Here is the entire email conversation. I only post it here in hopes it may cause others to do a little thinking on things.
Later!
This is an email I sent to the 2 hosts of a radio show I enjoy listening to. I highly recommend it to everyone! You can find it at www.freetalklive.com, it is the best show I listen to.
Dear Ian and Mark,
I first want to say that I think your show is great. It is chock-full-of-relevant issues; entertaining hosts and is regularly right along with my own Anarcho-capitalist views. I work nights and FTL is not on any stations in my area. I live in Fort Wayne, Indiana and sadly the most objective radio station here is NPR—go figure! I am forced to listen to you a day late via your podcast. However, I am very grateful you make your show so readily available. I am always disappointed when the show ends; I am also usually surprised it went by so quickly. I wish to thank Ian for broadcasting live on 12/24 and 25, as a non-christmas person it was very nice!
I hope I don't make this email too long, please forgive me if I do. Most of my life I attended independent Baptist churches. It is the type of denomination which makes Southern Baptists look liberal—if you know what I mean. Not only was I born and raised Republican, I was required to vote Republican because Jesus was a Republican. When I was 25 (in 1995) I was ordained as an independent Baptist preacher and held various positions and also preached in several churches. I was a die-hard religionist. In 1996, due to the failed "Contract with America" I began to realize the RNC was nothing more than a band of thieves and liars. I had always suspected it, but repressed my opinions about it due to my religion. That year I changed affiliations and joined the Libertarian Party and had the pleasure to vote for the great Harry Browne. (Boy has that party changed since the days of Mr. Browne!) That simple, unimportant act put a schism between me and several (if not all) of my fellow preachers. Fortunately it was at that time I began to see what I was doing with my life and that of my family. In 1998 my family and I stopped observing Christmas as we attempted to align ourselves more with a biblical lifestyle. That act labeled me as a weirdo and heretic even though no one I asked could validate its observance with scripture. It took 5-6 years, but around 2001 my family and I broke all ties with any form of organized religion (OR). How refreshing, revealing and liberating! My current motto is "You know a preacher is lying when his lips are moving!" (The same can be said about politicians.)
When we first broke away I was bitter with OR for holding me in its deceptive grasp for so long, but eventually my bitterness turned toward myself as I realized that I could have and should have "seen the light" sooner, if I hadn't allowed myself to be duped by what I have come to realize is a cult. I'm over my bitterness now, but still have great disdain for OR. During this entire evolution, I never had bitterness toward God. I had no reason to be upset with God, it wasn't his fault I was naive enough to be conned by OR. I still hold to my faith in the bible and in the God of it, I don't call myself a Christian, just a believer, but it is a far different belief system than I use to cling to.
My main reason for writing sure as hell isn't to proselytize you, but just to let you know that the bible is actually a book of liberty. I can't explain all of it or why some of it sounds extremely weird, but I do know it reveals that Jesus is not a Republican at all, but instead is a libertarian! First Corinthians 3:17 says "…Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." The "Golden Rule" reveals that the bible is a book of libertarian values: Luke 6:31 "And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise." I want to be free to live my life as I see fit, then I have no choice but to allow others to do the same; I don't want to be harmed, so I won't harm anyone else.
Keep up the good work spreading the message of liberty; but do consider that the bible is actually another tool we have to spread that message and not an item to be maligned. Thanks for your time and all you do for liberty!
Sincerely,
Matthew Evans
-- "Mark Edge" <mark@freetalklive.com> wrote:Matt
Thanks for the very nice email.
I try to let people know, when we talk about christianity, that I come from a position of one that has been harmed by today's version, and that the only folks I truly dislike are the Pharisees. All of that said said Jesus was not so much a libertarian as a pacifist. Scour the Bible thoroughly, how many really liberty type phrases will you find? 30 in a book with more than a 1000 pages. The Bible (especially the old testament) is a document written by the ruling class to keep their power in place. There is freedom in christ jesus, the freedom to do as we say.
I try to be fair, man, but I just hate what the religion has become. If I could really believe that Jesus even lived, I would be a unitarian and try to talk like you do, but why throw away most of what the bible is about and keep Jesus?
Watch this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Du5wJWlHAVI
If you have more to say, I am open. If you want we can do an interview.
Mark
Mark,
Wow, what a rapid reply! I completely understand being damaged by the modern concept of religion. I can even agree that perhaps my current beliefs are a vestige of fear from damnation, I don't know. Until recently (prior to it being brought up on the show recently) I was a proponent of the new earth theory, I have come to two realizations: one-the earth could actually be quite old and there wouldn't be a damn thing wrong with that; and two-I don't really give a shit either way.
I do admit that my metamorphosis is a continual thing. Who knows, one year from now I may write to you from a completely different angle? For that reason alone I would be a lousy interview. Who wants to listen to someone who is still formulating his own belief system? When I was a preacher I was known as the guy with all the answers, I have long since turned in all my answers for a ton of questions.
One thing about the bible, it too was an evolving thing. I am of the opinion that time is dispensational. I conjecture that perhaps the reason God seemed to be such a necessitarian in the OT is because the people themselves needed it. Perhaps it was the best way for him to help primitive mankind? Today he deals with mankind in a libertarian fashion. Mankind may have reached a point in its maturation that it can better handle it.
I hope I didn't make it sound as if you treated religious spouting callers in a defamatory manner, because you do not. And you are quite fair and objective, that was not in question. While you were gone Ian did have some fun with a dude who said mankind use to be spirits and helped create earth (or something), that guy was a f***ing nut! But Ian did let him go on and on about his beliefs. You guys are great to listen to and I really appreciate how you let anyone call and talk, and do not screen your calls so strictly it tilts your show in your favor (like Limbaugh, Savage, et al).
I don't believe the bible was written by a ruling elite, but I do agree it has been misused and abused by them. I still think Jesus was a libertarian. When he chased the merchants out of the temple with a whip he made himself, he gave up the ability to be a pacifist. That's what I think any way.
Take care and it has been a pleasure "conversing" with you.
Matt
Matt,
If you lived here, we would be friends.
Mark
I would like that.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Sunday, November 30, 2008
News Article??
A Bag Of Groceries For A Car?
By, Ben A. Farse
BS Release, November 31, 2008
With the economy still sliding down the slippery slope toward oblivion, and automakers begging for a bailout from the government; local auto dealers have resorted to ingenious ways of selling cars. The dwindling dollar, rising food costs, and with the holidays arriving local auto dealer Pete R. Pann of Pete’s Auto, RV and Coffee Shop reported that the local auto dealer association has met to devise ways to move vehicles from their lots to your driveways.
“We met this past weekend and set up new costs for the variety of vehicles we have” Pann said in a recent interview “We hope to see a dramatic increase in auto sales due to the drastic changes.” The auto dealers have established the following guidelines for purchasing a new vehicle. Sub-compacts can be purchased for a nice fruit basket; compact cars will cost a bag of groceries for the employees; a subscription to the Meat-Of-The-Month Club will earn you a mid-sized sedan; vans and SUV are the pricy ones and will go for two cases of beer for a mini-van; and a full-size van or SUV will cost either a bottle of Blanc de Valdigne of Morgex of the Valle d'Aosta in Norwest Italy or just three bottles of Alba Rosa from Jersey. “We decided to take this route to move our inventory since people were no longer purchasing vehicles with money. We needed to do something to feed our employees and to make way for the newer models” Pann said.
News of such drastic changes caused a slight rise in GM and Ford stocks on Wall Street today and also caused an increase in stocks for companies such as “Fruit-Baskets-To-Go” and “Get Yer Wine Here In Jersey-Got It!?, Inc.” A spokes person from the UAW, who wishes to remain anonymous, stated that if this pattern continues and such a bartering system makes its way into the manufacturing section of the automobile trade, the Union plans to negotiate subscriptions for each employee to clubs such as “Fruit of the Month” and the ever popular “Nut of the Week.”
Recently representatives from ReMaxx and Century 21 met to discuss the possibility of using Monopoly money for new home purchases, however attorneys from Parker Brothers intervened demanding the makers of Monopoly, a fun filled game for the whole family packed with entertainment and educational value, be included in such negotiations as they have a high stake in the matter. The talks have since stalled as they could not agree on a price for hotels and houses.
In other similar news, since the U.S. Dollar is the cheapest it has ever been, many voters rights groups are forming grassroots efforts to begin paying politicians and bureaucrats with pieces of paper stating “We Owe You” on them. China was considering out sourcing some of their more menial jobs to the U.S. as a way of cutting costs, but rumor has it aliens from the planet Krypton have begun negotiating with the Chinese government to lure the jobs their way.
You can count on the staff of The Newspaper to continue watching these ever evolving stories and for the cost an apple or banana we are still the most affordable news source available.
By, Ben A. Farse
BS Release, November 31, 2008
With the economy still sliding down the slippery slope toward oblivion, and automakers begging for a bailout from the government; local auto dealers have resorted to ingenious ways of selling cars. The dwindling dollar, rising food costs, and with the holidays arriving local auto dealer Pete R. Pann of Pete’s Auto, RV and Coffee Shop reported that the local auto dealer association has met to devise ways to move vehicles from their lots to your driveways.
“We met this past weekend and set up new costs for the variety of vehicles we have” Pann said in a recent interview “We hope to see a dramatic increase in auto sales due to the drastic changes.” The auto dealers have established the following guidelines for purchasing a new vehicle. Sub-compacts can be purchased for a nice fruit basket; compact cars will cost a bag of groceries for the employees; a subscription to the Meat-Of-The-Month Club will earn you a mid-sized sedan; vans and SUV are the pricy ones and will go for two cases of beer for a mini-van; and a full-size van or SUV will cost either a bottle of Blanc de Valdigne of Morgex of the Valle d'Aosta in Norwest Italy or just three bottles of Alba Rosa from Jersey. “We decided to take this route to move our inventory since people were no longer purchasing vehicles with money. We needed to do something to feed our employees and to make way for the newer models” Pann said.
News of such drastic changes caused a slight rise in GM and Ford stocks on Wall Street today and also caused an increase in stocks for companies such as “Fruit-Baskets-To-Go” and “Get Yer Wine Here In Jersey-Got It!?, Inc.” A spokes person from the UAW, who wishes to remain anonymous, stated that if this pattern continues and such a bartering system makes its way into the manufacturing section of the automobile trade, the Union plans to negotiate subscriptions for each employee to clubs such as “Fruit of the Month” and the ever popular “Nut of the Week.”
Recently representatives from ReMaxx and Century 21 met to discuss the possibility of using Monopoly money for new home purchases, however attorneys from Parker Brothers intervened demanding the makers of Monopoly, a fun filled game for the whole family packed with entertainment and educational value, be included in such negotiations as they have a high stake in the matter. The talks have since stalled as they could not agree on a price for hotels and houses.
In other similar news, since the U.S. Dollar is the cheapest it has ever been, many voters rights groups are forming grassroots efforts to begin paying politicians and bureaucrats with pieces of paper stating “We Owe You” on them. China was considering out sourcing some of their more menial jobs to the U.S. as a way of cutting costs, but rumor has it aliens from the planet Krypton have begun negotiating with the Chinese government to lure the jobs their way.
You can count on the staff of The Newspaper to continue watching these ever evolving stories and for the cost an apple or banana we are still the most affordable news source available.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Family First
WHAT’S IT GONNA BE?
This is written to all who put God, church service, career, hobbies before spouse and children. Most families have their priorities mixed up and that’s a shame. I find it disheartening when I learn of organized churches with classes for divorced members. Perhaps if they didn’t have so many functions for the members to be consumed by, they could put each other first as they should and there wouldn’t be a need for such a class.
I Corinthians 7:21-40 “Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather. For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant. Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men. Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God. Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: yet I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful. I suppose therefore that this is good for the present distress, I say, that it is good for a man so to be. Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife. But and if thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. Nevertheless such shall have trouble in the flesh: but I spare you. But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none; And they that weep, as though they wept not; and they that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not; and they that buy, as though they possessed not; And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away. But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord: But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife. There is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband. And this I speak for your own profit; not that I may cast a snare upon you, but for that which is comely, and that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction. But if any man think that he behaveth himself uncomely toward his virgin, if she pass the flower of her age, and need so require, let him do what he will, he sinneth not: let them marry. Nevertheless he that standeth stedfast in his heart, having no necessity, but hath power over his own will, and hath so decreed in his heart that he will keep his virgin, doeth well. So then he that giveth her in marriage doeth well; but he that giveth her not in marriage doeth better. The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord. But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment: and I think also that I have the Spirit of God.”
Paul’s point? Married people put their spouse first, therefore, don’t be married so you can put God first. But he also made the point that marrying is not a sin. It’s pretty simple. You should put each other first and foremost. If that means missing a few “worship services” so be it; if that means stepping down from some committee, so be it; whatever it takes.
I know there is the scripture which says “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together…” Hebrews 10:25. Don’t let the misuse of this scripture con you into abandoning your priorities. Forsaking does not mean refusing to attend an organized church meeting. According to Webster’s 1828 dictionary (and current ones as well) it means:
1. To quit or leave entirely; to desert; to abandon; to depart from.
2. To abandon; to renounce; to reject.
3. To leave; to withdraw from.
Scripture always defines itself. We can verify the definition of the word by going elsewhere Mark 15:34 “…My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” (The subject of “assembling” is distorted in today’s organized religion.) Don’t let anyone try to tell you what scripture actually means, you don’t need anyone to: 1 John 2:27 “But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.”
John McCain’s slogan “Country First” was not only a socialist slogan, it was a heretical statement and conjured an incorrect way of thinking and living. “Country First” my ass, “Family First” is the way to go; strong families make for a strong, stable and sane populace.
Just keep a couple things in mind
1. If you are married—your first and foremost concern and responsibility is to your spouse, not someone’s idea christian or national service. If you do make your spouse and family your first concern, you will have your priorities in order and your family will be stronger and closer than ever.
2. Whether you are married or not and attend an organized church, you need to examine everything you do in light of the Scripture. If it is not clearly stated there, then it is extra-biblical and just as bad as unbiblical.
3. What’s it gonna be? Continue in the ways which come between you and your family; or begin putting each other first?
This is written to all who put God, church service, career, hobbies before spouse and children. Most families have their priorities mixed up and that’s a shame. I find it disheartening when I learn of organized churches with classes for divorced members. Perhaps if they didn’t have so many functions for the members to be consumed by, they could put each other first as they should and there wouldn’t be a need for such a class.
I Corinthians 7:21-40 “Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather. For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant. Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men. Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God. Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: yet I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful. I suppose therefore that this is good for the present distress, I say, that it is good for a man so to be. Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife. But and if thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. Nevertheless such shall have trouble in the flesh: but I spare you. But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none; And they that weep, as though they wept not; and they that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not; and they that buy, as though they possessed not; And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away. But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord: But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife. There is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband. And this I speak for your own profit; not that I may cast a snare upon you, but for that which is comely, and that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction. But if any man think that he behaveth himself uncomely toward his virgin, if she pass the flower of her age, and need so require, let him do what he will, he sinneth not: let them marry. Nevertheless he that standeth stedfast in his heart, having no necessity, but hath power over his own will, and hath so decreed in his heart that he will keep his virgin, doeth well. So then he that giveth her in marriage doeth well; but he that giveth her not in marriage doeth better. The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord. But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment: and I think also that I have the Spirit of God.”
Paul’s point? Married people put their spouse first, therefore, don’t be married so you can put God first. But he also made the point that marrying is not a sin. It’s pretty simple. You should put each other first and foremost. If that means missing a few “worship services” so be it; if that means stepping down from some committee, so be it; whatever it takes.
I know there is the scripture which says “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together…” Hebrews 10:25. Don’t let the misuse of this scripture con you into abandoning your priorities. Forsaking does not mean refusing to attend an organized church meeting. According to Webster’s 1828 dictionary (and current ones as well) it means:
1. To quit or leave entirely; to desert; to abandon; to depart from.
2. To abandon; to renounce; to reject.
3. To leave; to withdraw from.
Scripture always defines itself. We can verify the definition of the word by going elsewhere Mark 15:34 “…My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” (The subject of “assembling” is distorted in today’s organized religion.) Don’t let anyone try to tell you what scripture actually means, you don’t need anyone to: 1 John 2:27 “But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.”
John McCain’s slogan “Country First” was not only a socialist slogan, it was a heretical statement and conjured an incorrect way of thinking and living. “Country First” my ass, “Family First” is the way to go; strong families make for a strong, stable and sane populace.
Just keep a couple things in mind
1. If you are married—your first and foremost concern and responsibility is to your spouse, not someone’s idea christian or national service. If you do make your spouse and family your first concern, you will have your priorities in order and your family will be stronger and closer than ever.
2. Whether you are married or not and attend an organized church, you need to examine everything you do in light of the Scripture. If it is not clearly stated there, then it is extra-biblical and just as bad as unbiblical.
3. What’s it gonna be? Continue in the ways which come between you and your family; or begin putting each other first?
Sunday, November 23, 2008
My interview regarding homeschooling
I was recently interviewed on a great blog site, by a great blogger regarding homeschooling. Here is the transcript from that interview. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed giving it. Every chance you have, you should check out this guy's blog!
--Good evening and welcome to the blogs of Matthew Evans. My guest this evening is homeschooling dad, Matthew Evans from Fort Wayne, Indiana. Welcome Mr. Evans.
Oh thank you very much Mr. Evans, but please call me Matt.
--Well OK then, Matt, and you can call me Matt. Why don't you start out by telling us a little about yourself and your family and why you chose to homeschool your children instead of sending them to standard school?
Well, Matt, let me first say that I find your blog to be the most interesting, intelligent, exhilarating blog I have come across. It is filled with up-to-date current events and an objective and insightful view on them all. I truly enjoy reading them over and over again and look forward with great expectation to future ones.
--Thank you so much, that's so kind of you to say.
My wife and I chose to homeschool basically because we did not like the idea of someone else telling our children what to think or what to believe. What I mean by that is this: we want our children to be able to look at a situation and come to their own conclusions based upon facts, objectivity, reason and experience. All organized schools, whether public or private, have ulterior motives. Organized schools want children to be good little citizens who obey the laws and do as they are told. Public schools want to teach children, let's take for example global warming, they teach that global warming is an undisputed fact and all of science agrees that it is a horrible thing. However, in reality, there are many scientists who believe the opposite is occurring; that the earth is cooling. There are even more scientists who state that this is a naturally occurring cycle and we should just roll with it. Private schools are usually religious based and teach their brand of religion and what they believe the Bible says, and that is not at all what we wanted for our children. We want our children to look at all the information available and come to a logically based conclusion. For example, my oldest daughter and I disagree on the issue of immigration. We both agree that the system needs overhauled, however she agrees with full amnesty for illegal aliens, whereas, I do not. That is exactly what we wanted to nurture in our children. We did not want them to become little robots, mindlessly repeating the doctrines someone else taught them. I don't want my children to blindly follow-the-leader. I want them to question the leader, to question authority and become the leaders themselves. Not to mindlessly pledge allegiance to something or someone; but to pledge allegiance only if they choose to do so.
--So how do you actually teach in such a manner?
It's not as difficult to homeschool as people think. We use the library and the internet primarily. There are several math textbooks to choose from, it's rather difficult to use math to indoctrinate children into something. We have all found sources of information we trust more than others and sources we do not trust at all. So have my children. I want my children to trust me and use me as a source of information so I attempt to provide them with as much information about things as I can. I attempt to prove my point logically through morals and reason. They use the same method for judging other informational sources.
--What about socialization? How do you think your children will adjust to society when they become adults?
That is the question we are asked the most. I am not sure why people think it is such a big deal. Depending on who is asking I tell them that socialization is good, if you want your child to be a good socialist. Socialization is inevitable, unless you live on a deserted island, your children will be socialized.
--(Ha Ha, chuckle, chuckle) I never thought of it that way. Good point. Please continue.
Children in organized schools socialize with children their own age or very close to their own age. That is not how we live our lives. Five year old children shouldn't learn etiquette from other five year old children; they should learn it from adults. My children socialize with people their own age, older and younger through extra curricular activities, homeschool co-operatives, shopping, living in a neighborhood, etc. It is not uncommon for our 11 year old son, Matthew Jr., to carry on an intelligent conversation with an adult. If my girls choose, they can talk about the latest American Idol winner or discuss the latest bail out plans of the government. They can communicate with children a fraction of their age or adults several times their age.
--Do your children participate in sports related activities?
Yes, of course, it is basically part of their physical education. My daughters (Hannah, Rebecca and Rachel) are all members of one of the local homeschool volleyball teams, the Fort Wayne Falcons; they play competitively locally, statewide and nationally. My son participates in many of the basketball and baseball programs in our city.
--What other types of extra-curricular activities are there? I know you mentioned the co-ops available, what are they about?
Homeschooled families often pool their resources and parents give a presentation regarding their job or other areas where they have a specialty. An example would be, that due to our careers and education, my wife could present a class regarding heart health or I could give one regarding animal care or laws. Two of my daughters, Hannah and Rachel, are reading tutors for children third grade and under through a local education organization. Through this group they also visit nursing homes where they read to the residents. Rebecca and Rachel are both members of the Explorers program which is hosted by the Animal Shelter and and is a program for young people to explore animal related careers. The girls are also members of CHAT, a local group for homeschooled teens. The Fort Wayne area is rife with homeschool support. This area makes it easy to be a homeschooler, as do Indiana laws in general.
--What about the laws? Do you need to have the children tested or vaccinated just like regular school kids?
No child is required by law to be vaccinated, that is a misnomer. Each state is different. Indiana is one of the best states homeschoolers could live in. Basically the state law requires that only the local school superintendant can question us regarding the matter; and all he/she can ask for is proof that we provide something educational to our children for 180 days. The same amount of days children go to regular schools.
--So if a police officer knocked on your door and asked why your children were not in school, what would you say?
I would politely tell him that my children are homeschooled and ask that he leave my property.
--What if he demanded proof that they were in fact homeschooled?
Then I would no longer be polite and demand he leave my property immediately before I took drastic measures. Those measures, however, are for a different interview.
--I see. So what do you think has been the most difficult part of homeschooling?
I know I say that my wife and I do it, but she deserves all the credit. Now the children are old enough to basically do it all themselves and lean on us for occasional questions, assistance or other needs. Teaching the basic "Three R's" was tough at first. In the beginning my wife was a stay-at-home mom, and I worked several jobs so she could be. We sacrificed through that time so she could lay the educational foundation for us and the children to build on. Hannah, our oldest, was our guinea pig. The poor thing, we tried several methods with her, ultimately settling for what we consider a watered down "unschooling" approach.
--"Unschooling?" What does that mean?
Since Hannah is in high school we opted for a more set curriculum. She receives videos of a classroom with a teacher and students and she performs everything they do, as if she were sitting in the class as well. Our other children though, basically do their own thing. No organized school time and their only established curriculum is Saxon Math. If they take a hankering to learn about trees, fine, they learn about trees; the same for poetry, cooking, or rocket science. I say it is a watered down approach because we do include some text books for math and some other forms of curriculum, but math is the only subject they consistently use a text book for.
--What has been the best part of homeschooling?
Knowing my children are going to be home safe and sound after school is comforting. No worries about my children being caught up in a school shooting or gang violence. We all know the reports of how poorly the government schools perform; I know from personal experience that private schools aren't much better. I have no intention of sending my children somewhere, to be indoctrinated into a system that has already proven to be a complete failure. The fact that my children are free and independent thinkers and can discuss relevant matters and important issues with adults and can express themselves in an articulate manner is gratifying and makes it all worthwhile.
--That's great to hear. Well Matt, that's all the time we have for today. It has been an absolute pleasure talking with you today. It has been an exciting, interesting and educational interview. Thank you for your time and thank you for raising your children in a manner which will ultimately benefit all of us in the future.
Thank you Matt, I've had a great time. Keep up the great work and I look forward to more blogging.
--Good night everyone. Queue the music…
--Good evening and welcome to the blogs of Matthew Evans. My guest this evening is homeschooling dad, Matthew Evans from Fort Wayne, Indiana. Welcome Mr. Evans.
Oh thank you very much Mr. Evans, but please call me Matt.
--Well OK then, Matt, and you can call me Matt. Why don't you start out by telling us a little about yourself and your family and why you chose to homeschool your children instead of sending them to standard school?
Well, Matt, let me first say that I find your blog to be the most interesting, intelligent, exhilarating blog I have come across. It is filled with up-to-date current events and an objective and insightful view on them all. I truly enjoy reading them over and over again and look forward with great expectation to future ones.
--Thank you so much, that's so kind of you to say.
My wife and I chose to homeschool basically because we did not like the idea of someone else telling our children what to think or what to believe. What I mean by that is this: we want our children to be able to look at a situation and come to their own conclusions based upon facts, objectivity, reason and experience. All organized schools, whether public or private, have ulterior motives. Organized schools want children to be good little citizens who obey the laws and do as they are told. Public schools want to teach children, let's take for example global warming, they teach that global warming is an undisputed fact and all of science agrees that it is a horrible thing. However, in reality, there are many scientists who believe the opposite is occurring; that the earth is cooling. There are even more scientists who state that this is a naturally occurring cycle and we should just roll with it. Private schools are usually religious based and teach their brand of religion and what they believe the Bible says, and that is not at all what we wanted for our children. We want our children to look at all the information available and come to a logically based conclusion. For example, my oldest daughter and I disagree on the issue of immigration. We both agree that the system needs overhauled, however she agrees with full amnesty for illegal aliens, whereas, I do not. That is exactly what we wanted to nurture in our children. We did not want them to become little robots, mindlessly repeating the doctrines someone else taught them. I don't want my children to blindly follow-the-leader. I want them to question the leader, to question authority and become the leaders themselves. Not to mindlessly pledge allegiance to something or someone; but to pledge allegiance only if they choose to do so.
--So how do you actually teach in such a manner?
It's not as difficult to homeschool as people think. We use the library and the internet primarily. There are several math textbooks to choose from, it's rather difficult to use math to indoctrinate children into something. We have all found sources of information we trust more than others and sources we do not trust at all. So have my children. I want my children to trust me and use me as a source of information so I attempt to provide them with as much information about things as I can. I attempt to prove my point logically through morals and reason. They use the same method for judging other informational sources.
--What about socialization? How do you think your children will adjust to society when they become adults?
That is the question we are asked the most. I am not sure why people think it is such a big deal. Depending on who is asking I tell them that socialization is good, if you want your child to be a good socialist. Socialization is inevitable, unless you live on a deserted island, your children will be socialized.
--(Ha Ha, chuckle, chuckle) I never thought of it that way. Good point. Please continue.
Children in organized schools socialize with children their own age or very close to their own age. That is not how we live our lives. Five year old children shouldn't learn etiquette from other five year old children; they should learn it from adults. My children socialize with people their own age, older and younger through extra curricular activities, homeschool co-operatives, shopping, living in a neighborhood, etc. It is not uncommon for our 11 year old son, Matthew Jr., to carry on an intelligent conversation with an adult. If my girls choose, they can talk about the latest American Idol winner or discuss the latest bail out plans of the government. They can communicate with children a fraction of their age or adults several times their age.
--Do your children participate in sports related activities?
Yes, of course, it is basically part of their physical education. My daughters (Hannah, Rebecca and Rachel) are all members of one of the local homeschool volleyball teams, the Fort Wayne Falcons; they play competitively locally, statewide and nationally. My son participates in many of the basketball and baseball programs in our city.
--What other types of extra-curricular activities are there? I know you mentioned the co-ops available, what are they about?
Homeschooled families often pool their resources and parents give a presentation regarding their job or other areas where they have a specialty. An example would be, that due to our careers and education, my wife could present a class regarding heart health or I could give one regarding animal care or laws. Two of my daughters, Hannah and Rachel, are reading tutors for children third grade and under through a local education organization. Through this group they also visit nursing homes where they read to the residents. Rebecca and Rachel are both members of the Explorers program which is hosted by the Animal Shelter and and is a program for young people to explore animal related careers. The girls are also members of CHAT, a local group for homeschooled teens. The Fort Wayne area is rife with homeschool support. This area makes it easy to be a homeschooler, as do Indiana laws in general.
--What about the laws? Do you need to have the children tested or vaccinated just like regular school kids?
No child is required by law to be vaccinated, that is a misnomer. Each state is different. Indiana is one of the best states homeschoolers could live in. Basically the state law requires that only the local school superintendant can question us regarding the matter; and all he/she can ask for is proof that we provide something educational to our children for 180 days. The same amount of days children go to regular schools.
--So if a police officer knocked on your door and asked why your children were not in school, what would you say?
I would politely tell him that my children are homeschooled and ask that he leave my property.
--What if he demanded proof that they were in fact homeschooled?
Then I would no longer be polite and demand he leave my property immediately before I took drastic measures. Those measures, however, are for a different interview.
--I see. So what do you think has been the most difficult part of homeschooling?
I know I say that my wife and I do it, but she deserves all the credit. Now the children are old enough to basically do it all themselves and lean on us for occasional questions, assistance or other needs. Teaching the basic "Three R's" was tough at first. In the beginning my wife was a stay-at-home mom, and I worked several jobs so she could be. We sacrificed through that time so she could lay the educational foundation for us and the children to build on. Hannah, our oldest, was our guinea pig. The poor thing, we tried several methods with her, ultimately settling for what we consider a watered down "unschooling" approach.
--"Unschooling?" What does that mean?
Since Hannah is in high school we opted for a more set curriculum. She receives videos of a classroom with a teacher and students and she performs everything they do, as if she were sitting in the class as well. Our other children though, basically do their own thing. No organized school time and their only established curriculum is Saxon Math. If they take a hankering to learn about trees, fine, they learn about trees; the same for poetry, cooking, or rocket science. I say it is a watered down approach because we do include some text books for math and some other forms of curriculum, but math is the only subject they consistently use a text book for.
--What has been the best part of homeschooling?
Knowing my children are going to be home safe and sound after school is comforting. No worries about my children being caught up in a school shooting or gang violence. We all know the reports of how poorly the government schools perform; I know from personal experience that private schools aren't much better. I have no intention of sending my children somewhere, to be indoctrinated into a system that has already proven to be a complete failure. The fact that my children are free and independent thinkers and can discuss relevant matters and important issues with adults and can express themselves in an articulate manner is gratifying and makes it all worthwhile.
--That's great to hear. Well Matt, that's all the time we have for today. It has been an absolute pleasure talking with you today. It has been an exciting, interesting and educational interview. Thank you for your time and thank you for raising your children in a manner which will ultimately benefit all of us in the future.
Thank you Matt, I've had a great time. Keep up the great work and I look forward to more blogging.
--Good night everyone. Queue the music…
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Dear Senator...
Here is a copy of a letter I sent to both of Indiana's Senators: Richard Lugar (R) and Evan Bayh (D). (For good measure I also sent it to Mark Souder, the Representative to this area.)
Dear Senator ...
I have thought long and hard as to what sort of eloquent scolding I would give you regarding the possible bailout of the auto industry. I thought I would send you a letter rife with poetic ramblings, righteous indignation and tasteful sarcasm. But I realized taking so much time and effort to write such a piece would be a complete waste of my time and energy. I could take several days to compose just the right message, or I could take a couple minutes to jot down how much I think the idea is stupid. Either way, you will not listen. Either way, you will do whatever it is you want to do. Either way, you will completely disregard the will of the people and go your own way, just as you did with the banker bailout.
That being said, I want you to know that I have no intentions of wasting my time to ask you, beg you, plead with you, recommend, suggest, or order you to not give the auto industry a bailout. I figure the Democrats are in the pockets of the Unions and the Republicans are in the pockets of the CEO’s, so why bother asking you not to rescue your “sugar daddies.”
No one is buying this dog and pony show you have going on; all the hem-hawing around, acting as if you are struggling with the decision. Stop toying with us, some of us are not that ignorant. We know you are going to do it--just like you did with the bankers. So please, stop holding your press conferences, stop having your individual interviews with the media, stop giving the public those ridiculous puppy-dog-eyes and just do it. Just go ahead and ignore the will of the voters and do what we already know you are going to do. Besides, only two senators who voted for the bailout were voted out, and a mere six representatives who supported it were removed from office. I’m sure your great parking spot in the Senate parking garage is safe.
That’s my two cents—and that’s twice the value of Congress.
Sincerely,
Matthew Evans
Fort Wayne, IN
Dear Senator ...
I have thought long and hard as to what sort of eloquent scolding I would give you regarding the possible bailout of the auto industry. I thought I would send you a letter rife with poetic ramblings, righteous indignation and tasteful sarcasm. But I realized taking so much time and effort to write such a piece would be a complete waste of my time and energy. I could take several days to compose just the right message, or I could take a couple minutes to jot down how much I think the idea is stupid. Either way, you will not listen. Either way, you will do whatever it is you want to do. Either way, you will completely disregard the will of the people and go your own way, just as you did with the banker bailout.
That being said, I want you to know that I have no intentions of wasting my time to ask you, beg you, plead with you, recommend, suggest, or order you to not give the auto industry a bailout. I figure the Democrats are in the pockets of the Unions and the Republicans are in the pockets of the CEO’s, so why bother asking you not to rescue your “sugar daddies.”
No one is buying this dog and pony show you have going on; all the hem-hawing around, acting as if you are struggling with the decision. Stop toying with us, some of us are not that ignorant. We know you are going to do it--just like you did with the bankers. So please, stop holding your press conferences, stop having your individual interviews with the media, stop giving the public those ridiculous puppy-dog-eyes and just do it. Just go ahead and ignore the will of the voters and do what we already know you are going to do. Besides, only two senators who voted for the bailout were voted out, and a mere six representatives who supported it were removed from office. I’m sure your great parking spot in the Senate parking garage is safe.
That’s my two cents—and that’s twice the value of Congress.
Sincerely,
Matthew Evans
Fort Wayne, IN
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Dear President George W. Bush
Dear President George W. Bush,
As your second term slowly draws to a close, I am sure you have given a plethora of thought as to what you would like to do with your time. Things such as working on your book building (aka library), talking at speaking engagements, strutting around your ranch wearing your white cowboy hat, or even knitting a nice afghan. Whatever it is you have planned, I am sure the majority of Americans would be cool with the idea of you starting it as soon as possible. Please, feel free to move out of the White House today. I would personally accept your resignation now, as opposed to January 20, 2009. Just be sure to lock the door to the White House on your way out—then lose the key. I don’t want Obama in there any more or less than I wanted you in it.
! It’s been quite the eventful eight years, hasn’t it? The chaos started with the 2000 election when you became the first to ever be appointed (by the Supreme Court) as president as opposed to being voted into office like all the other ones. What an ingenious way of doing away with that pesky democratic election/ Electoral College stuff. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_presidential_election,_2000
!@ Next there were the events which have become known as 9/11. Some people say you, at best, knew it was going to happen and did nothing; while others say you actually had a hand in it. What do I think? I cannot say for sure, but this country has a history of false flag operations and I think one of them is likely the case. www.911truth.org You took full advantage of this heinous act and gave us:
1. Three hour long lines at the airport; while being harassed and molested by highly paid, under-trained, ignorant federal employees with dead-end jobs. http://www.riflewarrior.com/you_have_papers.htm
2. The Patriot Act; fascism with a pretty name. What has this Constitutional travesty caused? (http://www.backwoodshome.com/columns/wolfe040115.html)
a. Expanded terrorism laws to include “domestic terrorism” which could subject political organizations to surveillance, wiretapping, harassment, and criminal action for political advocacy.
b. Expanded the ability of law enforcement to conduct secret searches, gave them wide powers of phone and Internet surveillance, and access to highly personal medical, financial, mental health, and student records with minimal judicial oversight. “Sneak and Peak.” You have allowed federal agents to enter someone’s home without a warrant, look around for whatever they want and leave without informing the homeowner of their intrusion.
c. Allowed FBI Agents to investigate American citizens for criminal matters without probable cause of crime if an agent says it is for “intelligence purposes.”
d. Permitted non-citizens to be jailed based on mere suspicion and to be denied re-admission to the US for engaging in free speech. Suspects convicted of no crime may be detained indefinitely in six month increments without meaningful judicial review.
3. What the ACLU said about you and the FISA changes: “On July 10, 2008, President Bush signed the unconstitutional FISA Amendments Act of 2008 (FAA), supposedly aimed at “updating” the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). Unfortunately, the law meant to “update” FISA instead gutted the original law by eviscerating the role of the judicial oversight in government surveillance. The law also gave sweeping immunity to the telecommunications companies that aided the Bush administration’s unconstitutional warrantless wiretapping program by handing over access to our communications without a warrant.”
4. You’ve been responsible for the deaths of countless Iraqis and the destruction of a country, based on not just one lie, but several. Several lies that you and your cabinet insisted were absolutely, unequivocally, completely and utterly true.
5. You eliminated posse comitatus with HR 5122 (the John Warner Defense Authorization Act of 2007), which allows you to declare a "public emergency" and station troops anywhere in America and take control of state-based National Guard units without the consent of the governor or local authorities, in order to "suppress public disorder," thus making you and any future president a dictator. With this law you are able to declare martial law for any reason, even if it is because of a natural disaster in another country.
6. You created the new bureaucracy called the Department of Homeland Security. How swell. You tell us that 9/11 happened due to the failings of federal police agencies, so you claim to fix the problem by creating another federal police agency and making the federal government even bigger and more useless. This is the same as attempting to fix termite infested wood by adding more termites…
http://www.aclu.org/natsec/emergpowers/14444leg20021206.html
http://www.ombwatch.org/article/articleview/288/1/3/
http://www.truthmove.org/content/war-on-terror/
!@# We have you and your cohorts in Congress to thank for this wonderful economy. If I was a billionaire banker I would be able to thank you for bailing me out, but since I am not…thanks for nothing. http://www.infowars.com/?p=461
!@#$ Thanks for borrowing millions from China in June, 2008 and giving it to the U.S. citizens as an economic stimulus package, just so we can purchase Chinese made products. I’ve always wanted to be indebted to a communist country. Oh wait, I am expected to pay taxes on my wages, I guess I already am, never mind. http://www.cato.org/pub_display.php?pub_id=9110
!@#$% The National Debt has increase substantially while you were in office:
a. On January 1, 2000: $5,776,091,314,225.33
b. As of this writing: $10,622,223,198,682.54
!@#$%& Of recent two term presidents, you come in 2nd when it comes to increasing the National Debt. Ronald Reagan’s 1st term saw an 11.3% increase; his 2nd a 9.2% increase. Bill Clinton’s 1st term saw a 0.6% decrease in the debt and his 2nd produced an 8.2% decrease. Your first term was a 6.9% increase and your second term is projected to be a 3.9% increase. www.treasurydirect.gov
!@#$%&* I won’t insult you about your handling of hurricane Katrina. It isn’t the government’s job to take care of people who were fool enough to live in an area where such a thing could occur. However, sending troops into New Orleans to search house-to-house and confiscate their firearms was a complete violation of the Second Amendment, shame-shame. http://www.gunowners.org/no02.htm
!@#$%&*? You have given us some comedic relief over the years, for which we are grateful. Statements such as: (www.slate.com)
-“Families is where our nation finds hope, where wings take dream.”
-“I know how hard it is for you to put food on your family.”
-“They misunderestimated me.”
-“Rarely is the question asked: Is our children learning?”
-"I know the human being and fish can coexist peacefully.”
!@#$%&*?! Because of you Americans are no longer above torture. We no longer ask “Is torture acceptable?” We ask “How much torture is acceptable?” Bring on the rack! http://www.hrw.org/campaigns/torture.htm
What a !@#$%&*?!@!#*! legacy you are leaving behind. You should be so proud of yourself. In your old age, you can recount to your grandchildren how you dismantled the U.S. Constitution and relegated it to nothing more than a mere “goddamned piece of paper” (http://www.capitolhillblue.com/artman/publish/article_7779.shtml). After all, it is an antiquated and silly way to run a government.
Well, good luck with all your endeavors in the future and the sooner you get the hell out of D.C. the better!
Sincerely,
Matthew Evans & all other liberty loving U.S. citizens
As your second term slowly draws to a close, I am sure you have given a plethora of thought as to what you would like to do with your time. Things such as working on your book building (aka library), talking at speaking engagements, strutting around your ranch wearing your white cowboy hat, or even knitting a nice afghan. Whatever it is you have planned, I am sure the majority of Americans would be cool with the idea of you starting it as soon as possible. Please, feel free to move out of the White House today. I would personally accept your resignation now, as opposed to January 20, 2009. Just be sure to lock the door to the White House on your way out—then lose the key. I don’t want Obama in there any more or less than I wanted you in it.
! It’s been quite the eventful eight years, hasn’t it? The chaos started with the 2000 election when you became the first to ever be appointed (by the Supreme Court) as president as opposed to being voted into office like all the other ones. What an ingenious way of doing away with that pesky democratic election/ Electoral College stuff. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_presidential_election,_2000
!@ Next there were the events which have become known as 9/11. Some people say you, at best, knew it was going to happen and did nothing; while others say you actually had a hand in it. What do I think? I cannot say for sure, but this country has a history of false flag operations and I think one of them is likely the case. www.911truth.org You took full advantage of this heinous act and gave us:
1. Three hour long lines at the airport; while being harassed and molested by highly paid, under-trained, ignorant federal employees with dead-end jobs. http://www.riflewarrior.com/you_have_papers.htm
2. The Patriot Act; fascism with a pretty name. What has this Constitutional travesty caused? (http://www.backwoodshome.com/columns/wolfe040115.html)
a. Expanded terrorism laws to include “domestic terrorism” which could subject political organizations to surveillance, wiretapping, harassment, and criminal action for political advocacy.
b. Expanded the ability of law enforcement to conduct secret searches, gave them wide powers of phone and Internet surveillance, and access to highly personal medical, financial, mental health, and student records with minimal judicial oversight. “Sneak and Peak.” You have allowed federal agents to enter someone’s home without a warrant, look around for whatever they want and leave without informing the homeowner of their intrusion.
c. Allowed FBI Agents to investigate American citizens for criminal matters without probable cause of crime if an agent says it is for “intelligence purposes.”
d. Permitted non-citizens to be jailed based on mere suspicion and to be denied re-admission to the US for engaging in free speech. Suspects convicted of no crime may be detained indefinitely in six month increments without meaningful judicial review.
3. What the ACLU said about you and the FISA changes: “On July 10, 2008, President Bush signed the unconstitutional FISA Amendments Act of 2008 (FAA), supposedly aimed at “updating” the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). Unfortunately, the law meant to “update” FISA instead gutted the original law by eviscerating the role of the judicial oversight in government surveillance. The law also gave sweeping immunity to the telecommunications companies that aided the Bush administration’s unconstitutional warrantless wiretapping program by handing over access to our communications without a warrant.”
4. You’ve been responsible for the deaths of countless Iraqis and the destruction of a country, based on not just one lie, but several. Several lies that you and your cabinet insisted were absolutely, unequivocally, completely and utterly true.
5. You eliminated posse comitatus with HR 5122 (the John Warner Defense Authorization Act of 2007), which allows you to declare a "public emergency" and station troops anywhere in America and take control of state-based National Guard units without the consent of the governor or local authorities, in order to "suppress public disorder," thus making you and any future president a dictator. With this law you are able to declare martial law for any reason, even if it is because of a natural disaster in another country.
6. You created the new bureaucracy called the Department of Homeland Security. How swell. You tell us that 9/11 happened due to the failings of federal police agencies, so you claim to fix the problem by creating another federal police agency and making the federal government even bigger and more useless. This is the same as attempting to fix termite infested wood by adding more termites…
http://www.aclu.org/natsec/emergpowers/14444leg20021206.html
http://www.ombwatch.org/article/articleview/288/1/3/
http://www.truthmove.org/content/war-on-terror/
!@# We have you and your cohorts in Congress to thank for this wonderful economy. If I was a billionaire banker I would be able to thank you for bailing me out, but since I am not…thanks for nothing. http://www.infowars.com/?p=461
!@#$ Thanks for borrowing millions from China in June, 2008 and giving it to the U.S. citizens as an economic stimulus package, just so we can purchase Chinese made products. I’ve always wanted to be indebted to a communist country. Oh wait, I am expected to pay taxes on my wages, I guess I already am, never mind. http://www.cato.org/pub_display.php?pub_id=9110
!@#$% The National Debt has increase substantially while you were in office:
a. On January 1, 2000: $5,776,091,314,225.33
b. As of this writing: $10,622,223,198,682.54
!@#$%& Of recent two term presidents, you come in 2nd when it comes to increasing the National Debt. Ronald Reagan’s 1st term saw an 11.3% increase; his 2nd a 9.2% increase. Bill Clinton’s 1st term saw a 0.6% decrease in the debt and his 2nd produced an 8.2% decrease. Your first term was a 6.9% increase and your second term is projected to be a 3.9% increase. www.treasurydirect.gov
!@#$%&* I won’t insult you about your handling of hurricane Katrina. It isn’t the government’s job to take care of people who were fool enough to live in an area where such a thing could occur. However, sending troops into New Orleans to search house-to-house and confiscate their firearms was a complete violation of the Second Amendment, shame-shame. http://www.gunowners.org/no02.htm
!@#$%&*? You have given us some comedic relief over the years, for which we are grateful. Statements such as: (www.slate.com)
-“Families is where our nation finds hope, where wings take dream.”
-“I know how hard it is for you to put food on your family.”
-“They misunderestimated me.”
-“Rarely is the question asked: Is our children learning?”
-"I know the human being and fish can coexist peacefully.”
!@#$%&*?! Because of you Americans are no longer above torture. We no longer ask “Is torture acceptable?” We ask “How much torture is acceptable?” Bring on the rack! http://www.hrw.org/campaigns/torture.htm
What a !@#$%&*?!@!#*! legacy you are leaving behind. You should be so proud of yourself. In your old age, you can recount to your grandchildren how you dismantled the U.S. Constitution and relegated it to nothing more than a mere “goddamned piece of paper” (http://www.capitolhillblue.com/artman/publish/article_7779.shtml). After all, it is an antiquated and silly way to run a government.
Well, good luck with all your endeavors in the future and the sooner you get the hell out of D.C. the better!
Sincerely,
Matthew Evans & all other liberty loving U.S. citizens
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Dear Mr. Obama,
Dear Mr. Obama,
Regarding the recent bailout programs for financial institutions; I understand the automotive industry is now requesting to be bailed out as well. I am sure there are various other industries chomping-at-the-bit to be bailed out and you have yet to speak with all of them.
I would like to take this opportunity to “throw my name in the hat” of proposed bailouts. I am personally in the industry of “Making Hay,” “Raising Hell” and “Wreaking Havoc.” However lately, business has not been so good. Due to various financial responsibilities; familial duties such as raising children, unclogging drains, assisting with homework; reporting to a full-time and a part-time job; and even age; have all attributing factors into my need for a bailout. My production of hay, hell and havoc are at an all time low. I have been able to produce enough to get by, but there is no longer a surplus and I am dangerously close to dipping into reserves.
I readily admit that age could be the main determinant regarding hay making and hell raising; but wreaking havoc is down due to stiff competition from the government. I can survive on the hay and hell I produce now, but the amount and magnitude of havoc the government wreaks far surpasses any I could ever dream of wreaking.
Please take a moment and consider using my tax dollars to bail me out as authorized by the recent bailout bill passed by Congress and the White House.
Thank you for your time and consideration in this matter.
Sincerely,
Matthew Evans
Dear Mr. Obama,
Regarding my previous letter requesting a bail out from the federal government; I realized afterward that I sent it to the wrong person. Please scratch out your name and address it to Federal Reserve Chairman, Henry Paulson. I forgot that you, your buddy McCain and your predecessor Bush have given Paulson (a private employee of the privately owned Federal Reserve) the unquestionable, carte blanche power to decide these things. So please write his name after “Dear Mr.” and forward it appropriately.
Thank you,
Matthew Evans
Dear Mr. Obama,
It's me again; it's about my last letter to you this time. I asked that you change the name to Paulson, well, I hate to admit it, but I mistakenly asked you to put the name of the Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson on the previous letter, but meant to say Ben Bernanke. It is rather easy to confuse the two considering how often they are in the news lately. Besides, I am beginning to think they may actually be the same person. Are they ever seen in the same room together? I know there are photographs of them standing side-by-side, but with today's Photoshop it is easier to conceal one's secret identity.
Are we sure they aren't the same person? You know, like Spider-Man and Peter Parker, Larry the Cucumber and Larry Boy, Superman and Clark Kent, John McCain 2000 and John McCain 2008? It's just a thought.
But back to my point.... Would you please be so kind as to scratch out your previous scratch out and write in Ben Bernanke?
Thanks again,
Matthew Evans
Regarding the recent bailout programs for financial institutions; I understand the automotive industry is now requesting to be bailed out as well. I am sure there are various other industries chomping-at-the-bit to be bailed out and you have yet to speak with all of them.
I would like to take this opportunity to “throw my name in the hat” of proposed bailouts. I am personally in the industry of “Making Hay,” “Raising Hell” and “Wreaking Havoc.” However lately, business has not been so good. Due to various financial responsibilities; familial duties such as raising children, unclogging drains, assisting with homework; reporting to a full-time and a part-time job; and even age; have all attributing factors into my need for a bailout. My production of hay, hell and havoc are at an all time low. I have been able to produce enough to get by, but there is no longer a surplus and I am dangerously close to dipping into reserves.
I readily admit that age could be the main determinant regarding hay making and hell raising; but wreaking havoc is down due to stiff competition from the government. I can survive on the hay and hell I produce now, but the amount and magnitude of havoc the government wreaks far surpasses any I could ever dream of wreaking.
Please take a moment and consider using my tax dollars to bail me out as authorized by the recent bailout bill passed by Congress and the White House.
Thank you for your time and consideration in this matter.
Sincerely,
Matthew Evans
Dear Mr. Obama,
Regarding my previous letter requesting a bail out from the federal government; I realized afterward that I sent it to the wrong person. Please scratch out your name and address it to Federal Reserve Chairman, Henry Paulson. I forgot that you, your buddy McCain and your predecessor Bush have given Paulson (a private employee of the privately owned Federal Reserve) the unquestionable, carte blanche power to decide these things. So please write his name after “Dear Mr.” and forward it appropriately.
Thank you,
Matthew Evans
Dear Mr. Obama,
It's me again; it's about my last letter to you this time. I asked that you change the name to Paulson, well, I hate to admit it, but I mistakenly asked you to put the name of the Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson on the previous letter, but meant to say Ben Bernanke. It is rather easy to confuse the two considering how often they are in the news lately. Besides, I am beginning to think they may actually be the same person. Are they ever seen in the same room together? I know there are photographs of them standing side-by-side, but with today's Photoshop it is easier to conceal one's secret identity.
Are we sure they aren't the same person? You know, like Spider-Man and Peter Parker, Larry the Cucumber and Larry Boy, Superman and Clark Kent, John McCain 2000 and John McCain 2008? It's just a thought.
But back to my point.... Would you please be so kind as to scratch out your previous scratch out and write in Ben Bernanke?
Thanks again,
Matthew Evans
Saturday, November 8, 2008
IT’S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE…
It’s that time of year again! Apparently, the only time of year when needy people go hungry, the destitute need a helping hand, and the poor are faced with a financial crossroads. We all know, no one goes hungry in July or else there would be “Independence Day Food Drives.” Since there aren’t any, people must be well fed in the summer months. This is for sure though, the only time of year when people are faced with the difficult decision of either spending their meager stipend on necessities or on worthless trinkets. Is it any wonder why I become so cynical about mankind this time of year? Everyone is filled with the Christmas spirit and giving to the poor; feeding the hungry; clothing the naked. That’s all well and good I suppose, as long as those same needy people are cared about during the other seasons. But that’s the problem, they are not. Toys for Tots, Coats for Kids, Feed the Fort, all programs solely for this time of year. They are one of the many reasons why I firmly believe this time of year actually sickens Jesus. He wants us to care about the needy more than once a year…doesn’t he?
I hate going anywhere this time of year. Places are packed with people pushing and pulling, prodding and poking, pilfering the pathetic product produced by political prisoners, plus postulating that they have purchased present-worthy perfection. I can’t go to a store and make a simple purchase without the clerk asking if it is a gift.
Clerk: “Doing a little holiday shopping I see.”
Me: “No I’m not.”
Clerk: “Are you sure these aren’t a little something special for someone special?”
Me: “I’m sure they are not.”
Clerk: “Would you like them gift wrapped?”
Me: “No thank you. Can I take my milk and bread and go home now please?”
It is just about that bad. Heaven forbid I buy a watch, hammer, shirt or a radio.
Early in the Christmas Season:
Someone: “What’s Santa going to bring you this year?”
Me: “A gun, so I can shoot the next person who asks me that stupid question.”
By Christmas Eve:
Someone: “What’s Santa going to bring you this year?”
Me: “A gun, so I can shoot myself in the head and never be asked that stupid question ever again.”
Since I have your attention already I would like to add one more thing: so what if someone tells you “Happy Holidays” instead of “Merry Christmas.” Are you that superficial and immature that it offends you when someone lumps all of the holidays into one statement? Or doesn’t want to offend you? Christmas isn’t the only holiday going on this time of year; there’s Thanksgiving, Hanukah, Kwanza, New Years Day, Boxing Day and probably others I have forgotten. Get off your high horse, thank them for the well wishes and say whatever the hell you want to say back to them. As for me, I plan on saying what I usually say “Have a nice day” or “Bah humbug.” J
I hate going anywhere this time of year. Places are packed with people pushing and pulling, prodding and poking, pilfering the pathetic product produced by political prisoners, plus postulating that they have purchased present-worthy perfection. I can’t go to a store and make a simple purchase without the clerk asking if it is a gift.
Clerk: “Doing a little holiday shopping I see.”
Me: “No I’m not.”
Clerk: “Are you sure these aren’t a little something special for someone special?”
Me: “I’m sure they are not.”
Clerk: “Would you like them gift wrapped?”
Me: “No thank you. Can I take my milk and bread and go home now please?”
It is just about that bad. Heaven forbid I buy a watch, hammer, shirt or a radio.
Early in the Christmas Season:
Someone: “What’s Santa going to bring you this year?”
Me: “A gun, so I can shoot the next person who asks me that stupid question.”
By Christmas Eve:
Someone: “What’s Santa going to bring you this year?”
Me: “A gun, so I can shoot myself in the head and never be asked that stupid question ever again.”
Since I have your attention already I would like to add one more thing: so what if someone tells you “Happy Holidays” instead of “Merry Christmas.” Are you that superficial and immature that it offends you when someone lumps all of the holidays into one statement? Or doesn’t want to offend you? Christmas isn’t the only holiday going on this time of year; there’s Thanksgiving, Hanukah, Kwanza, New Years Day, Boxing Day and probably others I have forgotten. Get off your high horse, thank them for the well wishes and say whatever the hell you want to say back to them. As for me, I plan on saying what I usually say “Have a nice day” or “Bah humbug.” J
Friday, November 7, 2008
Will V for Vendetta Become V for Victory Someday?
While reading this you are required to go to this link in another window/tab and click “Play” http://www.last.fm/music/Pyotr+Ilyich+Tchaikovsky/_/1812+Overture.
I have always been of the opinion that Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture is the greatest piece of music ever to have been composed. I am admittedly a rocker and will rock out to the best of them: .38 Special, Def Leppard, AC/DC, Kid Rock, KISS, Skynyrd, the Stones, even Uncle Kracker. But I will always stop what I am doing, close my eyes and let the 1812 Overture take me away. It is the best!
As for movies I enjoy: Spaceballs, 300, The Sting, the Naked Gun trilogy, Three Amigos, Star Wars and anything else Mel Brooks. But my absolute favorite is “V for Vendetta.” Why? Need you ask?
“This may be the most important moment of your life. Commit to it.” V
This past November 4, 2008 is a day which will go down in infamy for the U.S. Not because we have had the first president voted into office merely because of his race, but because the U.S. had in its hand for one fleeting moment, the opportunity to give itself the chance to vote for a true Constitutionalist, a true patriot, a true individualist, a true freedom fighter: the chance to vote for the George Washington of our time—Ron Paul. Ron Paul was relegated to obscurity by the media and ridiculed by the political elite. Though I was already an ardent fan and supporter, those two reasons would have cast me onto the band wagon, as a virgin thrown to the bed during the fervor of passion. (How’s that for dramatic?) But as for the majority, they were led as sheep to the slaughter while listening to the media, brain-washed by the mesmerizing words of their favorite political party and ignored the one and only chance they had to reclaim this country for liberty. I supported Ron Paul, as did millions of others, but to those of you who didn’t; you have been dealt the hand you deserve. Most of you know me well enough, that regardless of which of the two major parties won on November 4, 2008 I would be equally upset. Those of you who voted for the fascist socialist McCain, and those who voted for the communist socialist Obama should be ashamed of yourselves. They were not the best this country has to offer on Election Day; they were though, representations of the gravest of evils this country has to offer.
“People should not be afraid of their governments. Governments should be afraid of their people.” V
The ultimate villain of the movie High Chancellor Sutler said “I want this country to realize that we stand on the edge of oblivion. I want everyone to remember why they need us!”
Many voted on Election Day with the economy in mind, with the deficit in mind, maybe the climate, gas prices, unemployment, abortion, terrorists, war. How many were standing in line thinking about their freedoms?
“Fear became the ultimate tool of this government.” V
I just finished watching this movie for the umpteenth time and I enjoyed it even more than the very first time. I highly recommend it to those with free will; to those who long for true freedom; for those who think government should be of the people, by the people and for the people; to those who would rather chose for themselves and not have others doing it for them. To those who are willing to surrender liberty for a little security, go rent “Rocky VIII” and continue to ignore the world around you. (“They, who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety.” Benjamin Franklin)
An adaptation from the movie:
“Good evening, London (the U.S.). Allow me first to apologize for this interruption. I do, like many of you, appreciate the comforts of every day routine- the security of the familiar, the tranquility of repetition. I enjoy them as much as any bloke. But in the spirit of commemoration, thereby those important events of the past usually associated with someone's death or the end of some awful bloody struggle, a celebration of a nice holiday, I thought we could mark this November the 5th (Independence Day, July 4th), a day that is sadly no longer remembered (as a day of independence), by taking some time out of our daily lives to sit down and have a little chat. There are of course those who do not want us to speak. I suspect even now, orders are being shouted into telephones, and men with guns will soon be on their way. Why? Because while the truncheon may be used in lieu of conversation, words will always retain their power. Words offer the means to meaning, and for those who will listen, the enunciation of truth. And the truth is, there is something terribly wrong with this country, isn't there? Cruelty and injustice, intolerance and oppression. And where once you had the freedom to object, to think and speak as you saw fit, you now have censors and systems of surveillance (Patriot Acts and FISA) coercing your conformity and soliciting your submission. How did this happen? Who's to blame? Well certainly there are those more responsible than others, and they will be held accountable, but again truth be told, if you're looking for the guilty, you need only look into a mirror. I know why you did it. I know you were afraid. Who wouldn't be? War, terror, disease. (Fear of anything other than the status quo. Fear of “the other party” winning.) There were a myriad of problems which conspired to corrupt your reason and rob you of your common sense. Fear got the best of you, and in your panic you turned to the now high chancellor, Adam Sutler (George Bush, John McCain, Barack Obama, the GOP, the DNC). He promised you order, he promised you peace, and all he demanded in return was your silent, obedient consent. More than four hundred years ago a great citizen wished to embed the fifth of November forever in our memory. (More than 230 years ago a group of revolutionaries wished to embed the fourth of July forever in the world’s memory.) His (their) hope was to remind the world that fairness, justice, and freedom are more than words, they are perspectives. So if you've seen nothing, if the crimes of this government remain unknown to you then I would suggest you allow the fifth of November (fourth of July) to pass unmarked. But if you see what I see, if you feel as I feel, and if you would seek as I seek, then I ask you to stand beside me one year from tonight (four years from now), outside the gates of Parliament (outside your polling place), and together we shall give them a fifth of November (Day of Independence) that shall never, ever be forgot.”
Two years from now you will have the opportunity to vote out the vermin who are so entrenched in Washington D.C., will you begin the change then? Or will you continue to vote in the same two parties and wonder why nothing has truly changed?
I have always been of the opinion that Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture is the greatest piece of music ever to have been composed. I am admittedly a rocker and will rock out to the best of them: .38 Special, Def Leppard, AC/DC, Kid Rock, KISS, Skynyrd, the Stones, even Uncle Kracker. But I will always stop what I am doing, close my eyes and let the 1812 Overture take me away. It is the best!
As for movies I enjoy: Spaceballs, 300, The Sting, the Naked Gun trilogy, Three Amigos, Star Wars and anything else Mel Brooks. But my absolute favorite is “V for Vendetta.” Why? Need you ask?
“This may be the most important moment of your life. Commit to it.” V
This past November 4, 2008 is a day which will go down in infamy for the U.S. Not because we have had the first president voted into office merely because of his race, but because the U.S. had in its hand for one fleeting moment, the opportunity to give itself the chance to vote for a true Constitutionalist, a true patriot, a true individualist, a true freedom fighter: the chance to vote for the George Washington of our time—Ron Paul. Ron Paul was relegated to obscurity by the media and ridiculed by the political elite. Though I was already an ardent fan and supporter, those two reasons would have cast me onto the band wagon, as a virgin thrown to the bed during the fervor of passion. (How’s that for dramatic?) But as for the majority, they were led as sheep to the slaughter while listening to the media, brain-washed by the mesmerizing words of their favorite political party and ignored the one and only chance they had to reclaim this country for liberty. I supported Ron Paul, as did millions of others, but to those of you who didn’t; you have been dealt the hand you deserve. Most of you know me well enough, that regardless of which of the two major parties won on November 4, 2008 I would be equally upset. Those of you who voted for the fascist socialist McCain, and those who voted for the communist socialist Obama should be ashamed of yourselves. They were not the best this country has to offer on Election Day; they were though, representations of the gravest of evils this country has to offer.
“People should not be afraid of their governments. Governments should be afraid of their people.” V
The ultimate villain of the movie High Chancellor Sutler said “I want this country to realize that we stand on the edge of oblivion. I want everyone to remember why they need us!”
Many voted on Election Day with the economy in mind, with the deficit in mind, maybe the climate, gas prices, unemployment, abortion, terrorists, war. How many were standing in line thinking about their freedoms?
“Fear became the ultimate tool of this government.” V
I just finished watching this movie for the umpteenth time and I enjoyed it even more than the very first time. I highly recommend it to those with free will; to those who long for true freedom; for those who think government should be of the people, by the people and for the people; to those who would rather chose for themselves and not have others doing it for them. To those who are willing to surrender liberty for a little security, go rent “Rocky VIII” and continue to ignore the world around you. (“They, who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety.” Benjamin Franklin)
An adaptation from the movie:
“Good evening, London (the U.S.). Allow me first to apologize for this interruption. I do, like many of you, appreciate the comforts of every day routine- the security of the familiar, the tranquility of repetition. I enjoy them as much as any bloke. But in the spirit of commemoration, thereby those important events of the past usually associated with someone's death or the end of some awful bloody struggle, a celebration of a nice holiday, I thought we could mark this November the 5th (Independence Day, July 4th), a day that is sadly no longer remembered (as a day of independence), by taking some time out of our daily lives to sit down and have a little chat. There are of course those who do not want us to speak. I suspect even now, orders are being shouted into telephones, and men with guns will soon be on their way. Why? Because while the truncheon may be used in lieu of conversation, words will always retain their power. Words offer the means to meaning, and for those who will listen, the enunciation of truth. And the truth is, there is something terribly wrong with this country, isn't there? Cruelty and injustice, intolerance and oppression. And where once you had the freedom to object, to think and speak as you saw fit, you now have censors and systems of surveillance (Patriot Acts and FISA) coercing your conformity and soliciting your submission. How did this happen? Who's to blame? Well certainly there are those more responsible than others, and they will be held accountable, but again truth be told, if you're looking for the guilty, you need only look into a mirror. I know why you did it. I know you were afraid. Who wouldn't be? War, terror, disease. (Fear of anything other than the status quo. Fear of “the other party” winning.) There were a myriad of problems which conspired to corrupt your reason and rob you of your common sense. Fear got the best of you, and in your panic you turned to the now high chancellor, Adam Sutler (George Bush, John McCain, Barack Obama, the GOP, the DNC). He promised you order, he promised you peace, and all he demanded in return was your silent, obedient consent. More than four hundred years ago a great citizen wished to embed the fifth of November forever in our memory. (More than 230 years ago a group of revolutionaries wished to embed the fourth of July forever in the world’s memory.) His (their) hope was to remind the world that fairness, justice, and freedom are more than words, they are perspectives. So if you've seen nothing, if the crimes of this government remain unknown to you then I would suggest you allow the fifth of November (fourth of July) to pass unmarked. But if you see what I see, if you feel as I feel, and if you would seek as I seek, then I ask you to stand beside me one year from tonight (four years from now), outside the gates of Parliament (outside your polling place), and together we shall give them a fifth of November (Day of Independence) that shall never, ever be forgot.”
Two years from now you will have the opportunity to vote out the vermin who are so entrenched in Washington D.C., will you begin the change then? Or will you continue to vote in the same two parties and wonder why nothing has truly changed?
THE CORRECTION OF A PARADOXICAL ENIGMA
THE CORRECTION OF A PARADOXICAL ENIGMA
OR
WHY I AIN’T PRO-DEATH PENALTY NO MORE
For years I was a good little religious zealot and obeyed all I was told to without question. I not only obeyed it, I believed it, preached it and lived it. If it was part of my religious dogma, I accepted it without reservation. Fortunately, I did begin to question things and research the validity of various doctrines. With God’s help and using the brain he gave me, it did not take long for my eyes to open to the truth.
I always found it mildly bothersome that I was pro-life and pro-death penalty at the same time. But this paradoxical enigma is standard protocol in many western religions: pro-life and pro-death at the same time. Eventually it became a conundrum I needed to solve. Over the past few years I have taken a 180 degree turn on both of these ideals. Though I find the act of abortion to be barbaric and reprehensible, and wish they would never occur, I am, nonetheless, currently pro-choice. Another permutation—I am now anti-death penalty. The variance being, my pro-choice stance was developed from both reason and the scripture; but my anti-death penalty stance was by reason alone (and self preservation I suppose).
The following are just a few of the examples I have found while doing a very brief Google search regarding overturned convictions for various reasons:
-Albert Woodfox, now 61, spent 36 years in solitary confinement. Now his murder conviction has been overturned. http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/story?id=5894181&page=1
-A Georgia Superior Court overturned the murder conviction of death row inmate Willie Palmer after finding that prosecutors hid a $500 payoff to the state's key trial witness, an act the judge said was "in defiance of (the state's) legal and ethical duties." The judge also threw out Palmer's death sentence on the grounds that his trial lawyer failed to investigate and present evidence of Palmer's mental retardation. http://www.deathpenaltyinfo.org/node/1404
-My name is Kirk Bloodsworth, and my case was the first capital conviction case in the United States to be overturned through DNA testing. I was exonerated in 1993 after spending almost nine years in prison, including two on death row, for a crime I did not commit. http://www.probono.net/deathpenalty/news/article.154127-Overturned
-“…Michael Blair was the 130th person exonerated from death row," http://www.star-telegram.com/news/columnists/bob_ray_sanders/story/1003495.html -Patrick Jeffries: On November 18, 1983, Mr. Jeffries was convicted and sentenced to death for aggravated first-degree murder. After thirteen years on appeal, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals reversed his death sentence because of misconduct by the jury. http://www.abolishdeathpenalty.org/Reversals.htm
-New Jersey became the first state in the country to implement new police line-up procedures. Attorney General John J. Framer, Jr. mandated the changes because of the growing number of wrongly convicted inmates who have been exonerated by DNA evidence. -Nearly 18 months after the execution of Malcolm Rent Johnson, the expert testimony used to convict him is being called into question. At Johnson's 1982 trial, prosecutors relied primarily on Gilchrist's testimony to place Johnson at the scene. Gilchrist testified that Johnson's blood type matched sperm collected at the crime scene. However, a police department memo concerning a re-examination of the evidence shows that the slides from which Gilchrist based her testimony contained no sperm at all. The case came under review after Oklahoma City Police Department forensic scientist Joyce Gilchrist was suspended following the release of an FBI report criticizing her work.
Earlier this year, Oklahoma death row inmate Alfred Brian Mitchell's death sentence was overturned because of what the court called Gilchrist's "untrue" testimony and Jeffrey Pierce was released from prison after DNA tests disproved Gilchrist's testimony against him. (Los Angeles Times, 8/30/01 and New York Times, 9/2/01) http://www.deathpenaltyinfo.org/innocence-news-and-developments-2001
-Michael Lee McCormick was acquitted yesterday, December 5th, by a Tennessee jury of the 1985 murder of Donna Jean Nichols. He spent over 15 years on Tennessee's death row for this murder, which he did not commit. http://blogs.amnestyusa.org/death-penalty/archive/2007/12/06/exonerated--after-15-years-on-death-row-1.htm
Some of the overturned convictions were due to new DNA evidence tools, others involved deception by jurists, jurors, prosecutors or police. Anyone could be wrongly accused of a crime—it happens. Unfortunately, simply being innocent is no longer enough to exonerate the accused. Not only do the references above prove this to be true, so does watching interviews on TV shows such as Dateline, 20/20, etc. These news programs make a habit of interviewing jurors who are involved in infamous and famous trials. During those interviews is revealed just how ignorant and down-right-stupid most jurors can be. I have heard more than one former juror say that they were not 100% confident the accused was guilty, yet they were willingly complicit in the person’s conviction. In every criminal case, the jury is instructed to only render a guilty verdict if they believe “without a reasonable doubt” the accused is guilty; otherwise they are expected to vote “not guilty.”
http://legal-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Beyond+a+Reasonable+Doubt If I were ever on trial, I would never trust my life to the dimwits, morons and f***tards they put on juries these days. The Fifth Amendment guarantees me a right to a jury of my peers; not weak-minded fools who don’t know logic from lunch and reason from recess.
I am all for punishing criminals, but if an innocent person is accidently executed there is no bringing them back and apologizing for it. An innocent person sentenced to life in prison has a chance that somewhere, sometime they will be able to prove their innocence. And once they do “Katy bar the door” they better sue the ass off everyone involved!
Even the statistics proved my opinion needed to change. According to studies using U.S. Census data and information from the FBI’s “Crime In The United States” report, states without the death penalty have a lower homicide rate than states with the death penalty. See the statistics for yourself at http://www.deathpenaltyinfo.org/deterrence-states-without-death-penalty-have-had-consistently-lower-murder-rates.
My reason for changing comes down to this: the extinguishing of one innocent life is not worth the execution of 10,000 guilty ones. Especially if that innocent life is: my child, my wife, my parent, my sibling, my best friend, me or you. If you think the accidental execution of an innocent life is a small price to pay, I pity you, and I hope you are not the next innocent person mistakenly hanged; but if you are, I'm sure your family will rest assured in their knowledge that you stuck to your principles.
OR
WHY I AIN’T PRO-DEATH PENALTY NO MORE
For years I was a good little religious zealot and obeyed all I was told to without question. I not only obeyed it, I believed it, preached it and lived it. If it was part of my religious dogma, I accepted it without reservation. Fortunately, I did begin to question things and research the validity of various doctrines. With God’s help and using the brain he gave me, it did not take long for my eyes to open to the truth.
I always found it mildly bothersome that I was pro-life and pro-death penalty at the same time. But this paradoxical enigma is standard protocol in many western religions: pro-life and pro-death at the same time. Eventually it became a conundrum I needed to solve. Over the past few years I have taken a 180 degree turn on both of these ideals. Though I find the act of abortion to be barbaric and reprehensible, and wish they would never occur, I am, nonetheless, currently pro-choice. Another permutation—I am now anti-death penalty. The variance being, my pro-choice stance was developed from both reason and the scripture; but my anti-death penalty stance was by reason alone (and self preservation I suppose).
The following are just a few of the examples I have found while doing a very brief Google search regarding overturned convictions for various reasons:
-Albert Woodfox, now 61, spent 36 years in solitary confinement. Now his murder conviction has been overturned. http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/story?id=5894181&page=1
-A Georgia Superior Court overturned the murder conviction of death row inmate Willie Palmer after finding that prosecutors hid a $500 payoff to the state's key trial witness, an act the judge said was "in defiance of (the state's) legal and ethical duties." The judge also threw out Palmer's death sentence on the grounds that his trial lawyer failed to investigate and present evidence of Palmer's mental retardation. http://www.deathpenaltyinfo.org/node/1404
-My name is Kirk Bloodsworth, and my case was the first capital conviction case in the United States to be overturned through DNA testing. I was exonerated in 1993 after spending almost nine years in prison, including two on death row, for a crime I did not commit. http://www.probono.net/deathpenalty/news/article.154127-Overturned
-“…Michael Blair was the 130th person exonerated from death row," http://www.star-telegram.com/news/columnists/bob_ray_sanders/story/1003495.html -Patrick Jeffries: On November 18, 1983, Mr. Jeffries was convicted and sentenced to death for aggravated first-degree murder. After thirteen years on appeal, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals reversed his death sentence because of misconduct by the jury. http://www.abolishdeathpenalty.org/Reversals.htm
-New Jersey became the first state in the country to implement new police line-up procedures. Attorney General John J. Framer, Jr. mandated the changes because of the growing number of wrongly convicted inmates who have been exonerated by DNA evidence. -Nearly 18 months after the execution of Malcolm Rent Johnson, the expert testimony used to convict him is being called into question. At Johnson's 1982 trial, prosecutors relied primarily on Gilchrist's testimony to place Johnson at the scene. Gilchrist testified that Johnson's blood type matched sperm collected at the crime scene. However, a police department memo concerning a re-examination of the evidence shows that the slides from which Gilchrist based her testimony contained no sperm at all. The case came under review after Oklahoma City Police Department forensic scientist Joyce Gilchrist was suspended following the release of an FBI report criticizing her work.
Earlier this year, Oklahoma death row inmate Alfred Brian Mitchell's death sentence was overturned because of what the court called Gilchrist's "untrue" testimony and Jeffrey Pierce was released from prison after DNA tests disproved Gilchrist's testimony against him. (Los Angeles Times, 8/30/01 and New York Times, 9/2/01) http://www.deathpenaltyinfo.org/innocence-news-and-developments-2001
-Michael Lee McCormick was acquitted yesterday, December 5th, by a Tennessee jury of the 1985 murder of Donna Jean Nichols. He spent over 15 years on Tennessee's death row for this murder, which he did not commit. http://blogs.amnestyusa.org/death-penalty/archive/2007/12/06/exonerated--after-15-years-on-death-row-1.htm
Some of the overturned convictions were due to new DNA evidence tools, others involved deception by jurists, jurors, prosecutors or police. Anyone could be wrongly accused of a crime—it happens. Unfortunately, simply being innocent is no longer enough to exonerate the accused. Not only do the references above prove this to be true, so does watching interviews on TV shows such as Dateline, 20/20, etc. These news programs make a habit of interviewing jurors who are involved in infamous and famous trials. During those interviews is revealed just how ignorant and down-right-stupid most jurors can be. I have heard more than one former juror say that they were not 100% confident the accused was guilty, yet they were willingly complicit in the person’s conviction. In every criminal case, the jury is instructed to only render a guilty verdict if they believe “without a reasonable doubt” the accused is guilty; otherwise they are expected to vote “not guilty.”
http://legal-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Beyond+a+Reasonable+Doubt If I were ever on trial, I would never trust my life to the dimwits, morons and f***tards they put on juries these days. The Fifth Amendment guarantees me a right to a jury of my peers; not weak-minded fools who don’t know logic from lunch and reason from recess.
I am all for punishing criminals, but if an innocent person is accidently executed there is no bringing them back and apologizing for it. An innocent person sentenced to life in prison has a chance that somewhere, sometime they will be able to prove their innocence. And once they do “Katy bar the door” they better sue the ass off everyone involved!
Even the statistics proved my opinion needed to change. According to studies using U.S. Census data and information from the FBI’s “Crime In The United States” report, states without the death penalty have a lower homicide rate than states with the death penalty. See the statistics for yourself at http://www.deathpenaltyinfo.org/deterrence-states-without-death-penalty-have-had-consistently-lower-murder-rates.
My reason for changing comes down to this: the extinguishing of one innocent life is not worth the execution of 10,000 guilty ones. Especially if that innocent life is: my child, my wife, my parent, my sibling, my best friend, me or you. If you think the accidental execution of an innocent life is a small price to pay, I pity you, and I hope you are not the next innocent person mistakenly hanged; but if you are, I'm sure your family will rest assured in their knowledge that you stuck to your principles.
Monday, November 3, 2008
TRYING TO SELL TWINKIES TO DEDICATED DIETERS
TRYING TO SELL TWINKIES TO DEDICATED DIETERS
Pretend you are a Hostess Twinkie salesman. Would you go to your neighborhood Dialysis Clinic in hopes of selling your wares? I would hope not. If you were to take your Twinkies to a Weight Watchers meeting in hopes of making a quick buck, you would likely end up with a purse slung at your noggin and a stiletto up your ass. Dieting people do not take time out of their busy schedule, and money out of their short supply to attend a meeting about losing weight only to hear “Twinkies get yer Twinkies here!” Going to either place would be poor business decisions on your part, not illegal, but definitely in poor taste. Selling Twinkies is a legitimate profession. If a dying diabetic chooses to purchase a Twinkie, or a dieter decides to cheat with one, that’s their business and they can if they want.
What if the Twinkies you are peddling are not your typical Twinkies? What if your Twinkies are made with whole grain, contain no chemicals or preservatives, are chock-full of vitamins and minerals and have no calories? What if they even contain cancer and obesity fighting properties and still taste as good as the original? The general public should be made aware of this great product! But there is a proper time and place for selling Twinkies.
I happen to be a Minnesota Vikings fan. If I go to a game to watch the Vikings play the Packers, should a Packers fan seriously attempt to dissuade me from rooting for the Vikes and become a Pack fan? Even if the Vikes suck this year and make me hate them, is a game really the best place to show me the facts and attempt to persuade me? If we were in Minnesota, he’d better watch his back because a fellow Vikings fan is going to pour his beer down it.
I am all for the First Amendment. But if a Jehovah’s Witness comes to my door attempting to proselytize me, I am going to exert my property rights and chase him away. I can’t stand on someone’s porch proclaiming the merits of supporting Ron Paul just because I have Free Speech rights if the property owner doesn’t want to listen to me. The person who owns the porch has property rights, which supersedes my right to free speech. My rights end where his property line begins, just as your rights end where my property line begins. When two Obama supporters knocked on my door over the summer I just laughed at them and said “go away.” They did.
I completely support attempts to educate people of the lying, stealing, immoral, unethical, and down-right goofy ways of politicians. But there is a time and a place for spreading the truth. Don’t grab a hornet’s nest in an attempt to teach hornets not to sting when their hive is shaken, and wonder why you were stung. That’s just stupid.
“…There is a time there for every purpose and for every work.” Ecclesiastes 3:17
If Sarah Palin has taken the money from her coffers to rent a facility, and the time from her busy schedule to hold a rally for her supporters; is it really the best place to protest her or attempt to educate her supporters regarding a matter she has chosen to ignore? If Palin has purchased the right to use a facility for a rally, she has the right to squelch dissent within the facility. Sorry if you don’t like it, but it is true. Just as I have the right to tell a JW to go away, so she does to protesters. (I understand she is likely using public funds to pay for it, as of now those funds are made available for campaigning and can be used as she chooses.)
If Palin holds a rally on the city square--that’s different. City squares, parks, sidewalks are all public places intended for gathering of the public and the First Amendment should reign. I said SHOULD reign. The caveat is; would thousands of blind supporters really listen to a handful of protesters/educators? Is it really the wisest use of time and resources? Why not go to the public square when it isn’t packed full of mind numb, blind supporters? Pass out literature or preach from your soap box when people won’t become as sharks on a chum feeding frenzy and tear you apart (literally and figuratively). Causing a scene at a rally doesn’t do any good for any good movement. A Palin rally will be packed with thousands of Palin supporters, not people expecting to be educated or learn hard-core facts. People like “Joe the Plumber”: biased, unintelligent rednecks proud of their own ignorance toward controversial truths. I personally want to know the truth, I therefore wouldn’t go to a Palin, or McCain, or Obama, or Biden, or Republican, or Democrat rally. (Besides, I have better things to do with my time, such as clip my toenails and fling them at the dog.) Die-hard supporters attend rallies not undecided voters curious to learn the truth about particular politicians.
I watched a video on www.infowars.com of a guy named Stewart from “We Are Change LA” attending a Palin rally; and the tribulation he encountered while holding up his sign which read “911 Truth Now” on one side and “NWO DOA” on the other. I am all for spreading the truth about 911 and the New World Order, I refuse to swallow the blue pill provided by the government and their cronies in the media. I also support “We Are Change” and think all chapters are great! But I wouldn’t go to a Palin rally in an attempt to educate the masses regarding truth. Not because I am down deep a coward. I just have few resources, such as time and money, and would rather spend them wiser than that. I think people should be educated regarding such things but prefer to do so in a less hostile environment. One-on-one, or in small groups, passing out literature in the public square, creating a website or writing a blog. People who want to know the truth will seek it out. Everyone else would prefer to remain willfully ignorant of truth as it makes their life less complicated.
Maybe next time, instead of spending resources on going to the rally attempting to spread the truth; purchase an ad on a billboard near the venue. Write a Letter to the Editor, or place an ad in the paper. Hold a sign up along the path to the rally where supporters will see it as they pass by. Once the supporters are at the rally it is too late, they will be hyped-up on adrenaline and blinded by admiration and rhetoric. In their hostility toward dissenters they will feed off each other with a primal pack mentality as wolves do; when the first wolf makes an attack upon a mutual enemy the others quickly follow.
Stop feeding yourselves to the wolves. Wolves are easier to handle when they are alone, they will more than likely run from you. Stop trying to fight battles you will not win. Start a small skirmish with truth as your weapon, and ignorance is “the enemy’s” only shield.
Pretend you are a Hostess Twinkie salesman. Would you go to your neighborhood Dialysis Clinic in hopes of selling your wares? I would hope not. If you were to take your Twinkies to a Weight Watchers meeting in hopes of making a quick buck, you would likely end up with a purse slung at your noggin and a stiletto up your ass. Dieting people do not take time out of their busy schedule, and money out of their short supply to attend a meeting about losing weight only to hear “Twinkies get yer Twinkies here!” Going to either place would be poor business decisions on your part, not illegal, but definitely in poor taste. Selling Twinkies is a legitimate profession. If a dying diabetic chooses to purchase a Twinkie, or a dieter decides to cheat with one, that’s their business and they can if they want.
What if the Twinkies you are peddling are not your typical Twinkies? What if your Twinkies are made with whole grain, contain no chemicals or preservatives, are chock-full of vitamins and minerals and have no calories? What if they even contain cancer and obesity fighting properties and still taste as good as the original? The general public should be made aware of this great product! But there is a proper time and place for selling Twinkies.
I happen to be a Minnesota Vikings fan. If I go to a game to watch the Vikings play the Packers, should a Packers fan seriously attempt to dissuade me from rooting for the Vikes and become a Pack fan? Even if the Vikes suck this year and make me hate them, is a game really the best place to show me the facts and attempt to persuade me? If we were in Minnesota, he’d better watch his back because a fellow Vikings fan is going to pour his beer down it.
I am all for the First Amendment. But if a Jehovah’s Witness comes to my door attempting to proselytize me, I am going to exert my property rights and chase him away. I can’t stand on someone’s porch proclaiming the merits of supporting Ron Paul just because I have Free Speech rights if the property owner doesn’t want to listen to me. The person who owns the porch has property rights, which supersedes my right to free speech. My rights end where his property line begins, just as your rights end where my property line begins. When two Obama supporters knocked on my door over the summer I just laughed at them and said “go away.” They did.
I completely support attempts to educate people of the lying, stealing, immoral, unethical, and down-right goofy ways of politicians. But there is a time and a place for spreading the truth. Don’t grab a hornet’s nest in an attempt to teach hornets not to sting when their hive is shaken, and wonder why you were stung. That’s just stupid.
“…There is a time there for every purpose and for every work.” Ecclesiastes 3:17
If Sarah Palin has taken the money from her coffers to rent a facility, and the time from her busy schedule to hold a rally for her supporters; is it really the best place to protest her or attempt to educate her supporters regarding a matter she has chosen to ignore? If Palin has purchased the right to use a facility for a rally, she has the right to squelch dissent within the facility. Sorry if you don’t like it, but it is true. Just as I have the right to tell a JW to go away, so she does to protesters. (I understand she is likely using public funds to pay for it, as of now those funds are made available for campaigning and can be used as she chooses.)
If Palin holds a rally on the city square--that’s different. City squares, parks, sidewalks are all public places intended for gathering of the public and the First Amendment should reign. I said SHOULD reign. The caveat is; would thousands of blind supporters really listen to a handful of protesters/educators? Is it really the wisest use of time and resources? Why not go to the public square when it isn’t packed full of mind numb, blind supporters? Pass out literature or preach from your soap box when people won’t become as sharks on a chum feeding frenzy and tear you apart (literally and figuratively). Causing a scene at a rally doesn’t do any good for any good movement. A Palin rally will be packed with thousands of Palin supporters, not people expecting to be educated or learn hard-core facts. People like “Joe the Plumber”: biased, unintelligent rednecks proud of their own ignorance toward controversial truths. I personally want to know the truth, I therefore wouldn’t go to a Palin, or McCain, or Obama, or Biden, or Republican, or Democrat rally. (Besides, I have better things to do with my time, such as clip my toenails and fling them at the dog.) Die-hard supporters attend rallies not undecided voters curious to learn the truth about particular politicians.
I watched a video on www.infowars.com of a guy named Stewart from “We Are Change LA” attending a Palin rally; and the tribulation he encountered while holding up his sign which read “911 Truth Now” on one side and “NWO DOA” on the other. I am all for spreading the truth about 911 and the New World Order, I refuse to swallow the blue pill provided by the government and their cronies in the media. I also support “We Are Change” and think all chapters are great! But I wouldn’t go to a Palin rally in an attempt to educate the masses regarding truth. Not because I am down deep a coward. I just have few resources, such as time and money, and would rather spend them wiser than that. I think people should be educated regarding such things but prefer to do so in a less hostile environment. One-on-one, or in small groups, passing out literature in the public square, creating a website or writing a blog. People who want to know the truth will seek it out. Everyone else would prefer to remain willfully ignorant of truth as it makes their life less complicated.
Maybe next time, instead of spending resources on going to the rally attempting to spread the truth; purchase an ad on a billboard near the venue. Write a Letter to the Editor, or place an ad in the paper. Hold a sign up along the path to the rally where supporters will see it as they pass by. Once the supporters are at the rally it is too late, they will be hyped-up on adrenaline and blinded by admiration and rhetoric. In their hostility toward dissenters they will feed off each other with a primal pack mentality as wolves do; when the first wolf makes an attack upon a mutual enemy the others quickly follow.
Stop feeding yourselves to the wolves. Wolves are easier to handle when they are alone, they will more than likely run from you. Stop trying to fight battles you will not win. Start a small skirmish with truth as your weapon, and ignorance is “the enemy’s” only shield.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
TYING UP A FEW LOOSE ENDS--AND THEN I WILL SHUT UP
TYING UP A FEW LOOSE ENDS--AND THEN I WILL SHUT UP
Most folks have their minds made up regarding who will receive their vote on November 4th this year. The vast majority of people will go to the polls and pull the lever for either a democrat or republican because they blindly follow Party loyalty or they just don’t want the other guy to win. Fortunately there are a few brave souls who will show up and vote for someone other than the status quo, such as Bob Barr, Chuck Baldwin, Cynthia McKinney, etc. There are also those who refuse to even participate in the election process out of protest or disgust—can’t say I blame them. This is the last thing I will write, forward and say prior to the 2008 election. People who say they did their homework regarding the candidates and still vote for the “lesser of 2 evils” sure didn’t learn much. Why bother voting if you are only going to follow the status quo and vote for a demoblian or republicrat? From some of the evidence I have seen the voting machines are rigged and the winner will be whoever the powers that be choose it to be. But I can guarantee that the losers will be the American people.
Here’s a bit of food for thought regarding the two candidates that most people will blindly vote for:
ABORTION
To all who vote republican because they are “pro-life”: from 2000 to 2006 republicans held a majority in congress and were seated in the White House. If they are so damn pro-life, why is it still legal?
For those of you single issue voters I offer this info. Many will vote for McCain because they fear not doing so will put Obama into office and everyone knows Obama kills babies. Obama doesn’t kill babies; stop saying it--you sound like a retard. He is, however, pro-choice but would prefer abortions never occurred. McCain was pro-choice in 2000 when he thought he would be able to win as a liberal/moderate Republican. This election cycle, however, he realized he must appeal to the conservative base of the Republican Party and has pandered to you by claiming to be pro-life. McCain has been in the senate for well long enough to have attempted to do something about abortion, yet hasn’t. His pro-life lip-service does come with some exceptions though…he is all for abortion in cases of rape, incest or when the mother’s health is in jeopardy. Typical politician double-speak. He is against but for it…huh?
Why is the issue of abortion a federal issue any way? Shouldn’t such an issue be left to the states to decide as directed by the 10th Amendment? If you are truly pro-life you should vote for Chuck Baldwin of the Constitution Party. If you think it is too big of an issue for the federal government to meddle in, you should vote Libertarian. If you fear “wasting your vote” on a third party candidate because Obama may win, think about this:
Is the life of an unborn, unwanted baby truly worth the life and liberty of a living baby?
That is the price you will pay if you vote for McCain because he decided to say this year he is pro-life. You know he won’t do shit about abortion, but he will continue in Bush’s fascist ways. But if you think it is far more important to vote for someone who says he is against abortion (except for…)—go for it, just kiss what liberties you have left good-bye.
MARRIAGE
My wife and I do not need the government involved in our marriage. Marriage is a decision between two people and God. The government can kiss my ass. If you think two homosexuals being married somehow effects your marriage, you have bigger problems to worry about…mainly your ability to think logically.
This isn’t even an issue a president has anything to do with. This issue, for now, has been left to the states to handle. Thing is, marriage should never be left to any form of government. The idea that government should not sanction gay marriage is not the real issue; government should not sanction any marriage at all.
I highly recommend you research the laws created by Germany under control of the National Socialism Party (Nazis). Abortions were forbidden (for Aryans) and homosexuality was punishable by imprisonment. Fortunately, the Republican Party has proven they merely pay lip service to such issues and not created such legislation. I wonder which ethnicity would face extermination attempts, middle-eastern perhaps since the U.S. is allies with Israel?
TAXES
Obama states he wants to raise taxes on the wealthy and on corporations, not the middle class and lower. Think about this for just a moment.
Taxes are raised for Pixie Dust manufacturers, they will pass the tax increase on to the
Fairy manufacturers who purchase the Pixie Dust for their product and have had their own taxes increased and will pass both increases on to the
“Fairyland and Farms” manufacturer who use the fairies to man their amusement parks and also have had their taxes raised and will pass the triple increase costs on to
US! The employees of these manufacturers who are now so encumbered with the tax increase they are unable to give wage increases, therefore making goods and services cost more while our income stays the same…BRILLIANT!
McCain wants to provide people with a $5,000.00 tax credit so they can find health insurance coverage and not be forced to rely on their employer’s plan. This $5,000.00 is set to never increase. Yet the cost of health insurance premiums already surpasses the credit and will only go higher. To ensure that people will shop around, McCain plans to tax the insurance benefits provided by employers as income. Bill Clinton had a similar plan. If this comes to fruition, where do you think it will end? Any and all other benefits will become fair game to be taxed…don’t kid yourself you know it’s true.
HEALTH CARE
Neither one of them is saying “Let’s get government out of the health care system so costs will go down and care will improve.” Until they say that, any of their plans will only succeed in making things worse. Government intervention NEVER SOLVES ANYTHING!
SOCIALISM
Both McCain and Obama are socialist and have proven it by voting for the bailout bill (among other things). Thy have both given the Federal Reserve unchecked powers that our founding fathers would have killed and been killed to prevent.
McCain/Republicans = fascism
Obama/Democrats = communism
The bailout bill is only the beginning… Go ahead and pull the lever for your favorite brand of socialism, but don’t say I didn’t warn you!
WAR
Both candidates want to continue on with Bush’s warmongering ways. They just want to take different roads. Though Obama claims to be against the war in Iraq he has no intentions of removing our troops and would send more troops into Afghanistan. Of course, McCain wants to bomb, bomb, bomb Iran…he’s a longtime warmonger anyway.
GUNS
It’s an undisputable fact that Obama is anti-gun. McCain is a bit more slick in his anti-gun ways. The best grade McCain received from Gun Owners of America was a C in 2000 and 2002 and received an F in 2004 and 2006.
MISCELANIOUS
Both candidates talk about the American voters “sending” them to Washington D.C. so they can shake things up, change things, etc. BUT BOTH ARE ALREADY IN D.C.
If a democrat drops a bomb on an Afghani, is it considered capitol punishment?
If a republican drops a bomb on a pregnant Arab, is it considered an abortion?
My predictions are these: If McCain wins (legit or rigged) there will be riots and horrible violence in the streets. If Obama wins there will be some sort of catastrophe (quite likely black flag) and we will lose even more freedoms than we already have.
THE TWO BEST OPTIONS ON ELECTION DAY
Vote for any party other than the Democrats or Republicans; or
Stay home and let the machines vote for you.
Check these out:
http://coloradostatesman.com/content/free-speech-derails-mccain
http://www.gunowners.org/mccaintb.htm
http://www.ontheissues.org/2008/John_McCain_Abortion.htm
http://www.ontheissues.org/2008/Barack_Obama_Abortion.htm
http://www.gunbanobama.com/
http://matthewevans1968.blogspot.com/2008/09/dimes-and-insanity.html
http://www.blackboxvoting.org/
http://www.bradblog.com/?p=6180
http://www.americanblackout.com/
Most folks have their minds made up regarding who will receive their vote on November 4th this year. The vast majority of people will go to the polls and pull the lever for either a democrat or republican because they blindly follow Party loyalty or they just don’t want the other guy to win. Fortunately there are a few brave souls who will show up and vote for someone other than the status quo, such as Bob Barr, Chuck Baldwin, Cynthia McKinney, etc. There are also those who refuse to even participate in the election process out of protest or disgust—can’t say I blame them. This is the last thing I will write, forward and say prior to the 2008 election. People who say they did their homework regarding the candidates and still vote for the “lesser of 2 evils” sure didn’t learn much. Why bother voting if you are only going to follow the status quo and vote for a demoblian or republicrat? From some of the evidence I have seen the voting machines are rigged and the winner will be whoever the powers that be choose it to be. But I can guarantee that the losers will be the American people.
Here’s a bit of food for thought regarding the two candidates that most people will blindly vote for:
ABORTION
To all who vote republican because they are “pro-life”: from 2000 to 2006 republicans held a majority in congress and were seated in the White House. If they are so damn pro-life, why is it still legal?
For those of you single issue voters I offer this info. Many will vote for McCain because they fear not doing so will put Obama into office and everyone knows Obama kills babies. Obama doesn’t kill babies; stop saying it--you sound like a retard. He is, however, pro-choice but would prefer abortions never occurred. McCain was pro-choice in 2000 when he thought he would be able to win as a liberal/moderate Republican. This election cycle, however, he realized he must appeal to the conservative base of the Republican Party and has pandered to you by claiming to be pro-life. McCain has been in the senate for well long enough to have attempted to do something about abortion, yet hasn’t. His pro-life lip-service does come with some exceptions though…he is all for abortion in cases of rape, incest or when the mother’s health is in jeopardy. Typical politician double-speak. He is against but for it…huh?
Why is the issue of abortion a federal issue any way? Shouldn’t such an issue be left to the states to decide as directed by the 10th Amendment? If you are truly pro-life you should vote for Chuck Baldwin of the Constitution Party. If you think it is too big of an issue for the federal government to meddle in, you should vote Libertarian. If you fear “wasting your vote” on a third party candidate because Obama may win, think about this:
Is the life of an unborn, unwanted baby truly worth the life and liberty of a living baby?
That is the price you will pay if you vote for McCain because he decided to say this year he is pro-life. You know he won’t do shit about abortion, but he will continue in Bush’s fascist ways. But if you think it is far more important to vote for someone who says he is against abortion (except for…)—go for it, just kiss what liberties you have left good-bye.
MARRIAGE
My wife and I do not need the government involved in our marriage. Marriage is a decision between two people and God. The government can kiss my ass. If you think two homosexuals being married somehow effects your marriage, you have bigger problems to worry about…mainly your ability to think logically.
This isn’t even an issue a president has anything to do with. This issue, for now, has been left to the states to handle. Thing is, marriage should never be left to any form of government. The idea that government should not sanction gay marriage is not the real issue; government should not sanction any marriage at all.
I highly recommend you research the laws created by Germany under control of the National Socialism Party (Nazis). Abortions were forbidden (for Aryans) and homosexuality was punishable by imprisonment. Fortunately, the Republican Party has proven they merely pay lip service to such issues and not created such legislation. I wonder which ethnicity would face extermination attempts, middle-eastern perhaps since the U.S. is allies with Israel?
TAXES
Obama states he wants to raise taxes on the wealthy and on corporations, not the middle class and lower. Think about this for just a moment.
Taxes are raised for Pixie Dust manufacturers, they will pass the tax increase on to the
Fairy manufacturers who purchase the Pixie Dust for their product and have had their own taxes increased and will pass both increases on to the
“Fairyland and Farms” manufacturer who use the fairies to man their amusement parks and also have had their taxes raised and will pass the triple increase costs on to
US! The employees of these manufacturers who are now so encumbered with the tax increase they are unable to give wage increases, therefore making goods and services cost more while our income stays the same…BRILLIANT!
McCain wants to provide people with a $5,000.00 tax credit so they can find health insurance coverage and not be forced to rely on their employer’s plan. This $5,000.00 is set to never increase. Yet the cost of health insurance premiums already surpasses the credit and will only go higher. To ensure that people will shop around, McCain plans to tax the insurance benefits provided by employers as income. Bill Clinton had a similar plan. If this comes to fruition, where do you think it will end? Any and all other benefits will become fair game to be taxed…don’t kid yourself you know it’s true.
HEALTH CARE
Neither one of them is saying “Let’s get government out of the health care system so costs will go down and care will improve.” Until they say that, any of their plans will only succeed in making things worse. Government intervention NEVER SOLVES ANYTHING!
SOCIALISM
Both McCain and Obama are socialist and have proven it by voting for the bailout bill (among other things). Thy have both given the Federal Reserve unchecked powers that our founding fathers would have killed and been killed to prevent.
McCain/Republicans = fascism
Obama/Democrats = communism
The bailout bill is only the beginning… Go ahead and pull the lever for your favorite brand of socialism, but don’t say I didn’t warn you!
WAR
Both candidates want to continue on with Bush’s warmongering ways. They just want to take different roads. Though Obama claims to be against the war in Iraq he has no intentions of removing our troops and would send more troops into Afghanistan. Of course, McCain wants to bomb, bomb, bomb Iran…he’s a longtime warmonger anyway.
GUNS
It’s an undisputable fact that Obama is anti-gun. McCain is a bit more slick in his anti-gun ways. The best grade McCain received from Gun Owners of America was a C in 2000 and 2002 and received an F in 2004 and 2006.
MISCELANIOUS
Both candidates talk about the American voters “sending” them to Washington D.C. so they can shake things up, change things, etc. BUT BOTH ARE ALREADY IN D.C.
If a democrat drops a bomb on an Afghani, is it considered capitol punishment?
If a republican drops a bomb on a pregnant Arab, is it considered an abortion?
My predictions are these: If McCain wins (legit or rigged) there will be riots and horrible violence in the streets. If Obama wins there will be some sort of catastrophe (quite likely black flag) and we will lose even more freedoms than we already have.
THE TWO BEST OPTIONS ON ELECTION DAY
Vote for any party other than the Democrats or Republicans; or
Stay home and let the machines vote for you.
Check these out:
http://coloradostatesman.com/content/free-speech-derails-mccain
http://www.gunowners.org/mccaintb.htm
http://www.ontheissues.org/2008/John_McCain_Abortion.htm
http://www.ontheissues.org/2008/Barack_Obama_Abortion.htm
http://www.gunbanobama.com/
http://matthewevans1968.blogspot.com/2008/09/dimes-and-insanity.html
http://www.blackboxvoting.org/
http://www.bradblog.com/?p=6180
http://www.americanblackout.com/
Friday, October 17, 2008
An Open Letter To Cynthia McKinney
Dear Cynthia McKinney,
Allow me this opportunity to thank you for running for the president of the United States of America. Though I have been a long time Libertarian I was excited to hear of your nomination for the Green Party’s presidential candidacy. I knew the GP was gaining a great voice for truth and justice. Your tenacity and vigor when you were in office was impressive and inspiring. You stood against the Bush administration with confidence in your facts and strength in your resolve.
Your efforts for 911 Truth, support for First Responders and your fight against the warmongers in DC are both admirable and appreciated. I watched you in “American Blackout” and “Fabled Enemies.” I have enjoyed listening to your interviews on various programs and stop what I am doing to read an article with your name in it.
I have, however, heard some disheartening news. I know there is a Third Party presidential debate scheduled for October 19th and I hear through the grapevine you may not be attending. If this is true, I ask you to please reconsider. My own party’s candidate is rumored to not be attending and I have sent him a letter regarding this as well. Your voice needs to be heard everywhere and every chance you get. Take this great opportunity to stand before the C-Span cameras and proclaim your message to the masses.
This is an opportunity Third Party candidates cannot and should not pass up. Please reconsider and attend the debate. Do it for your cause, for your party and for the truth.
Thank you for your time and all your great efforts.
Sincerely,
Matthew Evans
Fort Wayne, IN
Allow me this opportunity to thank you for running for the president of the United States of America. Though I have been a long time Libertarian I was excited to hear of your nomination for the Green Party’s presidential candidacy. I knew the GP was gaining a great voice for truth and justice. Your tenacity and vigor when you were in office was impressive and inspiring. You stood against the Bush administration with confidence in your facts and strength in your resolve.
Your efforts for 911 Truth, support for First Responders and your fight against the warmongers in DC are both admirable and appreciated. I watched you in “American Blackout” and “Fabled Enemies.” I have enjoyed listening to your interviews on various programs and stop what I am doing to read an article with your name in it.
I have, however, heard some disheartening news. I know there is a Third Party presidential debate scheduled for October 19th and I hear through the grapevine you may not be attending. If this is true, I ask you to please reconsider. My own party’s candidate is rumored to not be attending and I have sent him a letter regarding this as well. Your voice needs to be heard everywhere and every chance you get. Take this great opportunity to stand before the C-Span cameras and proclaim your message to the masses.
This is an opportunity Third Party candidates cannot and should not pass up. Please reconsider and attend the debate. Do it for your cause, for your party and for the truth.
Thank you for your time and all your great efforts.
Sincerely,
Matthew Evans
Fort Wayne, IN
Another open letter to Bob Barr
Dear Mr. Barr,
I wanted to take this opportunity to let you know about a couple things:
First let me say that I thought you did a great job in your interviewe with NPR this month. You were articulate and confident, and your ideals were clearly laid out. Kudos!
The second is, I understand there is a Third Party debate scheduled for Sunday October 19 and you have yet to commit to attending. I understand your desire to be included in the debate with McCain and Obama. That would have been great! But we all know it will never happen as long as this two party dictatorship is in control. Since that is not a possibility I would highly recommend you attend this upcoming Third Party debate. If you truly have a scheduling conflict which would prevent you from attending--cancel it and show up. You still have yet to recover from your decision to shun Ron Paul; and his subsequent endorsement of Chuck Baldwin has damaged your campaign more than you may realize. You need this. We as the Libertarian Party need this. It is going to be shown on C-Span. That's free advertisement; how could you seriously not take advantage of it?
The rumor mill is rife with talk that you are at best a shill and at worst a CIA pawn planted to bring about the demise of the LP. I refuse to believe any of this. But I must admit, with some of the inexplicable things you have done I can see why people may wonder…
On November 4, I will be voting for you no matter what. If you do not attend this debate, I will no longer be casting my vote for you as a person; but strictly for the Libertarian Party alone. As a supporter of liberty I implore you, as a member of the LP I beg you, as a supporter I demand you--do not skip this debate! Do not ignore it and expect there to be no ramifications; your credibility amongst the Third Party crowd is already weak and feeble. Suck it up, lower yourself if you feel you must and participate in this debate. Show up, do your best and wipe the floor with the other candidates.
Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Matthew Evans
Fort Wayne
I wanted to take this opportunity to let you know about a couple things:
First let me say that I thought you did a great job in your interviewe with NPR this month. You were articulate and confident, and your ideals were clearly laid out. Kudos!
The second is, I understand there is a Third Party debate scheduled for Sunday October 19 and you have yet to commit to attending. I understand your desire to be included in the debate with McCain and Obama. That would have been great! But we all know it will never happen as long as this two party dictatorship is in control. Since that is not a possibility I would highly recommend you attend this upcoming Third Party debate. If you truly have a scheduling conflict which would prevent you from attending--cancel it and show up. You still have yet to recover from your decision to shun Ron Paul; and his subsequent endorsement of Chuck Baldwin has damaged your campaign more than you may realize. You need this. We as the Libertarian Party need this. It is going to be shown on C-Span. That's free advertisement; how could you seriously not take advantage of it?
The rumor mill is rife with talk that you are at best a shill and at worst a CIA pawn planted to bring about the demise of the LP. I refuse to believe any of this. But I must admit, with some of the inexplicable things you have done I can see why people may wonder…
On November 4, I will be voting for you no matter what. If you do not attend this debate, I will no longer be casting my vote for you as a person; but strictly for the Libertarian Party alone. As a supporter of liberty I implore you, as a member of the LP I beg you, as a supporter I demand you--do not skip this debate! Do not ignore it and expect there to be no ramifications; your credibility amongst the Third Party crowd is already weak and feeble. Suck it up, lower yourself if you feel you must and participate in this debate. Show up, do your best and wipe the floor with the other candidates.
Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Matthew Evans
Fort Wayne
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Straining at Gnats
STRAINING AT GNATS AND SWOLLOWING CAMELS
Matthew 23:23-25 Woe unto you…Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel…hypocrites!
I recently received a forwarded email which actually caused me to pause and think for about half a second. I don’t normally even read forwards unless they are jokes. For some reason I chose to read this one and have copied it below. Originally it contained 14 points regarding illegal aliens and how much they are costing U.S. citizens. I deleted the points which had nothing to do with money, but referenced the number of illegal crossings per day and how many illegal aliens are alleged pedophiles; things which had nothing to do with the total cost at the end. Please ignore the fact that it is addressed to “Americans” and called an “education.” To be precise, Mexicans are Americans. So are Canadians, Brazilians, and Alaskans. I assume he meant to say “U.S. citizens” but that is merely an assumption.
AN EDUCATION TO ALL WHO ARE AMERICANS...
You think the war in Iraq is costing us too much? Read this: Boy am I confused. I have been hammered with the propaganda that it is the Iraq war and the war on terror that is bankrupting us. I now find that to be RIDICULOUS. I have included the URL's for verification of all the following facts.
$11 Billion to $22 billion is spent on welfare to illegal aliens each year. Verify at: http://tinyurl.com/zob77
$2.2 Billion dollars a year is spent on food assistance programs such as food stamps, WIC, and free school lunches for illegal aliens. Verify at: http://www.cis.org/articles/2004/fiscalexec.html
$2.5 Billion dollars a year is spent on Medicaid for illegal aliens.Verify at: http://www.cis.org/articles/2004/fiscalexec.html
$12 Billion dollars a year is spent on primary and secondary school education for children here illegally and they cannot speak a word of English!Verify at: http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0604/01/ldt.0.html
$17 Billion dollars a year is spent for education for the American-born children of illegal aliens, known as anchor babies. Verify at http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0604/01/ldt.01.html
$3 Million Dollars a DAY is spent to incarcerate illegal aliens. Verify at: http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0604/01/ldt.01.html
$90 Billion Dollars a year is spent on illegal aliens for Welfare & social services by the American taxpayers. Verify at: http://premium.cnn.com/TRANSCIPTS/0610/29/ldt.01.html
$200 Billion Dollars a year in suppressed American wages are caused by the illegal aliens. Verify at: http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0604/01/ldt.01.html
The National Policy Institute, "estimated that the total cost of mass deportation would be between $206 and $230 billion or an average cost of between $41 and $46 billion annually over a five year period."Verify at: http://www.nationalpolicyinstitute.org/pdf/deportation.pdf
In 2006 illegal aliens sent home $45 BILLION in remittances back to their countries of origin. Verify at: http://www.rense.com/general75/niht.htm
The total cost is a whopping $338.3 BILLION DOLLARS A YEAR. Are we THAT stupid? If this doesn't bother you then just delete the message. If, on the other hand, if it does raise the hair on the back of your neck, I hope you forward it to every legal resident in the country including every representative in Washington, D.C. - five times a week for as long as it takes to restore some semblance of intelligence in our policies and enforcement thereof.
If you haven’t checked already, some of the links actually do go to sites which seem to verify the costs mentioned; some of them do not. When I receive forwarded emails I can usually spot the bogus ones from the start and do not need to go to www.snopes.com to double check things. But occasionally I receive emails or hear rumors which cause me to run to Snopes and find out if they are valid. Needless to say, I did not go to Snopes this time to determine the validity of this email. Simply by reading it anyone can tell it is nothing more than the moronic ramblings of a bigoted ignoramus.
IMMIGRANTS VS. ILLEGAL ALIENS
I am not at all an advocate for illegal aliens. They should all be rounded up and sent packing back to their country of origin. However, I do support a complete overhaul of our immigration policies; it is far too difficult, costly and just plain silly. I believe the restrictions should be limited to matters of health and safety. If someone wants to immigrate to the U.S., fine, but they must be free of communicable diseases and not fleeing justice for a legitimate crime they have committed (not some BS crime an oppressive government made up).
There is a poem written on a bronze plaque inside the pedestal on which the Statue of Liberty stands. It is “The New Colossus” by Emma Lazarus:
"Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,With conquering limbs astride from land to land;Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall standA mighty woman with a torch, whose flameIs the imprisoned lightning, and her nameMother of Exiles. From her beacon-handGlows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes commandThe air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame."Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries sheWith silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me,I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"
LOUSY AT MATH
Aside from all of the figures in the email not adding up to the author’s final total, there are other fatal flaws as well. Due to redundancy, the numbers are fallaciously ballooned. To take the amounts spent for Food Stamps and Medicaid, and add them to the amount spent for all welfare programs is not only idiotic, it is deceiving. Welfare is welfare. Medicaid and Food Stamps are already calculated into the welfare total. (Another thing this email fails to take into consideration is the amount of taxes paid by illegal aliens. Whether they pay the taxes under an alias or not is irrelevant as the money goes into the same pot from which the funds are drained.) I am unaware what the department is called in other states, but in Indiana the Family & Social Services Administration (FSSA) handles most forms of welfare here: food stamps, cash disbursements (TANF) and Medicaid. The government program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) receives its funding from the USDA, the same department the Food Stamps program does.
If the math the author of the email uses is correct then so is the following math:
I have $20 in my right pant’s pocket and $20 in my left for a total of $40. If I remove the $20 bill from my left and add it to the $40 I already had, that means I now have $60. I love this math! Drinks are on me everyone!
COMPARING THE REAL COSTS
Though the email is rife with bigotry and ignorance, the main message of it is that illegal aliens supposedly cost the U.S. taxpayers more money than the war in Iraq does. First and foremost; the war in Iraq has resulted in the deaths of 4,177 U.S. citizens as of October 7, 2008 (and far more innocent Iraqis lives). The value of a human life is worth far more than any amount of money. But simply sticking to the almighty dollar, here are some numbers to check out: as found at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_federal_budget,_2008:
The Bush administration’s budget for 2008 totals $2.9 trillion.
Welfare costs (excluding Social Security and Medicare) totals $533 billion.
Costs due to this alleged “war on terror” will be $179.5 billion (added together were the budget amounts for the Global War on Terror, and the Department of Homeland Security which would not exist were it not for the war.) The total we are spending on the United States Department of Defense is $481.4 billion. Thanks to George W. Bush the U.S. war-machine costs the U.S. taxpayers $660.9 billion.
SOME FACTS OF THE MATTER
Surprisingly, during the Clinton administration welfare reform brought about some much needed stiffening of requirements: unwed mothers were not given more money every time they popped out a baby; people were required to go to work; and illegal aliens did not qualify for Food Stamps or (all but life threatening emergency) Medicaid.
According to the U.S. Constitution (that document the politicians have apparently never read) if a baby is born in the U.S. they are a U.S. citizen. “Anchor baby” or not, they are a Constitutional U.S. citizen—deal with it.
THE REAL ISSUES
In the grand scheme of things even spending a few bucks on feeding an illegal alien isn’t that big of a deal. There are so many other things we should pissed off about:
Matthew 23:23-25 Woe unto you…Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel…hypocrites!
I recently received a forwarded email which actually caused me to pause and think for about half a second. I don’t normally even read forwards unless they are jokes. For some reason I chose to read this one and have copied it below. Originally it contained 14 points regarding illegal aliens and how much they are costing U.S. citizens. I deleted the points which had nothing to do with money, but referenced the number of illegal crossings per day and how many illegal aliens are alleged pedophiles; things which had nothing to do with the total cost at the end. Please ignore the fact that it is addressed to “Americans” and called an “education.” To be precise, Mexicans are Americans. So are Canadians, Brazilians, and Alaskans. I assume he meant to say “U.S. citizens” but that is merely an assumption.
AN EDUCATION TO ALL WHO ARE AMERICANS...
You think the war in Iraq is costing us too much? Read this: Boy am I confused. I have been hammered with the propaganda that it is the Iraq war and the war on terror that is bankrupting us. I now find that to be RIDICULOUS. I have included the URL's for verification of all the following facts.
$11 Billion to $22 billion is spent on welfare to illegal aliens each year. Verify at: http://tinyurl.com/zob77
$2.2 Billion dollars a year is spent on food assistance programs such as food stamps, WIC, and free school lunches for illegal aliens. Verify at: http://www.cis.org/articles/2004/fiscalexec.html
$2.5 Billion dollars a year is spent on Medicaid for illegal aliens.Verify at: http://www.cis.org/articles/2004/fiscalexec.html
$12 Billion dollars a year is spent on primary and secondary school education for children here illegally and they cannot speak a word of English!Verify at: http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0604/01/ldt.0.html
$17 Billion dollars a year is spent for education for the American-born children of illegal aliens, known as anchor babies. Verify at http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0604/01/ldt.01.html
$3 Million Dollars a DAY is spent to incarcerate illegal aliens. Verify at: http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0604/01/ldt.01.html
$90 Billion Dollars a year is spent on illegal aliens for Welfare & social services by the American taxpayers. Verify at: http://premium.cnn.com/TRANSCIPTS/0610/29/ldt.01.html
$200 Billion Dollars a year in suppressed American wages are caused by the illegal aliens. Verify at: http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0604/01/ldt.01.html
The National Policy Institute, "estimated that the total cost of mass deportation would be between $206 and $230 billion or an average cost of between $41 and $46 billion annually over a five year period."Verify at: http://www.nationalpolicyinstitute.org/pdf/deportation.pdf
In 2006 illegal aliens sent home $45 BILLION in remittances back to their countries of origin. Verify at: http://www.rense.com/general75/niht.htm
The total cost is a whopping $338.3 BILLION DOLLARS A YEAR. Are we THAT stupid? If this doesn't bother you then just delete the message. If, on the other hand, if it does raise the hair on the back of your neck, I hope you forward it to every legal resident in the country including every representative in Washington, D.C. - five times a week for as long as it takes to restore some semblance of intelligence in our policies and enforcement thereof.
If you haven’t checked already, some of the links actually do go to sites which seem to verify the costs mentioned; some of them do not. When I receive forwarded emails I can usually spot the bogus ones from the start and do not need to go to www.snopes.com to double check things. But occasionally I receive emails or hear rumors which cause me to run to Snopes and find out if they are valid. Needless to say, I did not go to Snopes this time to determine the validity of this email. Simply by reading it anyone can tell it is nothing more than the moronic ramblings of a bigoted ignoramus.
IMMIGRANTS VS. ILLEGAL ALIENS
I am not at all an advocate for illegal aliens. They should all be rounded up and sent packing back to their country of origin. However, I do support a complete overhaul of our immigration policies; it is far too difficult, costly and just plain silly. I believe the restrictions should be limited to matters of health and safety. If someone wants to immigrate to the U.S., fine, but they must be free of communicable diseases and not fleeing justice for a legitimate crime they have committed (not some BS crime an oppressive government made up).
There is a poem written on a bronze plaque inside the pedestal on which the Statue of Liberty stands. It is “The New Colossus” by Emma Lazarus:
"Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,With conquering limbs astride from land to land;Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall standA mighty woman with a torch, whose flameIs the imprisoned lightning, and her nameMother of Exiles. From her beacon-handGlows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes commandThe air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame."Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries sheWith silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me,I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"
LOUSY AT MATH
Aside from all of the figures in the email not adding up to the author’s final total, there are other fatal flaws as well. Due to redundancy, the numbers are fallaciously ballooned. To take the amounts spent for Food Stamps and Medicaid, and add them to the amount spent for all welfare programs is not only idiotic, it is deceiving. Welfare is welfare. Medicaid and Food Stamps are already calculated into the welfare total. (Another thing this email fails to take into consideration is the amount of taxes paid by illegal aliens. Whether they pay the taxes under an alias or not is irrelevant as the money goes into the same pot from which the funds are drained.) I am unaware what the department is called in other states, but in Indiana the Family & Social Services Administration (FSSA) handles most forms of welfare here: food stamps, cash disbursements (TANF) and Medicaid. The government program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) receives its funding from the USDA, the same department the Food Stamps program does.
If the math the author of the email uses is correct then so is the following math:
I have $20 in my right pant’s pocket and $20 in my left for a total of $40. If I remove the $20 bill from my left and add it to the $40 I already had, that means I now have $60. I love this math! Drinks are on me everyone!
COMPARING THE REAL COSTS
Though the email is rife with bigotry and ignorance, the main message of it is that illegal aliens supposedly cost the U.S. taxpayers more money than the war in Iraq does. First and foremost; the war in Iraq has resulted in the deaths of 4,177 U.S. citizens as of October 7, 2008 (and far more innocent Iraqis lives). The value of a human life is worth far more than any amount of money. But simply sticking to the almighty dollar, here are some numbers to check out: as found at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_federal_budget,_2008:
The Bush administration’s budget for 2008 totals $2.9 trillion.
Welfare costs (excluding Social Security and Medicare) totals $533 billion.
Costs due to this alleged “war on terror” will be $179.5 billion (added together were the budget amounts for the Global War on Terror, and the Department of Homeland Security which would not exist were it not for the war.) The total we are spending on the United States Department of Defense is $481.4 billion. Thanks to George W. Bush the U.S. war-machine costs the U.S. taxpayers $660.9 billion.
SOME FACTS OF THE MATTER
Surprisingly, during the Clinton administration welfare reform brought about some much needed stiffening of requirements: unwed mothers were not given more money every time they popped out a baby; people were required to go to work; and illegal aliens did not qualify for Food Stamps or (all but life threatening emergency) Medicaid.
According to the U.S. Constitution (that document the politicians have apparently never read) if a baby is born in the U.S. they are a U.S. citizen. “Anchor baby” or not, they are a Constitutional U.S. citizen—deal with it.
THE REAL ISSUES
In the grand scheme of things even spending a few bucks on feeding an illegal alien isn’t that big of a deal. There are so many other things we should pissed off about:
- Bush lied to justify his invasion of Iraq in the first place, and they had nothing to do with 9/11;
- Congress and Bush have brought us closer to complete socialism with their “billionaire bailout” than FDR’s New Deal did;
- The fact that we have welfare at all is a problem;
- The media limits voters choices to McBama or Ocain;
- What about the fact that our government gives tax breaks to companies which relocate to other countries, thus taking U.S. jobs away from U.S. citizens? and
- The National Debt as of this posting is $10,192,033,243,315.02 (http://www.brillig.com/debt_clock/)
Stop straining at gnats (bitching about fictitious accusations) and swallowing camels (continually allowing bloated budgets and ever dwindling liberties). Stop listening to the various news media sources (from ABC to Limbaugh) and believing every email you read, do your homework to search out the facts. Here are some places to start:
Website for the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 (Transparency Act)--www.usaspending.gov
Citizens Against Government Waste--www.cagw.org
The Center for Public Integrity--www.publicintegrity.org
National Taxpayers Union--www.ntu.org
The CATO Institute--www.cato.org
The Heritage Foundation--www.heritage.org
Alex Jones--www.infowars.com and www.prisonplanet.com
Thursday, October 2, 2008
The Bailout Quiz OR Are You A Socialist?
THE BAILOUT QUIZ
OR
HOW MUCH OF A SOCIALIST ARE YOU?
Well that settles it. Both Senators (Evan Bayh, D; Richard Lugar, R) from Indiana are socialists and so are the candidates from the two big parties (Ocain and McBama). It cannot be denied; they are socialists. We are no longer the USA we are the USSA. By casting a "Yea" vote for the "billionaire bailout" they have shown their true colors. You don't believe it? Than you must think they are simply insane and should be locked away before they hurt themselves. I am by far no financial wiz but I do have a brain in my head I can use. I can also read history books and know that history is about to repeat itself if Congress passes this bill. I don't particularly want memories of a depression to tell my grandchildren and I don't want my children to have them either.
If you think this bailout is a good thing, answer these questions and think about it again:
-Is it a good idea to borrow $700 billion from financial institutions, in order to loan it back to those financial institutions which do such a poor job at what they do they are going under?
-Have you ever heard of a Ponzi scheme?
-Where do you think that $700 billion is coming from considering the fact that the federal government needed to borrow $145 billion from China this summer for their hair-brained economic incentive plan?
-Since the "economic incentive plan" was a bust, do you really think the federal government is competent enough to make the bailout work?
-One of the BS reasons the fear-mongering politicians are giving for the bailout is allegedly without credit, businesses will not be able to gain the financing they need to make payroll. Who works for a company which needs to borrow money in order to pay its employees? Who would want to? Shouldn't those businesses go under?
-If the financial institutions are bailed out, where will it stop? The automotive industry is already whining about how much help they need. Where and when will it end? If the banks are bailed out, is it right to not bailout every other business going through hard times?
-Should every poorly run company be bailout just because they have lousy business practices?
-Did you realize that Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson was the CEO of Goldman Sachs prior to his current position? Did you realize that Goldman Sachs is one of the banks that would benefit from this bailout?
-According to Forbes.com, Paulson has $632.4 million worth of Goldman Sachs stocks (http://www.forbes.com/lists/2006/12/VY36.html). Do you know how much money he would lose if they failed? (Hint: it has nine digits.)
-Have you read the plan? Are you aware it gives Paulson ultimate power? "Decisions by the Secretary pursuant to the authority of this Act are non-reviewable and committed to agency discretion, and may not be reviewed by any court of law or any administrative agency." Children—can you say "fascism"?
-Do you think since taxpayers can be given government protection from bankruptcy, companies should be able to be bailedout by the same government? Have you ever gone bankrupt? The judge doesn't hand you a wad of cash at the hearing. It's up to you to grab your bootstraps and pull. Do you realize that personal bankruptcy and federal government bailouts are two different things?
-Does calling it a "rescue" make it better, or is it just newspeak for "bailout?" (Read George Orwell's 1984 to understand "newspeak.")
-Did you know when Iran, Hawaii, Chile, and other countries (yes, Hawaii was once a nation) attempted to nationalize companies, the CIA either assassinated their leaders or staged coup d'états? Where's the CIA now that the U.S. is nationalizing banks?
Here's what I really think of any bailout plan:
B U L L S H _ T
"I'd like to buy a vowel, Alex. But I need to borrow $500 from Uncle Sam."
So how did you do?
OR
HOW MUCH OF A SOCIALIST ARE YOU?
Well that settles it. Both Senators (Evan Bayh, D; Richard Lugar, R) from Indiana are socialists and so are the candidates from the two big parties (Ocain and McBama). It cannot be denied; they are socialists. We are no longer the USA we are the USSA. By casting a "Yea" vote for the "billionaire bailout" they have shown their true colors. You don't believe it? Than you must think they are simply insane and should be locked away before they hurt themselves. I am by far no financial wiz but I do have a brain in my head I can use. I can also read history books and know that history is about to repeat itself if Congress passes this bill. I don't particularly want memories of a depression to tell my grandchildren and I don't want my children to have them either.
If you think this bailout is a good thing, answer these questions and think about it again:
-Is it a good idea to borrow $700 billion from financial institutions, in order to loan it back to those financial institutions which do such a poor job at what they do they are going under?
-Have you ever heard of a Ponzi scheme?
-Where do you think that $700 billion is coming from considering the fact that the federal government needed to borrow $145 billion from China this summer for their hair-brained economic incentive plan?
-Since the "economic incentive plan" was a bust, do you really think the federal government is competent enough to make the bailout work?
-One of the BS reasons the fear-mongering politicians are giving for the bailout is allegedly without credit, businesses will not be able to gain the financing they need to make payroll. Who works for a company which needs to borrow money in order to pay its employees? Who would want to? Shouldn't those businesses go under?
-If the financial institutions are bailed out, where will it stop? The automotive industry is already whining about how much help they need. Where and when will it end? If the banks are bailed out, is it right to not bailout every other business going through hard times?
-Should every poorly run company be bailout just because they have lousy business practices?
-Did you realize that Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson was the CEO of Goldman Sachs prior to his current position? Did you realize that Goldman Sachs is one of the banks that would benefit from this bailout?
-According to Forbes.com, Paulson has $632.4 million worth of Goldman Sachs stocks (http://www.forbes.com/lists/2006/12/VY36.html). Do you know how much money he would lose if they failed? (Hint: it has nine digits.)
-Have you read the plan? Are you aware it gives Paulson ultimate power? "Decisions by the Secretary pursuant to the authority of this Act are non-reviewable and committed to agency discretion, and may not be reviewed by any court of law or any administrative agency." Children—can you say "fascism"?
-Do you think since taxpayers can be given government protection from bankruptcy, companies should be able to be bailedout by the same government? Have you ever gone bankrupt? The judge doesn't hand you a wad of cash at the hearing. It's up to you to grab your bootstraps and pull. Do you realize that personal bankruptcy and federal government bailouts are two different things?
-Does calling it a "rescue" make it better, or is it just newspeak for "bailout?" (Read George Orwell's 1984 to understand "newspeak.")
-Did you know when Iran, Hawaii, Chile, and other countries (yes, Hawaii was once a nation) attempted to nationalize companies, the CIA either assassinated their leaders or staged coup d'états? Where's the CIA now that the U.S. is nationalizing banks?
Here's what I really think of any bailout plan:
B U L L S H _ T
"I'd like to buy a vowel, Alex. But I need to borrow $500 from Uncle Sam."
So how did you do?
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