other military leader in any other city.
One photograph was of railroad iron piled on crossties, soon to be set afire so the rails could be bent into “Sherman neckties’. Another showed the ruined roundhouse of the Atlantic & Western Railroad, while a companion photograph portrayed a bank building gutted beyond recognition.
The photograph people found to be the most compelling showed iron wheels and axles of railroad cars against the background of a burned-out factory. As far as could be seen, the desolate wreckage stretched along the track. Those first to see this photograph concluded, that it clearly proved, Sherman had destroyed anything and everything he couldn’t take with him.
There was no doubt about it, Barnard had captured the Atlanta campaign as no other photographer captured any other campaign. His caption for photograph no. 44 was quite accurate also, “Destruction of Hood’s Ordinance Train.”
But what Barnard did not say, because it is thought that he assumed everyone knew it, was that General John B. Hood, C.S.A., not Sherman, was responsible for the destruction Barnard had captured. Records show that on the evening before pulling out of Atlanta, General Hood ordered his troops to burn or to blow up everything the enemy might be able to use. When his men fired his own eighty-one–car ammunition train, explosions set the nearby Atlanta Gas Works on fire, a scene of destruction later brought to life in the movie Gone With the Wind.
Had Barnard not been along to document the destruction and had he not failed to label it as the work of the Confederates, Sherman would still be hated in the South, but possibly not so vehemently.
As we know photographs are subject to interpretation from the standpoint of the viewer .
War in Iraq; Status quo at home; Won't work.
There is a tendency to downplay the teaching of military history - perhaps in the hope that if we don't teach about war, it will go away. But military history is important.
There is only one way to make war. You have to hurt somebody. If war is worth fighting in the first place, then it is worth winning. We cannot win unless we fight; if we fight, our soldiers will die. If more of the enemy dies, then we will win. It has nothing to do with governments or what is barbaric and what is civilized. If our soldiers don't fight and die, if we don't make the enemy quit by destroying their will to fight and by destroying their army, then the only other choice is to walk away.
One percent of the American population died during the American Revolution. If we were to lose one percent of our population today, the toll would be more than 3 million dead. Estimates of battle deaths:
Revolutionary War: 4,400
Civil War combined Union and Confederate: 204,000
WW I: 116,000
WW II: 410,000
Viet Nam: 50,000
Iraq: 1800+
What is temporarily changing Iraq's government worth?
Our Constitution was adopted by a convention of the States on September 17, 1787, and subsequently was ratified by:
Delaware, December 7, 1787;
Pennsylvania, December 12, 1787;
New Jersey, December 18, 1787;
Georgia, January 2, 1788;
Connecticut, January 9, 1788;
Massachusetts, February 6, 1788;
Maryland, April 28, 1788;
South Carolina, May 23, 1788;
New Hampshire, June 21, 1788.
Ratification was completed on June 21, 1788.
Subsequent ratifications:
Virginia, June 25, 1788;
New York, July 26, 1788;
North Carolina, November 21, 1789;
Rhode Island, May 29, 1790; and
Vermont, January 10, 1791.
During that time we were civilized enough to live together in peace.
And now we expect Iraq to do in a few months what it took us years to do. Their history shows they are not civilized enough to live together in peace.
We are wasting our time and the lives of our military....
There is only one way to make war. You have to hurt somebody. If war is worth fighting in the first place, then it is worth winning. We cannot win unless we fight; if we fight, our soldiers will die. If more of the enemy dies, then we will win. It has nothing to do with governments or what is barbaric and what is civilized. If our soldiers don't fight and die, if we don't make the enemy quit by destroying their will to fight and by destroying their army, then the only other choice is to walk away.
One percent of the American population died during the American Revolution. If we were to lose one percent of our population today, the toll would be more than 3 million dead. Estimates of battle deaths:
Revolutionary War: 4,400
Civil War combined Union and Confederate: 204,000
WW I: 116,000
WW II: 410,000
Viet Nam: 50,000
Iraq: 1800+
What is temporarily changing Iraq's government worth?
Our Constitution was adopted by a convention of the States on September 17, 1787, and subsequently was ratified by:
Delaware, December 7, 1787;
Pennsylvania, December 12, 1787;
New Jersey, December 18, 1787;
Georgia, January 2, 1788;
Connecticut, January 9, 1788;
Massachusetts, February 6, 1788;
Maryland, April 28, 1788;
South Carolina, May 23, 1788;
New Hampshire, June 21, 1788.
Ratification was completed on June 21, 1788.
Subsequent ratifications:
Virginia, June 25, 1788;
New York, July 26, 1788;
North Carolina, November 21, 1789;
Rhode Island, May 29, 1790; and
Vermont, January 10, 1791.
During that time we were civilized enough to live together in peace.
And now we expect Iraq to do in a few months what it took us years to do. Their history shows they are not civilized enough to live together in peace.
We are wasting our time and the lives of our military....
Sunday, August 21, 2005
MLB versus Little League
I was watching the Little League World Series and I saw a ball hit to the warning track where it was caught for the 3rd out. If the little boy was using steroids the ball would have gone into the stands for a home run. Instead of an out they would have had a run with the possibility for additional runs. In other words it would have had a far ranging affect on the game.
It occurred to me that in MLB as long as there is a hint of steroids every game is artificial and meaningless. It is no longer a baseball game; it is no longer a sport; it is a contest of which team can cheat the most and get away with it. Players using steroids have destroyed the game of baseball at the professional level and anyone watching is watching a fraud. Records are a fraud and cannot be relied upon as truth. The what-if will rule and your opinion is as good as mine but neither of us knows the real truth of what would have happened if the game had been played fairly.
What-if the pitcher had thrown the ball at 88 mph instead of 98 mph? What-if the outfielder threw to the cutoff player instead of all the way to the catcher and the result was an out instead of a run? What if the throw from the catcher had arrived at second base too late to get an out instead of having a possible run on second? What-if the ball had not gone that extra 25 feet into the stands or just over the head of the outfielder and was caught for an out instead of allowing a run or runs? What if the player who came in second in the number of homeruns hit that season had come in first and received an extension on his contract that kept him on the team instead of going to another team which could have caused other players to move to other teams as well? Steroids affect statistics which affect awards and contracts which affect team makeups which affects managers. See how what-ifs rule? Who knows? Your "opinion" is as good as mine but neither of us "know". If you can't believe what you see on the field what you see is meaningless and the game is a figment of your imagination.
Players knowing of or suspecting steroid use and not reporting it to the owners and leaders of the players union are as guilty of destroying the game as the users. Their records are meaningless also because of the what-ifs.
It occurred to me that in MLB as long as there is a hint of steroids every game is artificial and meaningless. It is no longer a baseball game; it is no longer a sport; it is a contest of which team can cheat the most and get away with it. Players using steroids have destroyed the game of baseball at the professional level and anyone watching is watching a fraud. Records are a fraud and cannot be relied upon as truth. The what-if will rule and your opinion is as good as mine but neither of us knows the real truth of what would have happened if the game had been played fairly.
What-if the pitcher had thrown the ball at 88 mph instead of 98 mph? What-if the outfielder threw to the cutoff player instead of all the way to the catcher and the result was an out instead of a run? What if the throw from the catcher had arrived at second base too late to get an out instead of having a possible run on second? What-if the ball had not gone that extra 25 feet into the stands or just over the head of the outfielder and was caught for an out instead of allowing a run or runs? What if the player who came in second in the number of homeruns hit that season had come in first and received an extension on his contract that kept him on the team instead of going to another team which could have caused other players to move to other teams as well? Steroids affect statistics which affect awards and contracts which affect team makeups which affects managers. See how what-ifs rule? Who knows? Your "opinion" is as good as mine but neither of us "know". If you can't believe what you see on the field what you see is meaningless and the game is a figment of your imagination.
Players knowing of or suspecting steroid use and not reporting it to the owners and leaders of the players union are as guilty of destroying the game as the users. Their records are meaningless also because of the what-ifs.
Saturday, August 20, 2005
Some Things Don't Change
The other day I was watching a program about Viet Nam on the History channel. They mentioned that the United States found that a conventional army could not defeat an unconventional enemy no matter how poorly armed or undisciplined they may be. One of the many problems the United States faced was there was no "front" line and the enemy could not be differentiated from the friendlies. Also, the enemy was willing to lose 10 of their soldiers to kill just one of our soldiers. Sound familiar?
Later the History Channel had a program about the last days of WWII and Iwo Jima specifically. The Japanese had a tunnel system on Iwo Jima making them "invisible" to their enemy. The tunnel was the length of the island; high enough to enable a person to stand up; wide enough to accomodate traffic in both directions; contained a 400 bed hospital; 750 concrete bunkers; food and other supplies plus 21 million rounds of ammunition. The tunnel was built by Korean slave labor. During the fighting the Japanese would quickly move their dead and wounded into the tunnel and the United States Marines were never sure of the affect they were having. Sound familiar?
One marine said they could not understand the Japanese willingness to die; they, the marines, wanted to live. Sound familiar? .
As someone said those that don't know our history are condemned to repeat it. My guess is our President and the leaders of our military did not do well in history.
Later the History Channel had a program about the last days of WWII and Iwo Jima specifically. The Japanese had a tunnel system on Iwo Jima making them "invisible" to their enemy. The tunnel was the length of the island; high enough to enable a person to stand up; wide enough to accomodate traffic in both directions; contained a 400 bed hospital; 750 concrete bunkers; food and other supplies plus 21 million rounds of ammunition. The tunnel was built by Korean slave labor. During the fighting the Japanese would quickly move their dead and wounded into the tunnel and the United States Marines were never sure of the affect they were having. Sound familiar?
One marine said they could not understand the Japanese willingness to die; they, the marines, wanted to live. Sound familiar? .
As someone said those that don't know our history are condemned to repeat it. My guess is our President and the leaders of our military did not do well in history.
Friday, August 19, 2005
The United States Saudi Arabia and Oil
When Saudi Arabia and the United States established diplomatic relations in 1933, Standard Oil of California was given a concession to explore for and to produce oil. Oil had been discovered in Iran around 1908 and in Iraq 1904.
In 1938, while searching for water, United States geologists in Saudi Arabia found the largest known source of oil in the world. Needing people who knew how to develop and operate oil fields, U.S. oil companies were invited to Saudi Arabia. The Saudi government was criticized by those who thought inviting foreigners to the kingdom was un-Islamic. The monarchy held on to practicality and set up a joint enterprise with a number of U.S. oil companies. In 1939 oil flowedto a naval oil-tanker, and in 1944 the joint enterprise was renamed the Arabian American Oil Company (Aramco).
During World War II the United States wanted assurance from Saudi Arabia concerning supplies of oil, needed to wage war. In February 1945, following the conference with Stalin and Churchill at Yalta in the Crimea, President Roosevelt and King ibn Saud met aboard a ship docked in the Suez Canal. There, Roosevelt and King Saud concluded a secret agreement in which the U.S. would provide Saudi Arabia military security - military assistance, training and building a military base at Dhahran in Saudi Arabia - in exchange for secure access to supplies of oil.
We need to be sure Saudi Arabia keeps their end of the bargain.
In 1938, while searching for water, United States geologists in Saudi Arabia found the largest known source of oil in the world. Needing people who knew how to develop and operate oil fields, U.S. oil companies were invited to Saudi Arabia. The Saudi government was criticized by those who thought inviting foreigners to the kingdom was un-Islamic. The monarchy held on to practicality and set up a joint enterprise with a number of U.S. oil companies. In 1939 oil flowedto a naval oil-tanker, and in 1944 the joint enterprise was renamed the Arabian American Oil Company (Aramco).
During World War II the United States wanted assurance from Saudi Arabia concerning supplies of oil, needed to wage war. In February 1945, following the conference with Stalin and Churchill at Yalta in the Crimea, President Roosevelt and King ibn Saud met aboard a ship docked in the Suez Canal. There, Roosevelt and King Saud concluded a secret agreement in which the U.S. would provide Saudi Arabia military security - military assistance, training and building a military base at Dhahran in Saudi Arabia - in exchange for secure access to supplies of oil.
We need to be sure Saudi Arabia keeps their end of the bargain.
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