The BBC is reporting that Qaddafi is using his air force jets to bomb and machine gun protesters. This man has been a monster for too long. The President should immediately, and unilaterally, declare a No-Fly Zone over Libya; give our Navy and Air Force pilots orders to shoot down any Libyan military jets. For too long the world has stood by while this man acted as a poison on the entire world. His reign is at an end, let the West hasten it.
Rarely is the course of action so clear, I hope the President stands with these people.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Friday, February 18, 2011
Debbie Downer – The need to share negative information
I had a conversation about the great “spring-like” weather this morning. It was a short conversation and right after bringing up the enjoyable fact that it was 50 degrees at 8am the person I was talking to had to tell me “but it’s going to drop to 40 degrees real soon.”
May I ask why it is necessary to give life to the second part of that statement by talking about it? This attitude where one feels the need to shortly announce the positive but only to be followed by a negative statement reminds me of the current American attitude. We have a lot going on that is negative in the country today, but we also have a lot of positive things going on too. If we give more life to the positive it will grow and become part of us and our daily conversations. I’m not saying ignore the negative but if something bad or unpleasant is going to take place, talking about it is not going to stop it from happening.
It is similar to children, children will have good and bad attitudes, good and bad days, but it is how we react to their behavior that matters the most. My mother always said, “words have power.” Well they do, you spend more time harping on your kid about his bad behavior the child will focus on that, you spend more time praising them about the good they do and they will build self confidence and become a stronger individual. Of course there is a time to discipline, and correct the bad, but do not make it the focus of the day, focus on the positive, both in your family and in the country. And if it is warm out don’t tell me when it is getting cold, I figured that part out already, it’s like the sun it comes back around tomorrow.
May I ask why it is necessary to give life to the second part of that statement by talking about it? This attitude where one feels the need to shortly announce the positive but only to be followed by a negative statement reminds me of the current American attitude. We have a lot going on that is negative in the country today, but we also have a lot of positive things going on too. If we give more life to the positive it will grow and become part of us and our daily conversations. I’m not saying ignore the negative but if something bad or unpleasant is going to take place, talking about it is not going to stop it from happening.
It is similar to children, children will have good and bad attitudes, good and bad days, but it is how we react to their behavior that matters the most. My mother always said, “words have power.” Well they do, you spend more time harping on your kid about his bad behavior the child will focus on that, you spend more time praising them about the good they do and they will build self confidence and become a stronger individual. Of course there is a time to discipline, and correct the bad, but do not make it the focus of the day, focus on the positive, both in your family and in the country. And if it is warm out don’t tell me when it is getting cold, I figured that part out already, it’s like the sun it comes back around tomorrow.
Friday, February 11, 2011
America the Arrogant
America is on the decline. Our standing as an economic and moral superpower is quickly coming to its inevitable end. At least that’s what we’ve been told. On the 2008 presidential campaign trail, Senator Obama made the message loud and clear: America is not respected. He said that we had lost a lot of our clout with citizens all over the world – that we had been too arrogant, too irresponsible. Europeans wanted to know where the United States got the nerve to invade Iraq, needlessly throwing a country and its people into a long war. Who gave us the moral authority to be the world’s police?
Answer: The Europeans.
The Europeans conceded their authority when they started World War I, plunging their nations and the entire world into a conflict the scale of which had never before been imaginable. The first saviors of Europe were the Doughboys – Americans that crossed the seas to finish a fight they didn’t start. America rose to the challenge, and in doing so, restored peace and saved lives.
The Europeans once again forfeited their moral authority when they refused to see the truth and allowed a mustached corporal from Austria turn Germany into the greatest force for evil that world had ever known. They sat idly by, until, once again, their continent had plunged into war. America, for a second time, answered the call of its allies. Americans fought and died to liberate France, Italy, Luxemburg, Czechoslovakia, Austria, the Netherlands, and Germany from the clutches of the Nazi’s Third Reich. Because of Europe’s inability and unwillingness to stop this catastrophe, it is directly responsible for the deaths of millions of men, women, and children. The Americans were once again the saviors of a continent. Not only did the U.S. take upon itself the responsibility to destroy evil, but when it was finished, we helped to rebuild the broken countries.
Upon the end of one conflict another commenced. The Soviet Union had become an increasing threat, and, once again, the United States led the allied charge to stop the infection of communism. The Europeans relied upon the U.S. to do what they could not – to ensure freedom for its people. Americans were, as always, up for the fight. When Ronald Reagan told Mikhail Gorbachev to tear down the Berlin wall, he filled millions of voiceless people with hope.
And that’s what America has always given Europe: Hope – hope that tomorrow will be a brighter day. And that’s not something for which I’m willing to apologize.
So are the Europeans correct when they say we’re arrogant and that we think we can do what we want? Well, yes. And we’re allowed. Not because we’re jerks, but because we know what happens when you give the world’s keys to a guy that doesn’t have a driver’s license. Time and time again, America has answered when the world has called. I think a “thank you” is in order.
Answer: The Europeans.
The Europeans conceded their authority when they started World War I, plunging their nations and the entire world into a conflict the scale of which had never before been imaginable. The first saviors of Europe were the Doughboys – Americans that crossed the seas to finish a fight they didn’t start. America rose to the challenge, and in doing so, restored peace and saved lives.
The Europeans once again forfeited their moral authority when they refused to see the truth and allowed a mustached corporal from Austria turn Germany into the greatest force for evil that world had ever known. They sat idly by, until, once again, their continent had plunged into war. America, for a second time, answered the call of its allies. Americans fought and died to liberate France, Italy, Luxemburg, Czechoslovakia, Austria, the Netherlands, and Germany from the clutches of the Nazi’s Third Reich. Because of Europe’s inability and unwillingness to stop this catastrophe, it is directly responsible for the deaths of millions of men, women, and children. The Americans were once again the saviors of a continent. Not only did the U.S. take upon itself the responsibility to destroy evil, but when it was finished, we helped to rebuild the broken countries.
Upon the end of one conflict another commenced. The Soviet Union had become an increasing threat, and, once again, the United States led the allied charge to stop the infection of communism. The Europeans relied upon the U.S. to do what they could not – to ensure freedom for its people. Americans were, as always, up for the fight. When Ronald Reagan told Mikhail Gorbachev to tear down the Berlin wall, he filled millions of voiceless people with hope.
And that’s what America has always given Europe: Hope – hope that tomorrow will be a brighter day. And that’s not something for which I’m willing to apologize.
So are the Europeans correct when they say we’re arrogant and that we think we can do what we want? Well, yes. And we’re allowed. Not because we’re jerks, but because we know what happens when you give the world’s keys to a guy that doesn’t have a driver’s license. Time and time again, America has answered when the world has called. I think a “thank you” is in order.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Reagan at 100
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Manufacturing Myth
How often do you hear " This county will never be great again until be bring back manufacturing!", or “Our problem is we just don't make any thing here, everything comes from China". These ideas seem to be common knowledge, but the fact is that it’s false.
You can see that US Manufacturing output is the fourth largest economy in the world. So it’s pretty clear that we make things. In fact we make as many goods as Germany’s entire economy.
Still you can’t deny that manufacturing jobs have declined. Why is this? Technology, increased efficiency is to blame. How many fewer people are required on an automotive assembly line today than in Henry Ford’s era, or even 30 years ago? Automated processes have replaced workers. This isn’t a bad thing, the American economy is still sound, and we still make things, just more efficiently. It can sound heartless when you tell a laid off worker that it’s good a robot took his job, it’s not good for him. But a business’s role is not to provide jobs to employees, but to make money.
There is benefit to the economy at large when goods are produced more efficiently. Namely, they become cheaper. Technology is the engine of efficiency, and it is not a bad thing.
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Still you can’t deny that manufacturing jobs have declined. Why is this? Technology, increased efficiency is to blame. How many fewer people are required on an automotive assembly line today than in Henry Ford’s era, or even 30 years ago? Automated processes have replaced workers. This isn’t a bad thing, the American economy is still sound, and we still make things, just more efficiently. It can sound heartless when you tell a laid off worker that it’s good a robot took his job, it’s not good for him. But a business’s role is not to provide jobs to employees, but to make money.
There is benefit to the economy at large when goods are produced more efficiently. Namely, they become cheaper. Technology is the engine of efficiency, and it is not a bad thing.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
China's Growing Threat and Increased Food Costs
There are few times when the simplest solutions are also the most viable. I present two seemingly unrelated issues: 1) the growing threat of China, and 2) skyrocketing food costs. Both of these problems can be resolved quickly and in an environmentally conscious way. Our elected officials have a responsibility to protect both America’s influence as well as its people. The advice I provide must be heeded, by all levels of government, from the President to a county dog warden, if this nation will long endure.
China’s dominance continues to top the media’s news cycles. There is no doubt that the Chinese have a growing nation with incredible potential. They continue to make dramatic improvements to their infrastructure, economy, and military. And they are not bashful about gloating their successes. They flaunt stealth fighters in the face of our Defense Secretary. They receive state dinners in the White House, only to insult us with their melodies. For all of their appearance, it is vital to realize that they are, in every way, subordinate to the United States. Our economy dwarfs that of China. Our military is better trained, better equipped, and taller. But the fact remains that China is willing to do things that we are not. China’s government will displace thousands to build a dam, and then force its people to work for almost nothing. To remain competitive, in perception only, the US must throw down its principles of right and wrong and do what’s necessary to ensure our status as the world's only Superpower.
As a result of increased demand due to ethanol, the price of corn has increased dramatically in recent years. Increased corn costs mean that it is more expensive for farmers to feed their livestock. Meat and milk prices have increased as a result. If ethanol is here to stay, then the FDA needs to approve of new sources of the vital nutrition that meat and milk provide.
So we are faced with two dilemmas: How can we prove to the world that we are just as capable as China, and how can we provide nutritious meals to the hungry for an affordable price? The solution is simple. As any city dweller knows, the back alleys are packed full of stray dogs and cats. These animals represent an untapped resource. If we were to able to corral these wild beasts and take them to processing facilities where they would either be turned into edible meats, or tapped for their lactose succulence, then the people could once again be able to afford a tall glass of chocolate milk or a delicious flank steak. This would send an important message to the Chinese (think Rocky IV when Rocky punches Drago so hard that he cuts him). Our willingness to take up China’s own model of eating pets will change their perception of us. Maybe it’s common sense, or maybe it’s because I watched “Dances With Wolves” last night, but I know that we can win the respect of our enemies if we learn to eat in a way that emulates their savagery.
China’s dominance continues to top the media’s news cycles. There is no doubt that the Chinese have a growing nation with incredible potential. They continue to make dramatic improvements to their infrastructure, economy, and military. And they are not bashful about gloating their successes. They flaunt stealth fighters in the face of our Defense Secretary. They receive state dinners in the White House, only to insult us with their melodies. For all of their appearance, it is vital to realize that they are, in every way, subordinate to the United States. Our economy dwarfs that of China. Our military is better trained, better equipped, and taller. But the fact remains that China is willing to do things that we are not. China’s government will displace thousands to build a dam, and then force its people to work for almost nothing. To remain competitive, in perception only, the US must throw down its principles of right and wrong and do what’s necessary to ensure our status as the world's only Superpower.
As a result of increased demand due to ethanol, the price of corn has increased dramatically in recent years. Increased corn costs mean that it is more expensive for farmers to feed their livestock. Meat and milk prices have increased as a result. If ethanol is here to stay, then the FDA needs to approve of new sources of the vital nutrition that meat and milk provide.
So we are faced with two dilemmas: How can we prove to the world that we are just as capable as China, and how can we provide nutritious meals to the hungry for an affordable price? The solution is simple. As any city dweller knows, the back alleys are packed full of stray dogs and cats. These animals represent an untapped resource. If we were to able to corral these wild beasts and take them to processing facilities where they would either be turned into edible meats, or tapped for their lactose succulence, then the people could once again be able to afford a tall glass of chocolate milk or a delicious flank steak. This would send an important message to the Chinese (think Rocky IV when Rocky punches Drago so hard that he cuts him). Our willingness to take up China’s own model of eating pets will change their perception of us. Maybe it’s common sense, or maybe it’s because I watched “Dances With Wolves” last night, but I know that we can win the respect of our enemies if we learn to eat in a way that emulates their savagery.
Guest Writers
There will be, from time to time, guests who will contribute to this blog. It could turn into a symposium eventually. I know so many people who are passionate about this country and our world, and I think they would enjoy a voice, even if it is just amongst friends.
Just mulling some ideas around for my 3 readers (myself included).
Just mulling some ideas around for my 3 readers (myself included).
FreedomFest 2011?
Today AP reported King Abdullah II fired his entire cabinet as protesters take to the streets in Jordan. It’s amazing that this is happening. How long have these people, the middle east at large, lived under autocracy and despotism? Even more curious is that Egypt and Jordan are, or were, very stable countries. Not wrapped up in the conflict or intrigues of the region at large. Tunisia, Egypt and now Jordan. Curious indeed.
I just have to wonder if President Bush’s much maligned freedom prognostication has really taken effect. That philosophy was not rooted in regime change, but paradigm change. The idea that all people long to be free of the authoritarian shackles. Who would have thought we would be seeing this wave of popular uprising?
I hope these revolutions stay peaceful and lead to democracy and freedom. However, we saw the Cedar revolt in Lebanon be co-opted by Hezbollah, will these popular uprising lead to Islamist control? Time will tell.
I just have to wonder if President Bush’s much maligned freedom prognostication has really taken effect. That philosophy was not rooted in regime change, but paradigm change. The idea that all people long to be free of the authoritarian shackles. Who would have thought we would be seeing this wave of popular uprising?
I hope these revolutions stay peaceful and lead to democracy and freedom. However, we saw the Cedar revolt in Lebanon be co-opted by Hezbollah, will these popular uprising lead to Islamist control? Time will tell.
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