A Merry Christmas to one and all!
Tis the season for giving and receiving, but even more important is understanding how we arrived at being a prosperous, freedom loving people. The American people have always been generous with their time and money with respect to helping others who are less fortunate. On any Thanksgiving and Christmas you'll find people volunteering at homeless shelters or soup kitchens to try and give a little aid and comfort to the afflicted. You'll also find Americans in far flung corners of the globe trying to bring freedom and a sense of normalcy to people afflicted with war and starvation. America has always stood up for freedom, democracy and peace and, hopefully, will continue to do so. All these things we do, not for recognition from our global neighbors, or for some enrichment at the expense of others, but because it's the moral, correct thing to do.
That being said, we face a troubled future, not just in the global community, but at home as well. Our country faces a future with a growing mountain of debt that may swamp future generations and their attempts to provide a well being for their posterity. We face a future where freedom and individual choice will be hampered by over-reaching politicians who care more about control and power than they do about the rule of law. The United States Constitution is under assault as never before from those who think they know better about your health and livelihood. Hopefully, in the coming year we can regain some measure of control of our own resources and a return to being more responsible for our own lives. We need to keep reminding ourselves that the many generations that preceded ours didn't give up, or in, to a troubled time, but recognized their duty to pass freedom on to those who would follow.
So let us, in whatever way we can, give thanks and our best effort to promoting the ideas of freedom, kindness and generosity to all those who wish us well or ill. We are Americans. We have a legacy unmatched in the history of mankind. We will never give in, nor will we ever give up.
Merry Christmas to one and all!
Friday, December 25, 2009
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
The Pete Morin News Service--Issue #30
Cup of coffee and a morning paper
Nothing starts my day better, or gives me more enjoyment, than a cup of coffee and a morning newspaper. I realize this is probably going to be an anachronistic activity (oxymoronic in the sense of expending calories) in the very near future. People no longer read newspapers at the level they used to just a few short years ago. News is now supplied via internet, tweets and by other mobile connection. A pity, since there's so much to marvel at with the stupendous inanity that exists in today's world.
Take for instance our current Democratic leadership both in Massachusetts and Washington. John Kerry, that esteemed leader of numerous purple hearts, has declared that Massachusetts will benefit greatly from the largesse of the recently passed healthcare legislation. The $500 million the state will receive over the next three years will help stabilize our Medicaid program. Martha Coakley, erstwhile Senator-to-be, calls the legislation acceptable for now, but it's only a beginning. Does anyone see the idiocy of these statements and the damage that will be done to our economy (not to mention our freedom) from these ill advised programs? Where does all the money come from to fund these leviathans; what human capital and treasure must be expended to better our fortunes as claimed by their adherents? The answer lies in the question. People must provide their productive effort, their livelihood, a portion of their income to an ever increasing demand of the Federal trough.
Money comes from the printing press, or it comes from increased productivity. Do our leaders understand this basic notion? I think not. They live in a world unfazed by work, sweat or labor that has any connection with reality. They see only the benefit of a constituency appeased of its desire for idle time. A nation cannot long remain free, prosperous and strong on such a path. I fear our path has now been set and it's not one where a posterity will look kindly on. With one sixth of our economy now securely in the hands of the bureaucrats, our socialist ties have now bound us to a bleak future. Think otherwise if you wish, but I see no bright future as the Democrats preen with delight over their newly won triumph.
In any event, I shall continue to enjoy my morning coffee and paper. They provide sustenance to a grieving soul.
Nothing starts my day better, or gives me more enjoyment, than a cup of coffee and a morning newspaper. I realize this is probably going to be an anachronistic activity (oxymoronic in the sense of expending calories) in the very near future. People no longer read newspapers at the level they used to just a few short years ago. News is now supplied via internet, tweets and by other mobile connection. A pity, since there's so much to marvel at with the stupendous inanity that exists in today's world.
Take for instance our current Democratic leadership both in Massachusetts and Washington. John Kerry, that esteemed leader of numerous purple hearts, has declared that Massachusetts will benefit greatly from the largesse of the recently passed healthcare legislation. The $500 million the state will receive over the next three years will help stabilize our Medicaid program. Martha Coakley, erstwhile Senator-to-be, calls the legislation acceptable for now, but it's only a beginning. Does anyone see the idiocy of these statements and the damage that will be done to our economy (not to mention our freedom) from these ill advised programs? Where does all the money come from to fund these leviathans; what human capital and treasure must be expended to better our fortunes as claimed by their adherents? The answer lies in the question. People must provide their productive effort, their livelihood, a portion of their income to an ever increasing demand of the Federal trough.
Money comes from the printing press, or it comes from increased productivity. Do our leaders understand this basic notion? I think not. They live in a world unfazed by work, sweat or labor that has any connection with reality. They see only the benefit of a constituency appeased of its desire for idle time. A nation cannot long remain free, prosperous and strong on such a path. I fear our path has now been set and it's not one where a posterity will look kindly on. With one sixth of our economy now securely in the hands of the bureaucrats, our socialist ties have now bound us to a bleak future. Think otherwise if you wish, but I see no bright future as the Democrats preen with delight over their newly won triumph.
In any event, I shall continue to enjoy my morning coffee and paper. They provide sustenance to a grieving soul.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
The Pete Morin News Service--Issue #29
Now that Senator Ben Nelson has capitulated and given his vote for the healthcare reform bill, it's time to take stock of where we stand as a free people living, in what we thought was, a constitutional republic.
The United States Government now controls the domestic automobile industry (with the exception of Ford), the banking industry and soon the healthcare industry. As citizens we must ask ourselves what special knowledge the government has in running the operations of these industries. What knowledge do bureaucrats have with respect to profit and loss, expenses, advertising and financial acumen that will enable them to better manage these vital services.
A little investigation, or perhaps, introspection, regarding these special attributes is in order.
1) Social Security: Since 1937 the Federal Government has concerned itself with pension security for the aged. The Social Security program so familiar to all of us today was called the FICA (Federal Insurance Contributions Act). It was sold to the general populace as a pension program, but when its legality was questioned and came before the US Supreme Court, Roosevelt's Solicitor General was smart enough to call it simply a tax. You see, nowhere in the Constitution did the government have the authority to enact a pension program that was mandatory for the general public. As a tax, however, it fell within the purview of the 16th amendment and was acceptable as a transfer tax. Today many people believe the government has set aside a trust fund just for them to be paid out beginning between the ages of 62 and 70. The unfunded liability for the the FICA today is approximately $17.5 trillion dollars.
2) Medicare: Since 1966 the Federal Government has concerned itself with providing healthcare coverage for all citizens beginning at the age of 65. Originally, there was a debate concerning the income requirements that made one eligible for the program. Some members of Congress wanted to resrict availability to the indigent poor. This concern was eventually overcome to include all those 65 or older. The Medicare program is divided into several parts; part A, for hospitalization, part B for Outpatient services and part D for medications. Today, Medicare, all parts include, has an unfunded liability of approximately $89.3 trillion dollars.
3) Federal benifits and Pension Programs for government employees: Today, more than 20% of all government empolyees receive remuneration exceeding $100,000 dollars. This does not include pension programs, sick time, holidays and other miscellaneous paid leave or time off. Spending for the Federal budget for the fiscal year 2010 alone has increased 10%.
All of these programs were passed with good intentions and meant to insure a public against the vissitudes of an uncertain future. The result has been a debt that will be passed to our children and our children's children as far into the future as one can see. It can be said without exaggeration that, with the passing of a health reform bill, we will all be working for the government very soon. Our finances, our health our mode of transportation will be decided for us and bankruptcy is a very real possibility. In the hands of bureaucrats we now place our lives and future.
If there are any left who can understand the enormity of our predicament, I would hope they let themselves be heard before those who would be our masters have lost the ability to hear our voices. Today, truly, we are headed for a soft tyranny, but history tells us that tyranny, left unchecked, will lead to all liberties lost. This is a poor legacy indeed to leave our posterity.
The United States Government now controls the domestic automobile industry (with the exception of Ford), the banking industry and soon the healthcare industry. As citizens we must ask ourselves what special knowledge the government has in running the operations of these industries. What knowledge do bureaucrats have with respect to profit and loss, expenses, advertising and financial acumen that will enable them to better manage these vital services.
A little investigation, or perhaps, introspection, regarding these special attributes is in order.
1) Social Security: Since 1937 the Federal Government has concerned itself with pension security for the aged. The Social Security program so familiar to all of us today was called the FICA (Federal Insurance Contributions Act). It was sold to the general populace as a pension program, but when its legality was questioned and came before the US Supreme Court, Roosevelt's Solicitor General was smart enough to call it simply a tax. You see, nowhere in the Constitution did the government have the authority to enact a pension program that was mandatory for the general public. As a tax, however, it fell within the purview of the 16th amendment and was acceptable as a transfer tax. Today many people believe the government has set aside a trust fund just for them to be paid out beginning between the ages of 62 and 70. The unfunded liability for the the FICA today is approximately $17.5 trillion dollars.
2) Medicare: Since 1966 the Federal Government has concerned itself with providing healthcare coverage for all citizens beginning at the age of 65. Originally, there was a debate concerning the income requirements that made one eligible for the program. Some members of Congress wanted to resrict availability to the indigent poor. This concern was eventually overcome to include all those 65 or older. The Medicare program is divided into several parts; part A, for hospitalization, part B for Outpatient services and part D for medications. Today, Medicare, all parts include, has an unfunded liability of approximately $89.3 trillion dollars.
3) Federal benifits and Pension Programs for government employees: Today, more than 20% of all government empolyees receive remuneration exceeding $100,000 dollars. This does not include pension programs, sick time, holidays and other miscellaneous paid leave or time off. Spending for the Federal budget for the fiscal year 2010 alone has increased 10%.
All of these programs were passed with good intentions and meant to insure a public against the vissitudes of an uncertain future. The result has been a debt that will be passed to our children and our children's children as far into the future as one can see. It can be said without exaggeration that, with the passing of a health reform bill, we will all be working for the government very soon. Our finances, our health our mode of transportation will be decided for us and bankruptcy is a very real possibility. In the hands of bureaucrats we now place our lives and future.
If there are any left who can understand the enormity of our predicament, I would hope they let themselves be heard before those who would be our masters have lost the ability to hear our voices. Today, truly, we are headed for a soft tyranny, but history tells us that tyranny, left unchecked, will lead to all liberties lost. This is a poor legacy indeed to leave our posterity.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
The Pete Morin News Service--Issue #28
News flash from Washington, DC December 17, 2009
The Pete Morin News Service has reported the Senate will vote for closure on the proposed healthcare legislation but, apparently, the vote has been held up by Senator Ben Nelson D-NE, who is now asking for more definitive language concerning abortion funding within the bill. PMNS has learned, however, that the real reason that Nelson is not supporting the bill is due to the fact that wheat farmers from Nebraska are extremely irritated that they are not being considered adequately in the bill. Word has it they are demanding all wheat harvests for the next 10 years must be purchased by the Federal Government and that third generation farmers must be given a new Government Motors car before they will agree to vote for Senator Nelson in 2010. The administration is looking into this request with the hope they can persuade Nelson to sign on to the bill.
Meanwhile, there are rumblings coming from other Democratic senators that they have not been promised enough earmarks in their districts. Senator Webb, D-VA, wants assurances that Virginia residents, who are registered Democrats, will be exempt from the pending healthcare legislation until the year 2080. Senator Lincoln, D-AR, is getting heat from Tyson Chicken for not including them in any prospective earmark. Senator Franken, D-MN, wants all stand up comics to be exempt from the pending legislation until Saturday Night Live is cancelled and Senator Schumer, D-NY, wants to have the 9/11 memorial finished before the legislation is finalized.
No word, as of yet, what Senator Burris, D-IL is asking for, but it is believed that he will be asking for the title of 'Burris-King of Lincoln' be placed on all Illinois license plates.
More interesting news to follow.
This has been a newsclip from the Pete Morin News Service
The Pete Morin News Service has reported the Senate will vote for closure on the proposed healthcare legislation but, apparently, the vote has been held up by Senator Ben Nelson D-NE, who is now asking for more definitive language concerning abortion funding within the bill. PMNS has learned, however, that the real reason that Nelson is not supporting the bill is due to the fact that wheat farmers from Nebraska are extremely irritated that they are not being considered adequately in the bill. Word has it they are demanding all wheat harvests for the next 10 years must be purchased by the Federal Government and that third generation farmers must be given a new Government Motors car before they will agree to vote for Senator Nelson in 2010. The administration is looking into this request with the hope they can persuade Nelson to sign on to the bill.
Meanwhile, there are rumblings coming from other Democratic senators that they have not been promised enough earmarks in their districts. Senator Webb, D-VA, wants assurances that Virginia residents, who are registered Democrats, will be exempt from the pending healthcare legislation until the year 2080. Senator Lincoln, D-AR, is getting heat from Tyson Chicken for not including them in any prospective earmark. Senator Franken, D-MN, wants all stand up comics to be exempt from the pending legislation until Saturday Night Live is cancelled and Senator Schumer, D-NY, wants to have the 9/11 memorial finished before the legislation is finalized.
No word, as of yet, what Senator Burris, D-IL is asking for, but it is believed that he will be asking for the title of 'Burris-King of Lincoln' be placed on all Illinois license plates.
More interesting news to follow.
This has been a newsclip from the Pete Morin News Service
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
The Pete Morin news Service--Issue #27
News flash from Washington, DC--December 15, 2009
The big news from Washington will be revealed wednesday morning by Senator Harry Reid that the Senate has reached an agreement on a comprehensive healthcare bill. Final passage of the bill will be formalized on a vote taken in the afternoon when 60 Democrat and Independent Senators vote yes on the proposed legislation. PMNS has learned that three key senators have agreed to vote for the bill. The three Senators and what they will receive for voting for the bill are as follows:
1) Blanche Lincoln, D-AR; The state of Arkansas will receive $100 million towards the building of the 'Blanche Lincoln Freedom and Prosperity Library'. Each individual currently unemployed in the state will receive an additional 416 weeks of unemployment benefits and will not be subject to the new healthcare legislation.
2) Ben Nelson, D-NE; All corn farmers in Nebraska will be given $25 million to go towards their childrens college education. If a child does not qualify to go to college, then the allowance will go towards the funding of the childs pig farm. All pork products sold will be offered at 50% about market value. An additional $101 million will go to the 'Benjamin Nelson Annual Pig Roast' to attract only the very best live entertainment during the two week fair. Anyone signing up to work the pig roast will not be subject to the new healthcare legislation.
3) Joseph Lieberman, I-CT; All Connecticut highways will be completely repaved and all toll booths will be removed for 5 years. Mohegan Sun & Foxwoods casinos will be exempt from state and federal taxes and their employess will not be subject to the new healthcare legislation. An additional $102 million will go to the 'Joseph Lieberman handshake for Peace' campaign.
These compromises, along with several other previously agreed to compromises, will bring the healthcare legislation to a speedy conclusion. The House of Representatives has voiced its approval when Congressman John Dingell said, in his usual deliberate manner, "this is great news for the American people who can finally look to their government to provide for them a fair, just and reasonable insurance coverage and healthcare." Dingell also intimated that an additional $103 billion for Government Motors & Chrysler wouldn't hurt. Additionally, all unemployed auto workers will get 25 years of unemployment benefits.(They will also NOT be subject to the new healthcare legislation)
Soon, Americans can sing that long forgotten tune first sung out during the dark days of the great depression--Happy days are here again!!!
This newsclip provided by the Pete Morin News Service
The big news from Washington will be revealed wednesday morning by Senator Harry Reid that the Senate has reached an agreement on a comprehensive healthcare bill. Final passage of the bill will be formalized on a vote taken in the afternoon when 60 Democrat and Independent Senators vote yes on the proposed legislation. PMNS has learned that three key senators have agreed to vote for the bill. The three Senators and what they will receive for voting for the bill are as follows:
1) Blanche Lincoln, D-AR; The state of Arkansas will receive $100 million towards the building of the 'Blanche Lincoln Freedom and Prosperity Library'. Each individual currently unemployed in the state will receive an additional 416 weeks of unemployment benefits and will not be subject to the new healthcare legislation.
2) Ben Nelson, D-NE; All corn farmers in Nebraska will be given $25 million to go towards their childrens college education. If a child does not qualify to go to college, then the allowance will go towards the funding of the childs pig farm. All pork products sold will be offered at 50% about market value. An additional $101 million will go to the 'Benjamin Nelson Annual Pig Roast' to attract only the very best live entertainment during the two week fair. Anyone signing up to work the pig roast will not be subject to the new healthcare legislation.
3) Joseph Lieberman, I-CT; All Connecticut highways will be completely repaved and all toll booths will be removed for 5 years. Mohegan Sun & Foxwoods casinos will be exempt from state and federal taxes and their employess will not be subject to the new healthcare legislation. An additional $102 million will go to the 'Joseph Lieberman handshake for Peace' campaign.
These compromises, along with several other previously agreed to compromises, will bring the healthcare legislation to a speedy conclusion. The House of Representatives has voiced its approval when Congressman John Dingell said, in his usual deliberate manner, "this is great news for the American people who can finally look to their government to provide for them a fair, just and reasonable insurance coverage and healthcare." Dingell also intimated that an additional $103 billion for Government Motors & Chrysler wouldn't hurt. Additionally, all unemployed auto workers will get 25 years of unemployment benefits.(They will also NOT be subject to the new healthcare legislation)
Soon, Americans can sing that long forgotten tune first sung out during the dark days of the great depression--Happy days are here again!!!
This newsclip provided by the Pete Morin News Service
Friday, December 11, 2009
The Pete Morin News Service--Issue #26
The Environmental Protection Agency has warned Congress that, should they not pass a 'cap & trade' bill, they will implement tight restrictions on CO2 emissions allowed throughout the nation.
The Obama administration has found a way to reduce unemployment and enforce the EPA edict in one swoop. All unemployed individuals currently drawing benefits must register with the EPA. They will then be sent out in the community to monitor each household for compliance with a reduction in CO2 emisions. The administration estimates that one person can monitor approximately 20 households.
The following restrictions will take effect immediately. Monitors will report all infractions to the new 'Freedom Through Conservation Committee".
1) Dishwashing will only be allowed between the hours of 6 & 7 PM. Only 1.375 gallons of water can be used in the process of cleaning the dishes.
2) Toilets can only be flushed between the hours of 6 & 6:35 AM, and 12 & 12:55 PM and 8 & 9:30 PM. Any flushing at other than approved hours will cause the families' allotment of toilet paper to be reduced to 2 rolls/week, or 1 one sheet/use (aka the Sheryl Crow rule)
3) Car washing is strictly prohibited except by government approved washing centers.
4) All heating levels will be restricted to 62.875 degrees maximum in the winter and A/C levels will be restricted to 85.625 minimum in summer.
5) All lighting in the house must be restricted to the hours of 5-9:55 PM. Candles can be purchased at approved government candle centers should additional lighting be required.
6) All gasoline powered automoblies must be turned in to a government reclamation center to be either converted to electric/hydrogen powered use or be scrapped.
7) All government employees, including members of Congress and their staff will be exempt from these restrictions.
The EPA is concerned about the future of our planet and will take all necessary action to insure that citizens comply with the above rules. If an individual, or individuals, are found not be compliant wilth these restrictions ,on more than three occasions, will be sentenced to 5 years in Federal prison and/or a fine of $250.000. (to be paid in euros)
The EPA reserves the right to change all restrictions without notice to properly conserve the scarce resources of the planet and limit the emission of all greenhouse gases.
The Obama administration has found a way to reduce unemployment and enforce the EPA edict in one swoop. All unemployed individuals currently drawing benefits must register with the EPA. They will then be sent out in the community to monitor each household for compliance with a reduction in CO2 emisions. The administration estimates that one person can monitor approximately 20 households.
The following restrictions will take effect immediately. Monitors will report all infractions to the new 'Freedom Through Conservation Committee".
1) Dishwashing will only be allowed between the hours of 6 & 7 PM. Only 1.375 gallons of water can be used in the process of cleaning the dishes.
2) Toilets can only be flushed between the hours of 6 & 6:35 AM, and 12 & 12:55 PM and 8 & 9:30 PM. Any flushing at other than approved hours will cause the families' allotment of toilet paper to be reduced to 2 rolls/week, or 1 one sheet/use (aka the Sheryl Crow rule)
3) Car washing is strictly prohibited except by government approved washing centers.
4) All heating levels will be restricted to 62.875 degrees maximum in the winter and A/C levels will be restricted to 85.625 minimum in summer.
5) All lighting in the house must be restricted to the hours of 5-9:55 PM. Candles can be purchased at approved government candle centers should additional lighting be required.
6) All gasoline powered automoblies must be turned in to a government reclamation center to be either converted to electric/hydrogen powered use or be scrapped.
7) All government employees, including members of Congress and their staff will be exempt from these restrictions.
The EPA is concerned about the future of our planet and will take all necessary action to insure that citizens comply with the above rules. If an individual, or individuals, are found not be compliant wilth these restrictions ,on more than three occasions, will be sentenced to 5 years in Federal prison and/or a fine of $250.000. (to be paid in euros)
The EPA reserves the right to change all restrictions without notice to properly conserve the scarce resources of the planet and limit the emission of all greenhouse gases.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
The Pete Morin News Service--Issue #25
Congratulations to Martha Coakley, who, after winning the Massachusetts Democratic primary for Senator, will be elected in January for the seat vacated by Ted Kennedy. Once she gets to Congress, she can then work ernestly to redistribute wealth in the United States. She should, however, be asked if she's read the Constitution before she begins her ambitious liberal agenda to right the wrongs of our terrible capitalistic system.
Harry Reid, that scion of freedom --ah, what the hell--he's not worth talking about.
It looks like the Democrats will get a healthcare bill passed possibly before the Christmas--I'm sorry, the HOLIDAY break, due to some kind of compromise reached with reluctant Democrats and turncoat Republican Olympia Snow of Maine. We don't know what the terms of the compromise are since it was reached behind closed doors--those same closed doors that the President and the Democrats promised would be sooooooo transparent. In the meantime Snow should do the only honest thing she's probably done since she got to the Senate, and that would be to become a Democrat.
One other thing--shouldn't all these lawmakers do the honorable thing and pledge to subject themselves to this healthcare plan just like all the rest of us? Don't hold your breath.
Who's the most dangerous individual in Washington? President Obama or Lisa Jackson. There's no doubt. If you don't know the answer I suggest you arm yourself with knowledge about just who Lisa Jackson is and what she can do to destroy our why of life. May some God, somewhere, have mercy on our souls!
Harry Reid, that scion of freedom --ah, what the hell--he's not worth talking about.
It looks like the Democrats will get a healthcare bill passed possibly before the Christmas--I'm sorry, the HOLIDAY break, due to some kind of compromise reached with reluctant Democrats and turncoat Republican Olympia Snow of Maine. We don't know what the terms of the compromise are since it was reached behind closed doors--those same closed doors that the President and the Democrats promised would be sooooooo transparent. In the meantime Snow should do the only honest thing she's probably done since she got to the Senate, and that would be to become a Democrat.
One other thing--shouldn't all these lawmakers do the honorable thing and pledge to subject themselves to this healthcare plan just like all the rest of us? Don't hold your breath.
Who's the most dangerous individual in Washington? President Obama or Lisa Jackson. There's no doubt. If you don't know the answer I suggest you arm yourself with knowledge about just who Lisa Jackson is and what she can do to destroy our why of life. May some God, somewhere, have mercy on our souls!
Monday, November 30, 2009
The Pete Morin News Service--Issue #24
Politics & Religion
Want to create consternation, discomfort and downright bitterness in mixed company? Talk about politics or religion and you're sure to feel unloved, unwanted, ostracized and banned from polite society. So here it goes for all those who savor the hunt and kill of political/religious game.
I've read much of the following people and must say that I agree with a lot that they espouse. The list includes Christopher Hitchens, Daniel Dennett, Michael Shermer, Richard Dawkins and Victor Stenger. Other podcasts include the FFRF(Freedom from Religion Foundation), Atheist Experience, American Freethought and The Humanist News. Publications include Skeptical Inquirer, Free Inquiry, The Humanist, Skeptic and The National Center for Science Education. As you can guess by now, these are decidedly secular media outlets that call for a strict separation of church and state. Much of what they propose concerning the origins of life and man's station within the universe makes sense. I used to wholeheartedly accept their view of a world without religion.
Lately, however, I've come to realize an underlying current of acceptance on their part of something more sinister and damaging to our society that must be reconciled. These groups and the individuals within them all, without fail, call for more centralized, strong government as a means to better our human condition. This is where we part company. Their unabashed love affair with secular humanism has, for them, made a religion of their new found beliefs. The belief that government can solve our problems leaves me more than just a little cold, it allows me to see a basic flaw in their thinking. When has government made better the human condition? Rarely, if ever, has it done so. There are those who use it as a crutch or a lever to gain power and control over people's lives. I fear these individuals and organizations have not yet learned this fact.
Paul Kurtz, who founded the Center for Inquiry in Amherst, New York, seemed to be a reasonable and rational person with respect to improving man and his condition, but an article he wrote recently proved that, despite the many accolades that he has received from the secular humanist community, he understands very little about the proper role of government. In this article he called for the passage of a healthcare reform bill because, as he saw it, it was a basic human right. Imagine that coming from an educated individual--healthcare is a human right? No, Dr. Kurtz, no such right exists. Anything that must be legislated, or forced to be given from one person or group to another, is not a human right. Our natural rights don't come from any edicts that man may propose, but only from nature, or as the founders articulated, from nature's God. I've learned that it isn't necessary to believe in a specific God, or religion, to understand this fact. No matter what you think concerning the origins of man, life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness do not come from our fellow men; they emanate from our common humanity.
So, for those who believe in government force to produce a desired result, I suggest you read the Constitution and understand the proper role of government. The brilliant men who designed this document knew the limitations that were imposed upon them from 'Nature's God' and accepted those limits. Your life, liberty and pursuit of happiness will be seen in a whole new light.
Want to create consternation, discomfort and downright bitterness in mixed company? Talk about politics or religion and you're sure to feel unloved, unwanted, ostracized and banned from polite society. So here it goes for all those who savor the hunt and kill of political/religious game.
I've read much of the following people and must say that I agree with a lot that they espouse. The list includes Christopher Hitchens, Daniel Dennett, Michael Shermer, Richard Dawkins and Victor Stenger. Other podcasts include the FFRF(Freedom from Religion Foundation), Atheist Experience, American Freethought and The Humanist News. Publications include Skeptical Inquirer, Free Inquiry, The Humanist, Skeptic and The National Center for Science Education. As you can guess by now, these are decidedly secular media outlets that call for a strict separation of church and state. Much of what they propose concerning the origins of life and man's station within the universe makes sense. I used to wholeheartedly accept their view of a world without religion.
Lately, however, I've come to realize an underlying current of acceptance on their part of something more sinister and damaging to our society that must be reconciled. These groups and the individuals within them all, without fail, call for more centralized, strong government as a means to better our human condition. This is where we part company. Their unabashed love affair with secular humanism has, for them, made a religion of their new found beliefs. The belief that government can solve our problems leaves me more than just a little cold, it allows me to see a basic flaw in their thinking. When has government made better the human condition? Rarely, if ever, has it done so. There are those who use it as a crutch or a lever to gain power and control over people's lives. I fear these individuals and organizations have not yet learned this fact.
Paul Kurtz, who founded the Center for Inquiry in Amherst, New York, seemed to be a reasonable and rational person with respect to improving man and his condition, but an article he wrote recently proved that, despite the many accolades that he has received from the secular humanist community, he understands very little about the proper role of government. In this article he called for the passage of a healthcare reform bill because, as he saw it, it was a basic human right. Imagine that coming from an educated individual--healthcare is a human right? No, Dr. Kurtz, no such right exists. Anything that must be legislated, or forced to be given from one person or group to another, is not a human right. Our natural rights don't come from any edicts that man may propose, but only from nature, or as the founders articulated, from nature's God. I've learned that it isn't necessary to believe in a specific God, or religion, to understand this fact. No matter what you think concerning the origins of man, life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness do not come from our fellow men; they emanate from our common humanity.
So, for those who believe in government force to produce a desired result, I suggest you read the Constitution and understand the proper role of government. The brilliant men who designed this document knew the limitations that were imposed upon them from 'Nature's God' and accepted those limits. Your life, liberty and pursuit of happiness will be seen in a whole new light.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
The Pete Morin News Service--Everyday thoughts
Anyone out there getting tired of seeing those pandering, pinheaded Democratic candidates for the seat of Senator Ted Kennedy tripping all over themselves in an attempt to be as liberal as possible? What a bunch of useless idiots! The worst candidate, by far, in my opinion, is Steve Pagliuca. Here's a guy who's a successful, self made millionaire(which I don't begrudge) who just can't seem to say enough about how's he's going to help the citizens of Massachusetts strike a blow against the vagaries of an out of control free enterprise system.
Steve loves the idea of a 'public option' and will do all he can to get it included in healthcare reform. Jeez Steve, did you really make all your money by being that brainiac that you appear to be, or did you get a lot of help from the government? Read the Constitution, Steve, and then get back to us about just where, in that document, you get the authority to pass a healthcare reform bill. Take your time, Steve. We can wait.
Then there's Martha Coakley, that scion of a consumer protection advocate. There's this little commercial her campaign has been airing lately that shows an elderly lady talking about the cost of medication. The poor woman just can't afford to pay for it all. Unless I'm mistaken, Martha, this ad is called an anecdote. Just what we need to reform the ENTIRE healthcare industry--anecdotel evidence that some older people can't afford their medications. Martha informs us that we have a special responsibility to help these folks pay their bills. I'll be skewered for this, but here it goes--THE OLD LADY IS RESPONSIBLE FOR HERSELF__I'M NOT!! People make decisions every day that may adversely affect their lives. Live with it! At the very least, make common sense changes to the healthcare system, that I've written about in other blogs, that will really benefit people in being able to pay for their meds.
This brings up the frontrunner--Michael Capuano. He won't send any more troops to Afghanistan, not a single one, without a clear strategy has to how we're going to win/exit said war. Well, Mike, you'd better hope the war is over before you get to Congress because your supreme leader, his eminence, Barack Obama, just announced his new redesigned, redone way to triumph in our war in Afghanistan--30,000 more troops are heading for the hills, Mike. You might want to send him a rather stern note about this ill-advised action that he's about to take. Oh, I forgot, Mike, you're a Democrat. You're the party of'what the leader says, you agree with. So sit down and SHUT UP, MIKE! Make like a PANDER BEAR, MIKE!!
So there you have it--the future of the country ably put into the hands of one of the above democrats. God help us!!!!!
Steve loves the idea of a 'public option' and will do all he can to get it included in healthcare reform. Jeez Steve, did you really make all your money by being that brainiac that you appear to be, or did you get a lot of help from the government? Read the Constitution, Steve, and then get back to us about just where, in that document, you get the authority to pass a healthcare reform bill. Take your time, Steve. We can wait.
Then there's Martha Coakley, that scion of a consumer protection advocate. There's this little commercial her campaign has been airing lately that shows an elderly lady talking about the cost of medication. The poor woman just can't afford to pay for it all. Unless I'm mistaken, Martha, this ad is called an anecdote. Just what we need to reform the ENTIRE healthcare industry--anecdotel evidence that some older people can't afford their medications. Martha informs us that we have a special responsibility to help these folks pay their bills. I'll be skewered for this, but here it goes--THE OLD LADY IS RESPONSIBLE FOR HERSELF__I'M NOT!! People make decisions every day that may adversely affect their lives. Live with it! At the very least, make common sense changes to the healthcare system, that I've written about in other blogs, that will really benefit people in being able to pay for their meds.
This brings up the frontrunner--Michael Capuano. He won't send any more troops to Afghanistan, not a single one, without a clear strategy has to how we're going to win/exit said war. Well, Mike, you'd better hope the war is over before you get to Congress because your supreme leader, his eminence, Barack Obama, just announced his new redesigned, redone way to triumph in our war in Afghanistan--30,000 more troops are heading for the hills, Mike. You might want to send him a rather stern note about this ill-advised action that he's about to take. Oh, I forgot, Mike, you're a Democrat. You're the party of'what the leader says, you agree with. So sit down and SHUT UP, MIKE! Make like a PANDER BEAR, MIKE!!
So there you have it--the future of the country ably put into the hands of one of the above democrats. God help us!!!!!
Sunday, November 22, 2009
The Pete Morin News Service--A personal note
November 22, 2009
If you look at the above date the first thing that comes to mind is the terrible event that happened in 1963. But there are times and other events in our lives that give us joy and a feeling of love in our hearts. For me that event took place in 1974.
Thirty five years is a long time, and yet with a blink of an eye the time passes as if there were no time, only a stationary moment. On that day in 1974 we expressed our love for one another with a plan to enjoy the years in sickness and in health. We became partners, lovers and the very best of friends. I hope Skeez has enjoyed this ride as much as I have. Our love of cats and books keeps us ever renewed in the quest for a happy and meaningful life.
So my sweetheart, I offer you this--
From the very beginning I knew you were special,
Your kindness, strength and beauty true.
I couldn't dream of more than you give me,
To say only with real emotion, I love you.
Happy Anniversary to my Skeezer, my Sheaski, my Skeez--
Grow old with me, for the best it yet to come.
Pete & Sue November 22, 1974
If you look at the above date the first thing that comes to mind is the terrible event that happened in 1963. But there are times and other events in our lives that give us joy and a feeling of love in our hearts. For me that event took place in 1974.
Thirty five years is a long time, and yet with a blink of an eye the time passes as if there were no time, only a stationary moment. On that day in 1974 we expressed our love for one another with a plan to enjoy the years in sickness and in health. We became partners, lovers and the very best of friends. I hope Skeez has enjoyed this ride as much as I have. Our love of cats and books keeps us ever renewed in the quest for a happy and meaningful life.
So my sweetheart, I offer you this--
From the very beginning I knew you were special,
Your kindness, strength and beauty true.
I couldn't dream of more than you give me,
To say only with real emotion, I love you.
Happy Anniversary to my Skeezer, my Sheaski, my Skeez--
Grow old with me, for the best it yet to come.
Pete & Sue November 22, 1974
Saturday, November 21, 2009
The Pete Morin News Service--Issue #23
News flash from Washington, DC November 21, 2009
Now that the government healthcare bill is nearing completion with a vote due in the Senate, the URDEAD committee(see issue #1) has proposed the following guidelines with respect to medical tests and procedures that all doctors and medical institutions must implement when the bill is finally approved.
Breast Cancer screenings(mammograms)--once every ten years starting at age 75 for all women. None for men unless a transgender situation applies.
Pap smears for cervical cancer--once every five years starting at age 65 for all women. None for men unless transgender situation applies.
Lung Cancer due to smoking--pain medication only unless screaming due to pain becomes too loud. In that case euthanasia is recommended.
Prostate screening for men--once every ten years starting at the age of 70. More often if the prostate becomes the size of a grapefruit. Pain medication at that point with euthanasia recommended if the patient cannot walk.
Diabetes testing--once every 20 years starting at the age of 50 unless patient weighs more than 400 pounds in which case bread and water diet is recommended until the patient reaches the desirable weight of 65 pounds or less--at that point, euthanasia.
Regular medical checkup--twice starting at the age of 40 with two optional checkups possible. The third checkup must be performed as an autopsy.
Heart disease--anyone suffering a heart attack will receive medical attention only if they survive at least two days from the initial attack. All others will receive their $255 Social Security death benefit.
Stroke--medical attention will be provided only after a three hour time period after which the patient will receive botox injections and one free face lift. Additional face lifts will be billed at the normal rate, but will include the 40% tax rate as indicated in the health bill as a Cadillac procedure.
Walkers, wheelchairs, canes, pacemakers and other items will be provided only long enough for the patient to walk, or ride, to a euthanasia procedure.
The Congress has, of course, exempted itself from these guidelines. Also exempted are the following unions--SEIU, AFL-CIO, AFSME, NEA and all AARP Board members. Additional
exempted groups are ACORN, MOVEON.ORG employees and anyone who will sign a statement promising to vote for Barack Obama in 2012.
In a letter recently printed in several national newspapers, Nancy Pelosi has reiterated the strong support that she and other key members of Congress, as well as the administration, have towards providing excellent healthcare for the American people. She indicated that these guidelines will help Congress control spiraling healthcare costs so that money may be spent more wisely concerning any future legislation that may be required to keep America strong, prosperous and free on the international stage.
This news clip provided by the Pete Morin News Service
Now that the government healthcare bill is nearing completion with a vote due in the Senate, the URDEAD committee(see issue #1) has proposed the following guidelines with respect to medical tests and procedures that all doctors and medical institutions must implement when the bill is finally approved.
Breast Cancer screenings(mammograms)--once every ten years starting at age 75 for all women. None for men unless a transgender situation applies.
Pap smears for cervical cancer--once every five years starting at age 65 for all women. None for men unless transgender situation applies.
Lung Cancer due to smoking--pain medication only unless screaming due to pain becomes too loud. In that case euthanasia is recommended.
Prostate screening for men--once every ten years starting at the age of 70. More often if the prostate becomes the size of a grapefruit. Pain medication at that point with euthanasia recommended if the patient cannot walk.
Diabetes testing--once every 20 years starting at the age of 50 unless patient weighs more than 400 pounds in which case bread and water diet is recommended until the patient reaches the desirable weight of 65 pounds or less--at that point, euthanasia.
Regular medical checkup--twice starting at the age of 40 with two optional checkups possible. The third checkup must be performed as an autopsy.
Heart disease--anyone suffering a heart attack will receive medical attention only if they survive at least two days from the initial attack. All others will receive their $255 Social Security death benefit.
Stroke--medical attention will be provided only after a three hour time period after which the patient will receive botox injections and one free face lift. Additional face lifts will be billed at the normal rate, but will include the 40% tax rate as indicated in the health bill as a Cadillac procedure.
Walkers, wheelchairs, canes, pacemakers and other items will be provided only long enough for the patient to walk, or ride, to a euthanasia procedure.
The Congress has, of course, exempted itself from these guidelines. Also exempted are the following unions--SEIU, AFL-CIO, AFSME, NEA and all AARP Board members. Additional
exempted groups are ACORN, MOVEON.ORG employees and anyone who will sign a statement promising to vote for Barack Obama in 2012.
In a letter recently printed in several national newspapers, Nancy Pelosi has reiterated the strong support that she and other key members of Congress, as well as the administration, have towards providing excellent healthcare for the American people. She indicated that these guidelines will help Congress control spiraling healthcare costs so that money may be spent more wisely concerning any future legislation that may be required to keep America strong, prosperous and free on the international stage.
This news clip provided by the Pete Morin News Service
Friday, November 20, 2009
The Pete Morin News Service--editorial #19
The Perfect Political Storm
Mark Levin made reference to a political strategy on his show on Novemeber 19, 2009 that I had never heard of before. It's known as the Cloward-Piven Strategy. The basic thesis behind this strategy, first articulated by Cloward & Pivin in 1966, was to overload the US Government with entitlement programs thus causing the collapse of the economic system. The ultimate result would be replacing the capitalistic, free enterprise system with a Marxist system that guaranteed national income for all citizens. The American Thinker published an article by Nancy Coppock in february that does an excellent job in spelling out the strategy.
Is this clever strategy being used today by the Obama administration? If you look at the explosion of federal programs put forth you would have to take pause at this possibility. We currently have unsustainable growth in the deficit with two very expensive entitlement programs about to be passed through Congress. Our projected debt by the year 2020 will be approximately $24.5 trillion. This CBO estimate is almost surely conservative. The final figure could easily be $30 trillion. Can all this debt possibly be paid, or will the system collapse? As I've written in previous articles, I see bankruptcy and collapse as inevitable.
Could Obama, therefore, have a strategy in mind similar to Cloward-Pivin that will allow his radical elements within the administration to completely remake society along the Marxist model; a command economy with a head of state that holds Marxist views? I believe that could be a very real possibility. I've stated before that the current focus on spending by Obama does not follow any rational hypothesis; that it is an insane policy that cannot be sustainable. I don't believe, therefore, that Obama is insane; quite the contrary. His machinations are well orchestrated to produce exactly the results he desires. The only question is what position Obama will hold in the rebuilt state. The only logical answer would be a dictator, or supreme head of state in full control of the economy and society. One need only look at his radical associations with several czars that he has appointed as well as those characters he associated with prior to being elected President.
This is a very dangerous individual. So dangerous, in fact, that our Republic, our Constitution and our traditional way of life could soon be gone. I'm not sure what path we can follow to change this hideous road we're on, but we must not go down without letting members of Congress know that we won't stand idly by while a Marxist ruins our nation. There have to be some Democrats who are dismayed and sickened by the actions of this rogue administration. We must press the issue with any and all elected officials who can judge for themselves the danger we face. If we can find no one, however, then we are surely doomed.
We have arrived at the point of a perfect political storm. The election of Barack Obama would not have been possible without a Republican Party having been severly weakened by an unpopular president waging,what seemed to be, unpopular wars and a penchant for spending at a rather liberal clip. The 'hope and change' promised by the neophyte Senator from Illinois seemed a reasonable quality for the people to rely on. Being that Obama was black reinforced the aspirations of the left to attain power. The ideal candidate to bring equality of results to the American landscape was born. Academic elites, slip and fall trial lawyers and general far left miscreants could now aspire to power not dreamed of by any other generation. The failures of the socialists and marxists from the twenties through the sixties would be vindicated.
What will the far left do to finish off the Constitution as a document to carry weight with the populace? The 'necessary & proper' clause will be invoked and a prostrate people will acquiesce to the knowledge of the elites with hardly a wimper. By 2020 the perfect political storm will have raged for several years and a grateful populace will gladly render to those in power the ability to make life bearable. A new age will begin; an age of equality, liberty and fraternity. Long live the second American revolution!
Mark Levin made reference to a political strategy on his show on Novemeber 19, 2009 that I had never heard of before. It's known as the Cloward-Piven Strategy. The basic thesis behind this strategy, first articulated by Cloward & Pivin in 1966, was to overload the US Government with entitlement programs thus causing the collapse of the economic system. The ultimate result would be replacing the capitalistic, free enterprise system with a Marxist system that guaranteed national income for all citizens. The American Thinker published an article by Nancy Coppock in february that does an excellent job in spelling out the strategy.
Is this clever strategy being used today by the Obama administration? If you look at the explosion of federal programs put forth you would have to take pause at this possibility. We currently have unsustainable growth in the deficit with two very expensive entitlement programs about to be passed through Congress. Our projected debt by the year 2020 will be approximately $24.5 trillion. This CBO estimate is almost surely conservative. The final figure could easily be $30 trillion. Can all this debt possibly be paid, or will the system collapse? As I've written in previous articles, I see bankruptcy and collapse as inevitable.
Could Obama, therefore, have a strategy in mind similar to Cloward-Pivin that will allow his radical elements within the administration to completely remake society along the Marxist model; a command economy with a head of state that holds Marxist views? I believe that could be a very real possibility. I've stated before that the current focus on spending by Obama does not follow any rational hypothesis; that it is an insane policy that cannot be sustainable. I don't believe, therefore, that Obama is insane; quite the contrary. His machinations are well orchestrated to produce exactly the results he desires. The only question is what position Obama will hold in the rebuilt state. The only logical answer would be a dictator, or supreme head of state in full control of the economy and society. One need only look at his radical associations with several czars that he has appointed as well as those characters he associated with prior to being elected President.
This is a very dangerous individual. So dangerous, in fact, that our Republic, our Constitution and our traditional way of life could soon be gone. I'm not sure what path we can follow to change this hideous road we're on, but we must not go down without letting members of Congress know that we won't stand idly by while a Marxist ruins our nation. There have to be some Democrats who are dismayed and sickened by the actions of this rogue administration. We must press the issue with any and all elected officials who can judge for themselves the danger we face. If we can find no one, however, then we are surely doomed.
We have arrived at the point of a perfect political storm. The election of Barack Obama would not have been possible without a Republican Party having been severly weakened by an unpopular president waging,what seemed to be, unpopular wars and a penchant for spending at a rather liberal clip. The 'hope and change' promised by the neophyte Senator from Illinois seemed a reasonable quality for the people to rely on. Being that Obama was black reinforced the aspirations of the left to attain power. The ideal candidate to bring equality of results to the American landscape was born. Academic elites, slip and fall trial lawyers and general far left miscreants could now aspire to power not dreamed of by any other generation. The failures of the socialists and marxists from the twenties through the sixties would be vindicated.
What will the far left do to finish off the Constitution as a document to carry weight with the populace? The 'necessary & proper' clause will be invoked and a prostrate people will acquiesce to the knowledge of the elites with hardly a wimper. By 2020 the perfect political storm will have raged for several years and a grateful populace will gladly render to those in power the ability to make life bearable. A new age will begin; an age of equality, liberty and fraternity. Long live the second American revolution!
Monday, November 16, 2009
The Pete Morin News Service--editorial #18
These are, indeed, depressing times. Charles Dickens articulated in his writing that the period of the French Revolution was 'the best of times, the worst of times'. We definitely are living in the worst of times.
Take a look at the leadership we have in Washington, DC and if you're not frightened by what's going on then you're a died in the wool liberal. Barack Obama, Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid, Steny Hoyer, John Dingell, Henry Waxman have to be the dumbest, most ideological, most brain dead politicians that have ever occupied their respective positions.
Let's start at the top--
1) Barack Obama: Would anyone dare dispute the idea that this individual was elected because he knows how to present himself well? The 'Hope and Change' candidate is everything that he promised. He's going to remake our society into a more equitable country; a little income redistribution is all it takes and, voila, we're so much better than that despicable nation we used to be. Obama is nothing but a demogogue; a statist and very close to a marxist. His ridiculous programs for spending will do nothing but bankrupt this nation. The only possible way out will be to inflate the currency and that's exactly what's going to happen in less than two years. Look for high rates of inflation to hit around 2011. Big spending government LOVES inflation as it gets to pay its' debt with cheap money. Consumers, alas, get the shaft. You've been forwarned--plan accordingly.
2)Nancy Pelosi: Does this brain dead Speaker have a clue that we have a Constitution and that it enumerates the powers of the legislative branch? Apparently not since she can only respond to a question about her authority to pass healthcare legislation with 'are you serious'? This is what is known as leadership. Boy, are we in trouble!
3)Harry Reid: see #2. A brain dead lump of crap that knows NOTHING about healthcare, the economy and, apparently, anything else. He used to be an amateur fighter. Maybe he had his bell rung just one too many times--ya think?
4)Steny Hoyer: In case you didn't know it, he's the House Majority Leader. It's important to understand that Mr. Hoyer takes all his commands from #2 and thinks the Constitution is his personal plaything from which he'll spread the goodies to all his little liberal, pinheaded colleagues.
5) Dingell and Waxman: Just a couple of useful idiots. Neither one has spent more than 30 seconds in the private sector, but what the hell, they know what's best for the rest of us and they're going to make sure that we live according to their rules. Not only will our electrical usage go down, but our electrical rates will go UP! Cap & Trade should really be called 'Tax & Trade'.
When these people are done passing their favorite pieces of legislation the United States of America will look very different. The under-achievers will have control and the rest of us will be stuck with the bill. All I can say is--plan accordingly. Our posterity will be placed on their posterior.
Take a look at the leadership we have in Washington, DC and if you're not frightened by what's going on then you're a died in the wool liberal. Barack Obama, Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid, Steny Hoyer, John Dingell, Henry Waxman have to be the dumbest, most ideological, most brain dead politicians that have ever occupied their respective positions.
Let's start at the top--
1) Barack Obama: Would anyone dare dispute the idea that this individual was elected because he knows how to present himself well? The 'Hope and Change' candidate is everything that he promised. He's going to remake our society into a more equitable country; a little income redistribution is all it takes and, voila, we're so much better than that despicable nation we used to be. Obama is nothing but a demogogue; a statist and very close to a marxist. His ridiculous programs for spending will do nothing but bankrupt this nation. The only possible way out will be to inflate the currency and that's exactly what's going to happen in less than two years. Look for high rates of inflation to hit around 2011. Big spending government LOVES inflation as it gets to pay its' debt with cheap money. Consumers, alas, get the shaft. You've been forwarned--plan accordingly.
2)Nancy Pelosi: Does this brain dead Speaker have a clue that we have a Constitution and that it enumerates the powers of the legislative branch? Apparently not since she can only respond to a question about her authority to pass healthcare legislation with 'are you serious'? This is what is known as leadership. Boy, are we in trouble!
3)Harry Reid: see #2. A brain dead lump of crap that knows NOTHING about healthcare, the economy and, apparently, anything else. He used to be an amateur fighter. Maybe he had his bell rung just one too many times--ya think?
4)Steny Hoyer: In case you didn't know it, he's the House Majority Leader. It's important to understand that Mr. Hoyer takes all his commands from #2 and thinks the Constitution is his personal plaything from which he'll spread the goodies to all his little liberal, pinheaded colleagues.
5) Dingell and Waxman: Just a couple of useful idiots. Neither one has spent more than 30 seconds in the private sector, but what the hell, they know what's best for the rest of us and they're going to make sure that we live according to their rules. Not only will our electrical usage go down, but our electrical rates will go UP! Cap & Trade should really be called 'Tax & Trade'.
When these people are done passing their favorite pieces of legislation the United States of America will look very different. The under-achievers will have control and the rest of us will be stuck with the bill. All I can say is--plan accordingly. Our posterity will be placed on their posterior.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
The Pete Morin News Service--editorial #17
The following article was published in The American Thinker on November 14, 2009
The Fruits of Labor
Sometime ago I went to a local mall to buy a phone. After making a purchase at one of the large electronic retailers, I went to the mall restroom and inadvertently left it behind. Ten minutes later I realized I no longer had the phone, so I rushed back only to find it gone. I checked in with the customer service counter at the mall to see if a Good Samaritan had turned it in. Unfortunately, no one had done so and I left my number in case anyone should turn it in. Needless to say, no call was forthcoming and the phone was never seen again.
When this person discovered the phone did they think that this was new found treasure? Did they not think that this belonged to someone who forgot to take it with them rather than something that could be considered as self- enrichment, and could be treated as a gift? That phone cost me about five hours of my productive labor. Of course, this notion never entered the mind of the individual making off with my phone. Notice I use the term ‘my phone’ since it certainly wasn’t his/hers and must be put in the proper context as nothing better than theft.
Why do I bring this up today? What relevance does this small act have to do with anything? Just this - we now have a government that considers it public policy to take from those who are productive and give to those whom they believe are less productive or unproductive. Although this is nothing new with respect to politics, it is more blatant than has been exhibited at any other time in our history. The House of Representatives has recently passed two very controversial pieces of legislation that will dramatically affect wealth redistribution in our nation. We have a President that believes that income redistribution should be the norm in our culture and this ‘redistribution’ will make a more equitable society. A person’s productive efforts mean little or nothing to those in high office. They don’t question the work that was performed that enables them to make this transfer. Apparently, economic justice reigns supreme over the productive efforts of a citizen to provide for himself and his family. When asked under what authority the Congress had to pass such legislation, the Speaker of the House could only respond with “Are you serious?” Yes, Madame Speaker, I am serious, very serious. What kind of government will confiscate someone’s property and give it to another under the guise of economic justice?
Those on the left will say that I’m without ‘compassion’ for those who are less fortunate; that it is my duty to help provide for those who have less. This makes sense only until we recognize that there is no end to the confiscation that can be perpetrated on one’s private property with this argument. The Constitution stated very specific enumerated powers granted to the Federal Government. To increase those powers it would be necessary to get the consent of the governed through an amendment process. The Legislature today circumvents these powers with impunity. Evidently, the idea that private property is no longer sacrosanct appeals to many on the far left. Understand that when government is through looting corporations and large and small businesses, then the common citizen will be next. The people who wrote our Constitution understood this. That’s why they placed limits on its power; in effect these were limits on its appetite to confiscate property. They knew that without limitations government would consume beyond its means, effectively destroying the freedom and liberty that are the peoples’ natural rights.
This brings us to recent healthcare and cap & trade initiatives. Make no mistake, these legislative acts are nothing but redistributive programs designed to hamper the sovereignty of the electorate in a free market system and enhance the power of the state. Eventually, not just we, but our posterity, will pay dearly for this runaway government. Let’s not dwell too long on our future prospects, but enjoy while we can the fruits of other peoples’ labor.
The Fruits of Labor
Sometime ago I went to a local mall to buy a phone. After making a purchase at one of the large electronic retailers, I went to the mall restroom and inadvertently left it behind. Ten minutes later I realized I no longer had the phone, so I rushed back only to find it gone. I checked in with the customer service counter at the mall to see if a Good Samaritan had turned it in. Unfortunately, no one had done so and I left my number in case anyone should turn it in. Needless to say, no call was forthcoming and the phone was never seen again.
When this person discovered the phone did they think that this was new found treasure? Did they not think that this belonged to someone who forgot to take it with them rather than something that could be considered as self- enrichment, and could be treated as a gift? That phone cost me about five hours of my productive labor. Of course, this notion never entered the mind of the individual making off with my phone. Notice I use the term ‘my phone’ since it certainly wasn’t his/hers and must be put in the proper context as nothing better than theft.
Why do I bring this up today? What relevance does this small act have to do with anything? Just this - we now have a government that considers it public policy to take from those who are productive and give to those whom they believe are less productive or unproductive. Although this is nothing new with respect to politics, it is more blatant than has been exhibited at any other time in our history. The House of Representatives has recently passed two very controversial pieces of legislation that will dramatically affect wealth redistribution in our nation. We have a President that believes that income redistribution should be the norm in our culture and this ‘redistribution’ will make a more equitable society. A person’s productive efforts mean little or nothing to those in high office. They don’t question the work that was performed that enables them to make this transfer. Apparently, economic justice reigns supreme over the productive efforts of a citizen to provide for himself and his family. When asked under what authority the Congress had to pass such legislation, the Speaker of the House could only respond with “Are you serious?” Yes, Madame Speaker, I am serious, very serious. What kind of government will confiscate someone’s property and give it to another under the guise of economic justice?
Those on the left will say that I’m without ‘compassion’ for those who are less fortunate; that it is my duty to help provide for those who have less. This makes sense only until we recognize that there is no end to the confiscation that can be perpetrated on one’s private property with this argument. The Constitution stated very specific enumerated powers granted to the Federal Government. To increase those powers it would be necessary to get the consent of the governed through an amendment process. The Legislature today circumvents these powers with impunity. Evidently, the idea that private property is no longer sacrosanct appeals to many on the far left. Understand that when government is through looting corporations and large and small businesses, then the common citizen will be next. The people who wrote our Constitution understood this. That’s why they placed limits on its power; in effect these were limits on its appetite to confiscate property. They knew that without limitations government would consume beyond its means, effectively destroying the freedom and liberty that are the peoples’ natural rights.
This brings us to recent healthcare and cap & trade initiatives. Make no mistake, these legislative acts are nothing but redistributive programs designed to hamper the sovereignty of the electorate in a free market system and enhance the power of the state. Eventually, not just we, but our posterity, will pay dearly for this runaway government. Let’s not dwell too long on our future prospects, but enjoy while we can the fruits of other peoples’ labor.
Friday, October 30, 2009
The Pete Morin News Service--Editorial #16
Virtual People in a virtual Republic
A little over 220 years ago some rather influential folks got together to discuss, what they considered, taxation without representation. There main complaint was with King George III of England and they let their concerns be known directly to the Crown. The answer they received did nothing to assuage them of their fear that they were mere cogs in the wheels of a distant monarchy. Parliament and the King assured the colonists that they were indeed represented and this form of representation was known as ‘virtual representation.’ By being subjects of the Crown, regardless of whether they had a vote or not, they had, and were being, virtually represented. Needless to say the colonists disagreed with the Crown’s assessment.
Fast forward 220 + years to the present. Living in The People’s Republic of Massachusetts you could look at the Founder’s original complaint and surmise that we are in the exact same predicament. Those of us who espouse conservative thinking and look for a government that limits itself in scope and law have realized that we have no representation. Mindless liberal spending in the name of compassion and social justice has overwhelmed the idea of limited government. Backbreaking debt and unsustainable deficits have clouded our sight far into the future. Ted Kennedy’s vacant Senate seat will be filled by another liberal ‘do-gooder’ hell bent on bringing his, or her, rapturous form of social egalitarianism to the body politic. Those who may oppose such schemes are without compassion and to be ridiculed as uncaring and shortsighted. Their concerns are rooted in a past that has no relevance to the present day. With this agenda in mind the liberals will attack the benighted conservative carrion and pronounce all they accomplish as right and true.
So, are those of us who disagree with this agenda really represented in both the State House and the White House? I say no; I say we have been denied a voice in this despicable democratic takeover. Our concerns are not heard nor even listened to. Democrats don’t concern themselves with trivial niceties. They are on a mission. They will implement their form of retribution on what they consider the fortunate class because they must create divisiveness and rancor to have their nefarious plans take root. They care nothing about a Constitution or any other antiquated document that purports to place man and law in a civil setting. This is their goal; the power of a statist, born to lead a nation of lesser human beings.
And so it goes. We, of this lesser breed, only want those entrusted with power to be servants to the people; to have an allegiance to those people and to the document that defined our founding. But our hopes will go unrealized. We will survive with what possessions we have largely intact, but our liberty and freedom to choose our lifestyle will only be a dream of what might have been and what once was. We will be represented; we will be virtual people in our virtual country with virtual representation.
A little over 220 years ago some rather influential folks got together to discuss, what they considered, taxation without representation. There main complaint was with King George III of England and they let their concerns be known directly to the Crown. The answer they received did nothing to assuage them of their fear that they were mere cogs in the wheels of a distant monarchy. Parliament and the King assured the colonists that they were indeed represented and this form of representation was known as ‘virtual representation.’ By being subjects of the Crown, regardless of whether they had a vote or not, they had, and were being, virtually represented. Needless to say the colonists disagreed with the Crown’s assessment.
Fast forward 220 + years to the present. Living in The People’s Republic of Massachusetts you could look at the Founder’s original complaint and surmise that we are in the exact same predicament. Those of us who espouse conservative thinking and look for a government that limits itself in scope and law have realized that we have no representation. Mindless liberal spending in the name of compassion and social justice has overwhelmed the idea of limited government. Backbreaking debt and unsustainable deficits have clouded our sight far into the future. Ted Kennedy’s vacant Senate seat will be filled by another liberal ‘do-gooder’ hell bent on bringing his, or her, rapturous form of social egalitarianism to the body politic. Those who may oppose such schemes are without compassion and to be ridiculed as uncaring and shortsighted. Their concerns are rooted in a past that has no relevance to the present day. With this agenda in mind the liberals will attack the benighted conservative carrion and pronounce all they accomplish as right and true.
So, are those of us who disagree with this agenda really represented in both the State House and the White House? I say no; I say we have been denied a voice in this despicable democratic takeover. Our concerns are not heard nor even listened to. Democrats don’t concern themselves with trivial niceties. They are on a mission. They will implement their form of retribution on what they consider the fortunate class because they must create divisiveness and rancor to have their nefarious plans take root. They care nothing about a Constitution or any other antiquated document that purports to place man and law in a civil setting. This is their goal; the power of a statist, born to lead a nation of lesser human beings.
And so it goes. We, of this lesser breed, only want those entrusted with power to be servants to the people; to have an allegiance to those people and to the document that defined our founding. But our hopes will go unrealized. We will survive with what possessions we have largely intact, but our liberty and freedom to choose our lifestyle will only be a dream of what might have been and what once was. We will be represented; we will be virtual people in our virtual country with virtual representation.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
The Pete Morin News Service--Editorial #15
This article was published in The American Thinker on October 30, 2009
The Pillars of Liberal Progressivism
The United States of America rests at a crossroads today that is every bit as dire a situation as Americans faced during the second world war. In fact, it may be even more so.
Liberal Progressives have fashioned so strong a hold on the American landscape that to escape its clutches may no longer be possible for most of its citizens. What I call the ‘Pillars of Liberal Progressivism’ has infected America with a virus so deadly that attempts to fight its virulent behavior has become extremely difficult.
What are these pillars that progressives have worked so hard to infiltrate and control.
1) University Academia: No institution was more instrumental than the university in shaping the minds and behavior of the young. Students schooled in the writings of radical revolutionaries such as Mao, Lenin, Trotsky and lesser known malcontents such as Alinsky, Zinn and Chomsky spread their noxious fumes throughout the halls of academia. The ‘true believer’ filled his pliant mind with the writings of these disaffected statists. The earlier attempts of scholars in the twenties and thirties to poison the minds of the young were but a pretext for this new assault. The Port Huron Statement in 1962 and the founding of SDS formed the initial assault on the staid halls of higher learning. Unable to contain or challenge properly this misguided agenda, academia floundered in its response to this radical approach. Aiding and abetting the radicals was the US Governments’ entry to an ill-advised conflict in Southeast Asia. Combine the two and University administrations in several key bastions of higher learning fell to the radical elements. The virus had taken a tenuous hold. It would grow and infect future leaders to prey upon unsuspecting minds, inculcating them with a sense of guilt, radical redress and egalitarian fervor.
2) Law Schools: Those infected with this radical new virus could now expand their activities to include law schools. What better way to attain a redress of grievances against a racist, sexist, homophobic nation than to change, or alter, the Constitution. New radical lawyers imbued with this bubonic sickness attacked our nations laws at the principle level. Judicial activists unleashed a torrent of bad constitutional law that would make any radical proud. The links that bound us to our founding were now severely strained.
3)Primary and Secondary education: The lessons learned in academia could now be spread to the more basic levels of education. Rather than parents teaching their children tolerance and good moral underpinnings, the hard left would give no quarter in acceptance of gay lifestyles and gay marriage, wealth redistribution, equality of outcome and disparagement of conservatism. These became the staple means to indoctrination of the very young. Occasionally, there have been outbursts from parents, but this has not deterred the righteous from their purposeful mission.
4)Entertainment: The hard left could now attack the entertainment industry. The poor, limp, listless minds of this industry were ripe for the picking. What could be more important than compassion for the poor, not getting involved in military conflict and equality for all those who had suffered under the dreaded capitalist state. The film industry offered itself in humble prostration to these noble ideas. Films depicting the evils of capitalism and the inadequacy of the free market spawned a whole new generation of useful idiots to spread the biblical word.
5)News Media: This last pillar would prove to be one of the most important to infiltrate. With the help of academia and entertainment, however, it was possible to invade the news room without too great a difficulty. Vietnam, once again, gave a ready means to achieve control of what was once considered an inviolable institution and move it inexorably to the left. One can remember the hallowed utterance of Walter Cronkite as he intoned the uselessness of continued combat in Southeast Asia. What Cronkite deemed to be lost must surely be; so ingrained in the American psyche was his preeminence for reporting the facts, that those facts must certainly be correct.
The infection of the newsroom continues unabated today with such lackluster cronies as Brian Williams, Charles Gibson and Katie Curic reporting a brand of news so skewed to the left that embarrassment would be its best description. Think of President Obama’s reference to sleeping with Brian Williams and words lose meaning to convey a sense of outrage. Beneath the veneer of an Obama attempt at humor was a major news outlet willing to do the administration’s bidding.
These are the pillars Liberal Progressives have safely ensconced in their method of attack on America. It may be beyond hope that we can restore our country to a more reasonable state. Those of us who can must make our voices heard to all of the above institutions. We have to come in from the wilderness of being afraid to confront liberals on their ground. We must fight the bankrupt ideas of socialism in academia through the media. The internet has given us an outlet that must not be squandered; its importance being, perhaps, a last stand.
In other articles I’ve written how we must find strength in ourselves; to define our character so that future generations will know what life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness really are. We must articulate what we mean by real freedom; a freedom and equality that will inspire our children and grandchildren to uphold these precious ideals. There is no time to lose. It’s been repeated on many occasions, but should be said again-- If we don’t do it, who will? If not now, when?
The Pillars of Liberal Progressivism
The United States of America rests at a crossroads today that is every bit as dire a situation as Americans faced during the second world war. In fact, it may be even more so.
Liberal Progressives have fashioned so strong a hold on the American landscape that to escape its clutches may no longer be possible for most of its citizens. What I call the ‘Pillars of Liberal Progressivism’ has infected America with a virus so deadly that attempts to fight its virulent behavior has become extremely difficult.
What are these pillars that progressives have worked so hard to infiltrate and control.
1) University Academia: No institution was more instrumental than the university in shaping the minds and behavior of the young. Students schooled in the writings of radical revolutionaries such as Mao, Lenin, Trotsky and lesser known malcontents such as Alinsky, Zinn and Chomsky spread their noxious fumes throughout the halls of academia. The ‘true believer’ filled his pliant mind with the writings of these disaffected statists. The earlier attempts of scholars in the twenties and thirties to poison the minds of the young were but a pretext for this new assault. The Port Huron Statement in 1962 and the founding of SDS formed the initial assault on the staid halls of higher learning. Unable to contain or challenge properly this misguided agenda, academia floundered in its response to this radical approach. Aiding and abetting the radicals was the US Governments’ entry to an ill-advised conflict in Southeast Asia. Combine the two and University administrations in several key bastions of higher learning fell to the radical elements. The virus had taken a tenuous hold. It would grow and infect future leaders to prey upon unsuspecting minds, inculcating them with a sense of guilt, radical redress and egalitarian fervor.
2) Law Schools: Those infected with this radical new virus could now expand their activities to include law schools. What better way to attain a redress of grievances against a racist, sexist, homophobic nation than to change, or alter, the Constitution. New radical lawyers imbued with this bubonic sickness attacked our nations laws at the principle level. Judicial activists unleashed a torrent of bad constitutional law that would make any radical proud. The links that bound us to our founding were now severely strained.
3)Primary and Secondary education: The lessons learned in academia could now be spread to the more basic levels of education. Rather than parents teaching their children tolerance and good moral underpinnings, the hard left would give no quarter in acceptance of gay lifestyles and gay marriage, wealth redistribution, equality of outcome and disparagement of conservatism. These became the staple means to indoctrination of the very young. Occasionally, there have been outbursts from parents, but this has not deterred the righteous from their purposeful mission.
4)Entertainment: The hard left could now attack the entertainment industry. The poor, limp, listless minds of this industry were ripe for the picking. What could be more important than compassion for the poor, not getting involved in military conflict and equality for all those who had suffered under the dreaded capitalist state. The film industry offered itself in humble prostration to these noble ideas. Films depicting the evils of capitalism and the inadequacy of the free market spawned a whole new generation of useful idiots to spread the biblical word.
5)News Media: This last pillar would prove to be one of the most important to infiltrate. With the help of academia and entertainment, however, it was possible to invade the news room without too great a difficulty. Vietnam, once again, gave a ready means to achieve control of what was once considered an inviolable institution and move it inexorably to the left. One can remember the hallowed utterance of Walter Cronkite as he intoned the uselessness of continued combat in Southeast Asia. What Cronkite deemed to be lost must surely be; so ingrained in the American psyche was his preeminence for reporting the facts, that those facts must certainly be correct.
The infection of the newsroom continues unabated today with such lackluster cronies as Brian Williams, Charles Gibson and Katie Curic reporting a brand of news so skewed to the left that embarrassment would be its best description. Think of President Obama’s reference to sleeping with Brian Williams and words lose meaning to convey a sense of outrage. Beneath the veneer of an Obama attempt at humor was a major news outlet willing to do the administration’s bidding.
These are the pillars Liberal Progressives have safely ensconced in their method of attack on America. It may be beyond hope that we can restore our country to a more reasonable state. Those of us who can must make our voices heard to all of the above institutions. We have to come in from the wilderness of being afraid to confront liberals on their ground. We must fight the bankrupt ideas of socialism in academia through the media. The internet has given us an outlet that must not be squandered; its importance being, perhaps, a last stand.
In other articles I’ve written how we must find strength in ourselves; to define our character so that future generations will know what life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness really are. We must articulate what we mean by real freedom; a freedom and equality that will inspire our children and grandchildren to uphold these precious ideals. There is no time to lose. It’s been repeated on many occasions, but should be said again-- If we don’t do it, who will? If not now, when?
Friday, October 16, 2009
The Pete Morin News Service--editorial #14
This article was published in American Thinker on October 17, 2009
These Dis-United States
The public rancor and divisiveness that exists today in our political and cultural debates is nothing new, having been a staple of our Republic/Democracy for its entire history. There are, however, disturbing elements to these debates that one could surmise to be more destructive than fruitful to its continued existence.
All elected Federal officials solemnly profess to “preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States of America”, but hardly any admit that what they do, in actuality, destroys or alters said document. Congress and the Executive Branch have been on a relentless assault to provide for the benighted masses what they don’t seem to want to provide for themselves; at least this is what liberal/progressives have been projecting since, at least, the time of FDR. The masses, content with accepting the beneficence of the empowered elite, swoon before these attempts to provide cradle to grave assurance of a life free of the hindrance of self improvement.
So, this liberal/progressive agenda finds itself at the zenith of power and influence with ‘Cap and Trade’ and ‘ObamaCare’. There may be voices, shrill and loud, crying from the margins of a disaffected portion of the populace that object to another attack on the Constitution. Their view of a Constitution having been ravaged by yet another assault on the originalist interpretation may be correct, but progressivism simply refers to these attacks as ‘wrongheaded’ or ‘outdated’. The founders certainly could not have foreseen the difficulties and complexities of modern man . A Constitution that could not adapt to such new challenges could not survive, says the statist. It must become a ‘living and breathing’ document, free of original intent. And so it has become.
The liberal/progressive movement has convinced modern man that to satisfy his material needs it is not necessary to labor exhaustingly in pursuit of said needs; but much more beneficial to modern man to simply reallocate resources from those who can afford to do so. The foundations of the welfare state having been laid, the free market struggles to provide for its legitimate members as well as those of a lesser inclination. The mixed economy may go on for years before the weight of redistributive legislation finally brings the golden goose to a prone position.
The tipping point, however, has finally been reached. Better than 50% of the class of lesser inclination now feed at the trough of Federal largess. They are satiated and satisfied by the exuberance of the power elite. They are now but tools to that elite; to be fashioned as the ruling class desires. They can no more disenfranchise themselves from their largess than those who desire freedom could but snap their fingers and be loosed from their chains. Those who advocate the redistribution of wealth have succeeded; democracy has trumped the Republic and the tyranny of the majority has taken shape.
There will continue to be elections and small changes in the makeup of the Legislative and Executive, but it will be mere window dressing to the failed experiment; that being the existence of a viable Republic. The United States will become the ‘Dis-United States’. Those states that can extricate themselves from the failed experiment will do so. Those that have believed a Constitution is unchanged for the ages will depart Democratic entanglement and form their own new, more perfect union. The new union may be small and certainly less powerful than its Federal predecessor, but it will have as its motto the belief that men are free to decide their own future, not subject to the tyranny of a majority. That its currency will not be debased; that limited government lives up to its charter and that citizens be the rulers instead of sheep to be fleeced.
In her great novel, Atlas Shrugged, Ayn Rand saw such a future for those concerned with the dignity and freedom of mankind. When it was written it was just a novel, hardly a vision for what a country could become; that vision, that future may now be here. We need only be brave enough to face the present which was the future and determine who will be our John Galt.
Then it starts anew…We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal…..
These Dis-United States
The public rancor and divisiveness that exists today in our political and cultural debates is nothing new, having been a staple of our Republic/Democracy for its entire history. There are, however, disturbing elements to these debates that one could surmise to be more destructive than fruitful to its continued existence.
All elected Federal officials solemnly profess to “preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States of America”, but hardly any admit that what they do, in actuality, destroys or alters said document. Congress and the Executive Branch have been on a relentless assault to provide for the benighted masses what they don’t seem to want to provide for themselves; at least this is what liberal/progressives have been projecting since, at least, the time of FDR. The masses, content with accepting the beneficence of the empowered elite, swoon before these attempts to provide cradle to grave assurance of a life free of the hindrance of self improvement.
So, this liberal/progressive agenda finds itself at the zenith of power and influence with ‘Cap and Trade’ and ‘ObamaCare’. There may be voices, shrill and loud, crying from the margins of a disaffected portion of the populace that object to another attack on the Constitution. Their view of a Constitution having been ravaged by yet another assault on the originalist interpretation may be correct, but progressivism simply refers to these attacks as ‘wrongheaded’ or ‘outdated’. The founders certainly could not have foreseen the difficulties and complexities of modern man . A Constitution that could not adapt to such new challenges could not survive, says the statist. It must become a ‘living and breathing’ document, free of original intent. And so it has become.
The liberal/progressive movement has convinced modern man that to satisfy his material needs it is not necessary to labor exhaustingly in pursuit of said needs; but much more beneficial to modern man to simply reallocate resources from those who can afford to do so. The foundations of the welfare state having been laid, the free market struggles to provide for its legitimate members as well as those of a lesser inclination. The mixed economy may go on for years before the weight of redistributive legislation finally brings the golden goose to a prone position.
The tipping point, however, has finally been reached. Better than 50% of the class of lesser inclination now feed at the trough of Federal largess. They are satiated and satisfied by the exuberance of the power elite. They are now but tools to that elite; to be fashioned as the ruling class desires. They can no more disenfranchise themselves from their largess than those who desire freedom could but snap their fingers and be loosed from their chains. Those who advocate the redistribution of wealth have succeeded; democracy has trumped the Republic and the tyranny of the majority has taken shape.
There will continue to be elections and small changes in the makeup of the Legislative and Executive, but it will be mere window dressing to the failed experiment; that being the existence of a viable Republic. The United States will become the ‘Dis-United States’. Those states that can extricate themselves from the failed experiment will do so. Those that have believed a Constitution is unchanged for the ages will depart Democratic entanglement and form their own new, more perfect union. The new union may be small and certainly less powerful than its Federal predecessor, but it will have as its motto the belief that men are free to decide their own future, not subject to the tyranny of a majority. That its currency will not be debased; that limited government lives up to its charter and that citizens be the rulers instead of sheep to be fleeced.
In her great novel, Atlas Shrugged, Ayn Rand saw such a future for those concerned with the dignity and freedom of mankind. When it was written it was just a novel, hardly a vision for what a country could become; that vision, that future may now be here. We need only be brave enough to face the present which was the future and determine who will be our John Galt.
Then it starts anew…We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal…..
Thursday, October 8, 2009
The Pete Morin News Service--Editorial #13
The healthcare debate is coming to a conclusion, or somewhat of a conclusion as far as government legislation is concerned. The final draft is, perhaps, two months away, but the consensus from the Democrats is that there will be legislation and it may contain a public option, or a trigger for a public option.
The sad thing about this whole episode of government involvement in the industry is that it’s completely unnecessary. There are numerous options available for government to consider without direct action being taken.
1) Allow insurance to be sold across state lines: This one change will affect the cost of premiums more than any other issue. The cost among states varies greatly and selling across state lines would have an immediate effect upon premium costs. The average premium cost for all fifty states in 2006 was approximately $2600/ year for two people. In Massachusetts it was $8500/year. Do you think individuals and couples in Massachusetts would welcome a chance to lower their premium costs? Insurance providers in Mass. must have a rather large lobby in Washington, DC.
2) Reduce mandates required by Federal and State authorities: Currently, there are over 2100 mandates that must be complied with at the Federal and State level. Let’s say you’re a woman. Well, you have erectile dysfunction as a requirement in your insurance policy. Let’s say you’re a man. You have to have invitro fertilization in your policy. Sounds crazy, doesn’t it? There are many more requirements in everyone’s policies that bear no relation to the person being able to use the coverage. Specials interests must have huge lobbies in both the Federal and State governments.
3) Tort reform: Howard Dean had it right when he said that the reason that tort reform was off the table was because the administration didn’t want to take on the trial lawyer lobby. At least he was honest, for a change and quite unusual for a politician. The lawyer lobby contributes heavily to the Democratic party. Make awards for malpractice reasonable and billions would be saved.
For additional ideas I’ll refer you to the web site CAHI.org. The Council for Affordable Health Insurance lists numerous other possibilities to make health insurance and healthcare affordable. But don’t wait for the Democrats to present these ideas anytime soon. The question remains--WHY? Ideology plays a huge role in politician’s and their supporters thinking. Liberals tend to believe that government can answer for the private market’s inequities. I beg to differ. Government has not made the United States of America a prosperous nation; it’s the reduced role of government that has made this country the most productive, the most prosperous nation in the history of the world.
Soon we’ll find out if the Democrats, or Republicans are right about the future of healthcare. By the year 2020 we’ll know based on whether healthcare is affordable and accessible. May the best ideas win.
The sad thing about this whole episode of government involvement in the industry is that it’s completely unnecessary. There are numerous options available for government to consider without direct action being taken.
1) Allow insurance to be sold across state lines: This one change will affect the cost of premiums more than any other issue. The cost among states varies greatly and selling across state lines would have an immediate effect upon premium costs. The average premium cost for all fifty states in 2006 was approximately $2600/ year for two people. In Massachusetts it was $8500/year. Do you think individuals and couples in Massachusetts would welcome a chance to lower their premium costs? Insurance providers in Mass. must have a rather large lobby in Washington, DC.
2) Reduce mandates required by Federal and State authorities: Currently, there are over 2100 mandates that must be complied with at the Federal and State level. Let’s say you’re a woman. Well, you have erectile dysfunction as a requirement in your insurance policy. Let’s say you’re a man. You have to have invitro fertilization in your policy. Sounds crazy, doesn’t it? There are many more requirements in everyone’s policies that bear no relation to the person being able to use the coverage. Specials interests must have huge lobbies in both the Federal and State governments.
3) Tort reform: Howard Dean had it right when he said that the reason that tort reform was off the table was because the administration didn’t want to take on the trial lawyer lobby. At least he was honest, for a change and quite unusual for a politician. The lawyer lobby contributes heavily to the Democratic party. Make awards for malpractice reasonable and billions would be saved.
For additional ideas I’ll refer you to the web site CAHI.org. The Council for Affordable Health Insurance lists numerous other possibilities to make health insurance and healthcare affordable. But don’t wait for the Democrats to present these ideas anytime soon. The question remains--WHY? Ideology plays a huge role in politician’s and their supporters thinking. Liberals tend to believe that government can answer for the private market’s inequities. I beg to differ. Government has not made the United States of America a prosperous nation; it’s the reduced role of government that has made this country the most productive, the most prosperous nation in the history of the world.
Soon we’ll find out if the Democrats, or Republicans are right about the future of healthcare. By the year 2020 we’ll know based on whether healthcare is affordable and accessible. May the best ideas win.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Pete Morin News Service--Editorial #12
There must be hundreds of books that I would like to read, but there's so little time. Also, I tend to read that which I agree with rather than that which grates low on my opinion meter. So, I muddle on looking for cheap knowledge and a quick learn in mediocrity that surrounds us every day.
There passed a book on my desk today that gave me pause; gave my senses a brief whiff of expression that remains timeless. Its appeal applied not so much to its content, but to the title. "On the Shoulders of Giants; The Great Works of Physics and Astronomy" made me think not necessarily of those sciences and scientists, but those of our founding; the giants that thought to conceive of our Republic. What great minds they must have been. Not just minds but great souls as well. Think for just a moment the incredible difficulties they had to overcome. They had to discern the good from the bad in terms of government, economics, leadership and character.
The task they undertook was no small one. Those men saw the examples of government in that of King George III of England and Louis XVI of France. They had enough of an inkling to know that what they saw was insufficient to the existence of modern man. In paraphrasing Jefferson, man did not come into this world to be treated as a horse, saddled, booted and spurred by some privileged class. In the natural world men are created equal and before Nature's God they should all be so. The document that expounded this remains one of the world's most enlightening treatises.
This expression led to a Revolution; freeing men from the tyranny of imposed rule. By no means was it perfect since nothing we can conceive should be thought to attain perfection. Nevertheless, it brought to life a new form of government; self rule with self determination in the realm of economics and leadership and, ultimately, lead to a change in our national character. We were now the United States of America; Conceived in Liberty, a nation of free men.
Something has changed in our national psyche, however. What has survived for 200 + years has lost its appeal, its desire and in essence our character. Rather than look to our founding documents to understand our greatness, we elect leaders who worship at the altar of majority rule. We have re-introduced the notion of tyranny of the majority; a 'one man, one vote' rule meant to silence those who have no desire to be saddled, booted and spurred. The founders knew the dangers of democracy and tried diligently to avoid the pitfall of its inception in the Constitution. They purposefully created a nation that was a Republic; a Federal Government that addressed only those issues that the states could not address by themselves. The States ratified the Constitution based on this premise; they would relinquish only those powers which they could not satisfactorily perform themselves. They gave the Federal Government only those enumerated powers listed in the founding. The United States of America and its Constitution was thus born.
When we think of those giants that led to this founding, we think of them as antiquated with no conception of a modern world. What we don't seem to understand is they knew perfectly well the insatiable nature of man and his thirst for power. They knew the dangers of democracy and tried to keep a government from overstepping its bounds by restricting its scope and reach. They left us enough information and advice to confront any problem. We, however, find ourselves much wiser and informed than these brilliant men. Rather then amend the Constitution when necessary, our current leaders simply propose and pass what they deem fit for the modern culture. We are no longer masters, but servants of the new democracy.
Enjoy.
There passed a book on my desk today that gave me pause; gave my senses a brief whiff of expression that remains timeless. Its appeal applied not so much to its content, but to the title. "On the Shoulders of Giants; The Great Works of Physics and Astronomy" made me think not necessarily of those sciences and scientists, but those of our founding; the giants that thought to conceive of our Republic. What great minds they must have been. Not just minds but great souls as well. Think for just a moment the incredible difficulties they had to overcome. They had to discern the good from the bad in terms of government, economics, leadership and character.
The task they undertook was no small one. Those men saw the examples of government in that of King George III of England and Louis XVI of France. They had enough of an inkling to know that what they saw was insufficient to the existence of modern man. In paraphrasing Jefferson, man did not come into this world to be treated as a horse, saddled, booted and spurred by some privileged class. In the natural world men are created equal and before Nature's God they should all be so. The document that expounded this remains one of the world's most enlightening treatises.
This expression led to a Revolution; freeing men from the tyranny of imposed rule. By no means was it perfect since nothing we can conceive should be thought to attain perfection. Nevertheless, it brought to life a new form of government; self rule with self determination in the realm of economics and leadership and, ultimately, lead to a change in our national character. We were now the United States of America; Conceived in Liberty, a nation of free men.
Something has changed in our national psyche, however. What has survived for 200 + years has lost its appeal, its desire and in essence our character. Rather than look to our founding documents to understand our greatness, we elect leaders who worship at the altar of majority rule. We have re-introduced the notion of tyranny of the majority; a 'one man, one vote' rule meant to silence those who have no desire to be saddled, booted and spurred. The founders knew the dangers of democracy and tried diligently to avoid the pitfall of its inception in the Constitution. They purposefully created a nation that was a Republic; a Federal Government that addressed only those issues that the states could not address by themselves. The States ratified the Constitution based on this premise; they would relinquish only those powers which they could not satisfactorily perform themselves. They gave the Federal Government only those enumerated powers listed in the founding. The United States of America and its Constitution was thus born.
When we think of those giants that led to this founding, we think of them as antiquated with no conception of a modern world. What we don't seem to understand is they knew perfectly well the insatiable nature of man and his thirst for power. They knew the dangers of democracy and tried to keep a government from overstepping its bounds by restricting its scope and reach. They left us enough information and advice to confront any problem. We, however, find ourselves much wiser and informed than these brilliant men. Rather then amend the Constitution when necessary, our current leaders simply propose and pass what they deem fit for the modern culture. We are no longer masters, but servants of the new democracy.
Enjoy.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
The Pete Morin News Service--Editorial #11
These are, indeed, depressing times that we live in. I was listening to the Mark Levin radio show earlier today when a doctor in California called into the show to express an opinion. The doctor was asked whether she approved of the idea of having individuals fined and/or imprisoned if they did not purchase healthcare insurance. The answer she gave astounded me. Evidently, she didn't mind this notion in the least, felling that everyone should be compelled to have insurance.
Have we lost our minds? Have we lost so much of our independence and character that we would resort to such a mindless conclusion; that our fellow citizens should be incarcerated if they don't do exactly what the government says they should do? How did we get to this point? How could we abandon the innate freedom, the individuality that is so important to the American ethos? I'm saddened and stunned to even hear such foolishness, especially from the mouth of a doctor; a supposed educated individual.
Then again, there's where the problem lies. This person may have a superb medical education, but as far as knowing anything about history, or law, or philosophy--there's nothing there but an empty mind content with the belief that government is all knowing and always good and she's perfectly content with living in such a society.
I fear that this doctor isn't alone. I fear that the government controlled schools have done their jobs well; they've done an excellent job at indoctrinating students in the idea that the bigger a government is the more it can do for its' people. If this is so, then we have only a future of subserviance to an all powerful master.
I've written previously that the Constitution is dead. The realization that this may be so has finally hit me. I wrote somewhat in jest, but now there is no levity. We have taken the collective wisdom of brilliant men who recognized the dangers of unlimited government and flushed them down the toilet of collectivism and socialism. We believe that we can compel people through law to do what they know is not right morally. We believe we can rewrite the works of historical precedent. We believe we have perfected mankind to a level never seen previously, or dreamed of, by the likes of Hitler, Stalin, Mao, Pol Pot, Saddam or even lesser mortals such as Rousseau, Plato, Marx et. al. Mark Levin would call this a 'soft tyranny'. By any other name it is nothing more than tyranny. We will discover with dismay, and I say this especially to that doctor, that lawful tyranny will beget more tyranny until the day comes when there is, utterly, no freedom.
What's next? the car you drive, or even if you're allowed to drive. The house you live in, or even where you're allowed to live. The food you eat, or even whether you're allowed to eat. The books you read, what you watch on television or whether there are books or TV. The thoughts you have, or whether there will be thinking! The chip that will be implanted in your child's brain will be all you need to know. There will be none of the above.
Welcome to the twenty first century.
Have we lost our minds? Have we lost so much of our independence and character that we would resort to such a mindless conclusion; that our fellow citizens should be incarcerated if they don't do exactly what the government says they should do? How did we get to this point? How could we abandon the innate freedom, the individuality that is so important to the American ethos? I'm saddened and stunned to even hear such foolishness, especially from the mouth of a doctor; a supposed educated individual.
Then again, there's where the problem lies. This person may have a superb medical education, but as far as knowing anything about history, or law, or philosophy--there's nothing there but an empty mind content with the belief that government is all knowing and always good and she's perfectly content with living in such a society.
I fear that this doctor isn't alone. I fear that the government controlled schools have done their jobs well; they've done an excellent job at indoctrinating students in the idea that the bigger a government is the more it can do for its' people. If this is so, then we have only a future of subserviance to an all powerful master.
I've written previously that the Constitution is dead. The realization that this may be so has finally hit me. I wrote somewhat in jest, but now there is no levity. We have taken the collective wisdom of brilliant men who recognized the dangers of unlimited government and flushed them down the toilet of collectivism and socialism. We believe that we can compel people through law to do what they know is not right morally. We believe we can rewrite the works of historical precedent. We believe we have perfected mankind to a level never seen previously, or dreamed of, by the likes of Hitler, Stalin, Mao, Pol Pot, Saddam or even lesser mortals such as Rousseau, Plato, Marx et. al. Mark Levin would call this a 'soft tyranny'. By any other name it is nothing more than tyranny. We will discover with dismay, and I say this especially to that doctor, that lawful tyranny will beget more tyranny until the day comes when there is, utterly, no freedom.
What's next? the car you drive, or even if you're allowed to drive. The house you live in, or even where you're allowed to live. The food you eat, or even whether you're allowed to eat. The books you read, what you watch on television or whether there are books or TV. The thoughts you have, or whether there will be thinking! The chip that will be implanted in your child's brain will be all you need to know. There will be none of the above.
Welcome to the twenty first century.
The Pete Morin News Service--Issue #22
News Flash from Washington, DC, September 29, 2009
It appears that an amendment for a public option in the healthcare bill presented by Senators Schumer and Rockefeller is dead, at least for the time being. The Democrats, however, have intimated that 'reconciliation', or an attempt to pass legislation with only a majority vote requirement, may still be pursued.
Another little known section of the proposed legislation concerns fines and possible imprisonment for individuals who do not purchase healthcare insurance once the Democrat backed bill is passed. Individuals can be fined $1900/person for not complying with the healthcare mandate. If the fine is not paid, a misdemeanor felony charge could be applied and if found guilty, an additional $25,000 fine and/or one year imprisonment could be imposed. It is assumed that the Democrats will then request an additional $50 billion dollars for prison construction to house these felonious, lawbreaking deviants. No word yet as to whether those convicted and sent to prison will then be given free healthcare.
President Obama and Oprah Winfrey are winging their way via taxpayer expense to Copenhagen, Denmark to try and present their case for having the 2016 Olympics held in Chicago. They will stay for only one night before returning to the US. This will minimize the effects of any carbon footprint.
The FHA(Federal Housing Authority) has increased its mortgage portfolio to almost $1 trillion dollars. That now leaves the agency leveraged at 50:1, or only $20 billion dollars. When Bear Stearns went bankrupt, its ratio was 33:1. Prospective buyers with FHA approval need only provide a 2.5 % down payment. Can you say 'FHA bailout'? coming soon to our treasury.
This brief news clip provided by the Pete Morin News Service
It appears that an amendment for a public option in the healthcare bill presented by Senators Schumer and Rockefeller is dead, at least for the time being. The Democrats, however, have intimated that 'reconciliation', or an attempt to pass legislation with only a majority vote requirement, may still be pursued.
Another little known section of the proposed legislation concerns fines and possible imprisonment for individuals who do not purchase healthcare insurance once the Democrat backed bill is passed. Individuals can be fined $1900/person for not complying with the healthcare mandate. If the fine is not paid, a misdemeanor felony charge could be applied and if found guilty, an additional $25,000 fine and/or one year imprisonment could be imposed. It is assumed that the Democrats will then request an additional $50 billion dollars for prison construction to house these felonious, lawbreaking deviants. No word yet as to whether those convicted and sent to prison will then be given free healthcare.
President Obama and Oprah Winfrey are winging their way via taxpayer expense to Copenhagen, Denmark to try and present their case for having the 2016 Olympics held in Chicago. They will stay for only one night before returning to the US. This will minimize the effects of any carbon footprint.
The FHA(Federal Housing Authority) has increased its mortgage portfolio to almost $1 trillion dollars. That now leaves the agency leveraged at 50:1, or only $20 billion dollars. When Bear Stearns went bankrupt, its ratio was 33:1. Prospective buyers with FHA approval need only provide a 2.5 % down payment. Can you say 'FHA bailout'? coming soon to our treasury.
This brief news clip provided by the Pete Morin News Service
Friday, September 25, 2009
The Pete Morin News Service--Editorial #10
Discussion
There are few things in life so important, so dynamic, so invigorating as discussion. There needn't be agreement or acquiescence, or even subservience to another's viewpoint, only the spirit of good jousting and verbiage to complement the give and take.
Such it is that I find myself with a friend of over forty years when we partake of a healthy brew and chew each other's words and thoughts with earthy delight.
Freedom often comes to the fore as a topic representative of troubling times, but other such contentious terms as 'greed' and 'envy' provide hours of stimulating conversation. (Of course, the preferred 'brew' often leads to more animated and passionate debate). Never the less, freedom is a rather large term and can connote ambiguity or definitiveness based on one's point of view.
I propose freedom in a political, as well as, personal sense. To me, living without the ability to choose one's own path in life, be it profession, religion or deepest philosophy, leaves me cold. There have been points in my life where the idea of simple existence was enough to sustain me; those times no longer appeal. There's an old Chinese proverb--"may you live in interesting times"--that applies to where we are today. No doubt, there have always been 'interesting times', otherwise how would the Chinese have captured the unending drama representative of the declaration. But we do live in such times, a paradox buttressed by a lack of balance that would help us recognize our imperiled state.
My friend takes a more metaphysical view of life, perhaps tying freedom to the need for a more 'examined' existence. Since I'm more attached to the troubles of the day a metaphysical view is more difficult to discern in a contentious world. Freedom, to me, means to live a life as unencumbered as possible from the imposed duty of being my brother's keeper. Those who are forced to be compassionate provide neither compassion nor empathy, but a sense of resentment towards those who issue the forced directives. Governments are made to enforce those directives; the fewer the better. If the ideal is to 'live and let live', then a government must not inject itself into this ideal. A government's main objective must be to protect the ideal; to not plan obtrusive incursions into the lives of its' citizens. When governments do so, they change the dynamic of human interaction. They change the very basic functions that men live by; those functions being to interact, to contract with one another. There is the essence of freedom; the mutually beneficial arrangement that empowers both parties. When legislators insert rules and laws within this delicate balance the contract loses all meaning. There would then be that leviathan lurking behind constantly deciding if its' rules meet the standards set by the ruling elite. It isn't without some trepidation that I use the term 'elite', but those who impose rules where none may be required can only be considered 'elite'.
Anyway, we pass time arguing, cajoling, nad needling each other with good natured profanity on the whatever subject arouses our passions. It's time that I find well spent. The vigor and honesty of the joust is exhilerating. I only hope that there are more in America today who also enjoy this type of uplifting, personal drama. It can lead to an invaluable decision to embrace freedom and the many meanings that 'we the people' can ascribe to it. Perhaps my friend would agree.
There are few things in life so important, so dynamic, so invigorating as discussion. There needn't be agreement or acquiescence, or even subservience to another's viewpoint, only the spirit of good jousting and verbiage to complement the give and take.
Such it is that I find myself with a friend of over forty years when we partake of a healthy brew and chew each other's words and thoughts with earthy delight.
Freedom often comes to the fore as a topic representative of troubling times, but other such contentious terms as 'greed' and 'envy' provide hours of stimulating conversation. (Of course, the preferred 'brew' often leads to more animated and passionate debate). Never the less, freedom is a rather large term and can connote ambiguity or definitiveness based on one's point of view.
I propose freedom in a political, as well as, personal sense. To me, living without the ability to choose one's own path in life, be it profession, religion or deepest philosophy, leaves me cold. There have been points in my life where the idea of simple existence was enough to sustain me; those times no longer appeal. There's an old Chinese proverb--"may you live in interesting times"--that applies to where we are today. No doubt, there have always been 'interesting times', otherwise how would the Chinese have captured the unending drama representative of the declaration. But we do live in such times, a paradox buttressed by a lack of balance that would help us recognize our imperiled state.
My friend takes a more metaphysical view of life, perhaps tying freedom to the need for a more 'examined' existence. Since I'm more attached to the troubles of the day a metaphysical view is more difficult to discern in a contentious world. Freedom, to me, means to live a life as unencumbered as possible from the imposed duty of being my brother's keeper. Those who are forced to be compassionate provide neither compassion nor empathy, but a sense of resentment towards those who issue the forced directives. Governments are made to enforce those directives; the fewer the better. If the ideal is to 'live and let live', then a government must not inject itself into this ideal. A government's main objective must be to protect the ideal; to not plan obtrusive incursions into the lives of its' citizens. When governments do so, they change the dynamic of human interaction. They change the very basic functions that men live by; those functions being to interact, to contract with one another. There is the essence of freedom; the mutually beneficial arrangement that empowers both parties. When legislators insert rules and laws within this delicate balance the contract loses all meaning. There would then be that leviathan lurking behind constantly deciding if its' rules meet the standards set by the ruling elite. It isn't without some trepidation that I use the term 'elite', but those who impose rules where none may be required can only be considered 'elite'.
Anyway, we pass time arguing, cajoling, nad needling each other with good natured profanity on the whatever subject arouses our passions. It's time that I find well spent. The vigor and honesty of the joust is exhilerating. I only hope that there are more in America today who also enjoy this type of uplifting, personal drama. It can lead to an invaluable decision to embrace freedom and the many meanings that 'we the people' can ascribe to it. Perhaps my friend would agree.
Friday, September 18, 2009
The Pete Morin News Service--Issue #21
Way, way in the future---
News Flash from Washington, DC, September 18, 2019
President Clinton announced today that the Treasury Department will suspend printing Federal Reserve Notes in $1,000 denominations. The President indicated only bills $10,000 and larger will be printed in the foreseeable future. “The inflation rate, having reached 75%, has forced the government to print only larger denominated bills”, said Harry Reid, the Presidential Press Secretary. The inflation rate combined with an unemployment rate that has now reached 46% has caused the government to be in session at only very specific times unannounced to the public.
Crime in the U.S. has now reached epidemic proportions in Washington, DC and other large cities including Newark and Jersey City, New Jersey. People in the last two cities mentioned have actually taken to exiting their homes in the dead of night to avoid paying the infamous New Jersey ‘exit tax’. Those desiring to leave the state must forfeit either their cars or home before being allowed to leave. New Jersey elected officials expressed concern that the state population is decreasing at such a rate that homeless, welfare, mental health and government subsidized work programs may have to be cut. “Because of the selfishness of a few inconsiderate, anti-government far right winger degenerates, the less fortunate of our state may be permanently harmed and forced to seek employment at the less than the mandated state $200/hour rate. This will leave us at a very disadvantageous position with regard to those states that do not have a great concern for their citizens”, commented John Corzine, State Appropriations Officer.
Meanwhile, nine Southern States have announced that they will set a date for a regional convention to determine whether or not they will remain in the Union. Alabama representative, Millard T. Fillmore expressed the belief that the new ‘Southern Union’, as he called it, will take a vote at the convention and almost assuredly will vote to secede from the United States. “The actions of the central government have left us with no other option but to consider leaving the Union. We understand there may be violence or resistance from Federal authorities, but we cannot continue to see our liberties and our freedoms vanquished by the ineptitude of a bloated, wasteful central government.” The Southern Union consists of Alabama, Mississippi, Florida, Louisiana, Georgia, North & South Carolina, Virginia and Tennessee. Officials from all the States indicated their support for the possible secession. The Clinton Administration will have a response at an appropriate, unannounced time.
In New York City, a brazen daytime robbery took place. An armored car, carrying approximately $800 billion dollars was robbed. The money was found on the sidewalk, but the truck was nowhere to be found. There were no injuries reported and Mayor Michael Bloomberg, vacationing in China, could not be reached.
The drought to the Central Valley of California continues without any respite in sight. HoneyBee Dimples, of the ‘Save the Smelt’ campaign has issued a statement saying that “no negotiation will take place regarding the Delta Smelt, or the supposed relief of the Central Valley farmers until the farmers realize that the Smelt must be protected at any cost. Humans have caused such great damage to the ecosystem that the demise of the farmers isn’t even on our radar.” HoneyBee and a small band of ‘homesteaders’ have appropriated the farming land and refuse to acknowledge any legal attempts to have them removed. La Raza is providing legal assistance to the ‘eco-warriors’.
MLB and NFL league officials have indicated that a new ticket pricing structure will be applied to all league games effectively immediately. “All fans will now be allowed to attend a game for only three innings in baseball and one quarter in football. This is necessary due to the fact that no fan can now afford to stay for an entire game”, quoted William Bufferbust from the combined MLB/NFL Wage and Price Stabilization Committee. “Since we now have to pay our professional athletes $100 million/game, it’s in the best economic interests of our league that we restrict attendance for the fans.” No word yet from the NHL/NBA Wage and Price Stabilization Committee as to whether they will follow with similar restrictions.
One final item; all professional major leagues will no longer play night games due to the fact that global temperatures have cooled significantly in the last twenty years making it too cold to play at night.
This has been a news flash from the capitol, Wash----ah, Buffalo, NY.
News Flash from Washington, DC, September 18, 2019
President Clinton announced today that the Treasury Department will suspend printing Federal Reserve Notes in $1,000 denominations. The President indicated only bills $10,000 and larger will be printed in the foreseeable future. “The inflation rate, having reached 75%, has forced the government to print only larger denominated bills”, said Harry Reid, the Presidential Press Secretary. The inflation rate combined with an unemployment rate that has now reached 46% has caused the government to be in session at only very specific times unannounced to the public.
Crime in the U.S. has now reached epidemic proportions in Washington, DC and other large cities including Newark and Jersey City, New Jersey. People in the last two cities mentioned have actually taken to exiting their homes in the dead of night to avoid paying the infamous New Jersey ‘exit tax’. Those desiring to leave the state must forfeit either their cars or home before being allowed to leave. New Jersey elected officials expressed concern that the state population is decreasing at such a rate that homeless, welfare, mental health and government subsidized work programs may have to be cut. “Because of the selfishness of a few inconsiderate, anti-government far right winger degenerates, the less fortunate of our state may be permanently harmed and forced to seek employment at the less than the mandated state $200/hour rate. This will leave us at a very disadvantageous position with regard to those states that do not have a great concern for their citizens”, commented John Corzine, State Appropriations Officer.
Meanwhile, nine Southern States have announced that they will set a date for a regional convention to determine whether or not they will remain in the Union. Alabama representative, Millard T. Fillmore expressed the belief that the new ‘Southern Union’, as he called it, will take a vote at the convention and almost assuredly will vote to secede from the United States. “The actions of the central government have left us with no other option but to consider leaving the Union. We understand there may be violence or resistance from Federal authorities, but we cannot continue to see our liberties and our freedoms vanquished by the ineptitude of a bloated, wasteful central government.” The Southern Union consists of Alabama, Mississippi, Florida, Louisiana, Georgia, North & South Carolina, Virginia and Tennessee. Officials from all the States indicated their support for the possible secession. The Clinton Administration will have a response at an appropriate, unannounced time.
In New York City, a brazen daytime robbery took place. An armored car, carrying approximately $800 billion dollars was robbed. The money was found on the sidewalk, but the truck was nowhere to be found. There were no injuries reported and Mayor Michael Bloomberg, vacationing in China, could not be reached.
The drought to the Central Valley of California continues without any respite in sight. HoneyBee Dimples, of the ‘Save the Smelt’ campaign has issued a statement saying that “no negotiation will take place regarding the Delta Smelt, or the supposed relief of the Central Valley farmers until the farmers realize that the Smelt must be protected at any cost. Humans have caused such great damage to the ecosystem that the demise of the farmers isn’t even on our radar.” HoneyBee and a small band of ‘homesteaders’ have appropriated the farming land and refuse to acknowledge any legal attempts to have them removed. La Raza is providing legal assistance to the ‘eco-warriors’.
MLB and NFL league officials have indicated that a new ticket pricing structure will be applied to all league games effectively immediately. “All fans will now be allowed to attend a game for only three innings in baseball and one quarter in football. This is necessary due to the fact that no fan can now afford to stay for an entire game”, quoted William Bufferbust from the combined MLB/NFL Wage and Price Stabilization Committee. “Since we now have to pay our professional athletes $100 million/game, it’s in the best economic interests of our league that we restrict attendance for the fans.” No word yet from the NHL/NBA Wage and Price Stabilization Committee as to whether they will follow with similar restrictions.
One final item; all professional major leagues will no longer play night games due to the fact that global temperatures have cooled significantly in the last twenty years making it too cold to play at night.
This has been a news flash from the capitol, Wash----ah, Buffalo, NY.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
The Pete Morin News Service--Editorial #9 (The Real World)
This from the Associated Press--September 17, 2009--
New health proposal is industry's favorite so far
Story user rating: By JULIE HIRSCHFELD DAVIS Published: Today
Senate Finance Committee Chairman Sen. Max Baucus, D- Mont. leaves his health care news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, Sept. 16, 2009.
WASHINGTON (AP) - The latest health overhaul plan circulating on Capitol Hill gives health insurers, drug makers and large employers reasons to heave sighs of relief, sparing them the higher costs and more burdensome rules included in other Democratic-written alternatives.
Industry players that have already struck bargains with President Barack Obama's administration and leading Democrats to help pay for revamping the health system saw most of those deals left intact - and in some cases sweetened - in the $856 billion proposal unveiled Wednesday by Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., the Finance Committee chairman.
You won't hear any of them cheering publicly about what they would get out of the measure, because many are still hoping for a better deal before Congress takes final action on revamping the health care system. But don't expect to hear them coming out in opposition, since they know Baucus' plan is the lesser of many evils being considered.
Take the health insurance industry.
It would score a new, taxpayer-subsidized customer base of millions who don't currently have insurance, thanks to a mandate that everyone purchase coverage - backed up by steep penalties on people who don't. And it wouldn't have to compete with the government to cover people, unlike in the four other health overhaul plans approved this year by Democratic-dominated congressional committees.
Nor would the nonprofit so-called "co-ops" designed to provide consumers with an alternative to private health insurance pose any real threat to their business, according to a nonpartisan analysis released Wednesday. The Congressional Budget Office said those plans "seem unlikely to establish a significant market presence in many areas of the country or to noticeably affect federal subsidy payments."
Insurers would also take a smaller hit to the payments they get for offering private plans under Medicare - some $110 to $120 billion, estimated one industry source, compared with the $175 billion that Obama initially proposed this year.
In exchange, insurers had already agreed to stop denying coverage to people with serious health conditions and help cover the cost of the transition to the new system. They're still fighting hard against two other aspects of the measure that would slice into their potential profits: a new 35 percent excise tax on high-cost plans and $60 billion in fees, both of which insurers warn would be passed on to consumers.
"We have some significant concerns, particularly the new taxes that are going to make health insurance less affordable," said Robert Zirkelbach, a spokesman for America's Health Insurance Plans. He rejected the notion put forth by many liberal and labor groups that the measure amounts to a gift to private insurers, arguing that the companies are covering more than one-quarter of its pricetag, a level disproportionate with the industry's share of health care costs.
But health insurance stocks jumped Wednesday at the news of Baucus' public option-free measure. And privately, industry lobbyists acknowledged that the plan is far more to their liking than any of the other measures currently under discussion, and expressed confidence that it would improve further as senators and Obama's team continued to haggle over its details as it approaches a Senate vote.
Meanwhile progressives called the measure an industry giveaway - "like a dream come true" for insurers, said Justin Ruben of MoveOn.org - and labor leaders said Baucus had compromised too much and produced a bill that would force people to buy health coverage they couldn't afford.
"We think the plan the way it is structured incentivizes employers to offer bare-bones plans," said Chuck Loveless, the legislative director of the American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees. As for the co-ops, he said they were "designed to fail, and it's a great boondoggle for the insurance companies. We don't think it's going to increase competition or bring down costs."
Big employers would dodge what many of them considered the most costly bullet among Democrats' health care proposals - a mandate to offer health insurance - although they would have to pay a modest fee if the government ended up subsidizing employees' coverage.
The Business Roundtable, which represents corporate executives, cheered Baucus' proposal in a statement from Eastman Kodak CEO Antonio M. Perez that called it "bold" and "a step in the right direction."
Drug makers who had previously cut a deal with Obama and Baucus to kick in $80 billion to help pay for the overhaul would see that agreement preserved, while rival proposals in the House that would force them to cover more drug costs for elderly people would cost them considerably more, as much as $140 billion.
The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, which plans to spend tens of millions on an ad campaign promoting a health overhaul, stayed relatively quiet, issuing only a brief statement that said it was reviewing Baucus' plan.
Ken Johnson, PhRMA's spokesman, said the industry would "continue to be a constructive partner" in the effort to enact health reforms.
Some businesses would see increased costs under Baucus' plan, and they were pushing hard to avoid them. Medical device makers would have to pay fees amounting to $40 billion while clinical laboratories would pay $7.5 billion.
Let's dissect this report, shall we?
According to this report, Capitol Hill gives--
"(h)ealth insurers, drug makers and large employers reasons to heave sighs of relief
sparing them the higher costs and more burdensome rules included in other
Democratic-written alternatives."
Isn't it wonderful that the industry is negotiating with the central government over OUR health? Apparently, you don't get a say about your healthcare. The Fed is only concerned with placating the INDUSTRY!
The plan would add a taxpayer-subsidixed customer base of millions who don't currently have insurance--
"(t)hanks to a mandate that everyone purchase coverage-backed up by steep penalties
on people who don't"
Can anyone explain just where in the United States Constitution it authorizes the Congress to 'force' people to purchase health insurance? And penalties? Isn't it bad enough that everyone will be forced to pay more for premiums, but penalties will be ENFORCED?
Thank goodness the 'industry' is fighting hard and looking out for the consumer because they're concerned about--
"(a) new 35 percent excise tax on high-cost plans and $60 billion in fees, both of
which insurers warn would be passed on to consumers."
Talk about MADNESS! This is the government taxing ITSELF. Think about it. The fees won't be paid by the industry; they'll be paid by the government because they'll be subsidizing the whole thing--which means that, yes, you guessed it---WE PAY--the CONSUMER!!!
Then there's this little item--
"Some businesses would see increased costs under Baucus' plan, and they were
pushing hard to avoid them. Medical device makers would have to pay fees
amounting to $40 billion while clinical laboratories would pay $7.5 billion."
Gee, ya think this might put a crimp in research and development concerning these 'device makers'? But let's just assume that they go for this plan. Once again--who pays? WE DO--THE TAXPAYER.
This whole discussion is insane. We, THE CONSUMERS, are the only ones that matter. We, THE CONSUMERS, should be working with healthcare providers to affect the best possible plans and costs. Max Baucus is an idiot. I doubt that he's ever worked for even one day in the private sector. This is the end of the line folks. We need to get out there and let these fools know who's in charge. We need to change things NOW and in 2010. Throw Max Baucus OUT. Throw these big spending Democrat nitwits OUT! Get off the apathetic couch and save your FREEDOM and LIBERTY!
New health proposal is industry's favorite so far
Story user rating: By JULIE HIRSCHFELD DAVIS Published: Today
Senate Finance Committee Chairman Sen. Max Baucus, D- Mont. leaves his health care news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, Sept. 16, 2009.
WASHINGTON (AP) - The latest health overhaul plan circulating on Capitol Hill gives health insurers, drug makers and large employers reasons to heave sighs of relief, sparing them the higher costs and more burdensome rules included in other Democratic-written alternatives.
Industry players that have already struck bargains with President Barack Obama's administration and leading Democrats to help pay for revamping the health system saw most of those deals left intact - and in some cases sweetened - in the $856 billion proposal unveiled Wednesday by Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., the Finance Committee chairman.
You won't hear any of them cheering publicly about what they would get out of the measure, because many are still hoping for a better deal before Congress takes final action on revamping the health care system. But don't expect to hear them coming out in opposition, since they know Baucus' plan is the lesser of many evils being considered.
Take the health insurance industry.
It would score a new, taxpayer-subsidized customer base of millions who don't currently have insurance, thanks to a mandate that everyone purchase coverage - backed up by steep penalties on people who don't. And it wouldn't have to compete with the government to cover people, unlike in the four other health overhaul plans approved this year by Democratic-dominated congressional committees.
Nor would the nonprofit so-called "co-ops" designed to provide consumers with an alternative to private health insurance pose any real threat to their business, according to a nonpartisan analysis released Wednesday. The Congressional Budget Office said those plans "seem unlikely to establish a significant market presence in many areas of the country or to noticeably affect federal subsidy payments."
Insurers would also take a smaller hit to the payments they get for offering private plans under Medicare - some $110 to $120 billion, estimated one industry source, compared with the $175 billion that Obama initially proposed this year.
In exchange, insurers had already agreed to stop denying coverage to people with serious health conditions and help cover the cost of the transition to the new system. They're still fighting hard against two other aspects of the measure that would slice into their potential profits: a new 35 percent excise tax on high-cost plans and $60 billion in fees, both of which insurers warn would be passed on to consumers.
"We have some significant concerns, particularly the new taxes that are going to make health insurance less affordable," said Robert Zirkelbach, a spokesman for America's Health Insurance Plans. He rejected the notion put forth by many liberal and labor groups that the measure amounts to a gift to private insurers, arguing that the companies are covering more than one-quarter of its pricetag, a level disproportionate with the industry's share of health care costs.
But health insurance stocks jumped Wednesday at the news of Baucus' public option-free measure. And privately, industry lobbyists acknowledged that the plan is far more to their liking than any of the other measures currently under discussion, and expressed confidence that it would improve further as senators and Obama's team continued to haggle over its details as it approaches a Senate vote.
Meanwhile progressives called the measure an industry giveaway - "like a dream come true" for insurers, said Justin Ruben of MoveOn.org - and labor leaders said Baucus had compromised too much and produced a bill that would force people to buy health coverage they couldn't afford.
"We think the plan the way it is structured incentivizes employers to offer bare-bones plans," said Chuck Loveless, the legislative director of the American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees. As for the co-ops, he said they were "designed to fail, and it's a great boondoggle for the insurance companies. We don't think it's going to increase competition or bring down costs."
Big employers would dodge what many of them considered the most costly bullet among Democrats' health care proposals - a mandate to offer health insurance - although they would have to pay a modest fee if the government ended up subsidizing employees' coverage.
The Business Roundtable, which represents corporate executives, cheered Baucus' proposal in a statement from Eastman Kodak CEO Antonio M. Perez that called it "bold" and "a step in the right direction."
Drug makers who had previously cut a deal with Obama and Baucus to kick in $80 billion to help pay for the overhaul would see that agreement preserved, while rival proposals in the House that would force them to cover more drug costs for elderly people would cost them considerably more, as much as $140 billion.
The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, which plans to spend tens of millions on an ad campaign promoting a health overhaul, stayed relatively quiet, issuing only a brief statement that said it was reviewing Baucus' plan.
Ken Johnson, PhRMA's spokesman, said the industry would "continue to be a constructive partner" in the effort to enact health reforms.
Some businesses would see increased costs under Baucus' plan, and they were pushing hard to avoid them. Medical device makers would have to pay fees amounting to $40 billion while clinical laboratories would pay $7.5 billion.
Let's dissect this report, shall we?
According to this report, Capitol Hill gives--
"(h)ealth insurers, drug makers and large employers reasons to heave sighs of relief
sparing them the higher costs and more burdensome rules included in other
Democratic-written alternatives."
Isn't it wonderful that the industry is negotiating with the central government over OUR health? Apparently, you don't get a say about your healthcare. The Fed is only concerned with placating the INDUSTRY!
The plan would add a taxpayer-subsidixed customer base of millions who don't currently have insurance--
"(t)hanks to a mandate that everyone purchase coverage-backed up by steep penalties
on people who don't"
Can anyone explain just where in the United States Constitution it authorizes the Congress to 'force' people to purchase health insurance? And penalties? Isn't it bad enough that everyone will be forced to pay more for premiums, but penalties will be ENFORCED?
Thank goodness the 'industry' is fighting hard and looking out for the consumer because they're concerned about--
"(a) new 35 percent excise tax on high-cost plans and $60 billion in fees, both of
which insurers warn would be passed on to consumers."
Talk about MADNESS! This is the government taxing ITSELF. Think about it. The fees won't be paid by the industry; they'll be paid by the government because they'll be subsidizing the whole thing--which means that, yes, you guessed it---WE PAY--the CONSUMER!!!
Then there's this little item--
"Some businesses would see increased costs under Baucus' plan, and they were
pushing hard to avoid them. Medical device makers would have to pay fees
amounting to $40 billion while clinical laboratories would pay $7.5 billion."
Gee, ya think this might put a crimp in research and development concerning these 'device makers'? But let's just assume that they go for this plan. Once again--who pays? WE DO--THE TAXPAYER.
This whole discussion is insane. We, THE CONSUMERS, are the only ones that matter. We, THE CONSUMERS, should be working with healthcare providers to affect the best possible plans and costs. Max Baucus is an idiot. I doubt that he's ever worked for even one day in the private sector. This is the end of the line folks. We need to get out there and let these fools know who's in charge. We need to change things NOW and in 2010. Throw Max Baucus OUT. Throw these big spending Democrat nitwits OUT! Get off the apathetic couch and save your FREEDOM and LIBERTY!
Monday, September 14, 2009
The Pete Morin News Service--Issue #20
News flash from Washington, DC, September 13, 2009---
The United States Constitution is dead. Its bloated remains having been discovered by security personnel at the National Archives on Saturday evening, September 12, 2009 next to the case that held the aged document. An autopsy is expected, but it has been believed that the Constitution expired from an advanced case of bloated irrelevance. Further speculation by informed sources indicate that death may have come on the evening of November 4, 2008. These same sources offer an explanation as to the exact causes and a brief encapsulation will be presented here.
1) Judicial activism--Over the years the Constitution has ingested an inordinate amount of judicial activism which, by itself, would not necessarily cause its demise, but would contribute to a much expanded waistline. Starting with Marbury v. Madison in 1803, Griswold v. Connecticut in 1965 to Roe v. Wade in 1973 the Constitution blithely consumed much more of the peoples freedom than it should have. Impervious to the warnings of conservative scholars, the Constitution consumed more legislative authority than any prudent individual would properly try to do.
2) Imperious Presidents--Abraham Lincoln suspending Habeas Corpus during the Civil War; Franklin Roosevelt and the New Deal legislation during the Great Depression; Harry Truman and his attempt to take over the Steel Industry during the Korean conflict; Dwight Eisenhower and the Federal-Aid Highway Act of the mid fifties. With these and many other examples of absconded power by the executive branch the Constitution walked a crooked path of inebriation.
3) Social Security and Medicare--although these are examples of well intentioned programs meant to alleviate the pain of an economic collapse and an aging population requiring adequate healthcare, the weight of these massive programs caused irreparable harm to the Constitution’s body. Originally set up as a trust fund (and rather low on calories according to FDR), Social Security was nothing more than a transfer tax that would prove to be especially difficult to modify or repeal. In fact the substance of this bill had become so uncorrectable that the Constitution would no longer be able to stand without the aid of a walker. Medicare had also become to large a portion for the Constitution to consume. An ironic twist of Medicare is that scooter chairs are available at no cost to the populace, but the Constitution could not afford one, nor even place its huge frame in the seat of a single chair!
4) The election of Barack Obama--On the night of November 4, 2008, the Constitution walked with great difficulty along the streets of Washington; its breathing labored and its heartbeat irregular. As the final returns came in, it was apparent that the ‘living, breathing’ document that has been an inspiration to so many around the globe for so many years would not last the night. True to that premise, Barack Obama has made sure that all semblance to the original document that has so honored the National Archives with its presence, would expire a quiet, lonely death. When the news reached the new President elect of its death, Obama raised his hand in a toast to the new Democratic Republic and brought forth his brand of nightmarish legislation. From bank bailouts, the automobile industry takeover, to The American Clean Energy and Security Act and the proposed healthcare legislation, Obama had finished the job of extinguishing the last, best hope of mankind for self rule. Couched in new terminology of socialist dreams and Marxist connotation, Obama had laid the Constitution low. Even the leadership of congress heaped a large portion of dietary offal on the bloated body of our once great parchment until, at last, it has been found lifeless and cold.
As stated earlier, the autopsy will be forthcoming, but truth be told, the death of our hallowed United States Constitution begins and ends with us. We the people could not keep it; we could not protect it; we could not preserve it. May the ages judge us harshly. May our posterity wish that we were men of character. THE CONSTITUTION IS DEAD-LONG LIVE THE CONSTITUTION!
The United States Constitution is dead. Its bloated remains having been discovered by security personnel at the National Archives on Saturday evening, September 12, 2009 next to the case that held the aged document. An autopsy is expected, but it has been believed that the Constitution expired from an advanced case of bloated irrelevance. Further speculation by informed sources indicate that death may have come on the evening of November 4, 2008. These same sources offer an explanation as to the exact causes and a brief encapsulation will be presented here.
1) Judicial activism--Over the years the Constitution has ingested an inordinate amount of judicial activism which, by itself, would not necessarily cause its demise, but would contribute to a much expanded waistline. Starting with Marbury v. Madison in 1803, Griswold v. Connecticut in 1965 to Roe v. Wade in 1973 the Constitution blithely consumed much more of the peoples freedom than it should have. Impervious to the warnings of conservative scholars, the Constitution consumed more legislative authority than any prudent individual would properly try to do.
2) Imperious Presidents--Abraham Lincoln suspending Habeas Corpus during the Civil War; Franklin Roosevelt and the New Deal legislation during the Great Depression; Harry Truman and his attempt to take over the Steel Industry during the Korean conflict; Dwight Eisenhower and the Federal-Aid Highway Act of the mid fifties. With these and many other examples of absconded power by the executive branch the Constitution walked a crooked path of inebriation.
3) Social Security and Medicare--although these are examples of well intentioned programs meant to alleviate the pain of an economic collapse and an aging population requiring adequate healthcare, the weight of these massive programs caused irreparable harm to the Constitution’s body. Originally set up as a trust fund (and rather low on calories according to FDR), Social Security was nothing more than a transfer tax that would prove to be especially difficult to modify or repeal. In fact the substance of this bill had become so uncorrectable that the Constitution would no longer be able to stand without the aid of a walker. Medicare had also become to large a portion for the Constitution to consume. An ironic twist of Medicare is that scooter chairs are available at no cost to the populace, but the Constitution could not afford one, nor even place its huge frame in the seat of a single chair!
4) The election of Barack Obama--On the night of November 4, 2008, the Constitution walked with great difficulty along the streets of Washington; its breathing labored and its heartbeat irregular. As the final returns came in, it was apparent that the ‘living, breathing’ document that has been an inspiration to so many around the globe for so many years would not last the night. True to that premise, Barack Obama has made sure that all semblance to the original document that has so honored the National Archives with its presence, would expire a quiet, lonely death. When the news reached the new President elect of its death, Obama raised his hand in a toast to the new Democratic Republic and brought forth his brand of nightmarish legislation. From bank bailouts, the automobile industry takeover, to The American Clean Energy and Security Act and the proposed healthcare legislation, Obama had finished the job of extinguishing the last, best hope of mankind for self rule. Couched in new terminology of socialist dreams and Marxist connotation, Obama had laid the Constitution low. Even the leadership of congress heaped a large portion of dietary offal on the bloated body of our once great parchment until, at last, it has been found lifeless and cold.
As stated earlier, the autopsy will be forthcoming, but truth be told, the death of our hallowed United States Constitution begins and ends with us. We the people could not keep it; we could not protect it; we could not preserve it. May the ages judge us harshly. May our posterity wish that we were men of character. THE CONSTITUTION IS DEAD-LONG LIVE THE CONSTITUTION!
The Pete Morin News Service--Editorial #8 (The Real World)
This article first appeared in The American Thinker on September 11, 2009
Is the US Government bankrupt?
Before we continue to debate the merits of any Obama health care plan, we need to consider a few important facts.
By any rational means, we must consider the present condition of our Government's financial situation. An honest look at those finances would have a prudent person conclude that our government is tacitly bankrupt. Our unfunded liabilities far exceed our assets. Adding up all unfunded liabilities for Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and Government sponsored pension funds gives us a figure slightly in excess of $100 TRILLION dollars. That's TRILLION with a ‘T'. The Federal budget deficit for fiscal 2009 will be approximately $1.84 TRILLION. That's TRILLION with a ‘T'. Over the next ten years the projected deficit will be $9 TRILLION +. That's $100,000,000,000,000.00 -- TRILLION with a ‘T'. Of course, this projected deficit comes from the Congressional Budget Office and has to be considered a conservative estimate. In 1966 the feds estimated that the cost of the Medicare program by 1990 would be approximately $9 billion dollars/year; the actual cost was $67 billion dollars/year.
Several other government programs over the years have proven to be equally underestimated in funding. Amtrak has a yearly budget shortfall of $1 billion dollars. The Postal Service, although deemed a private entity with its pension fund provided by the government, has a $3 billion dollar deficit. And the list goes on and on...
It's time for Americans to realize that the good times have stopped rolling. There may be no return to a robust economy. Our future can take only one of two possible paths; either we accept our unsustainable debt and reduce government spending and taxation accordingly with a structured refinancing of the Federal debt, or face the prospect of a chaotic bankruptcy with a massive collapse of the dollar on the world market followed by a severely reduced standard of living. If it's any indication of the way government has approached past difficulties, I'm betting on the chaotic. Stagflation on a large scale may well make the 1970's look like high times. Job losses that will occur may well make the 1930's look like a picnic.
This brings us to the question of healthcare. Why would anyone with a sound mind want to entrust a bloated, fiscally irresponsible government with the job of restructuring 17% of our economy? The Feds have proven, time and again, that trusting them to run a program based on sound fiscal policy is nearly impossible. Besides restructuring our national debt, we should take the only logical course with respect to healthcare and that would be to reform the private sector by the following means. 1) Allow individuals to purchase insurance across state lines. Congress has the authority through the Commerce Clause to make this happen. Insurance companies may not like this approach since it engenders competition, which will effectively lower the cost of premiums. Isn't this what a free market is supposed to do -- promote competition? 2) Remove as many mandates as possible that now exist at the Federal and State levels. There are, currently, over 2000 mandates for various procedures that insurance companies must comply with. In vitro Fertilization, Erectile Dysfunction, Hair Transplants and other specialized procedures should be left to individuals to decide what they might actually need. Removing these barriers and allowing individuals to design their own policies will be a strong motivator in reducing the costs of an insurance premium. Many other excellent ideas for reform of healthcare, too numerous to mention here, can be found at CAHI.org, The Council for Affordable Health Insurance.
James Madison expresses the government role with respect to its citizens clearly in Federalist 51:
If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary. In framing a government which is to be administered by men over men, the great difficulty lies in this: you must first enable the government to control the governed; and in the next place, oblige it to control itself.
The first part of Madison's quote has been achieved, but obligations concerning government restraint with respect to the populace remain unfulfilled. Was there ever a time when self-control was a mark of our elected officials? I believe there was, but, sadly, we've given in to our own impulse for self-gratification and our representatives have been only too happy to indulge us.
Time is short. Either accept responsibility for our own lives and reduce the role of government in our most important affairs, or a chaotic future with citizen against citizen and neighbor against neighbor will be our fate. Our founders and many great leaders warned us of the dangers of unlimited government; let us be wise enough to heed their words now more than ever.
Is the US Government bankrupt?
Before we continue to debate the merits of any Obama health care plan, we need to consider a few important facts.
By any rational means, we must consider the present condition of our Government's financial situation. An honest look at those finances would have a prudent person conclude that our government is tacitly bankrupt. Our unfunded liabilities far exceed our assets. Adding up all unfunded liabilities for Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and Government sponsored pension funds gives us a figure slightly in excess of $100 TRILLION dollars. That's TRILLION with a ‘T'. The Federal budget deficit for fiscal 2009 will be approximately $1.84 TRILLION. That's TRILLION with a ‘T'. Over the next ten years the projected deficit will be $9 TRILLION +. That's $100,000,000,000,000.00 -- TRILLION with a ‘T'. Of course, this projected deficit comes from the Congressional Budget Office and has to be considered a conservative estimate. In 1966 the feds estimated that the cost of the Medicare program by 1990 would be approximately $9 billion dollars/year; the actual cost was $67 billion dollars/year.
Several other government programs over the years have proven to be equally underestimated in funding. Amtrak has a yearly budget shortfall of $1 billion dollars. The Postal Service, although deemed a private entity with its pension fund provided by the government, has a $3 billion dollar deficit. And the list goes on and on...
It's time for Americans to realize that the good times have stopped rolling. There may be no return to a robust economy. Our future can take only one of two possible paths; either we accept our unsustainable debt and reduce government spending and taxation accordingly with a structured refinancing of the Federal debt, or face the prospect of a chaotic bankruptcy with a massive collapse of the dollar on the world market followed by a severely reduced standard of living. If it's any indication of the way government has approached past difficulties, I'm betting on the chaotic. Stagflation on a large scale may well make the 1970's look like high times. Job losses that will occur may well make the 1930's look like a picnic.
This brings us to the question of healthcare. Why would anyone with a sound mind want to entrust a bloated, fiscally irresponsible government with the job of restructuring 17% of our economy? The Feds have proven, time and again, that trusting them to run a program based on sound fiscal policy is nearly impossible. Besides restructuring our national debt, we should take the only logical course with respect to healthcare and that would be to reform the private sector by the following means. 1) Allow individuals to purchase insurance across state lines. Congress has the authority through the Commerce Clause to make this happen. Insurance companies may not like this approach since it engenders competition, which will effectively lower the cost of premiums. Isn't this what a free market is supposed to do -- promote competition? 2) Remove as many mandates as possible that now exist at the Federal and State levels. There are, currently, over 2000 mandates for various procedures that insurance companies must comply with. In vitro Fertilization, Erectile Dysfunction, Hair Transplants and other specialized procedures should be left to individuals to decide what they might actually need. Removing these barriers and allowing individuals to design their own policies will be a strong motivator in reducing the costs of an insurance premium. Many other excellent ideas for reform of healthcare, too numerous to mention here, can be found at CAHI.org, The Council for Affordable Health Insurance.
James Madison expresses the government role with respect to its citizens clearly in Federalist 51:
If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary. In framing a government which is to be administered by men over men, the great difficulty lies in this: you must first enable the government to control the governed; and in the next place, oblige it to control itself.
The first part of Madison's quote has been achieved, but obligations concerning government restraint with respect to the populace remain unfulfilled. Was there ever a time when self-control was a mark of our elected officials? I believe there was, but, sadly, we've given in to our own impulse for self-gratification and our representatives have been only too happy to indulge us.
Time is short. Either accept responsibility for our own lives and reduce the role of government in our most important affairs, or a chaotic future with citizen against citizen and neighbor against neighbor will be our fate. Our founders and many great leaders warned us of the dangers of unlimited government; let us be wise enough to heed their words now more than ever.
Friday, September 11, 2009
The Pete Morin News Service--Issue #19
News Flash from Washington, DC—September 11, 2009
The day after President Obama’s speech to a joint session of Congress, Joe Wilson, Republican Congressman from South Carolina, was asked why he yelled ‘liar’ during the President’s speech. Mr. Wilson replied that he could no longer contain himself. “The President was lying about health coverage for illegal aliens. The democratic leadership and the President know that illegal aliens will be covered in the healthcare legislation. Nancy Pelosi told me herself that aliens should be covered. When pressed to explain further she knew that the movie ‘Independence Day’ wasn’t real, but just in case that such an event might occur, she felt it prudent to have the aliens covered.”
Cass Sunstein, who currently is the Administrator of the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs in the Obama administration, has teamed up with Peter Singer, a member of the URDEAD Committee, to present an addendum to the current healthcare legilation that will protect animals under the proposed healthcare bill. “All animals should receive healthcare, not just humans. All too often our furry friends and creepy crawlers are left out concerning adequate healthcare”, reported Mr. Sunstein. Singer and Sunstein are also working with Van Jones to implement animal rights legislation and Jones has even started a class at Yale to address such concerns. PMNS has learned that the new course to be taught at Yale will be called ‘Animals are humans too.’
President Obama has several speeches scheduled in the next few weeks. Apparently, the President is attempting to keep his momentum going forward with respect to healthcare legislation. Besides appearing on 60 Minutes, he will speak at all Washington Nationals baseball games, Washington Wizards basketball games, Washington Capitols hockey games, Washington Redskins football games, all Monday night football games, the World Series, Super Bowl and to anyone else on the planet who has yet to hear him speak. No word as of yet who will offer rebuttal time.
This news clip provided by The Pete Morin News Service
The day after President Obama’s speech to a joint session of Congress, Joe Wilson, Republican Congressman from South Carolina, was asked why he yelled ‘liar’ during the President’s speech. Mr. Wilson replied that he could no longer contain himself. “The President was lying about health coverage for illegal aliens. The democratic leadership and the President know that illegal aliens will be covered in the healthcare legislation. Nancy Pelosi told me herself that aliens should be covered. When pressed to explain further she knew that the movie ‘Independence Day’ wasn’t real, but just in case that such an event might occur, she felt it prudent to have the aliens covered.”
Cass Sunstein, who currently is the Administrator of the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs in the Obama administration, has teamed up with Peter Singer, a member of the URDEAD Committee, to present an addendum to the current healthcare legilation that will protect animals under the proposed healthcare bill. “All animals should receive healthcare, not just humans. All too often our furry friends and creepy crawlers are left out concerning adequate healthcare”, reported Mr. Sunstein. Singer and Sunstein are also working with Van Jones to implement animal rights legislation and Jones has even started a class at Yale to address such concerns. PMNS has learned that the new course to be taught at Yale will be called ‘Animals are humans too.’
President Obama has several speeches scheduled in the next few weeks. Apparently, the President is attempting to keep his momentum going forward with respect to healthcare legislation. Besides appearing on 60 Minutes, he will speak at all Washington Nationals baseball games, Washington Wizards basketball games, Washington Capitols hockey games, Washington Redskins football games, all Monday night football games, the World Series, Super Bowl and to anyone else on the planet who has yet to hear him speak. No word as of yet who will offer rebuttal time.
This news clip provided by The Pete Morin News Service
The Pete Morin News Service--Editorial #7(the real world)
The following was published in the Daily Hampshire Gazette, Northampton, MA on 7/7/09
Every June 6th I watch the movie 'Saving Private Ryan'. It's become a custom that I hope will stay with me as long as I live. What could possibly motivate those men to face the withering machine gun and mortar fire on a stretch of beach code named Omaha in Normandy, France? The question is a difficult one, but the answer may not be so. For over two hundred years we've seen and heard of countless acts of bravery and heroism in the heat of battle. Men and women facing almost certain death or horrible wounds so that a belief in something greater than themselves can endure. That belief, that desire, is freedom, The freedom to live your life as you see fit; to enjoy the fruits of your labor for both yourself and your family.
But freedom, the freedom that our Founders bravely articulated so many years ago is fast disappearing. The following demonstrate key elements of our American life style that may soon no longer exist.
Choosing our own healthcare plan: A government run healthcare system will put pressure on private insurers to lower costs which is certainly a desirable result. But ultimately, private insurers will not be able to compete, forcing everyone to join the government plan. Private insurers must be concerned with the bottom line, but government has no such concern. You, the taxpayer, are the bottom line from whence all funding originates. Think medicare, currently near bankruptcy, is working well? Imagine 300 million on medicare. The logical result will be a rationing of care, a disaster for everyone especially the elderly.
The car we want to drive: The Feds now have a controlling interest in GM and Chrysler. Sorry consumer; soon only hybrids and small vehicles will be available. Too bad that you want to drive a more substantial vehicle such as an SUV for safety’s sake. And those car manufacturers that produce SUV’s? Ever heard of a surcharge on purchasing a vehicle the government doesn’t approve of? It’s coming to those manufacturers and consumers who dare flaunt the nanny state.
The American Energy and Security Act: This monstrosity would be better served to be named ‘The American Energy Tax Act’. The act requires all new construction to follow the building code of the State of California. California! Is it really necessary to proscribe these codes on the other 49 states? Both climate and the economic health of all regions of the country vary greatly. I shudder to think of the new added costs in building a home in the very near future not to mention the energy audit that will be performed on all homes, new or old, to be sold. Homes will now be subjected to a new energy rating assessment that could penalize you for older construction, windows, fixtures and appliances. This bill is riddled with favoritism and back room deals. Critics charge all this regulation will have only a negligible effect on CO2 emissions and the loss of jobs in current energy sectors would be substantial.
Is this what our Founding Fathers stood for? Is this what the brave men and women of Lexington and Concord envisioned as our future? The Americans who fought at Belleau Wood and the Ardennes wouldn't think so. Through the steaming jungle at Guadalcanal to the horror of Iwo and Okinawa; to the Marines dragging their frozen comrades from the winter hell of the 'Frozen Chosin'; from the Mekong Delta to the encircled troops at Khe Sanh; from the deserts of Iraq to the mountains of Afghanistan these brave Americans fight not just for survival, but for the cherished belief in the freedom of their countrymen and the idea that nothing is more important than 'life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness'. They didn't fight for people to just have the right to vote, but to know and understand what they were voting for.
Today our leaders tell us there's a new way to live that avoids all the failed ways of the past. Surrender our individuality, become a servant of the state and look forward to a bright future collectively. Even though this method has been tried countless times before with very little success our new leaders will exhort us to move forward. They will tell us the free market has shown that it has reached its limits and must now be discarded. Government, large and powerful will provide all our needs. What more could be so inspiring, so audacious, so hopeful!
No, I don't think those who gave their all throughout our history would be so enthusiastic, nor do I think they would be just looking forward to an improvement in our condition; they would be stunned, ashamed and dismayed at our surrender and capitulation to the altar of socialism. Call it by any other name, but it is still the same; a rejection of our sovereignty and a cowardice beyond description and a rejection of our personal responsibility to improve our own lives.
Obviously, you could point to the necessity for us, as concerned citizens, to change the way we use energy and the methods we use for transporting ourselves and manufactured goods. The real question is--should it be done by government mandate or through the use of the free market? I believe the marketplace is more beneficial to the betterment of society. Government has shown a propensity to reward favored parties and punish those that reject its mandates. Personal freedom is inhibited rather than advanced with government intervention. The classical interpretation of socialism is that the economic means of production are run by the state. Our financial, automotive, and healthcare systems are close to being there.
Two of the greatest documents ever devised by man should remind us of the difficulty in securing freedom and how easily it can slip away should we not guard against its demise through apathy or false promises. The Constitution outlined the powers of limited government and Thomas Jefferson reminds us in the Declaration of Independence that to support freedom the founders must "support to each other our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor". Let us hope that we have enough honor to support freedom lest this great country and the ideals it represents become a footnote in history.
Every June 6th I watch the movie 'Saving Private Ryan'. It's become a custom that I hope will stay with me as long as I live. What could possibly motivate those men to face the withering machine gun and mortar fire on a stretch of beach code named Omaha in Normandy, France? The question is a difficult one, but the answer may not be so. For over two hundred years we've seen and heard of countless acts of bravery and heroism in the heat of battle. Men and women facing almost certain death or horrible wounds so that a belief in something greater than themselves can endure. That belief, that desire, is freedom, The freedom to live your life as you see fit; to enjoy the fruits of your labor for both yourself and your family.
But freedom, the freedom that our Founders bravely articulated so many years ago is fast disappearing. The following demonstrate key elements of our American life style that may soon no longer exist.
Choosing our own healthcare plan: A government run healthcare system will put pressure on private insurers to lower costs which is certainly a desirable result. But ultimately, private insurers will not be able to compete, forcing everyone to join the government plan. Private insurers must be concerned with the bottom line, but government has no such concern. You, the taxpayer, are the bottom line from whence all funding originates. Think medicare, currently near bankruptcy, is working well? Imagine 300 million on medicare. The logical result will be a rationing of care, a disaster for everyone especially the elderly.
The car we want to drive: The Feds now have a controlling interest in GM and Chrysler. Sorry consumer; soon only hybrids and small vehicles will be available. Too bad that you want to drive a more substantial vehicle such as an SUV for safety’s sake. And those car manufacturers that produce SUV’s? Ever heard of a surcharge on purchasing a vehicle the government doesn’t approve of? It’s coming to those manufacturers and consumers who dare flaunt the nanny state.
The American Energy and Security Act: This monstrosity would be better served to be named ‘The American Energy Tax Act’. The act requires all new construction to follow the building code of the State of California. California! Is it really necessary to proscribe these codes on the other 49 states? Both climate and the economic health of all regions of the country vary greatly. I shudder to think of the new added costs in building a home in the very near future not to mention the energy audit that will be performed on all homes, new or old, to be sold. Homes will now be subjected to a new energy rating assessment that could penalize you for older construction, windows, fixtures and appliances. This bill is riddled with favoritism and back room deals. Critics charge all this regulation will have only a negligible effect on CO2 emissions and the loss of jobs in current energy sectors would be substantial.
Is this what our Founding Fathers stood for? Is this what the brave men and women of Lexington and Concord envisioned as our future? The Americans who fought at Belleau Wood and the Ardennes wouldn't think so. Through the steaming jungle at Guadalcanal to the horror of Iwo and Okinawa; to the Marines dragging their frozen comrades from the winter hell of the 'Frozen Chosin'; from the Mekong Delta to the encircled troops at Khe Sanh; from the deserts of Iraq to the mountains of Afghanistan these brave Americans fight not just for survival, but for the cherished belief in the freedom of their countrymen and the idea that nothing is more important than 'life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness'. They didn't fight for people to just have the right to vote, but to know and understand what they were voting for.
Today our leaders tell us there's a new way to live that avoids all the failed ways of the past. Surrender our individuality, become a servant of the state and look forward to a bright future collectively. Even though this method has been tried countless times before with very little success our new leaders will exhort us to move forward. They will tell us the free market has shown that it has reached its limits and must now be discarded. Government, large and powerful will provide all our needs. What more could be so inspiring, so audacious, so hopeful!
No, I don't think those who gave their all throughout our history would be so enthusiastic, nor do I think they would be just looking forward to an improvement in our condition; they would be stunned, ashamed and dismayed at our surrender and capitulation to the altar of socialism. Call it by any other name, but it is still the same; a rejection of our sovereignty and a cowardice beyond description and a rejection of our personal responsibility to improve our own lives.
Obviously, you could point to the necessity for us, as concerned citizens, to change the way we use energy and the methods we use for transporting ourselves and manufactured goods. The real question is--should it be done by government mandate or through the use of the free market? I believe the marketplace is more beneficial to the betterment of society. Government has shown a propensity to reward favored parties and punish those that reject its mandates. Personal freedom is inhibited rather than advanced with government intervention. The classical interpretation of socialism is that the economic means of production are run by the state. Our financial, automotive, and healthcare systems are close to being there.
Two of the greatest documents ever devised by man should remind us of the difficulty in securing freedom and how easily it can slip away should we not guard against its demise through apathy or false promises. The Constitution outlined the powers of limited government and Thomas Jefferson reminds us in the Declaration of Independence that to support freedom the founders must "support to each other our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor". Let us hope that we have enough honor to support freedom lest this great country and the ideals it represents become a footnote in history.
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