A better response to the "Fiscal Cliff".

Washington has a spending problem, and yet they decided the best way to avoid "The Fiscal Cliff" was to raise taxes, and not really cut spending by more than a negligible token amount. Even in their tax increase, they gave more special tax-breaks to their crony campaign contributors, in the form of tax credits.

The FairTax is an idea that we need to revisit. That and cutting spending dramatically.

Back in action

Just a quick note, for now. After a long, long break from posting, I feel the need to get back into the discussion, whether or not anyone listens; or even notices.  There are many short summaries of thoughts on the current tragedy of the Washington Elite lording over "We the People" I could post which would be seen by many as extremely inflammatory. Despite how extreme the current circumstances are, I'll at least make an effort to be more measured in my statements.

My Local TEA Party!

There is a TEA Party in the works for the Congressional district in which I live. That is the 13th Congressional District of Georgia; which seat is currently held by Representative David Scott.

This is one of those April 15th T.E.A. (Taxed Enough Already) Parties, and is planned to take place in the vicinity of Scott's Congressional office. I think it would be phenomenal if we had a T.E.A. party near the office of every single congressman who (like Scott) voted for these recent big spending bills, and the outrageously huge budget.

Here is the link to this event on FaceBook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/event.php?eid=94837491118
---Here is the event description for those who don't want to go to FaceBook---

Date:	Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Time:	3:30pm - 6:30pm
Location:	In the general vicinity of Representative David Scott's Congressional office, near City Hall
Street:	173 North Main Street
City/Town:	Jonesboro, GA

One of the numerous TEA Party Day rallies scheduled for April 15th, in protest of the current Tax and Spend philosophy in action in Washington. Representative David Scott is among those who continually vote for huge government spending, which inevitably leads to increased taxation.

This is a TEA (Taxed Enough Already) Party rally and not intended to specifically be an anti-David Scott rally; But the rally area includes the area in front of his office to send the message to Scott and all our Representatives that we will remember their Tax and Spend voting in the 2010 elections.

Show up to peacefully demonstrate along Main Street in Jonesboro; including the area in front of Scott's congressional office. FairTax promoters also welcomed and encouraged. Suggest finding parking nearby, rather than in the lot of Scott's office.

Bring signs with clear and concise messages against big-government spending etc, to display at the rally. Also feel free to bring a politely worded letter of concern to David Scott's Congressional office, if you will arrive before 5PM. All signs and messages should be polite, even if firm. Please no profanity of any kind!

-----
I think the whole concept of this type of T.E.A. Party is a great one. Rather than dumping Tea overboard, or committing some equivalent act of modern vandalism, we peacefully but unequivocally server notice to our "non-representing representatives" that we will VOTE them "overboard", if they don't' quickly change their ways!

Let's all show up at our local TEA Parties to support spending restraint, limited taxation, and maybe even get a plug in for the FairTax while we are at it!

The TEA Party Movement

Or should I say "T.E.A. Party"?
Various incarnations of reviving the "Boston Tea Party" are in the air. Fortunately none of the current versions include plans for recreating the type of vandalism involved in the original.

There are two general types of these movements, at least of which I am aware. One is the T.E.A. (Taxed Enough Already) theme, such as is being encouraged by former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich at: http://www.teapartyday.com/

Another form of Tea Party is that suggested by the gentleman who appears in several "YouTube" videos in the persona of Thomas Paine, writer of "Common Sense". Although his video originally suggested putting tea bags into envelopes and sending them to elected officials, his suggestion was later revised to suggest sending only the tag from the tea bags in the envelopes. This was apparently due to failure to deliver the envelopes to Senators and Representatives on the excuse that some might have substituted some controlled substance for the original contents of the tea bags. This revised suggestion is included in his interview on the Glenn Beck program, after Bech showed parts of his original video. This can be seen on YouTube as: Glenn Beck Interviews 21st Century Thomas Paine

The original "Boston Tea Party" in 1773 included boarding ships and dumping Tea into Boston harbor. This was not just an objection to taxes per-se, but rather a reaction to an attempt by the British crown to usurp authority over the American Colonists in a manner to which the Colonists had not consented and in which decision the Colonists were not represented.

Today in the United States of America, these "Tea Parties" come as a result of not just additional taxes and the expectation of additional taxes; but that our elected representatives, in both houses of Congress, are passing legislation that shows they have much more interest in usurping control over American individuals and businesses alike than in actually representing the people who elected them. The Colonists in Boston were basically rebelling over taxation without representation. Although we have those elected as "representatives" and "senators"; it is becoming increasingly clear that we, the taxed, have little if any real representation. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that a new wave of "Tea Parties" are on the rise.

Our elected officials should get down on their collective knees and thank the "Creator" (referred to in our Declaration of Independence) , as I do, that this time the Tea Parties are peaceful. Then they should rise and get to the work for which they were actually elected. They need to start representing us in the manner intended by the Constitution, instead of spending the fruit of the labors of generations as yet unborn with carrying out the wishes of those who have sought to tear down our Constitutional Republic and remake it in the image of a Socialist state over the last several decades.

Helping Obama be Successful

OK, so the two big questions here are these:
How does one measures success?
Do we want success?

There has been much discussion over whether those who oppose out new President's collectivist ideology should wish him success. I strongly oppose the collectivist and immoral ideologies to which Barack Obama has attached himself, from his pro-abortion stance to the radical agenda of forcing mainstream acceptance of homosexual practices to his obvious socialist collectivist agenda.

However, I want to see him be extremely successful. But instead of success at achieving his personal agenda, I want him to be successful in fulfilling his oath of office.

I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States. - United States Constitution, Article II, Section 1, Clause 8

Basically, by taking this oath of office, President Barack Obama has formally stated that, for the next four years, his success will be measured by how well he faithfully executes the Office of President of the United States, including being absolutely committed to the preservation, protection and defence of the Constitution of the United States. Those well versed in the Constitution should immediately realize this Oath puts Obama (the President) very much at odds with Obama the collectivist and promoter of a practice that takes from unborn children the very life that the Declaration of Independence says is an inalienable right given by the Creator.

According to the Oath President Obama took to assume his office; to be successful, he must act in accordance with the Constitution and against the goals of nearly every one of his supporters who helped him get elected. I wish him much success in that endeavor, and first of all success in realizing what being "successful" now requires of him.

I call on all Americans to help our President succeed, through respectfully encouraging him to follow the Constitution, through politely offering suggestion to him and to all our elected officials, and by offering Prayer to Almighty God that he and all of our leaders be granted the wisdom to see how they truly should lead this "One Nation Under God", and the courage to do so; that our nation not perish, as nations are prone to do when they decide to turn their backs on their duty and push aside the hand of Divine Providence.

I personally have three main areas in which I would like to see our new President be successful:

1. To realize that the unborn are human beings, whose life is a gift of God that no-one can justly rip away as a matter of convenience; and on that basis to end the nightmare of abortion-on-demand that has so savaged and degraded our Nation.
2. To realize that homosexual practices are a stain on our culture and that they should be discouraged, rather than forcing acceptance. I would also suggest we need to not stop there in seeking to rebuild strong families, but to reverse our casual attitudes about sex and marriage in general.
3. From an economic standpoint, I believe the best thing we could do right now is enact the FairTax. I also believe President Obama is in a unique position to convince both those Americans previously uninformed about this marvelous plan to unfetter economic productivity, and to convince those in Congress (some of whom will have to be dragged kicking and screaming into adopting this plan that would eliminate the vast majority of the symbiotic relationships between paid lobbyists and lawmakers) that they had better get to some real change and get rid of the IRS!
   

On Dangerous Ground

After the tragedy that Americans chose yesterday, I had to search for direction from the source of all direction. My Bible first fell open to the first chapter of Hosea (and yes without looking for it) which pretty much answered the "why". Thereafter I did look up another verse from the New Testament, just to make sure what passage it was. Luke 20:25.

Luk 20:25 And he said unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar's, and unto God the things which be God's.

Exactly why it's such a tragedy, I think many of those who chose it would either not believe it or not understand it if I did explain my reasoning to them; while the rest would think wonderful some of the very things which are most tragic.

Therefore the only explanation I'll give for now is so that it won't be assumed I'm saying the one thing of which I'll probably be most accused. If the choice had been for someone who is as suited to the Presidency as Clarence Thomas is to the Supreme Court, it would be a wonderful day for rejoicing. Also that the tragedy is not just the "anointing" of Barack Obama, but of increasing the numbers of those who share his ideology in the House and Senate as well.

The most appropriate thing I can think of to share from a secular source are the lyrics of the song "Silent Running (on Dangerous Ground)" by Mike and the Mechanics. For those of you who may not remember it, there is a link to the YouTube video after the lyrics.

Silent Running

Can you hear me, can you hear me running?
Can you hear me running, can you hear me calling you?

Take the children and yourself
And hide out in the cellar
By now the fighting will be close at hand
Don't believe the church of state
And everything they tell you
Believe in me, I'm with the high command

Can you hear me, can you hear me running?
Can you hear me running, can you hear me calling you?

There's a gun and ammunition
Just inside the doorway
Use it only in emergency
Better you should pray to God
The Father and the Spirit
Will guide you and protect from up here

Can you hear me, can you hear me running?
Can you hear me running, can you hear me calling you?

Swear allegiance to the flag
Whatever flag they offer
Never hint at what you really feel
Teach the children quietly
For some day sons and daughters
Will rise up and fight while we stood still

Can you hear me, can you hear me running?
Can you hear me running, can you hear me calling you?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0KL_fgWgK40

I have changed one word in copying the lyrics here; turning the phrase "Don't believe the church and state" into "Don't believe the church of state", to reflect my belief that the Biblical principles which were so important to America's founders are being replaced with a completely different set of principles which are taught religiously through the "temples" of the public schools and a perverse entertainment media.

While many of us are praying "God Bless America"; I fear that instead "Reverend" Wright has gotten his wish.

But since the Apostles' inspired writings promoted general obedience to government (except in those things where it would be a direct violation to God's word) and since some of those epistles were even written during the reign of Nero, I don't see how practicing Christians today could think God expects less of us.

Sheriff Robin Hood?

The 700 Billion Dollar "Bail-out" bill under discussion, if nothing else, puts the lie to the liberal Democrat position that their Socialist agenda helps "the poor".

Democrats pretend that they just want to be like the fictional character Robin Hood, and take from "the Rich" and give to "the Poor". The first thing they ignore is that when Robin Hood stole from the rich, he was actually taking money back from the government, who had oppressively taxed them to begin with. "The Rich" was generally the Sheriff of Nottingham and his cronies.

Now we are in an apparent financial crisis caused by Democrats who pushed for giving mortgages to people who really couldn't afford them, and their cronies who ran Fannie May and Freddie Mac. And now that it's blown up in their faces, they fall back on their old play-book of demonizing "corporate greed" and "lack of regulation" when greed for socialist political power and too much BAD regulation is the real root cause.

But the most obvious revelation that those who worship at the Socialist alter should finally see is this. Socialism not only allows the government to take from the rich and give to the poor. in an ironic twist that would have the Sheriff of Nottingham laughing with power-mad glee; when it suits the government, socialism just as easily allows them to take from the poor and give to the rich!

Therefore, we absolutely must make sure anything done to recover from our current economic circumstances is based NOT in expansion of Socialist policies, but a removal of Socialism and a return to American Capitalism that WORKS!

Drill Here, Drill Now, Pay Less!!!

Everyone I talk to seems to have a better understanding of the principle of "supply and demand". The only people who don't seem to are the politicians in the US House and Senate, especially on the left side of the aisle.

As urged by the petition on AmericanSolutions.com, which has over 1 million online signatures, we should DRILL HERE, and DRILL NOW, so we can PAY LESS for gasoline and other petroleum products.

The solution of Democrats in Congress? DRILL LESS, TAX MORE, and blame the oil companies for having to PAY MORE; even though tax on a gallon of gas is over twice as much as the oil company profits on that same gallon of gas!

In some cases taxes are three times as much as oil company profits. Since part of that tax goes to pay those same politicians, perhaps we should take from their salaries a "windfall tax rebate" until they see the light and start letting American companies DRILL HERE, DRILL NOW, so we can PAY LESS.

While Hope Still Lives

Although it seems a foregone conclusion that John "Z-Visa" McCain will get the Republican nomination for President; Mike Huckabee still battles on. I had thoughts as to why that is, but had the reality of it crystallized when I was privileged to be on a blogger conference call with Governor Huckabee yesterday.

I had already formulated two reasons I thought it made sense for Mike to stay in the race. First, simply to keep his conservative concerns in front of the American people. From the right-to-life to energy independence to "The FairTax" to American sovereignty; no-one is a better advocate for re-energizing the conservative movement than Mike Huckabee.

The second reason I thought of was more pragmatic. As long as Mike stays in the race, he can still receive campaign contributions. If the current conventional wisdom that McCain has the 2008 nomination in the bag proves to be true, I expect Mike Huckabee to run again in 2012 to replace whichever of the Democrats is in the White house after beating McCain. (Although either Hillary the megalomaniac or Obama the even-more-ultra-liberal both scare the breath out of me; McCain is so uninspiring, I don't give him a chance against either of them) Mike can keep the funds he collects in this race as a head-start on the next, and I would expect him to.

Now, I think the two reasons I previously thought of are both good credible reasons; but listening to Mike Huckabee on the call yesterday, the real reason he's staying in the race struck me. He still has a chance to win the nomination. It may be, at this point, the slimmest of possibilities, but there is still a chance.

Mike simply believes so strongly in the principles on which he is running and is so dedicated to those principles that he is determined to fight while any hope of success remains, no matter how small. That's just one more example of what makes Mike Huckabee such a perfect model of doing the right thing because it's the right thing, and political expediency be hanged.

Mike's attitude about his campaign principles reminds me of Ronald Reagan's attitude about defeating the Soviet Union. Reagan was convinced the concept of Liberty endowed by our Creator would win over an inherently atheistic system of oppression, simply because it was right. It was only a question of when.

I believe in Mike Huckabee because I believe in both the principles he stands for and his commitment to them. I believe Mike Huckabee will be running for President in 2012, because he's exactly the kind of dedicated and inspiring man that we need running our country. So inspiring in fact, that I'm still holding onto the hope that in 2012 Mike Huckabee just may be running for re-election!

Huckabee is "Topps"

I found this at "The Smoking Gun" under the title "Three Huckabees for an Obama?" and thought it was amusing.


I also find it interesting that the Topps baseball card company can get the record right on Mike Huckabee; while people like Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Glenn Beck and Laura Ingraham don't seem to be able to do so.

Maybe if we could just send copies of this card to conservative voters in states which haven't yet had their primaries, Mike Huckabee could get the Republican nomination.

Yes, they also show other candidates, both democrat and republican. Unfortunately, Duncan Hunter (who I'd like to see as Huckabee's running mate) is not included.