Saturday, December 27, 2008

I'm From the Government and I'm Here to Help... Part III

It seems like every time there is an economic downturn, some people start clamoring for government support of the economy. Unfortunately, from a logical, historic perspective, more government interference does nothing to actually rebuild the economy.

See this video to learn more about the theory of "More Government Assistance will Help the Economy."



The reason this is important is because Obama is about to take office. The US economy is at it's weakest level in years. We have already had a spate of "bailouts" for private firms, with talk of more to come. Unfortunately, these government interventions do not truly fix the problem. Without some time to 'reset,' the economy will continue to falter and flail.

We need more common sense and less use of tax payer money to try and make politicians look good.

Saturday, December 20, 2008

CNN Disses Global Warming?

Well, finally the news media is turning against the myth of anthropogenic global warming. Check out this video.



One statement that rings true, based on all of my research, is the quote, " It is the sun that does it [global climate change], not man." Truer words were never spoken.

The First Amendment Means You Can Be Annoying

Well, the folks in Brighton, MI don't think so. Apparently, freedom of speech is only for acceptable speech. Huh?? The whole reason we have a First Amendment to the Constitution is to protect speech that others might find offensive or unacceptable.

The Ban takes effect January 2nd. How soon do you think it will take before someone challenges this and gets it taken into the courts? Once that happens, the ban will have to come down, as it is patently unconstitutional.

(Hat tip to Hot Air for the news link.)

Friday, December 19, 2008

Best Workout EVER!!

If you're thinking of having "Get in Shape" as one of your New Year's resolutions, my I humbly recommend CrossFit? No matter what shape you're in, this program will make you better... if you follow it. This program was used to get the guys in shape for "300." This is also an exercise program that can be done by kids and older seniors. It's all about scaling. (By the way, the guy doing the training in this video is 61! The woman he's training? She's 77.)

Scale workouts to fit your current fitness level. However, if you find the workouts are too easy, then you probably need to ratchet up the weight/intensity. This means make them challenging. Of course, most of the workouts are done as a race against the clock, so you can always try to go faster and harder. Don't take it easy on yourself and you'll be impressed with the results.

CrossFit is quite a bit different from other types of workouts. It's not a mind numbing routine. One thing it does emphasize is a definition of fitness that is broad, general and inclusive of many different types of sports and activities.

If you want to get in shape, and you don't want to be bored, give it a try.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Why Everyone Needs the Second Amendment

This young lady was attacked in her home, apparently without motive. She did what many believe is adequate to protect themselves; she called 911. Unfortunately for her, and her fiance, the police did not arrive for 48 minutes. Instead of the police being able to come speedily to her rescue, her body was found by her fiance when he returned to their apartment.

Occasions like this simply reinforce the fact that all individuals have a right to self defense, and should respond with deadly force to threats on our lives. It is our responsibility, not the State's, to defend ourselves. The State merely offers additional measures of security to help us defend ourselves.

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Opposite Day in Global Economics

I never thought I'd see the day where China makes the right decision for fostering a better business environment and the United States makes the exact opposite (and wrong) decision. The article from the Straits Times details how China is reacting to the global economic slowdown. They're doing the intelligent thing by lowering the tax burden on businesses.

And what is the US response to the economic slowdown? How about trying to nationalize industries and creating public works projects (funded with tax payer money). And if you think FDR's plan worked out well for the US, you should think again. This doesn't sound very capitalistic. In fact, it's quite far from it.

Hey Barry!! Wake up and face reality. Taxes don't work, no matter how much you want to believe otherwise. Try relieving the tax burden of your businesses and lower the threshold for new companies to get started.

(Hat Tip to Hot Air)

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

This is Obama's Training Ground

Wow!

This political crime spree shows the sordid underbelly of Illinois politics. You know, Illinois? The launching point of Barack Obama's political career (from the home of that English teacher). I can't say I'm surprised.



Thanks Little Green Footballs for the video.

Monday, December 8, 2008

Another Goverment Bailout? Please, NO!!

I can't believe the Congress is thinking about another bailout, when the last one worked so well.



This might be one of the reasons why this congress has a lower approval rating than even the late President.

Look, capitalism is simple. Those businesses that aren't able to develop a winning business plan can declare bankruptcy. This isn't the end of the world; far from it. Instead, it is an opportunity to restructure and fix what's broken. If the Big Three get a bailout now, they're just postponing the inevitable time when they HAVE to restructure and fix the problems.

Saturday, December 6, 2008

Motive for Mumbai

I think Mark Steyn hit the nail on the head in his editorial from the National Review Online. After 9/11, after the Madrid and London bombings, and now after the Mumbai attack, the "religion of Peace" has members who are stating they are afraid of retaliatory violence. Seriously, they think they might be in danger from unruly citizens. This, even though there has never been any real evidence of retaliation. Huh? Are they just intentionally trying to play a "victim" card? Please give me evidence of violence against Muslim civilians from Western civilians.

What we should hear from them, and what Mr. Steyn points out is missing from many of the communications from the "Moderate Muslism", is a quick denouncement of these acts committed against peaceful citizens. Instead, we get celebrations and parties.

Friday, December 5, 2008

Bad Grades Encourage Drop Outs, So Get Rid of Bad Grades???

Now, who in their right mind thinks this is the real way to fix things? If more kids are dropping out, then the thing to do is focus more effort on those kids to help them accomplish more, not start giving them a "pass."

Honestly, there is a real simple solution for the education system. Get more teachers into the classrooms and limit class size to 20 students, tops. This will allow teachers to focus more on teaching and less on crowd control. It will also help ensure the students get the attention they need from their teachers.

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Will He Ever Answer a Question Directly?

CNN is finally starting to ask the President elect some tough questions (FINALLY, after practically signing on to his campaign staff before).

However, I notice that, instead of simply answering the question, Barry simply laughs it off, using a fallacious argument. Is the rest of his presidency going to be like this? Because you have to know that all of the promises he made during the campaign are total tripe. There is no way he can do everything he says he's going to do. He's already saddled with a status of force agreement with Iraq that keeps us there for some time. He also has said he would drop the tax on oil companies for their "windfall profits." He's even gone back on the campaign promise to avoid lobbyists and ex-lobbyists in his political team.

The press is going to be asking some tough questions, so Barry better put his notes together and start providing real answers.

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

The Filibuster is Safe... For Now

HotAir had running commentary of the Senate race in Georgia. Based on how it's been reported by the AP, Republican Chambliss will win. Why is this important? It's a big deal because, as the article explains, this ensures a filibuster can still work to help protect Americans (that's you and me) from extreme partisan laws that may be put forth by the House with assurances of being singed by a Democratic president.

Remember the post I wrote about how the filibuster saved us from some bad laws? This is what we need to protect. We need to help ensure no one party is in control of everything. Not the Democrats and not the Republicans. This will help ensure we have the "best" government we can expect.

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

The "Face of Grace" in Iraq

What an incredible story this is. A soldier serving gets to see first hand the impact his service has on the inhabitants of Iraq. And, surprise of surprises, it's a positive one. This story is something to remember when we start talking about the war in Iraq.

Yes, it was a tough war. Yes, it is (and it's going to be) a long, tough occupation. However, the final outcome for the people of Iraq is freedom. Free elections, freedom to 'pursue happiness' as they see fit, and freedom to move forward on the international stage as another country in the Middle East not controlled by a dictator, king or despot.

All of these freedoms America enjoys are finally starting to emerge in Iraq.