Glorious Revolution

Souvlaki anyone?

2010-05-12T11:10:00.005-06:00

Greece has become more than just a place to eat great food soaked in olive oil and enjoy the pungent smell of body odor. It has become the poster child for failed socialism. For decades, Greece has been governed by ultra-liberal socialistic ideals-during which a myriad of worker's unions have become the festering flesh wound upon the backside of any chance of a sound fiscal policy in Greece. The idea of workers coming together to improve benefits, pensions and workplace conditions does not sound like a bad idea-and it's not-so long as the unions realize that there is a point to which they slowly start cutting off the hand that feeds them. We have often seen that when concessions are made to unions, the unions look for more and more until the promises that business and government are forced to make to their workers' unions are unsustainable in the long term. Call it collective bargaining if you will, but taken to the extreme as in Greece, it is nothing more than extortion by the unions.

Take for example what we see happening in Greece. Public and private sector unions there are calling for a nationwide strike on May 20th in protest to the International Monetary Fund's bailout of their country. As a stipulation of this bailout to keep Greece afloat and not defaulting on bonds worth billions of Euros, union contacts and pensions will need to be rewritten and needfully reduced. How do the unions respond? Strike. This will definitely not help your situation my Mediterranean friends. The international community, of which you'll be happy to know the US is a part of in this case, doesn't love bailing you out with our taxpayers' money. Nowhere in our constitution does it say that we are required to bail out foreign governments-yet our President has committed over $50 Billion in loan guarantees as part of this package.

As rough as it might be for these workers to see a reduction in their pensions, they have to realize that their country HAS NO MORE MONEY!!! Even the countries that are bailing them out have no money. Do these people not have children? When a spoiled child doesn't get what he wants, he sits down and throws a tantrum. What is the difference here? Mom and Dad are broke kid. Your throwing a fit is not going to make the situation any better. Yet we see well-organized unions in Greece doing exactly what a spoiled kid would do. Instead of sitting down over a contract and talking about the options available to both sides, we see them run in their room and slam the door.

"The IMF will not stop thirsting for workers' blood," said Yannis Panagopoulos, chairman of Greece's main private sector labour union GSEE. "Its recipes are a disaster and the government must turn them down."

A disaster worse than the one you're in I assume Mr. Panagopoulos? Watch as your currency, your country's sovereignty and national identity fades away and tell me which you'd rather have-a smaller pension check or no pension check at all. A child could choose more wisely.

Why should I care here in America? Because we are following the same road of organized unions and socialism as Europe. This past month, we see protests at various state capitols organized by unions protesting pension and job cuts to try and help balance the state budgets. We are willing to watch everyone else get their job cut or retirement reduced until it affects us. Then the claws come out. I realize in my argument that no one would like their pension benefit cut. But we must realize that the premise of getting something for nothing or greater than earned, is the deadly trap of socialism. I hope that we can begin preparing now so that when the time comes, we can act like responsible adults. We have we been promised more than our country is able to pay. We enjoy things that might need to be eliminated in dire times. If we don't change our course and act like grown ups we will find ourselves eating a nice cold dish of souvlaki.

What gives you the Right?

2009-07-27T23:12:00.004-06:00

A couple of things on my mind recently have led me back to blogging about it. Again more to just get my thoughts straight about this crazy world more than anything.

I've heard recently on TV and radio several different companies advertising their services for "settling debt". Credit Card debt, IRS debt, whatever.....they are all out there and they all use the same spiel. Let me break it down for you. "Do you have 5, 10, 15 or $20,000 in credit card debt? We are Credit Answers and we can help you settle that debt for a fraction of what you owe! In this era of government bailouts, don't be denied your RIGHT to settle our credit card debt." (Followed by several testimonials from people who owed the bank or IRS tens of thousands of dollars and were able to "settle" their debt for pennies on the dollar.)

The first time my wife and I heard this commercial, we looked at each other and both said,"What!?" First of all, if you bought your groceries from Wal-Mart, your dinner at Chili's, your clothes from Dillards and your vacation to Bora Bora on your American Express, you entered into a written and legally binding contract with that company to use THEIR money and repay it with interest throughout time. Nowhere in this contract was there fine print declaring that if you overdid yourself and purchased too many Margaritas on you cruise and racked up too much debt that most or even some of this debt would be forgiven. You bought it and used it with SOMEONE ELSE'S MONEY!!! If you made money from your job and didn't pay income tax on your earnings, what makes it okay for you to hire a sleazy lawyer to negotiate your taxes down from what you owe? You made the money now pay the tax just like all the rest of us. Or go to jail. Simple concept. It might be legal under the current laws to do this but in my mind it's still sleazy and a self-degrading form of evading consequence. You have no RIGHT to settle for less. And it makes my skin crawl when I hear this term thrown around like a beach ball at a rock concert.

Lately, the political discussion has been centered around the health care reform bill before Congress now. In this bill, health care for anyone within the boundaries of our country's borders regardless of their citizenship will be granted health care as a "right". No one in need of urgent medical care is denied treatment now because of their ability to pay. I know that the cost of these persons health care gets rolled into the cost of my insurance and the high prices I pay for health care. But please, pray tell, explain to me how a government can grant a right to a standard of health care. Does everyone have a right to get liposuction, botox or a tummy tuck? Where do we draw the line? Doesn't every American have the right to live in a home, eat sufficient amounts of food and have a lifetime income stream when they get old? SURE! Let's furnish everyone a house (or at least a trailer), give them food stamps to eat, and promise them a social security check. No. Our RIGHTS are earned by us or others in our behalf and certain others are only given and granted by God, not a late night television commercial, the Supreme court or even our Congress. Our basic rights, by definition in our constitution, are given by God. I assume this drives the average secularist liberal crazy to read this part of our founding documents.

My point tonight is simple our rights are earned. Life is given my our creator, Liberty is given by our soldiers and the pursuit of happiness is given to us as a gift to make of it what we will.

Perhaps if we do get a government-run health care system that spends our country even further into oblivion, with money we don't possess, we can hire these sleazy debt settlement companies to negotiate with our debtors to settle our $11 Trillion deficit for a fraction of what we owe. After all we do have the right. Right?

America's Turn For A Rectal Exam

2009-07-14T14:00:00.003-06:00

Health care reform is a hot button topic right now in the world of politics and so I thought i would share my experience this week with health care both good and bad.

Tuesday afternoon I started experiencing a good amount of pain in my abdomen and came home from work. Wednesday, I went into the doctor because I had not yet seen an improvement and it had actually gotten worse over night. I was to see a Physician's assistant at the Ogden Clinic. I got in pretty quickly and was treated quite well. I was sitting there in the room and I felt like I was on a game show except this one was a really painful one. They asked questions about family history back generations, health history questions I thought I was applying for life insurance! So they got a good idea of what every thing looked like and handed me over to the Physician's assistant. She continued the "Who wants to be a Patient" questionnaire until she asked me what I did for a living. I told her I sold insurance and investments. She then asked about health insurance coverage and I told her I had it. She then proceeded to tell me her opinion of how she doesn't understand that so many people are against a single payer system but how America is the richest country in the world and that she couldn't understand how we couldn't provide health care for everyone. She then turns and asks, "So what's your opinion?" Wanting to avoid an ideological debate with a woman that reminded me of everything a liberal arts teacher would resemble, I looked at her and politely told her that I would just like to be treated. She recognized that I was in considerable pain and then apologized and continued to treat me. I was then sent to another clinic for a CT scan and blood work.

I got there and waited for 3 hours for them to tell me to go to the ER because I had appendicitis. Wonderful. I got to the ER 7 hours after going to the doctor and stood there in the ER. I was told someone would call the surgeon to meet me there in the ER. I knew if I checked into the ER, I would be charged again for all the tests that I had previously had and then some. Luckily I knew the nurse that checked me in. She pulled me to the front of the line and told me that this is the way the system works. You go to our doctor and get diagnosed and then they send you to the ER to get checked in. I asked her why the couldn't send the records from the scans to the ER to save me another six or seven hundred dollar bill. She commented, that's just the way they do it. I told her I would wait and she called the clinics and did everything she could to get me admitted directly instead of going through the ER. Another nurse heard me and she turned to the other nurse and said, "Now there's the smartest thing I have ever heard from an ER patient!" They understood that the hospital billed for the same things I'd already had done. If I didn't have insurance and wasn't going to pay the bill anyway, of course I would have just let them check me in! I just couldn't understand why the ER needed to re-diagnose me. So they got me admitted, had the surgery, had good people work on me and now I recover as we speak.

So it got me thinking a little about the arguments of both sides of the health care debate. There are a lot of people that can't get insurance because of their health. There are a lot of them that could afford it if it was reasonably priced. There are a lot of people that lose their benefits and can't afford the cost of a personal plan. The system if flawed. I will give anyone that argument. We are prosperous nation but to call us a rich nation I would have to argue on that one. Yes we have assets. Yes we have ideas but the last time i checked, we were so far in debt, that it would take the economy of several large industrialized nations to just pay the interest on what we owe our creditors. If we were talking about a family, who owned loads of real estate but was so cash strapped under enormous debt payments that they had to keep borrowing to make their payments on what they owned, I would barely call them rich. By the hands of greedy politicians on both sides of the isle, America has over-promised herself to her citizens. America is responsible for everything from the groceries of those that make less than $30,000 to our national defense. We spend more than we make! Is it true that we can really afford to pay for everyone's health care too?

I can guarantee that the cost of care will not go DOWN. It will go up. Look at the contractors that work for the defense department. They charge 10 times the amount of money to do the job of one enlisted soldier. If a computer program gets written by a software engineer on a government contract, the government MAKES them bill a rate that is most of the time double. What makes anyone think that doctors and hospitals are going to charge the government the same amount they charged you? I think that the solution lies within our ability to use the best doctors and hospitals on earth (which we already have) use the technology that we have, and find personal efficiencies in the process rather than letting the insurance companies decide what and who gets treated.

I am grateful that I didn't have to wait in pain for very long to get my surgery. I am grateful that when I went to the hospital, I was seen by some of the best doctors available. If we go to a single payer system, it will not allow us to have the quality of care we have now. Many countries have tried and many countries are far behind us in the quality of care the provide. I have sat in a European hospital one too many times and believe me, you don't want what they have.

I don't have all the answers on health care but I think that if the answer to all of our problems is always to let the government handle it, we will be very disappointed when the day comes that we realize there are no more coins in the coffer and we have puffed up the hopes of our citizens only to tell them that there is just a little man behind the curtain.

Things I'd like to say: Volume I

2009-05-12T13:58:00.004-06:00

Cut your grass. It's springtime, grass grows and if you have a yard and don't want to mow it or pull your own weeds, either pay someone to cut it for you or have a kid. If your dandelions are lofting their seeds into the neighbor's yard, cut your grass. It's like a thong...no one wants to see that.

If you're not coming, call. If you make an appointment, either keep it or cancel it. Don't leave someone waiting for you. It's like thumbing your nose at the queen. Even if you don't like her, at least show some respect.

If you don't want someone trespassing on your land, post a no trespassing sign. I hereby pledge to go where trespassing signs are not. If you put up a sign, posting a monetary fine is a strong deterrent to potential trespassers. No one wants to see what you have on your land if they have to pay for it. That's why there's a Disneyland.

In conjunction with the no trespassing, I am not referring to private property and residences. I am referring to rural public lands such as the foothills of the mountains. I don't make it a habit of roaming through people's backyards (although it may be exciting). My city has closed it's public lands to motor vehicles by city ordinance 10.35.25.blah blah blah. Where my grandpa, father and I all played as youth is now under this new city ordinance. If it's fun, outdoors or if there is a chance someone might be hurt, please do it quickly before a city councilman gets wind of it.

If your kids are sick, leave them home! Don't bring them to church, nursery or pre-school. Your kid is sick. And now so are mine. I thank you from the bottom of my toilet.

Nursery is not a free babysitter. If you bring your kid to nursery, you dang well better go to class. If I see you in the hall chatting with billy-bob while your kids beats on everybody else's kids, there's going to be disciplinary counsel and the bishop's not going to know about it.

For crying out loud people use your turn signals! GM could stop putting them on their cars and probably save enough money to stay in business. You don't use them anyway!

Patriot Guard

2009-04-13T13:10:00.007-06:00

I am not dead. It's been a combo of taking a break from blogging and a broken laptop that I have delayed having worked on because I have found the tether of my Blackberry enough as of late. I did however have a few things on my mind that I would like to write down, if for no other reason than to sort through them myself.

On Jan 15th 1991, I was an 11 year old Cub Scout. I was in charge of the flag ceremony at our pack meeting that night. Earlier in the day, my country had entered a war with Iraq and Saddam Hussein and the Gulf War began. I wasn't sure what to think as a young boy. All I knew was the country in which I lived was involved in war, which I knew was a scary place to be. I knew nothing of the politics, middle east history or even where Iraq and Kuwait were. For some reason, I felt emotional about the soldiers and the military. I asked if I could play the Lee Greenwood Classic "Proud to be an American" on my tape player before the flag ceremony. I remember crying. I remember a lot of people crying. That's what scared me the most. I sat in front of the TV with a typewriter documenting the war as I watched hours of news coverage and night vision pictures of green Scud missiles intercepted by Patriot missiles over Baghdad. I thought somebody needed to write this down in case we didn't survive. As a young buy I had a soft spot in my heart for soldiers and the military. More inclusive, were all things patriotic. If this experience as a boy taught me anything, it was that I should be grateful that I didn't have to fight in such a war. Throughout my youth, I would always remember that night and even today I always get a lump in my throat when I hear a really great rendition of the Star Spangled Banner or see Old Glory presented by soldiers in the 4th of July parade.

Because of this "unmanly" soft spot in my heart for things patriotic, and my gratitude that I have never been called upon to leave my family to put my country's welfare before my own, I decided I should at least find a way to show that gratitude to those who have. I was recently talking with a friend that told me about the Patriot Guard Riders. They are a group of motorcyclists who are invited by the families of fallen soldiers to escort the funeral processions and show respect as soldiers return home. This immediately became something I wanted to do.

Last Friday, I attended my first "mission" with the Patriot Guard. It was for Col. Steven Mittuch who was stationed at HAFB. He was killed in a car accident early last week. I didn't know him. I didn't know his family or anyone who even knew him. But he joined the Air Force in 1988 and spent his career defending my country. I wasn't sure what to expect when I got there but given my past history of patriotic soft-heartedness, knew that there was potential for a few manly tears.

When I arrived at HAFB, I was the only one in the parking lot who wasn't a veteran. I was the youngest of the group...I didn't have any veteran's patches on my leather jacket. I didn't have on a bandanna and I immediately went back to the days of a 7th Grader's first day of school. I spoke with several men as we waited for our instructions. One man asked me if I was a veteran. I told him no and that I felt a little out of place amongst these veterans. He told me not to worry. He explained that these veterans get more excited to see a civilian than they do fellow veterans. It shows them that someone cares besides the group of veterans that were there.

We proceeded out onto base. About 40 riders parked their bikes and were given full sized flags. We stood in parallel flag lines outside a hangar on the flight line. The hangar doors opened and the widow and her family proceeded between the flag lines. Congressmen and decorated officers followed. Once the family was out on the flight line, F-16's flew over the family in the missing man formation and the lead jet shot heavenward directly above us. It was a very moving experience to be part of.

As I stood there saluting and holding an American flag for this man and the hundreds of people who attended his funeral, I thought to myself..."What qualifies you to even be here? You're not a veteran. Your life has never been threatened in defense of your country!" I still don't think I have answers to those questions yet. But I do know that if my country called me, I would. One thing I did realize is that those who have served our country deserve alot more gratitude than they are given.

I got some ocean front property in Arizona.....

2009-03-27T09:26:00.003-06:00

On January 31, 1940, the first monthly retirement check was issued to Ida May Fuller of Ludlow, Vermont, in the amount of $22.54. Miss Fuller, a legal secretary, retired in November 1939. She started collecting benefits in January 1940 at age 65 and lived to be 100 years old, dying in 1975. She worked for three years under the Social Security program. The accumulated tax on her salary during those three years was a total of $24.75. Her initial monthly check was $22.54. During her lifetime she collected a total of $22,888.92 in Social Security benefits. From an actuarial standpoint, the Social Security program started off on the wrong foot.

I also ran across a Sun Life study this week that said 48% of Americans would voluntarily walk away from Social Security and all the money they've paid into it and take no benefits if they never had to pay into the system again. After seeing the good fortune of Ms. Fuller, you'd call those people crazy right? I wouldn't be so quick to make that assumption. Obviously these are younger worker with far less invested in the SS program. But I think most people realize that the word of our government has become worth less and less. Every few years we get a new set of legislators and a new administration that seems to work off of opposite ideals. China has caught on. Why should they buy our debt if we just turn around and print more money?

The math is there. Social Security is paying out far more than it takes in. A person age 65 in 1940 could expect to live another 12 years; today, they may expect to live another 18 years, or 50% longer (Source: 2007 OASDI Trustees Report, Social Security Administration). As 77 million baby boomers – 26% percent of the U.S. population – began retiring in 2008, there will be a dramatic rise in retirees collecting Social Security retirement benefits. Social Security is a system that relies on the taxes paid by wage-earners to pay the benefits for retirees. When Social Security was created, there were 41 workers to each retiree. Today, there are 3.3 workers for every retiree. By 2030, it is estimated that there will only be 2.2 workers to support every retiree. The U.S. Department of the Treasury, charged with managing the Social Security trust funds, has warned that cash flows could turn negative as soon as 2017, bankrupting the system by 2041. It was not designed to be a retirement savings program, it was designed to get older workers out of the work force to create jobs in the 1930's for younger workers. If I asked you to invest in a company that had this outlook and these financials, would you ever invest with any expectation of getting your money back? No!

If we have learned anything from the current economic problems, it is that this way of life whether in personal life or in government is not sustainable. Sooner or later, someone is caught holding the bag, on the hook for far more than they are able to pay.

Interesting to note that our government seems to have a knack for running things into the ground. I say we give them a shot at Health Care.

Vertically-Disadvantaged Advantages

2009-03-10T23:25:00.001-06:00

We bought a new mattress about 3 months ago. It's a King Size bed with the foam top. It wasn't one night until we realized this bed had it's quirks, just like the old one. Body Indents. Big Kirk sized ones. The bed just kind of swallows you and give you a big polyurethane hug. That's okay if you're always a back sleeper-which we try to be- but often find the belly position with the crumpled-up snuggle pillow a bit too tempting. So we are faced with a great dilemma. Become exclusively back sleepers or get another bank account-draining mattress. Unless there's another way....

I am 5'7" on a good day. My feet comfortably reach my motorcycle pegs if I wear my thick-heeled boots. I look for Levi's that are freakishly labelled with as short a leg as possible. Usually a 29". So I am slightly inseam-challenged...we all have our challenges. My wife is 5'3". You can see where I am headed with this can't you?

So we started sleeping sideways on the new mattress. It's 6 inches shorter but 6 inches wider. Feet don't hang off and I could drop a boat load of bowling balls from unmentionable heights without waking my sweetheart-she's 9 feet away! And no idents! It's a mattress-manufacturing conspiracy. They are in bed with the chiropractors.

Sonora Grill

2009-03-06T15:02:00.003-07:00

So if you have ever been to the Sonora Grill, you know it's pretty tasty food. It is right by my office and I enjoy it for client lunches as the food is quite impressive. I went to school with the owner and admire them for coming into downtown Ogden. They are also great marketers. They are having a Blog giveaway for a free dinner for 6 people and if I link to their blog, I am entered in the drawing more times. You may be one of the lucky ones that I pick to go with me. Oh how I love the power of the Internet! So go to their website and check them out. The Chili Verde is divine.

Economic Entertainment

2009-02-26T21:14:00.003-07:00

The most beautiful part about President Obama's speech the other night to Congress was the entertainment factor. It was almost like watching those old TV's that had picture-in-picture where you could watch three shows at once. In the main screen you got to see what could be considered the beginning of modern socialism. In the upper right-hand screen, you got to see the geriatric channel's version of jazzercising in a pant suit by The San Fransicko treat Nancy Pelosi. On the upper left you got to see the modern Alice in Wonderland's version of the Cheshire cat grinning creepily from ear to ear. And to bring it all together, the geriatric was racing the Cheshire to see who could give the creepiest botox smile and stand up first to applaud the President's vagueness. I was partly concerned that she might break her brittle bones while clapping so enthusiastically. I never knew she was quite so adamant about the whole socialism thing. The clap-off/stand-up off with VP Biden was more entertaining than Michelle Obama's sleeveless number.

Please entertain yourself here.

I am also constantly amazed at the power our new president possesses in controlling the financial markets. His ability to speak so vaguely about the bailout-of-the-week/economic recovery plan of the day instills so much confidence in Wall Street and the investors of the country that the market drops faster than the charts can keep up. I usually watch the DOW and if it drops abruptly I know our President has stepped in front of a camera again. Here's my economic recovery plan......stay home President Obama. I hear you have a bowling alley in the white house. No one cares how nebulous you speak when you're amongst your Hollywood friends who are lobbying for their favorite pet project. Maybe you could tell your friend George Clooney that you have a concrete plan that might, potentially, solve or mediate some or all the problems in Dafur and surrounding areas that maybe you'll unveil in a few units of time. And my plan doesn't cost a dime.

Protect your Brain

2009-02-20T22:01:00.004-07:00

While riding my motorcycle down Ogden Canyon this afternoon, after visiting the great white north that is Ogden Valley I was reminded of why I wear a helmet. I was heartlessly and randomly struck by a few pieces of falling ice. It was the universe's way of telling me it loved me I guess. It woke me from my riding daze with all the political and economic garbage running through my mind. In retrospect, it was kind of nice to get hit squarely in the head by a blunt object.

Legislative Bribery

2009-02-18T22:39:00.003-07:00

I don't mean to be cynical (most of the time). But I find myself often thinking in a way that I don't like to admit. But here goes....

When I or my wife goes out to buy something for Christmas, birthday, Valentine's Day, we go out and spend our money on each other and often times I think it would be easier to if she wrote me a check from our joint bank account, saved herself the trip, the shopping and the fretting over what to gift me and told me to go deposit it in the bank. Now I know that defeats the purpose and I wouldn't ever suggest she do that but I see a parallel with our current state in our stimulus crazed society.

We are printing/borrowing trillions of dollars to stimulate our economy. The money we are borrowing is being spent on US citizens to merely appease them and win their favor.

Let me expound...
$500 Billion of the $789 Billion stimulus is ear marked for spending. According to Recovery.gov, President Obama's Stimulus propaganda website, the following areas of the economy will get stimulated. Everyone is screaming for stimulation.

1. Education and "Training"-$53 Billion-Paid to Universities, professors and appeasement to very liberal teacher's unions.
2. State and Local Fiscal Relief-$144 Billion-Paid to states that have demonstrated their love for ultra-liberal economic and social programs that have helped bring these states like New York and California to their knees. Also states full of liberals.
3.Health Care-$59 Billion-Also paid to a professional industry that has a vested interest in Obama and his checkbook.
4. Energy-$43 Billion-Money sent to hippies to do research on solar and wind power. None of which will actually help us with our dependence on foreign oil. Paid to those who helped Obama get elected.
5.Protecting the Vulnerable-$81 Billion-Obviously we need to help everyone who is in trouble. The vulnerable vote too.
6.Infrastructure and Science-$111 Billion- Paid to Scientists who will eventually find that we are indeed ruining the planet from all of our roads and bridges we build.
The following is from Recovery.org......

"...The money is being distributed by Federal agencies, and soon you'll be able to see where it's going -- to which states, to which congressional districts, even to which Federal contractors. As soon as we are able to, we'll display that information visually in maps, charts, and graphics."

This is almost laughable to me. They either don't have any idea where the money will be spent yet, or they know and they aren't saying. "As soon as we know.." Good one. My name is Kirk and I have a bridge I'd like to sell you.

This is a big fruit basket with a billion dollars to all of those who either helped Obama get into office, support a cause that Obama does or is simply nothing more than helping those who will in turn vote for Mr. Obama and their democratic congressmen who "helped them out" with some free money. Those who will be receiving help will most likely be those who don't pay taxes anyway. To me it is simply legislated bribery.

Wouldn't it be a lot easier if we just wrote ourselves a big check? We are taking money from one pocket, putting it in the other and wishing ourselves happy anniversary. At least President Obama has taken the time to go shopping.

House of Cards

2009-02-14T14:47:00.004-07:00

So I was in bed last night and trying to shut the brain down when I thought of a blog post topic. I told Carin that I had a topic and she asked what it was. I said, "Well, you'll just have to read my blog." So here goes honey.

I have been quite miffed about the whole "Stimulus" package getting slapped together and shoved through the congress like a fast food hamburger at lunch hour. I feel as though the government, although elected by the people, has far too much power to spend, regulate and control the lives of the American people. Never would the founders of this country have approved of this type of governmental intervention in such a massive way.

In what world would a person with more than 3 brain cells believe that a bill, drafted of more than a thousand pages and that stands more than 8 inches thick is the product of politicians since President Obama's inauguration. This bill is the product of years of liberal planning, plotting and positioning a myriad of liberal causes and awaiting the day that there would be a Congress so gutless and morally bankrupt as we have now to present their holy grail of all funding bills to an inexperienced and frankly scared junior President. They've been unable to pass most of their socialist garbage when it's been tried in bills that have been able to be read and debated but this is the liberal socialists' golden opportunity of all golden opportunities and they are not about to let this slip by. I would say shame on the Congress, I would say shame on the President but I say shame on the American people for electing people who they do not hold accountable. Shame on the American people for electing people who have shown themselves to be willing to sell their souls for power and money. We are getting exactly what we deserve. Call it being gullible, call it stupidity or call it willful ignorance if you want, but please don't call it honest politics. This is the culmination of years worth of liberal drafting and lobbying. We the American people are supposed to believe that the President and his cabinet carefully put together a thousand pages of legislation in less than a week? Uh-huh. So how did he do it? Hmmm. All he had to do was look down his list of donors and people whom he owes political favors and take their orders. It is now in a bill that is so urgent that we must get it passed before Princess Pelosi leaves on her European vacation. So urgent that not one member of Congress read it. Perfect. If I were a liberal, I would be cackling right now.

So why would the Congress pass this legislation before each member had a chance to read it? You now have your answer. It's their life's work. As I watch our Congress spend almost a trillion dollars of our money we don't have, I realize something. The Congress is oddly transgressing in the same manner as those who now are being punished for not reading their mortgage contract before signing for a 1 year balloon ARM with no income documentation. However, we now know that there is a day that house of cards comes crashing down in a smouldering heap of ash and I can only hope that all the Congressmen who voted yes on this bill are in the House when it does.

Basketball.....Church Basketball

2009-02-13T23:10:00.002-07:00

So I admit, after not picking up a basketball or really practicing my shooting for a decade, I am pretty out of practice and shape to be running the floor but I promised I would go to this week's Elder's Basketball game. Ah the memories......it hasn't changed a bit. Arriving a few minutes early, I got to witness the end of a tight game. I just stood there and laughed. The first 30 seconds consisted of an overhand power throw to the body of the opponent, yelling, pouting, taunting and threats to leave and walk out. As I stood there laughing, I didn't know what to think, other than, geez I'm glad we aren't playing them!

As we suited up in our fancy mormon-mesh jerseys, we were called together for an opening prayer. Oh how weird that felt. A wise friend from the ward and I were talking about the uneasy tension that still lingered as the previous players were leaving the gym. He suggested how different the game of church basketball might be if there was both an opening and closing prayer. It might not end up with everyone standing in a circle holding hands and singing hymns but it might lead to fewer fist fight in the parking lot. By the way, the team we played were gentlemen, friends and we had a lot of fun. And they kicked our trash. Mmmm, just like old times.

Times they are a changin'

2009-02-09T22:23:00.003-07:00

Things have taken a turn for the worse. I rarely check the Drudge Report anymore. I haven't yelled "Amen" at my radio in weeks and I can't even enjoy a good cable news program anymore. Maybe it's just the wearing down of a person's soul that jumps into the floating cesspool of politics for years at a time that causes this condition. As bad as President Bush's grammar and overall grasp of the English language was, I would still make it through his State of the Union speeches, rare press conferences and occasional public speaking engagements with neery a small headache. However, our new President inspires more than just Hope and Change in me.(notice the capitalization, they are now holy words) He has already bettered my life with his historic presidency. I watch much less of the raggedly worn news anchors. I am also slowly starting to listen to music again. Music really is a great thing. I speak with my coworkers and family more about the things that matter in personal life and less about bitter political differences. But most of all President Obama has brought to light the use of the word that will change my life forever. Uh.

Now, when I can't think of what to say when I forget to get dressed and walk in front of the open windows in the morning in front of the neighborhood bus stop, I will have something to stall with until I can get some pants on. Now, when I answer my wife's phone and am compelled to guess who it is before suffering through a long guess who's talking bit, I will be able to fake my way through with a few extra uhs. Did you get your home teaching numbers in yet this month? Uh......can you hold on a sec?....................yup. Did you remember to bring home that package from the office for me? Uh......let me go check! Did you leave the car in drive? Uh.....be right back! See! It's an amazing word that if it weren't for our new uh....President, I would have never known that by using the word uh, you could be labeled an articulate speaker! Maybe this is actually a turn for the better!

Please check this link out. Watch the master in action in this video.

It's a bird, it's a plane, it's an unemployment line! No it's a free Denny's Breakfast!

2009-02-03T21:25:00.003-07:00

Millions of people ate a "Grand Slam" breakfast today on the house at Denny's. During the Superbowl, they advertised the offer and I expected that those who usually eat at Denny's may take advantage of the offer. However, this morning on my way to work, I thought maybe I'd consumed some Michael Phelps Bong water for breakfast. I thought I was hallucinating. St. Anne's homeless shelter had found a new home between Sizzler and Office Max on 12th and Washington. A massive line 5 or 6 people wide wound out the door, down the side walk and made it way up Washington Blvd a good hundred feet. It was freezing cold! The crowd just around the bus stop was more than I'd ever seen. I wondered if these crazies had ever actually eaten a $4.99 Grand Slam Breakfast. It's nothing to write home about I'm sure. Mind you not everyone had taken the UTA bus to get to Denny's because the parking lot filled Office Max and Sizzler as well. I guess if you are starving enough to wait in the cold for 3 or 4 hours to indulge in 2 pancakes, 2 eggs, 2 strips of bacon and 2 sausage links, you'd better get off work, get in your car, drive to Ogden and spend the day elbow wrestling other fellow gum-scrapers for hours to get a $5 gut bomb. Obviously, Denny's got their money's worth in word of mouth advertising.

Coming out of the Closet

2009-02-02T21:55:00.006-07:00

If my reader is still there, no I am not dead. I just haven't been blogging for a couple weeks. A great trip to Southern California with my dad to the granddaddy of all car shows, my parent's new tile floor and the Superbowl...I can't complain. It's really not for a lack of news, political fodder or Olympic athletes huffing bongs. There's been plenty, I just haven't felt like my thoughts have been worthy of publishing on a blog. I don't know what has changed, my thoughts are probably still not worthy but I am going to start up again. Sorry to all you that have enjoyed the past two weeks.

Sometimes I hate to write about politics because it all gets said in the media. I don't like to regurgitate ditto-points or hannitized talking points. Although there is a lot of truth in some of what they say, I don't feel like that's what I want the blog to be about. If you want to hear all about it, you can. If you want to read about something different, then I invite you to check back.

Since my last post about inflation was such a big hit(sarcasm), I will talk about another unintended consequence of the current economic turmoil. And add this to my list of "write it downs". Pres. Obama's massive $1.2 Trillion "stimulus" bill is supposed to jump start our economy with unbelievably irresponsible spending that has as much to do with stimulating our economy as buying a new house has to do with a polar bear's next meal. If passed, it will contribute even further to our fiat money problem and the future liability of our children. As we have all endured the housing meltdown together, there may be another round of mutual suffering ahead. Here is another scenario that could affect the country.

I don't know about you but if tomorrow I woke up without a job, couldn't find a job, fell behind on my house payment I would use the credit that I have acquired to stay current. I think that many Americans have credit cards that they have never used, that are tucked away somewhere without a balance. (Closet Credit) Before I lost my house or filed bankruptcy, I would use that credit to keep my family in the house and food on the table. If things didn't turn around, at that point, you would find yourself both behind on your payments and in credit card debt, with no income. What effect would this have on the economy? Probably a very similar "housing meltdown" effect on the banking industry as they absorb this bad debt and write off losses well beyond their ability to endure.

If you have a mailbox, you know that credit cards were offered and given out more liberally than a mortgage in the Bronx. The math on a 10% interest credit card is massive when you figure the minimum payments on the average debt for the American family. Hundreds of thousands of dollars are transferred over a lifetime. Obviously the banks didn't need any arm-twisting to extend this credit.

Now they are backtracking. I recently received a letter in the mail from none other than our new penny stock banking giant Citi. It said something like this.

Dear Valued Customer,

We have noticed that you have not used our credit card with us for over 2 years. We understand that your banking needs may have changed. We have taken the liberty of closing your account for you.

Love always and forever,

Citibank

(Translation)

Dear Lucky Guy without any debt,

Why didn't you use your credit card? We spent thousands in marketing to get you to sign up! And for what? What- do you pay for things in cash? We are now scared that you will actually use it now and won't pay us back so we are closing your account. Hope you keep your job.

We won't be mailing you again (we can't afford it),

Citibank

These banks that are already over their heads in debt, plummeting stock prices and layoffs realized this scenario better than anyone. So if you're looking for another economic disaster, watch for the closet debt to "come out of the closet". And don't be surprised if picket lines start forming soon thereafter.

I'd like to buy a newspaper.....That will be $1 Billion dollars Sir.

2009-01-21T21:18:00.005-07:00

Something has been on my mind lately. I have discussed it almost daily with friends and colleagues. I have been trying to figure out a way to make what seems to be like a fourth-Sunday topic into something worth reading. So here goes....

I am extremely concerned about the amount of money our government is spending, printing and incentivizing. In history, this method has served no country well. Only hurt the long term interests of struggling nations. Forgive the coming ueber-simplified history lesson.

In post WWI Germany, the government found itself strapped with massive war debt. With no one willing to buy their country's debt, the government resorted to the equivalent of printing money. As the massive debt continued to increase, confidence in the governments ability to pay its obligations and already issued bonds begins to plummet. Consumer confidence was wiped out. The temptation of government to inflate increased.

Government did not want to upset the people with higher taxes, so it borrowed the war debt expecting the Allies to foot the bill after the war. When things didn't go as they thought, they monetized the debt. In reality, the equivalent of printing money. To compound things even worse, the German mark took a dive after the war reparations were announced and the new socialist party had promised multitudes of social welfare programs that over obligated an already strapped government. Confidence in the mark kept plummeting making the mark worth less and less and as it did, people started getting rid of their hoarded marks, flooding the market with massive amounts of money.

50 Million mark banknote from 1923

Caught in a Teufel's-Kreis the government, now dealing with a fully-employed and brutally underpaid workforce, had to deal with the poverty of a third world country. They kept printing money. Germany had 300 paper mills and 150 printing companies working night and day printing money as fast as they could. Most of the money was worthless by the time it was printed. Workers were paid three times a day because the the value of the money was usually worthless by the end of the day. Prices were doubling in a matter of hours. To illustrate, the price of a stamp in 1923 reached $50 Billion marks. Some of the results of these high prices and devaluation of the mark...
1. People's life savings were wiped out overnight
2. People were forced to sell personal belongings to eat
3. Food and clothing were the most valuable commodities
4. People burned German marks instead of firewood to heat their homes because it was cheaper than buying firewood.
5. The largest bill issued by the German government was $100 Trillion marks
6. Life Insurance policies became worthless

One of the main reasons that inflation grabbed hold so fast in 1922-23 in Germany was the velocity of money. Money flooded the market, the government kept printing money (if they kept printing money and inflating, the debt they had incurred was in effect, erased) and people's sole goal in life was to spend their money before it was worthless and eat their next meal. The government blamed everyone but themselves siting the stiff reparations of the Treaty of Versailles and the greedy speculators that bet against the mark. Life was horrible. The government was it's own worst enemy. Debt, spending and government interaction all contributed.

Allow me to indulge for a small moment.....I am not chicken little but I believe that our federal reserve can only pull so many rabbits out of the hat until the spaghetti doesn't stick to the wall. Ben Bernake has admitted repeatedly that the fed's rate cuts are not affecting the economy the way they should. Our national debt is $11 + Trillion, our entitlements for Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security are a giant ponzi scheme run by the government which hasn't even seen the start of the baby boomers. We have a newly elected liberal socialist government that has promised and over-promised our country things it can't begin to afford without borrowing from foreign countries. Our dollar has dropped against other currencies and other nations are not accepting our government issued treasuries as an iron-clad guarantee anymore. Consumer confidence is dropping and we are involved in 2 wars and a pretty strong recession. Conservative estimates peg the money that people are hoarding on the side lines in our current recession at $2-4 Trillion dollars. As we spend $750 Billion on bailouts, over a trillion on fiscal stimulus and hand out rebate checks to those who pay no taxes, we had better hope that our dollar is worth something and that China still wants to buy our treasuries because when our economy bounces back and people deploy this money into the markets, we will experience inflation. And not the normal kind. Do I think that we'll be burning money, no. Do I think we need to sell everything we have and buy gold? No. Do I think we should have the often counseled and responsible year's worth of food supply? Obviously. After examining the situation I don't think the Jimmy Carter era was a one hit wonder after all. Get out of debt and be responsibly prepared for inflation. We are a hankering for it people. What's that saying about history again?

Inauguration-What I Hope

2009-01-20T10:48:00.003-07:00

An historic day.....a new president.....a few thoughts.

I hope Mr. Obama is successful. I hope he can inspire confidence in a nation of doubt. I hope he can do what he has promised for our country. I wish him well. I love this country. Because I love my country he will be my president. Regardless, of my opposing stance to most of his agenda, I will address him as President, I will acknowledge his presidency as valid and I will give him the benefit of the doubt as the democratically elected leader of the nation. I will not give any idea a free pass, but I believe deep down that he is a good man that means well for our country and will do his best to lead us. That is all we can ask of anyone in his office.

That being said, I hope one more thing-For people to understand that this great country is not in need of fixing. Her heroes and martyrs have built her and continue the fight for freedom in our behalf. America provides a purpose for which our government operates. That purpose is to advance the nations citizens to a personal level of responsibility and civility. Our country herself is not broken. Our country is strong. Our country is not in need of repair. Our people are. Our people have made the mistakes that have us where we are today. Our people have judged incorrectly and we have made for ourselves the series of consequences as a result of our actions. Our great country stands only as a benefactor for us. When we improve ourselves, we will once again see a smiling nation. She is only waiting.

Avoid Costly Repairs

2009-01-16T22:37:00.003-07:00

We were watching TV when a commercial came on for Doug Smith Dodge. Car dealerships must be pretty hard up for slogans or selling points. The new selling point that they have come up with is this...."Avoid costly repairs of your old truck, save $14,500 on a new one!" Are you kidding me? Avoid a costly repair and spend $35,000 instead on a new truck!? I wonder why they can't sell any cars.? It's okay, they could always get some more bailout money. I guess.

Korean Car Companies like Hyundai are offering specials like their "Assurance Program" that states if you buy a new car from them and you lose your job, you can bring your car back. Now this is desperate marketing people. Oh course they'd buy your car back at about half what you paid. Idiots.

Racism is so 19th Century!

2009-01-15T19:54:00.003-07:00

With the upcoming inauguration of Obama, it seems as if our country is obsessed with the subject of race again. In the media, I have heard several ludicrous stories just in the past few days that lead me to believe that racism and it's ugly head are here to stay for as long as there is an America.

A traditional Alabama-based group of women will be marching in the inaugural parade in their southern style ball dresses reminiscent of "Gone with the Wind" The leader of the Alabama NAACP is outraged that they are allowed to be in the parade sighting his disgust based on the outfits the women wear saying they remind him of a plantation and the days of slavery.

When discussing the appointment of the next Senator from Illinois, Harry Ried requested that the nominee not be one of three black men but rather one of two white women. This was not widely reported in the press. If anyone but a democrat would have made the same request, he would have been hung out to dry by the nation's race hustlers. And when Ronald Burris went to be confirmed the new Junior Senator from Illinois and was turned away, he immediately drew out the race card accusing the democratic leadership of being racist. It worked. Within a day the democrats were so scared, they agreed to seat him.

Black Preachers have gathered in Salt Lake City to protest Robert Redford and his Sundance film festival because he is opposed to oil drilling near national parks in Utah. They claim he is a racist for not supporting the drilling for oil because he hates poor black people that will not be able to afford to heat their homes.

The National Press seems to be obsessed that there are not more Black college football coaches in the NCAA.

Black leaders declare that the election of Barack Obama is but a down payment for America's history of racism.

A state of emergency had to be declared in Washington DC by President Bush to acquire more funding for the inauguration of Obama. More security is needed. Federal officials cited a considerable amount of chatter from lunatic racist groups in causing a disruption of the inauguration of America's first black president. The inauguration will cost an estimated $150 Million dollars to stage.

I have a strong opinion on all of these issues...of which I am not going to share in this post. My purpose is to start a discussion about why we as Americans discuss race so much when we all (well I hope we all) claim that we don't think race matters. We claim it is the character of a man that qualifies him for the job. It is not the color of one's skin that makes him better or worse than another. After Obama got elected, I naively hoped that America would begin to heal it's racial wounds-that we could move past the finger pointing and the distrust between races. We don't need to forget about racism and slavery but we don't need to nitpick each other in every facet of our lives and accuse others of suppressing, offending or degrading each other. There is plenty of racism in America. I readily admit that. The problem is racism has not been definitively defined. My opinion is this-Racism is the hatred of someone because of the color of their skin. There are white racist and there are black racists. White racism ranges from the closet white racists to the vocal, militant white supremacist. So does black racism. Many of the "civil rights activists" are so caught up in blaming others and victimizing themselves and their race that they hate those who they think have wronged them. By definition, they hate because of the color of one's skin. Fortunate for them, they have America's awful history and the holy cloak of civil rights to hide under to shield themselves from any criticism. This is not the civil rights movement of Dr. King. Blacks are not denied the right to do anything in today's America. Sadly, that's hard to admit for an organization that's sole purpose is to find racism and squash it dead. There will always be racism as long as it is sought.

What outrage would there be if the was a cable TV station to rival BET (Black Entertainment Network) called the WET (White Entertainment Network)? Or if there was an organization called the NAAWP? Or an awards show for white actors only? How about an all white college?Seems to me if race doesn't matter, then why the division and double standard?

It has been 150 years since slavery. Whites don't owe black people an apology because their ancestors were slaves. My ancestors had nothing to do with slavery but if it helps, I am sorry that your great great great great great grandparents were slaves. Sincerely. Now let's move on. I hope the day will come when we can stop pointing fingers, accusing each other and live our lives together in a way that has nothing to do with what race we were born. We are all children of God, he loves us all the same and it is only we who keep holding ourselves back.

True or False? Share your prediction for 2009!

2009-01-13T09:15:00.002-07:00

Bad Financial Predictions of 2008-(Be careful where you get your news.)

The average year-end 2008 prediction for the S&P 500 made by 9 Wall Street equity strategists on 1/02/08 was 1612, a forecast that called for a gain of +10% for the year. Instead, the S&P 500 finished 2008 at 903, down 37% on a total return basis (source: USA Today).

Russian oil executive Alexei Miller predicted in June 2008 that the price of oil would reach $250 a barrel in 2009. Oil closed last Friday at $40.83 a barrel (source: Financial Times).

In a 5/17/07 speech in Chicago, Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke said that Federal Reserve officials "believe the effect of the troubles in the subprime sector on the broader housing market will likely be limited, and we do not expect significant spillovers from the subprime market to the rest of the economy or to the financial system" (source: Federal Reserve).

At a symposium in Jackson Hole, WY on 8/31/07, Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke said that "it is not the responsibility of the Federal Reserve – nor would it be appropriate – to protect lenders and investors from the consequences of their financial decisions" (source: Federal Reserve).

A survey of 112 US money managers released on 11/05/07 predicted the outcome of the November 2008 presidential election. 61% of the managers believed Hillary Clinton would win the White House. Taking 2nd place in the poll was Rudy Giuliani with 15% of the vote (source: Barron’s).

In a 5/16/08 speech in Washington, Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson said "we are closer to the end of the market turmoil than the beginning. Looking forward, I expect the financial markets will be driven less by the recent turmoil and more by the recovery of the housing sector" (source: Treasury Department).

An article questioning Bernie Madoff’s investment strategy (titled "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell") appeared in print on 5/07/01, 7 ½ years before his Ponzi scheme was discovered. When asked about the investment policy that he utilized, Madoff replied "it’s a proprietary strategy and I can’t go into it in great detail" (source: Barron’s).

So who are the real experts if our experts seem to know no better than the next guy? I would like to ask my readers to make some predictions on the comments of this post and in a year we will see how many were accurate. And don't worry about being wrong...taxpayers pay big salaries to guys that are wrong apparently a lot.

Comment away......!

Watch out they spit!

2009-01-11T21:40:00.005-07:00

Why doesn't this surprise me?!?!?!?!

All gutted, tagged and in transport!

30-06 rifle with Leupold Scope- $650 dollars

Out of State Elk License -$600 dollars

Gas to drive from New York -$700 dollars

Taking a Trophy Montana Llama- Priceless...............

Kirk's Bank Holding Company Charter Effective 01/08/09

2009-01-07T22:00:00.004-07:00

I have to get something off my chest. It probably doesn't bother anyone else or even matter in the end it just drives me crazy every time I hear it and I am going to expose it for what it is.

Have you ever heard the commercials advertising a savings account or CD that end by saying something like "Our account pays 9 times the national savings average"....?

Since the national savings average commonly dips below 0%, when Americans spend more than they make, I don't see how this claim has much clout. Also, why in the world does it matter that the interest rate on their accounts pays x-amount times the national savings average? They are completely unrelated in almost every way. It's like saying "our cars get twice the gas mileage of the average snow blower."

It is absolutely, without question deceptive advertising. They know when the average person who hears that commercial thinks, "Hey, that account pays 9 times more than others." It is a swindle people.

Let me do the math for them

-0.5% x (any amount deposited)= 0% (0% APR) ----I will also be accepting deposits effective tomorrow.

Ponzi

2009-01-07T10:46:00.001-07:00

What an apt comparison! I laughed as I read this realizing how true it really is.

"Bernard Madoff, who stands accused of bilking sophisticated investors out of $50 billion, is reported to have told two of his executives that his business was 'a giant Ponzi scheme.' Politicians go on and on about Wall Street 'greed' and 'irresponsibility.' But Madoff's scam was small compared to Ponzi schemes the government itself runs: Social Security and Medicare. In reality, our money, rather than being invested and kept in an actual 'trust fund,' is immediately given to current retirees in Social Security benefits or to their healthcare providers in Medicare benefits. The government's promise to pay for your retirement pension and medical care is just a promise. And a lie." --John Stossel

MIA

2009-01-06T22:03:00.003-07:00

As of late our President-Elect Obama has, in my opinion been missing in action.

Hamas has been launching rockets from civilian-dense neighborhoods on Israel inciting a ground offensive of the Gaza strip to route out the terrorists. Hundreds of people have been killed and no end in sight. Demonstrations against Israel have popped up around the country (especially in San Fran Freako) protesting Israel's defense of itself. If Israel was dropping bombs on Palestine and the Palestinians defended themselves, the media and pot-head freakiziods would be calling for the US to condemn Israel's actions and send in billions to help the poor Arabs. Since Israel is our strongest, if not only real ally in the middle east, you would think that the President Elect would at least express a solid opinion on the matter.

Governor Blagojevic allegedly was selling Obama's vacated Senate seat. Obama gave a couple sound bites about how he was disappointed and that it was a sad day for Illinois but where was the outrage? It was HIS senate seat! Of course he would have an interest in who would take his job. You would. However, he stayed quiet and in the background. Disgraced Governor still appoints Roland Burris as senator. He shows up in Washington and is denied entrance into the Senate. "My people tried to reach out to them(Obama); I don't think we heard anything,'' Burris said. Obama:no comment. Too controversial because Mr. Burris is black. Too much talk about race and it's role in the appointment. "Better stay clear of this one as long as possible, sir."

In the midst of all the cabinet appointments, I have heard little to no real comments about the economy. It has been a topic apparently forgotten about. Recently, there have been some talks about "tax-breaks" for businesses and tax credits to all Americans. (Topic for another day) In reality this is nothing more than another form of corporate and individual welfare. Obama's aids are out talking but where is the President Elect?

Obama will soon appoint Clintonite Leon Penetta to the head of the CIA that has no real Intelligence-gathering experience to be the nations top "spy" to protect America against terrorist threats. Somehow this does not comfort me. He does so without consultation with Diane Feinstein, Senate Intelligence Committee Chairwoman. Now he has an old mean-liberal Californian woman on his bad side. Afterwards he apologized for not consulting with her first. Sorry. I'll be at the gym if you need me.

The common excuse for his inaction is that there is only one president at a time and he doesn't believe he should intervene with his opinions. Listen, we all know that Bush is already writing a book and it too busy packing boxes to move back to Crawford, so why not? He had no problem expressing his opinions during the election on current events. Why is he now so careful about what he says? I hope that Obama changes what seems to be a track record of inability to take a strong stance on issues. If there is one thing I did like about Bush, it was his grit when it came to standing up for what he thought was right. Of course on some pretty cut and dry, up or down votes in the Illinios Senate, Obama voted a unopinionated "present" 129 times so I guess we shouldn't be surprised by his inability to make a stand for something.

No-Drama Obama. I'd just hate to have to be the guy's White House Chef. "I'll have Steak, no chicken, no I was born in Hawaii, I feel like Spam tonight-no--ah fix me whatever you think is best."

We were the BEST..Unless

2009-01-05T22:13:00.005-07:00

In the land of the free and the home of the competitive, one would think that as popular as college football is, there would be a definitive way to determine a champion. There are three teams full of eager college students that will have to live the rest of their lives telling their kids they were the national champions when in reality they will never know. The Undefeated Utah, Victorious one-loss Texas or the winner of the Oklahoma/Florida game will be the benefactor of a righteously flawed system that is more concerned with who has the money and who gets to keep the money that actually crowning a collegiate champion. Even hush money is paid to those schools who, if they threw a big enough fit about the flaws in the BCS system might spoil the party. Notre Dame gets over a million bucks a year whether they win a BCS bowl bid or not. Someone is greasing the skids for the greatest scam since the quiet size reduction of ice cream containers. You won't catch me wearing a BCS T-shirt anytime soon. I say Boo.

1,2,3 Kick 'em in the Knee

2009-01-02T21:05:00.002-07:00

I have always routed for BYU. I liked a lot of their old time players-mostly QB's-McMann, Young, Detmer, Bosco etc. I also always liked the calmness and professional demeanor of LaVell Edwards. I also grew up not liking the Utah Utes. I didn't care for McBride or Majerus or many of their players. Any coach that can scream the F-word at his team knowing that cameras are on him is no role model for kids in my opinion. Since my childhood, I have watched the BYU/Utah games and have formed some of my own opinions.

I hate it when people call it the "Holy War." It starts as a rivalry, soon escalating to bitterness and ending in a crescendo of absolute hatred. Holy War? Somehow implying that the Utes are the non-believing mongrels fighting the Holy Crusaders of BYU? I have been to several Utah/BYU games and am always amazed at the ignorance and absolute lack of civility between blue and red wearing fans. It actually gets annoying to go to the game. Elsewhere in the country, there are many rivalries bigger and older than the Cougar/Utes. I have noticed though that these are healthy rivalries. There is a mutual respect among fans (granted some exceptions) but it doesn't have the same religious/cultural stigma that the Utah based rivalry does. Recognizing the fact that not all Mormons are BYU fans and not all non-Mormons are Utah fans, I am merely calling it how I see it-As if somehow the winner rules the state as a Mormon/non-Mormon territory for the next year? Perhaps it is only an outlet for frustration that builds between Mormons/non-Mormons all year and the game just gives them a socially acceptable outlet to scream and shake fists at each other. So I'm not sure that I have another "Holy War" in me for 2009. If it's a football game, and a competitive one, I'm a fan.

So here I sit typing, watching the Utah Utes represent the MWC and defeat the SEC's crown jewel Alabama Crimson Tide. I'm glad that a team from Utah did so well. I think Kyle Whittingham is a classy coach and that reflects on his players as well.

So do me a favor, if you are a fan of either of these Utah teams, and you hear someone call it the "Holy War" act civil and kick 'em in the knee.

Gay Crocodiles

2008-12-22T14:30:00.004-07:00

When Carin and I were first married, we had the bunny-ear TV set that got very limited selection in our town house. We were forced to watch a lot of public television and nature programs as these were usually the best channels for reception. We watched a nature special once about this mammoth crocodile that was killing villagers and they'd sent hunters in to find, apprehend and kill the ferocious beast. The program was well-put together and kept us in suspense for the whole two hour special. The program ended and they didn't catch the blasted crocodile! It just ended! So now, when this happens with other shows we call them crocodile shows. We watched one last night.

National Geographic has been hyping the crud out of their new "Identical Twins- In the Womb" special for like 2 months. Since we have identical twins, we recorded it and were excited to watch it because the commercials said that they had made some breakthrough discoveries and new science behind identical twins. We watched the entire hour long special hoping that there would be something ground-breaking or important said. In a nutshell, this is what national geographic proved in their hour long special.

1. When the fertilized egg is eight days old, certain cells start with a small electrical shock and then other cells also start pulsating. These cells become a beating human heart. In their words, "the organizer" tells what cells to do what. Never eluding that this is a miracle by any definition of the word with no obvious scientific explanation. The narrator constantly refers to the fetus as an organism or growing tissue.

2. They posed the age old question on whether or not people are born gay. Asking the question they admit has no scientific answer, they then base all research done with assuming people are born gay. They proceeded in using identical twins, one gay one straight to prove that it is nature that chooses the sexual preference by the amount of testosterone absorbed while in the womb. They never once even bring up the topic that it may be a case of choice. So a fetus barely a month old already has a sexual preference in the eyes of the producer of this show.

Carin and I turned to one another at the same time and realized that in the scientifically-liberal minded eyes of NATGEO, a baby was assigned it's holy gayness as a sexual preference long before it was even recognized as a human being. In what world do people live that can study such a science and see cells immediately separating, multiplying, taking on specific tasks and building the most advanced form of life on this earth and not recognize this as living human being? It is completely ironic and near sickening to me that "advanced-science" will assign a sexual preference to a "tissue" and won't even admit that it is a living human being.

I came to the conclusion that the program's sole purpose was to try to prove that people are born gay. So the program drags on and on with the same repetitive script, same slow-motion video clips of the same people while the narrator rearranges the already old and widely accepted science of twins. Nothing new at all. The program ends with a 30 second recap of everything the program took 60 minutes to tell. False advertising I say! I want that hour of my life back. It was a total crocodile show. We will now refer to it as a gay crocodile show.

Have your Pizza Delivered.....

2008-12-19T23:18:00.004-07:00

So in honor of Friday night, snowstorms and the upcoming winter solstice celebration, we decided to get Papa Murphy's pizza tonight for dinner. We love their Gourmet Chicken Garlic. Anyway, the one beef I have with PM is even if you call in and order your pizza, you still have to stand in line with all the other hungry yah-whos to pay for your pizza. Even at 4:30 tonight the line was out the door. So while standing in line, I get to listen to a mother who should receive he annoying mother of the year award. Let me paint the picture.

Mother, 2 year old, 6 year old-standing two patrons in front of me in line. 6 year old is very excited about all the neon lights, letters and fun things to see in PM. He says things like "Hey Mom! There's a "W" like in Wagon!" She proceeds to, in a very loud voice, repeat what the 6 year old just said. "Yes your right! You are a genius! You are the smartest boy in the whole wide world!! What other letters do you see?" (as she looks around the crowded room to see who else is watching her 6 year old recite the alphabet.) This continues, thanks to a SUPER-slow cashier for 20 minutes and a minimum of 30 more letters and super loud exchanges so that everyone in the place could see that her son knew his alphabet. I'm not faulting the kid bu the mother. Now I am not sure if I have ever done this with my daughter because I know all of us think that our kids are both the cutest and the smartest but it made me aware to never even come close to the public "dog and pony-show and tell" this lady subjected all of us to. I felt like telling her I had a 3 year old that can do the same thing but I figured that would burst her pizza crust bubble, so I stayed quiet.

I told Carin and my 3 year old daughter the story when I got home and my daughter said, "Daddy, were you standing in a line?" I said,"Yes sweetheart we were in a line." She asked, was the line straight like a capital "I"? I'd put my 3 year old up against that chick's first grader any day.

The pizza was magnificent though! I'm just glad I wasn't in a restaurant eating next to this lady.

Experience the Power of Change!

2008-12-18T22:48:00.004-07:00

I don't know if you have heard MSNBC's new tag line for themselves but now that the election is over, they have apparently stopped trying to hide the fact that they are a cable news station that's blatantly infatuated with Obama and purely giddy about Bush leaving Washington.

A short trailer complete with flowing flags and flattering profiles of Joe Scarbourough, Chris (Obama sends a tingle up my leg) Matthews, Keith Olbermann, Rachel Maddow and David Gregory flashes across the screen with the announcer stating "Stay with MSNBC and experience the power of CHANGE!" I thought that at a minimum the news channels were supposed to at least say they were unbiased. They may be a little nervous about more than twice the cable news viewer getting their news from FOX because their commentators are much less abrasive and condescending. I also enjoy how much FOX news is vilified. Sure they have conservative commentators but they don't advertise the entire news network as a power of good for a certain political figure. Experience the Power of Change! Do you think they meant changing the channel or more along the lines of if I save my pocket change that I can someday afford to go to Disneyland?

Hippie Nose Picker

2008-12-17T20:04:00.003-07:00

So I saw a disturbing bumper sticker today. It said in "Obama We Trust". Obviously a blatant play on "In God We Trust". So much for the argument that liberals don't see Obama as a Messianic Savior. My only solace when I passed the hippie car at a stop light, the fool was picking his nose. Fantastic.

Breaking News of California's New Budget Proposal for 2009

2008-12-16T20:03:00.005-07:00

So we all know that several states are in dire need of money because they were too stupid to save any money in the past when tax revenues were high. Many have asked for emergency bailout money from the federal government and have received a sypathetic ear almost everywhere.

Today governor Patterson of New York proposed a new budget that only increased 1% over last year! Glorious Revolution!!! I'm completely out of money so I'm just increasing what I spend by 1%. In a state where everything is regulated, taxed, incentivized and ueber-liberal, there will now be 88 new fees and/or taxes for those cash-strapped New Yarkers.

Some include an "iPod tax" that charges state and local sales tax for "digitally delivered entertainment services", State sales tax at movie theaters, sporting events, taxis, buses, limousines and cable and satellite TV and radio, costlier driving with the repeal of the 8-cents-per-gallon sales tax cap on motor and diesel motor fuel, plus and increase in the auto rental tax, tuition increases at state colleges, a 50 cent tax on cigars, no more sales tax break on clothes and shoes worth $110 or less, except during two weeks a year, higher taxes on wine, beer and flavored malt beverages. He would also impose an 18% tax on non-nutritional drinks like soda. The rich would pay more for luxury items through an additional 5% tax imposed on cars costing more than $60,000, aircraft costing more than $500,000, yachts costing at least $200,000 and jewelry and furs costing in excess of $20,000. In addition, a host of a fees, including those related to motor vehicle licensing and registration, parks and auto insurance, would go up, as would various state-imposed fines. Source here.

Glorious Revolution has obtained an exclusive copy of Republiliberal Governor Arnold Scharzenegger's notes for a news conference tomorrow and I have taken the liberty of posting them here. With both of my readers, this should help get the word out.

Fellow Citizens of the Great State of California, (to be read in an Austrian accent)

The following steps will be used to help ease the pain of the state checkbook.

1. Christmas lights-They are a waste of energy and a source of marital divisiveness. Christmas is an offensive Christian holiday anyway not celebrated by most progressives in California or at least not in the Bay Area.

2. Public television-Under the current tax code, too much valuable entertainment such as "Celtic Woman" and "Riverdance" has been given away for free for too long for those willing to watch the telethon commercials.

3. Drive In's-Old fashioned hamburgers and shakes have to be double taxed. If you want to enjoy them you will be paying dearly. They fatten you first of all and second of all, if you eat in your car you will be polluting the environment. "Idling eaters" would be ticketed.

4. Mini-Vans-This is an indirect tax on large families-Specifically bigoted "Pro-8" Mormon families. They are over-populating our already stressed planet with religious children and a mini-van tax should curb their overactive libidos. At least until the economy is back on track.

5. Carpet in General-Carpet is a petroleum product and contributes to the overall demise of mankind and must have a tax levied against it to promote eco-friendly floors such as dirt and bamboo.

6. Roast Beef-regular Glorious Revolution readers already know how much pollution those darn cows make.

7. Toilet Tax-Private johns will be taxed by the flush to deter water wasters and help with recent pay increases to the local sanitation workers union. Toilet paper will be extra. Citizens are counseled to compost their own waste and use it for composting home grown salsa gardens.

8. Fruit and Vegetable Tax-for those who don't heed afore-mentioned waste composting counsel.

9. Running Water tax-civilizations did without it for thousands of years and it didn't kill them...oh wait....

10. Grass Tax-any citizen with more than 10 square feet of lawn for their dog to do it's business on will be taxed at a rate of $5 per square foot per month until the grass dies and is replaced by xero-scaping.

11. Mail tax-this has been a service provided by the federal government but we are still going to tax it. It will still be available for those who really need it.

Hey at least we're not infringing upon the rights of i-pod owners like NY!! That's ridiculous.

Scary because you know some might actually be tried!

Kirk's "Ode to TOY" in C-Minor

2008-12-14T22:59:00.007-07:00

If there can be something more frustrating than buying or selling a car, I would like to know about it. Today while sitting at a stop sign waiting for traffic to pass, I looked to my left where I saw a young teenage girl taking a snowy, notoriously icy corner way too fast. I grimaced as she realized she was traveling way too fast not t-bone me. Lucky for me, I only had two scout-aged boys and a young girl and a snow blower in the truck. Luckily it was a slow speed skid accident that only crumpled the drivers door leaving it entirely inoperable and left no one scarred or jarred to death. So here's my dilemma....

I had just expressed my undying love for my 1991 Toyota 4x4 to my wife this weekend for it's unrefined nature, ability to climb a tree, haul a motorcycle, act as a temporary garbage can, haul a yard of topsoil, get freakishly good gas mileage and never leave me wanting for anything a big fancy truck could offer. I love my little truck! So today, after the accident, I realize that to an insurance company, my truck is worth at most about $1500. To replace and paint a door will be at least that so now I am left at the beginning again, looking for a truck that offers everything I loved about the truck that now sits in my driveway with a driver's door that won't shut. Just when I thought the car shopping had ended.....Carin and I were about due. It has been about 7 or 8 months since we bought a new automobile. (I'd have said vehicles but we bought two motorcycles this year) So we are currently looking for vehicle number 16 of our short 5 year marriage.....blast.....

Costco Moms

2008-12-13T11:26:00.005-07:00

Last night, Carin and I went out to dinner and went shopping for the kids Christmas. It was very fun to have adult conversation over dinner and during he drive. It's been a while.

I have been frequenting the fine establishment of Costco and have come to a few conclusions. I have coined the phrase "Costco Mom." If someone else has coined this they have not yet trademarked it so I am claiming it as my own. Costco members are different. You never go into Costco and run into "the scary crowd" like you do at Walmart in Harrisville at midnight. Perhaps it is the lack of drug trafficking and meth labs in close proximity to Costco that tends not to draw as much riffraf.

The term Costco Mom can be used interchangeably with Escalade Mom. The nicely "done up"-I-just-dropped-by-on-my-way-home-from-the-gym (and I'm fabulous) look. Perhaps it is the yearly membership that draws a more "sophisticated" shopping crowd but there's not many other places that you could ask your wife to pick up some Brazilian mangoes, wine in a box, Tillamook cheese and while she's at it, buy a set of Michelins and a 65" plasma screen. I'm not stereotyping every mom that shops at Costco as a spoiled money-spender "Costco Mom" but I think you know what I mean-at least you should if you've ever shopped there. I personally think Costco should sponsor a Costco Mom Beauty pageant. I know I'd buy a ticket. The Costco Queen could have her picture on all the flat screens as you walk in! Oh the prestige!

I have also noticed that most everyone at Costco is quite friendly and courteous...that is until it comes to standing in line at the refreshment stand for the last churro or slice of pizza. Hunger will turn the nicest person into a ravenous wolf.

As a stark contrast to our first stop of the evening, we stopped by Shopko on 12th and Washington on our way home. Shopko is the only store that blatantly and flagrantly offends my intelligence on purpose. We were looking for a plastic storage bin. We found exactly what we needed. The only problem was the price for a small plastic container was $34.99. Lucky for us though, Shopko was having a generous 50% off sale that graciously reduced the price to $17.50 for a bin worth no more than $6.00. Thanks Shopko. I wouldn't recommend Shopko at 10 pm anyway. But, they are always having killer 50% off sales!

Please leave a comment if you are a Costco mom who has taken offense to this post.

No Smoking or Swearing...kids....

2008-12-09T23:08:00.009-07:00

I swear this stuff comes pouring out of Illinois like Cub fans out of Wrigley field in the 7th inning......

I was so glad to hear that President-Elect Obama has pledged not to smoke in the White House! What a stand up guy! I sure do appreciate you not defiling a national landmark. Perhaps he'd like to explain to the school kids in DARE programs why he chooses to smoke in the first place. How about quitting Sir?

Out of work and out of gusto to go get another job, hundreds of workers at an Illinois window factory decided to sit-in until they got all their vacation time they are owed under the union contracts. Bank of America , recipient of bailout money, pulled the company's line of credit which is used for payroll. Obviously the company closed it's doors and the workers threw a tizzy. Yesterday, Illinois Governor Ron Blogovosovischischoviscijic told the union teamsters and the employees of the window company that the state of Illinois would no longer do business with the Bank of America. So now, the Bank of America gives back the line of credit to a company tha is out of business to pay the workers their vacation pay and the Bank of America will have to write off the bad debt. Hmmm. I wonder who will end up buying that bad debt from them? If you pay taxes, raise your hand.

If yesterday wasn't a big enough day for the governor, the now-shamed Illinois Governor Ron Blogovosovicishischoviscijic also gets an F for his example to little kids with his ****'n good **** language. Oh yeah and the federal corruption charges as well. Almost forgot to mention that he was selling a senate seat. Does this guy look a little like a white pastey John Travolta or what??

So in summary, Illinois leadership has taught us some important lessons this week.

1. Smoking is cool.
2. If you throw a big enough fit, opposition will cave under threats
3. If you hold public office, you can say or do any ****** thing you want

Hope you kids are listening!

Wirth Remembering

2008-12-07T22:34:00.006-07:00

Carin and I went down to the First Presidency Christmas Devotional tonight in Salt Lake. It was really good. The messages were excellent and the conference center amazes me every time I go there. As the entire congregation closed the meeting by singing Silent Night, I thought back on my mission where the song originated. Silent Night was written in Oberndorf Austria and holds a special place in the hearts of Austrians. So much so that it is sacrilege to sing it but on the "Holy Night" which is Dec. 24th. They take their Silent Night pretty seriously. Pictured above is the Silent Night memorial chapel in Oberndorf Austria wear Franz Gruber first played Silent Night on Dec 24, 1818.

I also thought of the wonderful man that we lost this week in Elder Wirthlin. Elder Wirthlin served in the Swiss/Austria mission as a young man and always has loved that part of the world. His daughter lives in our ward and he was in a sacrament meeting at our ward just after I received my call to Austria. He was so excited to hear of my call and spoke with me about the spiritual time it was in his life.

Eighteen months later, while serving in Innsbruck, I got word that Elder Wirthlin was coming to Salzburg for a young adult fireside. I obtained permission to take an investigator who was very close to baptism to the meeting in Salzburg. Most in the congregation spoke English and as Elder Wirthlin spoke, I started to translate for my investigator. After a few minutes he told me I didn't have to translate anymore. He could feel Elder Wirthlin's spirit and knew what he was saying was true. He sat and enjoyed Elder Wirthlin's spirit the whole meeting with tears in his eyes.

After the meeting, I took our investigator up to meet Elder Wirthlin. He saw me and recognized me as the Elder he met in North Ogden going on a mission to Vienna Austria. Mind you he was 82 at the time and probably met thousands of people at each speaking engagement. This impressed me and I wrote that night in my journal about Elder Wirthlin and the spirit he brought to the meeting. He signed a copy of our investigator's Book of Mormon. It became a treasure for this man and his family who thereafter became the first family to be baptized in Innsbruck in 20+ years.

I hold a special place in my heart for Elder Wirthlin. He will be missed. I won't soon forget him.

Ribeye Anyone?

2008-12-05T22:13:00.012-07:00

The Environmental Protection Agency has proposed a new fee on dairy and cattle farmers. They would be subject to a fee of $175 per dairy cow, $87.50 for beef cattle and $20 for each pig. This would add $30,000 to $40,000 of expense to the average cattle business. You might ask yourself why. Cows and pigs emit too many toxic gasses from their rumps that harm the environment. If the nutjobs vegetarians at the EPA/Sierra Club/PETA can come up with this laughable proposal, I think we might be able to report and fine some friends and relatives after Thanksgiving dinners. Yet another source of revenue for government! Let's use these fees to work on cloning gasless cows. Who could we tax for the wild buffalo and mustang herds? Just because you don't eat meat people......I seriously am laughing out loud as I write this! You just might see an added charge next time you go out for Mexican.

Blanca Rosalis of El Paso, TX is asking for someone to take her 9 year old daughter from her. You see she has to work graveyard shifts just to get by and only gets to spend an hour with her daughter each day. On the news tonight, she was quoted as saying, "It's just come to where I need my job more than I need my child." Excuse me? Now she gets to blame the economy right? Or Bush....that excuse is only good for another 7 weeks. I'm hoping she would rephrase this statement if asked. Poor little girl....I hope mom didn't record that news story to play back for her daughter in 20 years. Warm Fuzzies all over!

O.J. Simpson got his day in court today. Sentenced to up to 33 years in prison. The judge made it clear to him that his sentence was for the act of armed robbery and not because we all know he got off Scott-free for murder in 1995. However, the family of Ron Goldman made a statement today that thanks to them O.J. is finally in jail. They claim if they hadn't continuously sought after the $34 Million settlement in the wrongful death suit, O.J. wouldn't have been so desperate. So for all of you that wished O.J. had gotten his the first time around, the Goldman's want you to know that it just wouldn't have been possible without them. In prison I'm sure he'll just tell everyone that "the Goldmans made me do it".

As a final funny occurrence of the day I drove to work today next to a company work truck. The name of the business was "Erection and Fabrication". I'm assuming it to be some type of scaffolding company or something. However, I was disappointed that there was no tag line under that reading "Two things we men excel at".

A Letter to My Bank

2008-12-05T09:24:00.001-07:00

Dear Sirs,

In light of what seems to be happening internationally with banks at the moment, I was wondering if you could advise me. If one of my checks is returned marked "insufficient funds," how do I know whether that refers to me or to you?

Sincerely,
Kirk

Merry Christmas My Overly Sensitive Atheist Friend

2008-12-03T22:57:00.006-07:00

Merry Christmas Everyone! It is December so I guess it's okay to say now. I'm usually not one to listen to Christmas music before December let alone before Thanksgiving dishes have been done. Lately there have been several instances in the news in which the phrase "Merry Christmas" has been the hot topic of debate.

Senator Chris Buttars, known for his old-man racially-insensitive vocabulary is having a non-binding resolution drafted for the 2009 legislature in which he asks retailers "not to exclude Christmas from their holiday greetings." He claims that employees of a local company complained to him regarding their company's policy of not being able to say "Merry Christmas" to their patrons.

Here's my take...I'm obviously of the persuasion that we started as and are largely still a Christian Nation in which we celebrate Christmas as the birth of God's Son on earth. It is not a Winter Solstice celebration, nor is it a "Valentine's Day" holiday created by the greeting card companies. (Although retailers have certainly capitalized on America's hunger for a heaping portion of Mammon) This is a holiday that means something to the majority of Americans in which they celebrate the birth and life of their Savior. Just because I might offend someone who signs on as an atheist does not mean I don't have the right to say it. I am a proponent of freedom of speech and don't believe that a Christian's freedom of speech is less valuable than the rights of an atheist. This is however unfortunately the way our "judges" seem to interpret the law. How ironic when Atheists sue for the “separation of church and state” and then demand that the courts uphold their “belief” that there is no god. If someone wished me a happy Hanukkah, I would be honored-not offended. Nor am I offended when someone wishes me Happy Holidays.

A second almost unbelievable story here.

That being said, I have never understood the purpose of our legislatures passing a "non-binding resolution." In essence it is a suggestion to send a "message." Senator Buttars is surely well-intentioned in his bringing to light something that is already in the noon-day sun. In our current economic state and the socially progressive-programmed state of our State/Country, why do we need to spend both taxpayer money and legislature's time in "sending a message" to people who have obviously already made the conscious decision to ignore the Christian meaning of Christmas. Such political disorientation and detours from his real purpose as a senator cause me to pause and reflect why he was elected in the first place. If he is going to propose legislation, he should try doing something that will actually become a law that will solve the state's problems, not poke the already angry dog. Such legislation, however well-intentioned only widens the gap between those who identify themselves as Atheists and Christians.

Isn't the spirit of Christmas to bring people together and show Christlike love to one another for at least a few days out of the year? For someone belonging to a political party that claims that it stands for smaller government and less governmental interference in the lives of Americans, he sure has a funny way of showing it.

Merry Christmas Everyone....

Are you Picking Your Nose Right Now? Be honest....

2008-12-02T13:30:00.008-07:00

I'm blessed with a nice view of the sunset from my office window. I overlook 22nd Street and Kiesel Avenue in Ogden. I have a nice bird's eye view of the Children's Treehouse Museum. It has become apparent to me that people behave much differently when they think no one is looking. I get to see the kids come and go on the school bus and many people walk the sidewalk but this is not the most exciting part of the day.

Mothers often lose their cool with their kids right outside the door after being so nice while "in public"

People often pick their nose/butts after looking around to make sure no one is looking before getting in their cars.

Frustration abounds when they try opening the doors before the Treehouse opens at 10 am.

Mothers get defensive with each other when someone tries crowding the line.

Even more frustration when they try with all their might to pull the doors open. After trying both doors and stomping their feet that the place is locked, someone else comes and pushes them open. Eureka!

Ogden City has a police officer whose sole job is to enforce the 2 hour parking on Kiesel Ave. I don't know what he does between his rounds but he has got to use an entire piece of tire chalk a day marking people's tires. I guess it's good to know that there's a traffic cop presence in inner-city Ogden taking care of the city's real problem-2.5 hour parkers!

In case you're wondering, I do work while at work.....my windows are just so big! And people are so weird.......

I may be demented for enjoying this stuff but you have to admit that it makes you wonder what these people do in private.

Blog-Cramp

2008-11-29T23:16:00.004-07:00

In a relatively quiet political environment since the elections, I find myself really lacking in the blog topic department-Here are some of the choices I have to choose from......................

Al Franken-Liberal, foul-mouthed nutcase comedian running for Minnesota Senate Seat involved in a recount of votes since he lost by so little-Minnesota has a knack for electing nutjobs...Ask Jesse Ventura.

Black Friday-Mental Institutions nationwide are searching for escapees this weekend. They have warned that they will trample fellow human beings to buy a DVD for $9. Is the current state of our economy so bad that our populous has resulted to acting like savages to secure their treasured bargains?

Terrorist Attacks in India-Good luck figuring out who's behind all the killing of Jewish Rabbis in India. It's obviously white conservative gun-owners who are mad that the Republicans lost the election. Maybe we ought to quit acting like we don't realize that all these folks are Islamic Fundamentalists and start profiling these people. If our nuclear-equipped-mentally-unstable comrades of India and Pakistan decide to wage war on one another, get ready for your calls to be answered in another country. Just when I get used to Johnny Singh's accent! Blast!

Twilight- Some movie/book phenomenon occurring around the country that has women everywhere more excited than when Senjiah was voted off American Idol. At the movies last night i heard a girl in the popcorn line talking about the next two movies in the Twilight series. She claimed she was so excited she couldn't sleep. Obviously it's going to be a rough little while for her and the males in her life.

Disney Movies-While watching Peter Pan with my three year old today, I realized how incredibly politically incorrect these old movies are today. But thanks to Peter Pan and his animated red Indian friends and their rousing rendition of "Why the Red Man's Red" I know understand that mystery completely. Unlike Peter Pan...these films would never fly today...and frankly I'm surprised that the Anti-Defamation League and their cohorts haven't made a bigger fuss about it. I actually enjoyed Peter Pan immensely...

So I don't know.....is any of it really worth expounding on?

The reason they make Movie Theatres

2008-11-28T23:35:00.001-07:00

Why do men love Bond? Bond Movies have always epitomised the manly man's idea of a testosterone-filled mission that incorporates every aspect of a man's fantasy land; full of masterfully crafted car chases in supercars, willy-nilly gun fights (without consequence) and mysteriously exotic women. Daniel Craig is the perfect Bond...no wonder the women like to help him find his stationary. My review of the new Quantum of Solace can be summed up in Bond-like fashion. Good..........Very Good.

Thank you KSL!

2008-11-26T22:18:00.006-07:00

Deseret News/ KSL-TV has done another wonderful piece of reporting in the Deseret News this week. Yesterday's paper had the following headline "Obama urges swift stimulus action" Directly below was a poll, which I have tried to take a picture of and post here. The poll asked a total of 406 people if they are currently employed. 57% said yes and 43% said no. Excuse me?! This jumped off the page at first (which I think goes along with their investigative reporting tactics that scare you to death to breathe on a foggy day when it's a full moon) What surprised me even more than Utah apparently having a 43% unemployment rate was the headline next to it that was related to the poll. "JOBS: Most Utah workers say they'll be employed in '09." Really? The same 406 people you asked if they were unemployed? Even more surprising was the fact that about 20% of the text in the article was explaining their poll numbers. "Twenty eight percent of the respondents were over the age 65 and most all of these people said they were not working. But 23 to 30 percent of those in the other age groups interviewed also said they were not employed, with the exception of those ages 35-44. For that age group just 12 percent said they were not employed"

Thanks for explaining yourself! You might want to conduct a poll of "workers" on people who are actually "working". Is this not alarming to anyone else? The poll on the front page was practically fabricated to induce reading. They might want to stop setting up their polling stations at the senior center and the local Labor Ready. I don't think that a poll of 406 people has much if many clout at all...and I didn't even go to journalism school. If Utah had even a 12% unemployment rate, we'd be more than twice the national average. Now that would be a front page news story!

In reaction to the Headline about the need for another stimulus, (which we were so nicely excluded from), I took this picture today at Costco. It is the line after checkout to show your receipt to just get out the door. There were so many people there on a Wednesday afternoon that had already paid, that the line was about 50 people long to just get out of the place. Most weren't just buying cheese and a pair of pants either. Apparently 50" flat screens were the hot buy today. Maybe KSL should do a news story about how there seems to be no recession or slow-down in spending in an isolated area of South Ogden Utah.

KSL might be better served to just run a classifieds site and call it good.

Listen to this...

2008-11-25T00:42:00.006-07:00

Check out this artist...his name is Xavier Rudd. He's from Australia and has a very interesting laid-back surfer sound. A little bit Dave Matthews, a little Jack Johnson, some didgerydoo and some wicked pickin'! Makes we want to play again. I put some of his tracks in the playlist in the sidebar. He's got a really great talent with dynamics in his songs. Give it a listen.

Pardons, Rosie, and Bailouts

2008-11-24T22:40:00.005-07:00

Retraction requested-I read a comment on a blog of a friend about how the President really doesn't have that much power because of the checks and balances in our government. In your Utopian dreams buddy. Farce! Cockamamie! D's vote with D's and R's vote with R's. Everyone with a (D) or (R) next to their name has to vote with "their" president or be refused democratic/republican communion. The days of Representative government that thinks more about what's right for the country and less about what's self-dealing are nirvanic antiquities. There are very few real patriots in our current government.

Anyway...I digress..the Presidential pardon is an interesting part of our constitution. It enables the President to commute a sentence or pardon someone outright regardless of their crimes. I know Clinton and even Reagan did their fair share of pardoning in their days in office..mostly near the end of their terms. Does anyone else find it interesting that the President can be the judge of all judges and override the sentences of those convicted by trial? All I can say is I'd be pretty ticked off if I spent a 2 months serving jury duty to convict a guy and then the president said "It's okay...you are really a good person...and I love you...so I am going to set you free....because I can!" Seems pretty crazy to me. I need to figure out why the founders put that in the Constitution..they had to have a better reason than to excuse tax fraud and bank embezzlers from their prison "duties". By the way Mr. President, if you could swing it, I'd like a pardon from work this week....thanks.

Rosie O'Donnell-She has her own "variety" show? Come on NBC! I know revenues for advertising are down and that the major TV networks are asking for bailout money too but come on! So they can't sell enough advertising to fund their programming budgets-and they think people will want to advertise during a Rosie O'Donnell variety hour? Must be giving away free airtime. I'd personally rather watch a naked Rosanne Barr at a fast trot on a treadmill for an hour. (honestly try the visual for more than 5 seconds) Whatever is being passed around the boardroom table at NBC programming meetings must be pretty strong.

The Citi never Sleeps...Citi finally got their bailout today. Goodie. $20 Billion now and $306 Billion dollars of freakin' taxpayer money to grow on. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Thanks Citi...glad we could help out with your business ventures. My future grandchildren would thank you. What's in your wallet?

Fiscally Responsible Government? Yes! Kind of....

2008-11-22T21:55:00.011-07:00

So imagine my surprise this weekend when the front page of the newspaper announced that our favorite permanent government contractor UDOT was not starting around $4 Billion dollars worth of projects that were slated to start next year.

You may ask, why was I surprised. Well, perhaps it's cynicism about government, lack of faith in elected officials or just an overall negative vibe I get about government but I was actually happy to see this headline on Friday.

Many people are really broke up about all these projects that they want done and are throwing a hissy about their project not getting done. If I may be Frank for a moment and not Kirk. I applaud our state government and UDOT officials for this decision. They are practicing what I have been talking about in our nations plethora of failing businesses and industries asking for bailouts from the federal government, our state has made a very commendable decision.

It's not that they don't have the money now to fund the projects. It's the fact that they foresee some economic slowdowns ahead and are saving the money to meet the other obligations of government. Ho-rah! You mean government is saving it's money and looking into the future to avoid a shortfall in revenue? Good work.

It's not as if UDOT is going to let little potholes turn into big sinkholes, enveloping entire city blocks. They just aren't starting any new projects because the bonds they issue will be paid for by tax revenues(which are down). Imagine my surprise when I opened the paper and found a story of a government office exercising responsibility with tax dollars! As a result of these actions, I don't think that you will soon find the state of Utah lined up in the state bailout line behind California, New York and Nevada (who is by the way, lobbying officials to alter Nevada State law to decrease the legal gambling age to 18 to help out these poor, suffering casino owners that are verging on having to sell their 19th Ferrari to keep their penthouses.) They should really read our newspapers down there in sin city.

This announcement may affect some jobs in Utah, but maybe they will finally figure out that it doesn't take 10 guys to fill a pothole and practice a little business sense now that it seems like they are doing the right thing and pinch some pennies. Granted Utah state law mandates a balanced budget but I still give props to UDOT who has a little now-demonstrated clout when it talks about fiscal responsibility and looking into the future without reckless abandon (at least on the budget side).

A Little Over the TOP

2008-11-19T23:09:00.004-07:00

So I spent the last 12 hours with some brilliant minds today. I had a conference with some economists and marketplace reps that gave some interesting perspective on the current financial situation in our country. The resounding consensus was a positive one. Yes, there are some major problems that the economy is going through and even some in the future. But for those who didn't retire last year without proper planning or those who were planning on retiring within the next year, your outlook should be one of educated confidence. These are not unprecedented times. Yes there are some changes that we will all have to deal with but faith in our system and our people should remain for a long term perspective.

I had an interesting experience the other day at lunch. Carin's dad and I went to Jake's Over the Top for lunch and walked in just in time. Following close behind was what sounded like a flock of wild geese in heat. I am hoping for humanity's sake that they were no older than college freshmen at Weber State. Probably 5 girls and 4 boys. If you've ever been to Jake's up by Weber State in Ogden, you know it is close dining quarters. As we sat and tried to eat our lunch, we had to strain to even hear ourselves talk over the incessant laughter, screaming, rough-housing and adolescent behavior unbecoming of anyone over the age of 3 or 4. We walked out and savored the relative silence that was Harrison Blvd during the lunchtime rush hour and both asked the question, "Why do girls think that is attractive to act like that around boys?" Having fortunately left that awkward dating stage behind, I did not envy those creatures seeking to impress the opposite sex. I had to seek further advice from my wife on the matter and she explained that it was a combo of two things that make girls act this way. I'll take her advice as she has a degree in this.

1. Nervousness around the boys. Obviously these girls were not shy but maybe nervous that they were not married at the ripe old age of 19.
2. To get attention in a group. I couldn't tell who made the most ruckus. They all did a pretty good job in my book.

My intent of this post is to make any young reader aware that as a third party to such obnoxious behavior, it is obvious that neither male nor female enjoys this environment. If you are a newly post-adolescent female trying to impress the male counterpart, try fewer decibels in the laughing department and acting like a lady. Honestly, you've already got the boys' attention. You are eating his cheese fries.

For guys, don't be afraid to tell the girls that they are making your ears bleed and would rather be kissing instead. Lunch would be much more enjoyable for the masses.

In the animal kingdom, I thought the males usually threw up their feathers and strutted to get the girls' favor? Perhaps they should be banned from public places until they've bred.

Count the Passes

2008-11-18T10:10:00.004-07:00

Watch this video and leave a comment with your thoughts.

Bailout of the Week

2008-11-16T21:57:00.004-07:00

I read the newspaper again today. Seriously I need to stop. If it's not a story about angries protesting Proposition 8 or the Obama's new dog, it inevitably reverts back to a story about a laundry list of companies that are either on the verge of going out of business or are waiting to go out of business until they get some help from the government.

The "Big Three" automakers are on the verge of closing their doors. Ford, GM and Chrysler are the lifeblood of the Midwest economy and a major cog in the national economy. In 1979, Chrysler was struggling financially due to massive recalls on some of their more popular models. Their large gas guzzling cars in the 70's didn't help the situation any. Chrysler received government guarantees on loans in 1979 under Lee Ioacocca. Ioacocca, (who was former president of Ford Motor Company until 1978 and helped innovate the Ford Mustang-One of Ford's most successful and profitable lines) was fired by Ford. Ioacocca was snatched up by Chrysler and started making more fuel efficient and innovated new models that sold in record numbers. Ioacocca brought with him ideas for what is now called the mini-van and small, fuel efficient, compact, front wheel drive cars. They sold like hotcakes and the loans were paid back long before the government required.

The situation the "big three" find themselves in is hardly one of virgin origins. Like downturns of the past, no plan for the future, no innovative new models, no planning for global and economic changes. These big three automakers embody the epitome of reactionary economics. "Wait until something happens and the government will bail us out because they have in the past and we are too big to fail." Wait! I have a better idea!

Try American innovation. Henry Ford did. Try running a business like a household. In the black. Save some cash for a downturn or change in the economy when people might not be buying as many cars. Bet on the future. Imagine something unexpected. Like them or not, the Prius was an idea from Toyota that resonated with many people. Now GM makes hybrid models. Like the Tahoe. It used to get 15 mpg. Now it gets 20. Big flippin' horah! These are not new problems these companies face. The auto industry as a whole has forgotten the lessons of the past, ignored the warning signs and proceeded with reckless abandon with their business models that have proven to fail.

Can we blame all of the woes of the auto industry on automakers? No. They are, like many others, experiencing difficulty because of lack of credit and the current economy. One topic seldom brought up is the UAW (United Auto Workers) one of the country's largest unions. It has a stranglehold on the American car industry. I sat through a continuing education course on health insurance a while back and was stunned to hear that GM spent more on its employees' health care in 2007 than it did on steel. On steel! Unions have crippled the business with labor contracts so prohibitive and constricting, that the automakers are at an obvious competitive disadvantage with the rest of the world. I believe that Unions do have the workers' best interest at heart but tell me this...if GM goes out of business due to these labor conditions, what good are those benefits to a due-paying member of the union? UAW have publicly declared that they will make no more concessions to the auto industry. Why because you've made so many? Again I say bleh.

The same problem exists in the United States Postal Service. The Postal Workers' Union has done such a great job negotiating contracts throughout the years that 8 out of every 10 dollars are spent on USPS employee compensation and benefits. Tell me what business could survive that model? Perhaps that's why the USPS asked the government for a bailout this week. Double bleh.

If a car company's leadership approached congress with a massive program to innovate new products, change the way people bought cars, expanded new technologies that were actually beneficial and not just a political statement, how much more willing do you think the congress and the average taxpayer would be to lend these companies money? Otherwise, what good would taxpayer money do...delay the obviously inevitable? If you're interested in flushing money down the toilet, I'd suggest a do-it-yourself approach.

Oh by the way...if you're standing in line for a bailout, the line starts here and wraps around the block.

Proposition 8-Forgive the Long Post

2008-11-15T22:02:00.005-07:00

I haven't blogged about Proposition 8 because I see nothing good coming from the hate which spews forth most of the time when it's brought up. This doesn't mean I don't have an opinion. Although I have a strong opinion on the matter itself, most of my opinions have to do with the reaction of the people in opposition to Prop 8. A few thoughts before I hope this thing rests it's weary head.

1. Mormons donated over $15 Million dollars to pass proposition 8. More than any other group. I say great job in standing up for something you believe in.

2. Perhaps Mormons are protective of the traditional form of marriage because of the significance of marriage in their beliefs. As instituted by God, and evidenced by anatomy, a marriage and the act thereof is obviously meant to be between a man and a woman. Noone is telling a gay couple they can't love each other.

3. The state grants favorable rights to those who are married because of the apparent benefit of that marriage to society. I personally don't see the benefit that granting legal marriages to gay couples would bring our society. Every child deserves to be born into a home with a mother and a father. There are obviously examples of the abuse of procreative powers by those who are heterosexual as well.

4. Some gays may be treated differently because their "special sexuality" is often paraded and flaunted in such a way as to cause some sort of purposeful embarrassing discomfort to those who don't share their persuasions. This is no way implies that hate towards gays is justified, rather an explanation as to why they may be ignored or treated as obnoxious. Being gay in 2008 is NOT the same as being African American in the 50's. To suggest such is an insult to blacks. Gays have not been lynched, shot at, killed or made to sit in the back of the bus because they can't marry their partner.

5. A church that has only backed a handful of legislative battles in it's history is now labeled as the definitive source of all discriminatory evil by the gay community. Because Mormons showed massive support they are now labeled as the homophobic church. Bleh.

6. Mormons are obviously the freckle-faced red-headed kid standing in the corner of the playground that that no one likes and is easy pickings for protest. Why not the black Churches that supported it, why not the Catholics? Mormons have always been the low hanging fruit.

7. Boycotts-Enough with the talk of the gay-friendly community boycotting Utah, its ski resorts and film festivals. In protest, many say they won't bring their family back to Utah because of it's discrimination against gays is childish and worthless. On second thought...yes...stay home. They are more than within their rights to not go somewhere because of their beliefs but boycotts are outrageously ignorant. They never work and they only end up hurting people that are unintended victims. Get over yourself and boycott boycotts. On second thought, I am going to do business with those with enough guts to donate money in the name of their business. I ought to help out some of these donors whose businesses are now hurting because of political sabotage.

8. Challenging the Mormon church's tax status...Good one...A church or it's members can't mobilize in a free and democratic process to protect something they believe in? Welcome the the Soviet States of America. Perhaps these people should look in the mirror at their own "tax exempt organizations" (Planned Parenthood, NARAL, NAACP etc. etc. etc.) and see how many liberal policies are formed in these groups. The Mormon church's teachings throughout the past have influenced Mormons' thinking for decades and not the letter that was read throughout the church in June. The letter simply encouraged the action on those beliefs. Faith if you may.

9. Vandalism and intimidation. Those that choose this form of "protest" are deplorable and a disgrace to the freedoms and democracy they so freely use to express their opinions. These acts have no place in a democratic election. Vandalism and intimidation for reason of religious affiliation or political leaning are not covered under the rights afforded them by the Constitution. Perhaps they should try reading the document they so often refer to.

10. I'm cutting this off at number ten....If those for Proposition 8 had lost in the election, they would have been expected to roll over and take it. There would be no churches to protest. There would be no places of worship to vandalize. And if they did protest against the decision, they'd have been label haters, bigots and the such. Double Standard? Now that California has spoken by way of ballot and not judge, there is obviously dissatisfaction with the political processes here in America. Obviously California holds a special place in the gay community's heart-40 other states in our Union have banned gay marriage either by constitutional amendment or through elected officials. Maybe California was the Battle of Little Big Horn. We can only hope.

Naked President in an Elevator

2008-11-13T21:28:00.005-07:00

Three random thoughts tonight.....

I'm going to start taking the stairs at work. The elevator has always been an awkward space for me. Waiting for the elevator, making small talk with someone for 7 seconds, getting off on the wrong floor because I'm so nervous about talking to this stranger and the worst-scanning your card. You see not everyone at the office has an underground parking spot. You have to scan your "Special" card to get down there. So when you climb in the elevator and scan your card to go down it's almost an inadvertent "Hey look at me everybody, my sweet ride doesn't even get rained on!" Little do they know it's a yard truck with rose clippings in the back. I'm not saying anything. Elevators are a horrible invention.

Second, the stock market had it's 3rd biggest rally day in history. Apparently it was because President Bush made a speech this afternoon touting the benefits of capitalism. Honestly? We need to hear that capitalism is the way to go? He asked us all to give capitalism a chance to work. Thanks....that speech alone regained $700 Billion worth of wealth in our country. I would like to be president and do a daily experiment on the power of my own words. On Mondays, I would say things like, "I love to pluck my own ear hair." I would then have a young staffer monitor the national sales of tweezers. The next day, I might suggest that Oreos are really the worlds greatest health food. You can only imagine the fun I would have with the absolute power of suggestion. I would also be the president of the people as I would be open to public suggestion for these experimental speeches.

Third a lesson from my 3 year old daughter. A little background...She is in dance class. We have three floor-to-ceiling windows in the front room that, at night, are almost as reflective as the mirrors at dance class. At bath time she is in charge of getting herself jay-bird naked to get in the tub. This usually happens in front of these open windows. The last three days she got down to her birthday suit with the exception of her socks and does a naked plie for her daddy in front of the whole neighborhood while calmly proclaiming her actions with a simple "Plie!". We've now moved her dressing room to the bathroom in an effort to preserve her future reputation in the neighborhood and retain some sort of modesty. It made me ask myself the question, if I was completely naive and trusting in the world what I would do if I didn't think anyone was watching. As ideas ran through my head, you can bet I considered the naked dance in front of the windows.

Merry Christmas...Now Go get yourself a Ferrari

2008-11-12T10:16:00.006-07:00

Do you remember the seagulls on "Finding Nemo"? Mine.mine.mine.mine.mine.mine. I found their human equivilents.

I wonder sometimes why there is so much distrust in the financial services industry. Probably for the following reasons.

1. American Express Financial Advisors. It always made me wonder why anyone would think it was a good idea to get your financial planning advice from a credit card company. To boot, earlier this week AMEX credit card division abandoned its status as a credit company and gained Federal reserve approval to be a bank holding company so it could be eligible for Federal TARP funding. It apparently needs $3.5 Billion to stay in business.

2. E-trade. The do-it-yourself-because-you-know-better-than-a-professional website that touts being the discount broker is also asking the government for $800 Million. It's apparently made some bad investments in home equity loans. sniff...sniff.....

3. American International Group. Our favorite "world's largest corporation" AIG has spent the initial $85 Billion from the taxpayer and now wants a piece of the financial pie. But not much. Just another $40 Billion.

4. Merrill Lynch. A standard of supposed strength in brokerage houses is now a subsidiary of the Bank of America. Obviously a good acquisition since Bank of America is asking the government for $15 Billion in addition to the $10 Billion Merrill Lynch already received. "Honey, we are bankrupt. But my friend has a Ferrari and I bought it so it wouldn't be repossessed."

5. Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan. The last two investment bankers in the world. Not anymore. They have died their hair and got a little plastic surgery and are now bank holding companies-enabling them to ask the treasury for a sugar-daddy loan. Apparently they have a need to reach their hand in the treat bag as well. At the tune of $25 Billion a piece.

This hasn't stopped Wall Street Bankers from getting their year end bonuses. Somewhere around $200,000 a piece. Merry Christmas to you. ooops.. I mean Happy Holidays.

I can't understand why people are so cautious about big corporations that handle their money. It just doesn't make any sense. Do you think if I sit hear with my mouth wide open, do you think the government would drop something in my mouth for doing nothing? Oh yeah...that's the welfare program. Silly me.

Ye-Haw Buckaroo.

2008-11-10T13:44:00.006-07:00

Two posts in one day I know...but in an effort to understand the reason why so many people in our country have leaned to the left, I consulted the thesaurus. I found my answer.

For your consideration
The thesaurus defines conservatism as bourgeois, constant, controlled, conventional, die-hard, fearful, firm, fogyish, fuddy-duddy*, guarded, hard hat, hidebound, holding to, illiberal, in a rut, inflexible, middle-of-the-road*, not extreme, obstinate, old guard*, old line, orthodox, quiet, reactionary, redneck*, right, right of center, right-wing, sober, stable, steady, timid, Tory, traditional, traditionalistic, unchangeable, unchanging, uncreative, undaring, unimaginative, unprogressive, white bread

Liberalism is defined as advanced, avant-garde, broad, broad-minded, enlightened, flexible, free, general, high-minded, humanistic, humanitarian, indulgent, intelligent, interested, latitudinarian, left, lenient, libertarian, loose, magnanimous, permissive, radical, rational, reasonable, receiving, receptive, reformist, tolerant, unbiased, unbigoted, unconventional, understanding, unorthodox, unprejudiced

Which would you pick to be labeled? Redneck or Intelligent? Obviously the younger generation in particular chooses to take the route of the populist. Perhaps it's the written definition of conservatism and the way conservatives are perceived that drive people to their pre-conceived notions about conservatism. I, for one, do not feel that a conservative is unimaginative, unprogessive and "white bread". There are plenty of free thinkers out there that are conservatives. Perhaps what is needed is a redefinition of the word conservatism or at least an explanation of what a conservative stands for.

I'll do my best.

Conservatism- the school of thought that America was built on standards, and moral foundations that have served our country well and should not be abandoned. Conservatism does not equal racism, bigotry, prejudice or the umbrella of the uncreative. And I triple-dog-dare anyone to debate that. Perhaps there are those in the Republican party that call themselves conservative that embody these unwanted virtues, however I don't appreciate being labeled as a dogmatic sheep that is afraid of anything that doesn't speak English or have ancestral origins in western Europe. I'm my own thinker, and I don't appreciate being told I am an idiot for believing in traditional values. I ask the question-"What's left in our society outside of our own Sunday worship that identifies our country as one that believes in anything but itself?" It's under attack in our anthem, on our money, gone in our schools, and mocked in our media. I find value in standing up for the only part of our political/social system that seems to have any trace of moral worth left to be found in an ever increasing, godless and secularist society. Does this mean I am a religious fanatic? No. Does this mean I want everyone to convert to Christianity at the end of a bayonet? No. I do believe that when government has the ability to remove all likeness of religion from our lives and is run without morals and the thinking of men trumps what a man's conscience and heart dictates to him as moral, then we can all sit back and watch the country let her last air bubble rise to the surface as we see our country sink into the black abyss that is apathetic acceptance of secularism. I choose not to ignore this. I'm a conservative and if the dictionary and the masses label that a redneck, I say ye-haw buckaroo.

Pass the Duct Tape!

2008-11-10T12:11:00.004-07:00

Here is something interesting and disturbing. Valerie Jarrett, the co-chair of the Obama transition team, must be feeling a little sheepish among her colleagues today after her appearance on Meet the Press. President elect Obama will of course be ready to to rule our country as soon as the mantel falls. In what country do we live again? Perhaps there's been a little confusion among the transition team. Although there will likely me magical waterfalls, emissions free unicorns who've mastered their evacuative functions to reduce CO2 and monarch butterflies dancing atop honey covered lollipops after January 20th, I don't think we live in a new fantasy land ruled by a messianic ruler the likes C.S. Lewis never imagined for the Chronicles of Narnia.

As I recall, we now see on every news outlet the liberals of our fine country claiming to be the victors of party politics and the flag bearers of post-partisanship. It's been a while since I earned my "Citizenship in the Nation" merit badge but it may be time to open the text book and realize that the word "civics" refers to more than just an economical little Honda.

If I wanted to be ruled I would live in Venezuela, Russia, Iran or the likes.

Perhaps I am wrong. Perhaps we are being ruled already under guise of democracy. I'd just like to think that the freedoms and liberties that our military forces have so bravely fought and died for are not so trivial as to make such a remark that our country will soon be ruled by Obama and his socialist minions.

And Happy 233rd Birthday to the Marine Corps. Thank you for your service.

Obama's transition team may have to use a bit of duct tape to keep the Freuds in his circle from slipping again.

Speaking of duct tape, these guys have way too much time on their hands. Click here. Very entertaining.

Will you please pass the Blackberry Jam?

2008-11-09T16:15:00.010-07:00

My wife is awesome. She is the model wife. Example. She understands that I think if I am talking, she is listening. She also understands that if she's talking to me, it's really a crap shoot to assume that I am giving her the same respect. She deals with me with great understanding.

I say incredibly stupid things that would make most women cry off a whole tube of mascara and lock themselves in the bedroom until they received a pound of chocolate to open the door and discuss the gross negligence of her husband in the sensitivity department. She just looks at me and gives me the "grace period" to correct myself. I usually catch on in the first awkward 10-20 seconds that I should stop the brain, rewind the stenographic transcription and see what it was that I just said that didn't sit right. If I don't try to overdue the apology, she usually just laughs and we both realize that our brains work on different networks. However, if I try too hard to make things right, I have obviously forgotten that I have just parachuted myself into a dormant mine field and apologies are best left to "I'm sorry. I love you."

Yesterday we had friends over to try dutch oven beef brisket, bread and potatoes and I'm not so sure that something in brisket doesn't make me have crazy dreams. Either that or the cup of bacon grease used to cook the cheesy potatoes. Exhibit A for your consideration. The conversation last night turned to how much she likes my Blackberry addiction. Obviously I tried to change the subject but the eyes had already been rolled back in the head, her head had shaken and I knew it was coming. Her opinions made clear that I may have a bit of a problem. So last night in the depths of slumber, in un-wife like fashion, my wife presented me with a list of 10 Blackberry conduct rules. She called it the Blackberry Ultimatum.

1. Don't use your Blackberry at the dinner table.

2. Don't check your email on the Blackberry after you leave the office.

3. Don't write blog entries on the Blackberry.

4. Don't use Google Maps while driving.

5. Don't use the Blackberry for Facebook.

6. Don't drop everything you're doing to see who just emailed you.

7. Don't check your email in the middle of the night.

As we walked and talked about the list, I rebutted after #7, "So what's the point of having a Blackberry?" I realize this was one of those moments to say you're sorry and admit you're an idiot but instead I got a Facebook friend request on the Blackberry and had to run. I guess I don't see what the big deal is. That doesn't change the fact that she's by far the best wife I've ever had.

Sent via Blackberry on T-mobile

I got gas

2008-11-07T23:55:00.007-07:00

On a personal note, I have had a knot in my back for days that will not go away. I was thinking maybe it was ORSD. (Obama-Related Stress Disorder) However, today I have figured out what's ailing me. I got Gas.

This fall, I've been doing my part to rid my family from its dependence on foreign oil. I bought a motorcycle in August. I have traveled 2000 miles on two wheels since August and have left my 1991 4x4 Toyota Pickup in the driveway 95% of the time. In addition to awesome acceleration and an ear drum-damaging exhaust note, the bike gets me 56 mpg. Before I dog too much on the truck, I have to admit that it gets me a freakishly good 33 mpg hauling a dirt bike and a trailer carrying a 4-wheeler. That being said, I figure the bike saved me about $300 in gas this fall. I filled it up in August with gas and just yesterday, I had to drive it to Salt Lake for work and so I filled it up. (I had a $50 gift card I won at a business meeting that was only good in SLC) That's three months people. I can handle 4 tanks of gas a year.

So if you're on the fence about a motorcycle...or you are a wife that is concerned about your country's dependence on foreign oil, you have to get over yourself and let your husband get a motorcycle! It's for the good of the country! Imagine if we all did such a patriotic thing as buy a motorcycle! We could give OPEC one big collective biker "finger"

*At the time of this posting the author owned stock in 5 major motorcycle manufacturers

A Historic and Circumstantial Rise to Power

2008-11-05T16:35:00.003-07:00

Ever since I lived in Austria, I have been fascinated with the Nazi's rise to power and the circumstances that led to the third reich having so much power. I have recently been reading Hitler's orations and trying to find similarities in our current political landscape. If you read Hilter's words in German they carry a much more convincing tone than the translations.

At the end of the First World War, the Allies badly bobbled the responsibility to resolve the underlying causes of the war and put the German Republic in a position where it could not escape the responsibility for having accepted the armistice and the Peace Treaty of Versailles. There was a lot of animosity in the parliamentary democracy of Germany at the time and it just so happened that during this time of political dissatisfaction, world economic events thrust German industry and economy into complete oblivion. In Oct of 1929 the stock market crashed, and American investors started calling their money back from overseas. This resulted in a European credit crunch that saw significant bank failures in Germany and England. This is the time when Britain left the Gold Standard. Mass poverty, unemployment and distrust reined throughout Europe. Through this economic collapse, many people naturally blamed capitalism for their down-troddeness and blamed the corporations and big businesses. In fact, the problem was non-regulation, greed and investor naivety. This set the stage for an orator the likes Germany had never seen. Someone who clashed against all that was wrong in the world, invoked class-warfare and championed the ideal of government for the middle class. These ideals rang true for many Germans. And he had broad-based support.

I find it ironic that Hitler's rise to such absolute power was mostly due to world events outside his control or ability to manage. His luck came as he smartly put himself in a position to rise to power on the anger of the people for their failed government-not for his own policies. Hate became a powerful motivator for him.

Hilter said in 1922, referring to England, "...Already in those early days they saw to it shrewdly that here were always two or three groups apparently hostile to each other, but in fact all hanging on a gold thread, the whole designed to take account of a human characteristic - that the longer a man possesses an object, the more readily he grows tired of it. He craves something new: therefore one needs two parties. The one is in office, the other in opposition. When the one has played itself out, then the opposition party comes into power, and the party which has had its day is now in its turn the opposition. After twenty years the new party itself has once more played itself out and the game begins afresh. In truth this is a highly ingenious mill in which the interests of a nation are ground very small. As everyone knows, this system is given some such name as 'Self-Government of a People.'

Call me nuts but it sounds to me like he hit the nail on the head. This was no idiot folks..crazy..but no idiot. He came right out and said what he was going to do-create a national Socialistic government that would be completely different than what they had. He told the people that the evil Americans/English had a broken party political system that saw a transfer of power when the masses became dissatisfied. He in fact used the same dissatisfaction to rise to power. He told them exactly what he was going to do years before he did it. And no one saw it coming. If you read this and substitute Obama's (and others) circumstantial rise to power with that of Hilter's you wouldn't have to do anything but change the dates.

Obama blamed everything on Bush and his administration and Hilter blamed everything bad in the world on the "war-profiteering" Jews. There is always a scapegoat, someone or something evil and wrong with the world- a blame sponge to soak up the evils. "Once they are out of the picture, we will govern the way we want." This is what incited such hatred for the Jews. They weren't evil, they just got blamed for every bad thing that happened to Germany-especially the wars. Hilter become drunk on power that obviously led him to do horrendous things but I can't say with certainty that he was evil from the beginning. But I do think he was racist and an egomaniac to begin with. It is almost impossible for a man with complete dictatorial control to remain level-headed and govern rationally. I see the majority of our country's citizens desiring a move more and more to that of a dictatorship. They want one man to be able to change the whole government, change their lives, change every aspect of what they see wrong with the world. You must be careful what you wish for.

Could this same story be true with a Republican ousting a Democrat? Perhaps it could. Hilter was the right wing in his political day ousting the existing "progressive" party.

I've shared these ideas with friends and have decided to blog them. By posting this, I know I put myself out there as being labeled a racist radical because I don't like Obama and anyone who's read my blog can clearly see that. Many people hear the name Hilter and throw up the race/hate blockade and stop listening. To call me racist is false and childish. If it offends you, I'm sorry. I don't care. I am not comparing Obama and Hilter's policies nor am I comparing them as individuals. I am comparing their circumstantial and historic rise to power. There are many similarities. Dissatisfaction with current government, wars and leadership, economic uncertainty, credit crisis, bank failure, unemployment, inflation and ultimately overthrow. My objective in writing this post is to make people aware that leadership is obtained by those lucky enough to be the benefactor of circumstance.

Not taking anything away from the historic night that Nov. 4 was, I can still expose the tactics used by every politician-that of blaming the masses sad misfortune on someone else to leverage "hope" and "change"-true motivating human principles. I am no fan of the current political system...the way it's run....the way we transfer accountability to the government in the name of the common good when in reality we stop thinking and doing for ourselves and place the vast power of our country in the hands of men and women we trust to do the right thing with our country.

Obama has never once told a stadium full of supporters that if they are behind on their mortgage or credit cards to go out and get a second job, earn some extra money, scrape together all your resources and pull yourself out of it. He's never told college hopefuls to get a job and save and invest for their own college. His answer to everything is.."Elect me and we will Change our Country for the better." This is not motivation..it is holding that person's head underwater and watching him drown.

I welcome comment and opposing viewpoints-obviously I am the minority now that Obama has secured the election. But if you take offense because I invoked the name of Hilter in an effort to understand and convey history and our current Obamian political landscape please go to the library and check out some history books before arguing with me.

A moment of silence for Racism

2008-11-04T23:11:00.003-07:00

I almost feel obligated to write something tonight. I think it is wonderful that African Americans have a successful role model to look up to. I am glad that a black man is able to be elected POTUS. We have obviously shown that race doesn't matter in America. Let's all bask in the glory of the historic evening, wake up tomorrow and move on. Obama was the benefactor of much support by the younger generation who came out and voted, across racial lines in part to prove to the world and themselves that America is where it should be. Now let's ignore race. If we have truly moved on from racial inequality, why do we need to even talk about it? I understand the excitement but bringing up race only deepens the divide. It rubs an intolerant history of bigotry in the face of every white person in America-the vast majority of whom are not racist and had nothing to do with the past. However, I will probably be labeled a racist for my comments but If I am labeled a racist for disagreeing with Obama on issues, I am not the racist...but the accuser who acknowledges race is a factor. Racism can take on many forms including favoritism. Let's all live off the same standard.....forget about race and look at the person not for his/her background but how he or she will govern. I would be writing this same post regarding sexism if Hillary had won. I guess that makes me a sexist and a racist.

I don't agree with Obama's views or policies but he will be the next POTUS. I do think that a certain respect is owed this office. I may not respect the man but I will respect the office and will teach my children the same. At the top of my racist list reside Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton and the likes who will need to find another line of work because it is clear that America is no longer in need of professional race-baiters. America has proven herself tolerant hasn't she?

Do as I tax, Not as I do......

2008-11-04T14:24:00.007-07:00

Perhaps the democratic socialist party would like to know the reason why their candidates support an even more progressive tax code. They have apparently had a rough time redistributing their own wealth. Perhaps with a new tax code they can create a kind of forced charity for themselves. I have to actually laugh at this because it is so hypocritical. If you want to know the character of the man you're voting for, perhaps you ought to examine how he practices what he preaches. Nevermind....if he preached this, he'd want 10%.....we all know that's impossible to do.

Barack and Michelle Obama had an average annual income of more than $500,000 between 2000 and 2006, but only gave two percent of their income for charitable purposes.

The Bidens' income averaged $260,000 over the last 10 years, but they averaged just $650 a year in charitable giving.

And the cherry on top.....last week in Florida.....

"We want to do this, change our tax code... John McCain and, and Sarah Palin, uh, they, they call this socialistic. You know I, I, I don't know when, when, uh, when they decided they wanted to make a virtue out of selfishness." ---Barack H. Obama

Tomorrow's Morrow

2008-11-03T22:46:00.005-07:00

What will America be like on Wednesday? Obviously not like this. Our lives won't change on a daily level. Any changes that we experience with a McCain or Obama administration will be slow. Americans don't like to have their "cheese moved" and American politicians, however grossly negligent they seem/are, are not blind to the fact that it takes time to move the country in a certain direction. The government will still give us the appearance of a balanced and solidly- founded checked-and-balanced government. My distrust of their real motives comes from not what they have said in the campaigns but what the machine of Washington has done to our elected officials in the past.

If I could ask one question of each presidential candidate with a guarantee of a truthful answer it would be, "Sir, if you could snap your fingers and transform America in an instant into your ideal America, without political consequence, what would your America look like?" Without the smoke and mirror of the talking points I swear I've heard from both sides a thousand times, I fear these truthful answers might frighten me. Does Obama really want a more community-based socialistic society while cutting taxes? Does John McCain mean what he says when he calls for energy independence and more oversight of the economic powers that be?

Since Monroe, our presidency has been occupied by a career politician. Up to Monroe, the founding fathers saw themselves as statesmen and not politicians. There was little dissent from the ideals of the constitution. George Washington was elected unanimously to the office of President twice. Americans knew who he was, what he stood for and how he would lead the country. Here it is the night before the election and I still can't answer these simple questions about our two "real choices" Mr. More-Evil and Mr. Less-Evil.

My feeling of anticipation for this election is not an excited positive anticipation like biting your nails in the 4th quarter hoping that your favorite team can pull it out. It's more like a kid waiting for his dad to get home to tell him he wrecked the car and just wants the punishment to start to get it over with. All I can say is thank goodness it will all be over tomorrow.

And a Child shall lead them...

2008-11-02T22:35:00.003-07:00

I was impressed and humbled on Friday when my wife and I had a conversation with our 3 year old daughter after the donut party and MDA fundraiser. We had already had a family discussion for family night about what we were doing for the fundraiser and why we were trying to raise money. As we cleaned up the party and counted the money in the boot, I asked my daughter if she wanted to donate some change. She excitedly said yes and ran in to get her piggy bank. I helped her pull some money out and explained to her again why we were donating money. I asked her if she wanted to give a dollar bill and she responded with an enthusiastic YES! I started putting the rest of the money away and she said "Daddy, what did you do with the other monies?" I responded that I had put it away in the piggy bank. She looked at me and said, "I want to do another one. I want to give another one to the scientists." I pulled out another dollar and asked her if that was good. She said no. She ran in and got a second piggy bank where she keeps change I give her for helping me outside in the yard and pulled out more money until her donation equalled $5.68. I watched in wonder as my little girl counted her quarters, dimes, nickels and pennies until she had emptied her little piggy bank of all of her change and deposited each one by one into the boot.

It was a moment I will never forget. My little girl showed me once again the most important things in life are not things and made me a grateful father that God sent us such a sweet and generous spirit. We try to teach her what she needs to know to be a decent and polite person but I often feel that roles are reversed in these regards.

Halloween Donut Party was a Grand Success

2008-10-31T22:41:00.003-06:00

Tonight, random people I know- starting with my parents (above) -showed up tonight to the donut party with "Kirk Chugg for President" shirts. If there is a novelty to be made, Karla Chugg can make it. Apparently many people are dissatisfied with their choices for president this election cycle. A lot of it has to do with my lack of media coverage. Not one reporter has even called me for an interview. My campaign manager (mom) has started a little late this year on the advertising but hey I just announced my candidacy a couple days ago so I think she's doing a nice job.

The donut party was a Muscular Dystrophy Association fill the boot fundraiser. We were honored to have my friend Ryan Berube here to support us. Ryan's been a hero for many people with this disease and for us who don't. Ryan's an inspiration to us all. It was awesome that he stayed the whole time.

The fire fighters had three calls to go to before coming up to the house but they got there with their sirens and all just before the donuts ran out. Thanks to my good friend Jeremiah Jones of North View Fire Department for helping us out. We were able to raise $200 dollars to give to MDA. Thanks to all our neighbors and friends for their donations and friends and family that helped put on a huge production for our little family. Carin made about 250-300 donuts. That is not an easy thing to do with two babies and a three year old. Good work to you!

After hovering over a boiling lake of oil for 2 hours, Carin says I smell like a giant donut tonight. Perhaps that is a compliment. She loves a good doNUT and I guess I've smelled worse so I'll take it.

The first near fatalitiy of the Halloween Season....

2008-10-30T22:27:00.003-06:00

So I have to admit tonight I am pretty proud of myself. When we remodeled the house about a year ago, we bought all new appliances and made the monthly sales quotas for the wonderful people at Boyle's Appliance Center. However, our new dishwasher had some problems. Boyles sent out a nice young man that fixed our dishwasher a total of four times. At this point the dishwasher wasn't even old enough to be dirty let alone be on it's 3rd motor replacement. We may have gotten a lemon I don't know. Boyle's did a good job at servicing the sale and we will always buy our appliances there-just probably not another Amana.....I digress.

So tonight, the terrible deep and diabolical growl that would wake a bear from hibernation manifested itself once more. The first 4 visits were under warranty but after the first year we are all alone for the bill. Every time I watch these guys work on my appliances I kick myself for not having the gumption to tear the thing down myself. I think of myself as a pretty handy guy....

So, I decided that I would try to fix it myself tonight. I torn the whole thing apart, down to the motor and found our little friend the pumpkin seed. We carved our pumpkins for the party tomorrow night and apparently a couple slipped in the dishwasher. Who knew a little seed could make such a ruckus?! So here I sit, with no extra screws, plastic parts or major injuries feeling so very proud to add a project to my very short list of projects that have gone as planned with no swear words or midnight trips to Home Depot.

Announcement!!!!

2008-10-29T21:52:00.005-06:00

My name is Kirk and I am running for President. Here's my platform.
You should vote for me if.....
1. Someone else in America makes more money than you do. We'll finally do something about that.
2. You ever want to go to college. If I am not president, you will not go.
3. You need a new car. I will give you mine.
4. You have ever paid a doctor's bill you thought was too high. My health care plan eliminates doctors (or at least the good ones).
5. You think cars should run off of love. A gallon of love is cheaper than Venezuelan Gas.
6. You think all public education needs is a few more playground balls for recess.
7. You want a Persian Rug. I know the Iranian President guy will call me and I can probably swing a deal on a whole boat of them.
8. Love San Diego weather. I will start with a big cruise on Royal Caribbean to San Diego for every American. Next, I will ask my geography advisor Bill Nye, to develop a weather pattern to bless our entire country with year round bliss.
9. You want a president who understands the economy. I am currently heavily invested in whatever department store Sarah Palin shops at and Royal Caribbean.
10. You want a president that understands what it's like to be the little guy. My feet don't even touch the floor when I sit on my lazy boy.
11. Love Green lawns. I guarantee that your lawn will be greener with less watering and fertilizer with my administration than with my opponents. Has your lawn really been that green under Bush? That's what I thought.
12. Finally want a president with Yiddish ancestry. I am 50% English, 49.5% Welsh and 0.5% Yiddish. Ja wohl!
13. Are tired of neighbors with bad looking yards. The time has come people to stand up and say, "Enough! I'm an American and I'm not going to take it anymore!" My administration will conduct a nationwide initiative to eliminate crappy-looking yards through community organizing.
14. You love coupons. If I am elected president, I will send every American a membership to the "Coupon of the Month Club for America" This should also bolster our economy with in two or three months depending on the coupon.
15. Don't think immigrants should be called "Aliens"-illegal or not. That's just racist people. Every illegal immigrant will receive a Welcome-to-America Fruit Basket and citizenship within 40-50 years.
16. Don't believe Social Security is broke. We don't need to worry about older folk! With my health care initiatives, no one will live past 67.
17. Would like terrorism defeated worldwide. (Obama's plan is similar-see link)

18. Like Corn. Nothing better than corn on the cob.

19. Would like to be an Olympian. My President's Fitness Program will make sure there are no fat people among us, making us all healthier, thus eliminating the need for Medicare.

20. If you have ever been fired or turned down for a job. There's was probably some discrimination involved somewhere. Jackie Chiles will be my Attorney General. Nothing gets past this guy.

21. Finally want a conservative liberal in the White House.

My Name is Kirk and I approve this message...because I wrote it myself.

Hey Mister! Where's my tip?

2008-10-28T22:27:00.008-06:00

In my mind, this was the prize-winner of our ward's Halloween party for creative costume.

I am done with all the personal attacks but with Obama's obvious socialist tendencies on tax policy, I feel this is fitting. Thank you to Choopes for the contribution.

Yesterday on my way to lunch at Doe's, I passed one of the homeless guys in that area, with a sign that read "Vote Obama, I need the money." Once in Doe's my waiter had on a "Obama 08" tee shirt.
When the bill came, I decided not to tip the waiter and explained to him while he had given me exceptional service, that his tee shirt made me feel he obviously believes in Senator Obama's plan to redistribute the wealth. I told him I was going to redistribute his tip to someone that I deemed more in need--the homeless guy outside. He stood there in disbelief and angrily stormed away.
I went outside, gave the homeless guy $3 and told him to thank the waiter inside, as I had decided he could use the money more. The homeless guy looked at me in disbelief but seemed grateful.
As I got in my car, I realized this rather unscientific redistribution experiment had left the homeless guy quite happy for the money he did not earn, but the waiter was very mad that I gave away the money he did earn. Well, I guess this redistribution of wealth is going to take a while to catch on, with those doing the work.

For all of you that say that Obama won't give those who do nothing a tax break, perhaps another example-All the fundraising dollars that Mr. Obama and his campaign have put in the coffers over the last two years should be equally divided between himself and Mr. McCain. McCain has been working pretty hard and he's old!

Don't Mix the Kool-Aid!

2008-10-28T10:00:00.007-06:00

Today, New York State Governor David Patterson held a press conference with the same tone as California did about a month ago. "We are broke and we'll need federal assistance"An article about it can be found here. Since New York State derives a whopping 20% of it's revenues from Wall Street which is obviously not making the money it once was, the State find itself much like a welfare recipient told that he will have to go to work or sell the bimmer. The falling revenues have ballooned the deficit projection for the state to $12.5 Billion. So here's my question for the day....if this was your household and you found out that next year you'd be severely in debt, what would you be expected to do? Probably sell your belongings, get another job, move from your home and reduce your standard of living. And when a government faces extreme debts? We just ask for a loan, a grant or assistance from the federal government's checkbook from the Bank of China. Is it any coincidence that the first two states to publicly acknowledge their financial turmoil are irrefutably and by far the two most socialistic and big government run liberal homesteads? Eh....don't think so.

So what should these states do? Perhaps some welfare reform, perhaps some funding cuts for their ultra-liberalized education system and less government bureaucracy. I don't think New York or California deserve any more federal grants. In 2006, New York received 5.9% of the entire country's budget. ($144 Billion dollars in government assistance) What American in their right mind would let the State get away with asking for more? Trim some fat people.....

So what did we learn today?

#1.Socialism and Capitalism don't mix. You can't have it both ways. If you're going to spend the money, you'd better have it to spend before you write the check. However, there is always the US Government which has opened the door and given itself to become the "Sugar-Daddy" of the new century.

#2. If you're going to ride the liberal high tide of spending on government social programs on the backs of Wall Street investors in the good times, then you'd better think twice about denouncing the "evils of American Capitalism" in the bad at the risk of appearing to be a financially illiterate kool-aid drinker.

#3. Diversify your investments and save 10 percent of your income for a rainy day. These "ideas" have been around a while. If NY knew that 20% of it's income depended on securities who hedged that the overinflated prices of 600 sq. ft. Manhattan apartments averaging $1.67 M would continue to rise, don't you think you'd have a back-up plan if Wall Street had a period of repricing? That never happens though..I mean look at history......or not. And just because you have the money doesn't mean it needs to be spent. It rains in New York right?

This is one socio-economic policy whose merits the Manhattan liberals would have a hard time explaining. (Notice a couple of the links are to the unbiased NY Times?)

The Gipper

2008-10-27T12:15:00.002-06:00

The Gipper and I are of a similar opinion. I wrote almost the same thing last week only he said it more eloquently 25 years ago.

“The most dangerous myth is the demagoguery that business can be made to pay a larger share, thus relieving the individual. Politicians preaching this are either deliberately dishonest, or economically illiterate, and either one should scare us. Business doesn’t pay taxes, and who better than business to make this message known? Only people pay taxes, and people pay as consumers every tax that is assessed against a business. Begin with the food and fiber raised in the farm, to the ore drilled in a mine, to the oil and gas from out of the ground, whatever it may be—through the processing, through the manufacturing, on out to the retailer’s license. If the tax cannot be included in the price of the product, no one along that line can stay in business.” —Ronald Reagan

Spaceship Obama

2008-10-27T10:38:00.004-06:00

Check out this video of Joe Biden finally being asked some real questions by a reporter. There was al link to YouTube but this links to the local news station's website. Something about copyright-pff. After the interview, the Obama campaign refused to do any more interviews with the station citing unprofessional reporting. Does it remind you at all of a grade school bully running to tell the teacher that someone finally stood up to him and exposed his inadequacies? Don't ask me those questions...I want softball questions about Obama's next speaking engagement. This is but a little taste of what we as Americans are in for with an Obama presidency.

This is the first time in the whole campaign that I have seen a reporter actually doing his/her job. Notice how defensive he gets when asked about socialism or Marxism. The problem is that these people on Spaceship Obama don't see themselves as Marxists or Socialists. Obama has apparently figured out how to stimulate the liberal medulla oblongata causing mass delusion and willfulness to buy his socialist snake oil. I agree with the comment on an earlier post by Choopes. She said, "I guess some Americans really would rather live under communism, just as long as we disguise it as a democracy." Call it willful ignorance.

Break my System and I will Break Your Bones!

2008-10-26T22:34:00.003-06:00

Carlee and Kory Hoopes from choopes.com and insomniacsoup.com made me aware of the Constitution party's presidential candidate Chuck Baldwin tonight. He seems like an honest guy and I wish they would give some air time to him but of course his validity is compromised by what Americans see as gospel and that is the media's opinion. I don't know if I would necessarily vote for Baldwin just because I haven't seen enough of him to know what his character and background looks like. I don't know. It's a broken system. I wish we could get someone with the same ideals it sounds like Baldwin has to run on a national republican or democrat ticket so it actually would be a possibility to become President. The way our government works with the current two party system is like a best ball four man scramble. It doesn't really matter who wins the white house because politics will continue as usual. The Republicans don't want to support a third party candidate because it takes votes from them and Democrats won't support a third party because third parties always seem to be right of center. For a democrat, there is nothing else. If conservative Americans had a brain in their head collectively, they could come up with someone like Baldwin, nominate him and put him out there as the standard of conservatism a year in advance. It happened with Reagan after Carter. But Reagan started running for President in 68 and wasn't elected until 80. It's an overused euphemism but we really do need to break up the old boys club in Washington. I laugh when I hear Sarah Palin and John McCain say they will change everything in Washington. There is so much corruption in Washington behind dirty money, they would squash Palin in a heartbeat. If they walk in there on day one and do what they said they'd do, Congress would shut down completely and render our government good for nothing for at least 4 years, McCain would be a one-termer because the country would revolt because of the inaction of government and this has historically always been pinned on the president. Yet another flaw in our country's political mores. If my life is bad, I'm blaming the president. It's happened all through our history. There needs to be a period of complete humbling in America. (Perhaps we need an Obama to screw us over so completely for 4 years that we have to come up with a massive uprising.) Until then, we can expect more of the same. Dems and Repugs will never bring the change that we all want. Third Parties are the only option right now and until we can create a system with more diversity in thought we will be stuck right where we are...waiting for the second coming to sort it all out.

Tidbit

2008-10-24T22:30:00.002-06:00

Here's a factoid that will do you no good except maybe one day in a game of trivial pursuit. When was the last time the Republicans won the White House without Nixon or a Bush on the ticket? Give up...? 1928. If only the Grand Old Party could have convinced Jeb Bush to run, perhaps they'd have had a chance against the "chosen one".

America's Short Term Memory

2008-10-24T13:36:00.005-06:00

I drove past the Flying J this morning and saw gas was $2.89. Who ever knew that would make anyone happy? So now that gas prices are coming down, supposedly due to the cost of oil being half as expensive as it was this summer, I hope Americans keep talking about alternatives to foreign oil. It happens every time we start into research, putting legislation together and the such when oil gets expensive, then gas prices come down and we all figure that all is well in Zion and forget about investment into alternatives.

Today, OPEC met in one of the most beautiful cities in the world (Vienna) and decided to cut oil production by 1.5 M barrels a day to slow the drop in oil prices. I guess it's okay to ride the markets if it means the price goes up but not if it goes down then huh? Their explanation during the $140/barrel days was..."Well, we can't do anything about it because the markets control the prices..not us.." Well, I'll be the first to raise my left hand and call BS on that excuse again. We pay $4.50/gallon and it's okay but when we pay less than $3.00 we are stealing huh? Check out the news story here. Arg.

Traders and OPEC know the history of American habits and oil prices as well as anyone and will continue to manipulate the price of oil and gas to protect their interests. I'd like to see the U.S. give OPEC the bird and invest in alternatives regardless of the price of oil. I just hope this time we don't forget that cheaper gas doesn't make it any safer. We'll have to end our love with the almighty dollar before that happens though. How about we take the grants we give "non-profits" like Planned Parenthood and ACORN and give some government grants to companies that invest in new forms of energy instead. Novel idea. My guess is no one in Washington has a brain left.

BTW, if oil is the same price now as it was when gas was $2.00/gallon, why are gas prices not $2.00? Just sayin'......

The Giant Checkbook in the Sky.....

2008-10-23T22:25:00.011-06:00

For you small government folk out there, I have found a website to make your blood boil. I ran into it on accident today and decided to see how our great state of Utah is helped out by our federal government. To see the list of recipients and amounts they received through grants, and federally guaranteed loans and the such click here.

In 2006 alone, the federal government gave assistance to entities in the State of Utah totaling $10,559,308,443.

I understand the importance of federal tax dollars helping some organizations like schools, cities and veterans affairs but excuse me if I have a problem with Planned Parenthood of Utah receiving $1,281,330 of our tax dollars to run their agendas. This was not a loan to planned parenthood it was a grant to a "non-profit." Countdown to blood reaching boiling point in 2 minutes........Furthermore, why would the St. George H&R- freaking-Block need a federally guaranteed loan of $243,750? Doesn't H&R Block do well enough without the help of the taxpayer? You may be wondering why Joy-Luck Chinese restaurant is so much nicer. It may have been the $965,000 loan we gave them. You may want to take a look through the list and see the number of small businesses that our federal government gives loans/grants to.

I understand that the federal government has a responsibility to it's citizens but I can't remember where it is written that we give free money and federally guaranteed loans to private enterprise and left wing nut-jobs. Can't the private sector deal with Small Business Loans as well if not better than the government? Unless of course it was shoved into an economic rescue bill somewhere. Why is my government spending money in places like this? Why are we such a socially dependant society that subscribes to the mantra of- "I'll let someone take care of me"? Perhaps the answer lies within our own government's fiscal policies. Call it a new use for the term "trickle-down-effect".

Many fret that we may soon see a socialistic style government with Obama in office. As John McCain might put it "I have news for you my friends" we already do. Excuse me while I go read the constitution. This stuff has to be in there somewhere....doesn't it......???

Obvious lack of a life

2008-10-22T22:13:00.004-06:00

I have no life. I find myself at the ripe old age of 27 reading National Geographic (my favorite left leaning-save the planet magazine) and watching the History channel specials on presidents. That's right my friends, I have become so incensed with the current political campaign machine that I have turned to not only the History Channel but the specials they show High School kids without commercials. I have covered all of the 20th century as of tonight and find myself as hopeless as ever for the state of our country. I am sorry for whatever affection you hold for any particular POTUS in the past or fantasy world that you've imagined where every POTUS is an upstanding principled man with impeccable character. I realize after watching this that every president in the history of our country was defined by some cause that he took upon himself to be the national champion of. Most men were not elected to office because of who they were in the eyes of Americans (with maybe the exception of Gen. Eisenhower) but from the dire circumstances created by the government of their past presidencies/congresses. Each came to office with certain goals, some egotistical and some admirable. Some were effective and some found their goals were victims to an unsettled American public.

Today, I see the thin veil of ignorance in today's political campaigning. Every POTUS was seen as, expected to be and championed as the "Messiah" and the one who would stand up for the "average American" and get us out of this mess. Call me cynical but one man at the head of a massive and corrupt government can't change the world no matter how "called" he may feel to the task. Real change has to occur with each and every American. We again revert back to the topic of "if someone else will do it for me, I'll let him" mentality.

What if each American said to him/herself....hey wake up (self) and take a look at what I am doing to solve the problems I complain all day about. Hey(self), what am I doing to give back to the making of a better country and hey (self)...am I draining on the system? and if I am...I'm going to get off my @$$ and make a difference myself instead of trying to anointing some "savior of the country" to be my big bad boyfriend whose going to show those Republicans/Democrats back in Washington a thing or two. By the way I think if the tables were reversed and the Republicans were in the lead, had an influential and historical figure, that they too would anoint him the flag-bearer of a "new day" in Washington. These ideas and tactics are not party-specific.

Now, perhaps the only thing to do is throw a History Channel Party and immerse ourselves in the 1800's for fun next.

ESPN's new High Octane, Heart-Pounding Programming!!!

2008-10-21T22:16:00.006-06:00

Carin and I were flipping through the channels tonight and I saw Madden Nation on ESPN. Now, I have never been one for video games. I had the first Nintendo with duck hunt. The parents splurged and got the set with the orange gun and power pad. I enjoyed myself but it never encompassed my entire life as it did with other friends who have apparently fallen victim to the CAGS. (Chronic Adult Gaming Syndrome) Nothing wrong with a little serious gaming every now and then but when it encompassed your whole life to the point that you are watching other people on TV play video games, you may have the condition. If you are too lazy to actually play the video game or obsessed enough to not even watch real people playing the game, you have some serious problems my friend.

In the very little research I did on the program, I did find out that this year is season three....sorry people this is not filler programming...it's the good stuff.

Ah.... to have early direction!

2008-10-21T21:47:00.004-06:00

I am a very lucky guy who gets to go home teaching to the coolest family on earth and in the process of blogging, get to participate in other fun activities with them. My friend Jordan is a very talented artist that uses crazy ideas to make awesome comics. When I look at his passion for drawing, I sometimes wish I had a direction that early in life and a passion for what my career would eventually be like. Although I can't really imagine myself studying insurance and investment products as a kid! Way to go Jordan. I love your comics. Check out Jordan's blog and some of his drawings at http://www.jordancomix.blogspot.com/. He's also got a pretty good political mind as well.

The American "Entitlement" Dream

2008-10-20T15:25:00.005-06:00

So how would you define the American dream? For the last ten years, being a "homeowner" has been labeled as the epitome of the American dream. I might be wrong about his but since when did home ownership become a right of every individual in America regardless of their income and part of banking and monetary policies to be regulated by the government?

The way I understand the American dream is one's opportunity to rise to a level of personal success that the world would not have expected of nor given to you. If you look at the great "American Dream" stories, you find individuals that came to America and worked their fingers to the bone building a business, organization or just plain hard work every day of their lives to provide their children with that which they did not have. America doesn't care who you are, where you're from or how many times you've failed. Everyone has a chance to become whatever they want to be-by their own merits. THAT is what makes America great.

Again, I don't understand why owning a home is synonymous with being successful or taking part in the American Dream. And my government doesn't have any right to regulate the banking policies that require banks to lend to people with insufficient income to repay those loans. Some of the happiest, most successful families I know rent their home and live the American Dream more than the doctor on the hill with a million dollar mortgage.

Can I pay you to get me lost?

2008-10-19T22:47:00.008-06:00

Call me crazy-Call me a party pooper-Call me sensible but what is it with corn mazes? I have never once been in a corn maze and thought to myself..."Man, I sure and glad I did this", let alone, "I sure am glad I paid money for this." I don't see the draw to be honest. Perhaps some of you could enlighten me as to why people do this. What happens when you have to pee? That's right, I don't see any porta potties in the corn maze-only at the start/end. Another reason to stay on the trail.

Haunted Houses are also on my question mark list. Carin won't go because they scare her too bad and she pees her pants (she has had three kids) but for me, being scared is all about being scared when I am not expecting it. Like when someone sneaks up on you when you're jamming on the ipod while vacuuming the house. Then I pee my pants. To pay people to try to scare me, when I know that any moment they will jump out at me with a Styrofoam chainsaw is so not scary. Yet again another wonderful use of coin.

Please join us on Halloween Night

2008-10-17T13:40:00.003-06:00

Carin and I have wanted to do something that would make a difference outside our little bubble world in which we live so comfortably. When we moved into our house four years ago, we started a fun tradition of making homemade donuts for Halloween and having that be our treat for trick-or-treaters. We even pulled it off 8 days after the twins were born with the help of family and friends. I know....I know...it goes against everything you try to teach your kids about not accepting homemade treats or anything unwrapped. The fact was we know most everyone that comes to our house and they know how hard it is to try and get a razor blade into a hot spudnut.... We were sick of the boys and girls that looked like they had just shaved their beards or had a boob job coming to collect their "welfare candy". We also thought it would be fun for the parents to look forward to on Halloween besides kids hopped up on pure cane sugar. It has been a success but we are going to add something new this year.

We have invited the North View Fire Department to come up to the house and "fill the boot" for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. I have a dear friend that I have known since childhood that suffers from the disease and we want to help in some way eradicate this nasty disease. Since we are not scientists, this is it. Plus I know the firefighters quite well...you see they visited my home quite frequently last year...a dangerous drop in blood pressure from Grandpa, a Carbon Monoxide scare from a bad water heater and me falling 10 feet off a ladder and landing on my back in the car port all within about 3 months of each other. We got acquainted quite well. Hopefully they will be able to bring up the fire truck for all the kids to see. I know there was nothing cooler than a fireman when I was a kid. We invite you to come and enjoy the evening with us with a donut and hot chocolate. We will have additional plates of donuts for sale and all the money will go to the boot. If you are coming we ask you to RSVP so that we know how many donuts to make. Last year we did around 200 and they were gone by 7:30. Email me at schatzi53@gmail.com if you can come and for directions.

The most originally costumed family will get a full plate of donuts to take home!

PS. If you don't know us personally and you are reading this...first of all that's creepy and second of all please just send your check made payable to MDA. Thanks!

Poor CEOs

2008-10-17T10:52:00.003-06:00

From a less-than-enthusiastic polling audience-(8 Voters)

It was decided that the CEO's of Bailout/Bankrupt companies should have to sit and listen to non-stop Rosie O'Donnell as punishment. I think they deserve harsh punishment but come on people we don't need to resort to torture.

Excuse me Waiter!.....There's a Flaw in my Superhero

2008-10-16T22:06:00.007-06:00

(McCain and Obama in their younger, superhero days before Obama decided to take the roll of Robin Hood)

One political reality that no one will talk about is Obama's tax increase on businesses that make more than $250,000. I'll be honest with you, I don't know where Obama is getting his whacked out numbers that 95% of small businesses make less than $250,000. Is he factoring in Isagenix consultants, Avon Ladies, Amway consultants and Internet spammers? Most small businesses that create jobs HAVE to make more than $250,000 to employ people, pay rent, purchase inventory and still make a living themselves. If their tax rate goes from 35% to 39% I have news for you consumer, it's not going to be paid at the corporate level because CORPORATIONS DON'T PAY TAXES! They will pass that increase in expense to do business to YOU. Ask any small business owner what will happen if their taxes go up 4%. They will tell you to expect their products and services to get more expensive. This is not a "Robin Hood" tax on the rich to give to the poor. This is a direct tax to the American people that are struggling right now. Sometimes I wonder what planet this man is from! Honestly has he ever run a business? Wake up from your rock star dreams people!

I never agreed with Obama on anything until last night during the debate when he critsized John McCain's health care policy. He was right. Carin and I have experienced this exact situation. Our health benefits through my employer went from $340/month in 2004 to $574 in 2008. I work in insurance so I looked at a personal policy that would save us over $270 a month to drop my group coverage and go to my own policy. Naturally we did. When I asked why the premiums went up so much I was told that many young families that are healthy enough to get their own insurance are and that leaves older, less healthy participants on the plan, thus increasing risk to the company and insurance premuims to everyone else. So yes, I guess I am part of the problem but for $$270 month, I don't mind. Obama pointed out that if everyone got a $5,000 check to go out and find their own insurance on the free market, there would be an exodus of younger people to persoanl plans and the same thing would happen...either making the premiums on the group plans too out of reach for older, less healthy people or forcing the employer to eliminate coverages or reduce benefits altogether because of costs.

Again, is anyone advising these people who have been in business for themselves? Perhaps they should spend more time running their ideas past the people they will affect before repeating the same crap 20 times on national television.

Reality Check

2008-10-16T21:40:00.005-06:00

I've been thinking lately about the two men you want to be President. My thoughts have been as follows...

Right now we have a Republican Executive Branch, Democratically controlled congress and in my opinion pretty left leaning Federal and Supreme Court judges. If McCain wins, none of that really changes. If Obama wins, a lot will change.

A lot of Republican seats are up for re-election and several republican incumbents are retiring this cycle. There is a very real possibility that with the unpopularity of President Bush, the democrats could gain a super-majority in the Senate and the House. That leaves us with Democratic Executive Branch, Democratically controlled congress and leftist judges. So here's my take on what these two men's promises on policy mean to me.

If Obama wins...what he says he will do, will probably get done. This includes a higher tax on businesses, nationalized health care and a foreign policy that no one really has any idea about. His decisions will be most likely supported by congress and if the conservatives in congress don't like his ideas, well tough.

If McCain wins, he will fight an uphill battle every step of the way. He will have a congress that can most likely override his veto and his policies will be dead in the water before they even get started. There would be so much outrage and hate already for the McCain Administration that he'd have two strikes before he was even sworn in. The only way he'd be able to get anything done is to lean left to satisfy the democrats. (Great options huh?)

I'm not endorsing Obama by any stretch of the imagination but facing the reality that the Obama's plans are more likely to become reality than McCain's if elected. The last time the democrats controlled the government was Bill Clinton's first administration. He did get a lot done though...but many interns do not a good president make.

2008-10-15T22:54:00.002-06:00

I know government employees get their share of flack but come on...this is funny.

Presidential Synopsis

2008-10-15T21:47:00.009-06:00

If you have ever heard Brian Regan, he's one of the funniest comics I've heard. Watch this little clip and then read on.

So I got home from work today and Carin showed me a book that our daughter is reading. She's 3 and is very bright. Carin began reading the book called "The Vet". I will give you the text.

The vet got into the van. A big cat at the zoo had a bad leg. The vet had to fix the cat. The cat ran. The vet ran. Yes, Yes the cat can run. The cat ran zig zag. The vet ran zip zap. ZAM! The cat and the vet sat. Ok cat. Ok Vet. The End.

Now for the back cover...."Some children will need an explanation of what a vet is. Most will know that the big cat is a lion. This book has a degree of violence with the vet and the cat going zig, zag, and zam! It shows that when you zap somebody, both parties are apt to get hurt. Vet and the cat look at each other very tentatively with their aching legs. Finally, after a cooling-off period, they do become friends. They find that conflict can be followed by friendship and love." Awwwww.....give me a break.

Carin was laughing out loud because the bit from Brian Regan is so true.

I somehow found a way to tie this in with the presidential debate in my twisted mind.

As I watched the two candidates answer questions about their policies, I didn't feel like either one of them was being transparent or completely truthful with me..and if anyone was more truthful I regret I felt it was Obama. Now for my crazy tie-in. Wouldn't it be nice if a politician who wanted my vote laid it out nice and simple for me to interpret in my own mind instead of answering questions in a way that made me want to either reach through the screen and choke them for insulting my intelligence numerous times or make me puke with their political talk-arounds. Give me a freakin' yes or no. All the questions were asked very well. Just turn off the politician for a minute, shut up and talk to me in plain terms. The debate could have lasted 20 minutes.

By the way-if McCain is elected, someone's gotta talk to the guy about the nervous ticks and faces he pulls. It's seriously painful to watch.

1947

2008-10-15T11:12:00.003-06:00

Some of you will recall that on July 8, 1947, a little over 60 years ago, witnesses claim that UFO with five aliens aboard, crashed onto a sheep and cattle ranch just outside Roswell, New Mexico . This is a well known incident that many say has long been covered up by the U.S. Air Force and other federal agencies and organizations. However, what you may NOT know is that in the month of April 1948, nine months after that historic day, the following people were born:

Albert A. Gore, Jr.
Hillary Rodham
John F. Kerry
William J. Clinton
Howard Dean
Nancy Pelosi
Dianne Feinstein
Charles E. Schumer
Barbara Boxer

See what happens when aliens breed with sheep?

No wonder they support the bill to help illegal aliens!

My Nightly Ramblings

2008-10-14T21:13:00.006-06:00

How would you define conservative/liberal principles? I guess in the world in which we live, a conservative/liberal is already considered foul language. Some conservatives even say they they are the minority and a rare breed. Can I take a moment and disagree?

My guess is that we all need labels. I've written about this before with democrats, republicans and the likes always feeling like they need to belong to a party. Let me outline one thing before I continue...being a conservative is not synonymous with being a republican and being a liberal is not synonymous with being a democrat. There are plenty of both in either party.

So are conservatives a rare breed? Maybe in Berkley CA or Manhattan, NY but my instincts tell me that the majority of American believe in many conservative principles. I may be shot for this next statement but I believe that same majority believes in many liberal principles as well. Let me give an example.

I don't think that anyone would argue that a person is responsible for his or her own success in life and no one will disagree that self-reliance is a virtue worth striving for. We are all compassionate. I think the majority of Americans favor the tradition of a "traditional family." I don't think the majority of Americans want government interference in their private lives and no one wants half their paycheck sent to a fiscally irresponsible government. Everyone wants to feel safe in their own country and have a strong national defense. These would be conservative values. At the same time, I don't think that we would all turn a blind eye to someone who lost their job and needed unemployment from Social Security for a month or two until they found a job. I believe that most Americans care about how we treat the environment, that equal rights are given to every citizen to vote and be treated equally, and that government has it's checks and balances.

I think the divide comes when people draw a solid line in their own values system on topics that they are passionate about. When a economic liberal and a economic conservative meet to discuss the economic bailout packages, they forget everything good about one another and fight like dogs-inciting so much animosity between liberals and conservatives that each of us feel entitled to take a side, label ourselves a member of a party or ideology and begrudgingly "accept" one another's presence in our country-hoping that someday the other will eventually "come around" or die out.

It's not fair to label every liberal American as a jobless, baby-killing, ecoterrorist who sits and drinks latte bought with food stamps all day discussing the injustices that have beleaguered the minorities and the evils of capitalism, before burning down the local Hummer dealership.

But today it IS okay to label conservatives as self-serving, uneducated, backwards thinking, numb skulled bigots that have never given a thought to their own belief system that drag their knuckles to church so they can fill their hick heads with religious opium to hate black people and gays.

Be honest though-there are some people that fit these extremes exactly. Does that mean everyone who calls themselves a conservative or liberal condones these beliefs? NO!

Why can I not be a conservative and love black people? Why can I not be a conservative and not be narrow-minded? Why can I not be a conservative and be unbiased in my opinions? Why can I not be a conservative and have an education that means something? Why can I not be conservative and be religious?

I believe there is room for all people and their beliefs. Each of us is entitled to it and has the right to do so without coercion-so long as it doesn't interfere with other's rights to do the same or hurt another human being.

I understand that this is not how economic policies are made however, but in my idealist mind, I envision a time in America that we can stand up for a cause that neither forces us into a corner of belief nor keeps us from searching out and embracing opposing viewpoints-without feeling shamed or untrue to ourselves in the process.

But what would we call ourselves? (to be read with sarcasm) Perhaps it will just remain an ideal.

To each it is given the opportunity to decide where their beliefs are on the Economy, National Defense, Abortion, Affirmative Action, Death Penalty, education, environment, gun control, health care, immigration, UN, taxes, and welfare. In any regard, having an opinion about these things is important.

It all comes back to making a minute's effort to understand the opposition before we pass the eternal judgment of hell on each other.

Comments welcome.......

So This is why you don't always see Mickey Mouse while you're at Disney World!

2008-10-14T15:37:00.010-06:00

If you read my recent post on ACORN and follow any news you will know that ACORN's offices in Nevada were raided by investigators on suspicion of voter fraud. Apparently the voter fraud is not centralized to Nevada. This is a voter registration from Florida, turned in by ACORN signed by none other than the world's most famous mouse. Perhaps he left Disney World for a while on June 12th to take care of his civic duties.

The joker who forged the document must have been a real intelluectual seeing that Mickey Mouse's date of birth was listed as 11/15/02. Last time I looked 5 year old mice were not eligible to vote.

This is happening in plain site, in states that usually decide elections. Remember Florida 2000?

I hope that after the election is over Mr. Obama at least gives Mickey his ears back.

Lehman Brothers Math

2008-10-13T16:14:00.003-06:00

Here's a perfect example of being able to see the world any way you want-good or bad.

Perhaps the book keepers at Lehman brothers took a class from Pa Kettle. By the way, never underestimate the wit of someone who's older than you.

Congressional Junk Mail

2008-10-11T23:14:00.002-06:00

Click on the letter for an expanded view.

Looks like someone had a clue what was coming back in 2006. I wonder why this letter, signed by McCain and 19 other republicans was not given credence, house floor time, nor signed by any democrats. No democrat no matter how much he agreed with this letter would have dared sign his/her name to it beside a republican's. The same would have been true of the republicans had this been a democratic party-supported letter. It is yet another illustration as to the wedge of partisan turfism that enables absolute ineptness to go on as accepted "politics as usual"-while nothing gets done about the real problems. Looks to me like these republicans that signed this letter are calling for more oversight not more deregulation as they are daily labeled the "deregulators that caused this whole mess."

The republicans don't stand there lilly white either. Writing a letter expressing concern is a good first step. How about a little follow up? By the way the letter was addressed to Republicans Bill Frist and Richard Shelby. Apparently they get a lot of junk mail on the hill and this got shredded with the rest of the junk mail from Countrywide, Chase and DiscoverCard.

Pays to be Dick

2008-10-09T23:03:00.007-06:00

Former Lehman Brothers CEO Dick Fuld Jr.(yes that IS his real name) sat before a dog and pony show hearing this week to answer questions about his company's demise.

First of all, these silly hearings by Congress are worthless. They don't accomplish anything. The person is not being tried, won't be convicted and will only be indirectly chastised by Congress through leading questions. Congressional Hearings are the equivalent of the first O.J. trial.

So after a shameful display of finger pointing and question dodging, Mr. Dick Fuld gets to go home and relax in his mansion and savor the fact that in the last five years he has paid himself almost a half a BILLION dollars. And Congress thinks this is showing the American people it's doing something about the crisis. He also said that he thought his compensation was "fair." (Express Outrage ...........................................now!)

The only solace I got from this news was a report that the Sunday after Lehman announced its bankruptcy, Mr. Fuld was working out in the company gym when Hans, the brother of Franz, came up and decked Dick. Reportedly he was knocked unconscious. Ah to have seen that.

Is it getting hot in here or is it Sarah Palin?

2008-10-09T10:47:00.008-06:00

Breaking news!!!!!

Sarah Palin beats out Al "Global Hotness" Gore to win the Glorious Revolution "Hottest VP Nomination" poll in a landslide victory! Pretty sad for the man who invented the internet to be beat by a moose gutting no-name.

Look for another worthless poll soon.

Halloween is gonna suck this year.....

2008-10-08T22:47:00.001-06:00

I loved this cartoon. Thanks Mom!

Dear Taxpayer

2008-10-08T10:12:00.006-06:00

Dear Taxpayer,

I am an executive for AIG. I wanted to let you know how we are using the $85 Billion you loaned my company. The week following the loan we laid aside the worries about horrendous leadership, bad investments and deplorable management. AIG executives were sent on a luxury retreat to California to regroup before spending the $85 billion. Have you ever tried to spend that much money?

The cost for this little getaway was only $440,000, including $23,380 for spa services. Now we are actually ready to spend the rest of the money and solve this problem. The only holdup is that none of us have very good toupees. So when we get back we'll do something about that and then we will really get to work. By the way...thanks taxpayer. I am confident that you knew we would use the money wisely. Wink.Wink. Write your congressman and say thanks!

Sucker.....

http://apnews.myway.com/article/20081008/D93M0K6G3.html

Who's this Dow Jones fellow and why is he always on the news?

2008-10-07T22:38:00.010-06:00

I find all of the reporting "hoopela" surrounding the current state of our economy fascinating. It invariably reverts back to, or begins with what the "Dow" did today. If you've seen charts of it lately, it resembles a slip and slide.

So what in the world is the Dow and why is its reference so commonplace?

Here's a little history

In 1653, the Dutch settlers in new York erected a 12 foot high wood stockade to protect themselves from savage Indians and the British and their bad teeth. In 1685 a street was erected following the wall. This became Wall Street. The investment markets were born around 1790 when the US government refinanced all of it's Revolutionary War debt by issuing $80 Million in government bonds. These became the first publicly traded securities.

In the late 1880's when trading stocks for the average American was a relatively new thing and very few people in the country actually participated, it was a very central activity to the Wall Street District in New York. There was no central report on how the markets performed, on who was selling, buying or what the prices of the stocks even were at that point. Apparently they never heard of a Blackberry!

Anyway, three reporters named Edward Davis Jones, Charles Henry Dow and Charles Milford Bergstresser founded a benchmark to measure the markets performance. In the beginning, it was complied of 11 stocks. 9 Railroads and 2 industrial companies. The average stock price of each company was added and then divided by the number of stocks in the index. Any analyst cringes at the many flaws this strategy has in skewing numbers. (A magic divisors has since been added to the math to account for stock splits etc.)

The index was founded in 1884 and was published in the "Customers' Afternoon Letter" and sold on Wall Street. Market gossip along with other news of the day would accompany the index reading. The first reading of the DJIA was 40.74. Five years later in 1889, this "Customers' Afternoon Letter" developed into what is now know as the "Wall Street Journal." Ever hear of it? It is now a subsidiary of News Corporation which owns everything you read and see.

It is now compiled of 30 of the country's largest companies. GE is the only company on the original Dow Jones Industrial Average list that remains today.

The Dow, Jones & Company also helped innovate and improve upon the first magnetic "ticker tape" telling the traders on the floor what price the stocks were and what the intra-day movement was. This was eventually superceded by a mechanical ticker tape and then the ever powerful computer. This enabled those who didn't spend all day on Wall Street to know what the current prices were.

You may also recognize the name Edward D. Jones as many investment professionals work for the company that bears his name.

So is the Dow a good thing? It was when most every stock being traded was on the index and was nearly the same price. Say you have a stock worth $10 per share. It gains $1 for the day. (10%) Then, say a stock worth $100 loses $1. (-1%) These two transactions are very different yet they negate each other in the overall index totals. Many believe that because the Dow Jones Industrial Average is price-weighted that it provides a narrower view of the market and it does because it holds only 30 companies. You may get a better picture of the broader market performance from the float-adjusted market-value weighted indices like the S&P 500 or the Dow Jones Wilshire 5000 (which includes all domestic securities with readily available prices.

So why do we always reference the DOW if it only has 30 companies in it? Drama my friends.....it makes for exciting news-And everyone likes to know how Wal-Mart is doing. Kraft foods is the newest member of the 30. They took the place of our favorite insurance company AIG.

Hope it was an interesting read anyway.

Nicely Worded

2008-10-06T22:01:00.001-06:00

"The [Wall Street] crisis came partly because so many households decided that it would be jolly fun to budget the way government does, hitching outlays to appetites. Beneath Americans' perfunctory disapproval of government deficits lurks an inconvenient truth: They enjoy deficits, by which they are charged less than a dollar for a dollar's worth of government.

Conservatives participate in this, even though deficits fuel government's growth by obscuring its cost. The people can emulate the government because credit has been democratized. Democratization of everything is supposedly an unquestionable good, but a blizzard of credit cards (1.5 billion of them, nine per cardholder), subsidized loans and cheap money has separated the pleasure of purchasing from the pain of paying.

Furthermore, the entitlement mentality fostered by the welfare state includes a felt entitlement to a standard of living untethered from savings. Populism flatters the people, contrasting their virtue with the alleged vices of some minority...Today, the villain is 'Wall Street greed,' which is contrasted with the supposed sobriety of 'Main Street.' When people on Main Street misbehave by, say, buying houses for more than they can afford to pay, they blame the wily knaves who made them do it."

—George Will

Someday I will articulate my ideas will such slippery skill. Speaks to the heart doesn't it? Somewhat like listening to general conference and being called to repentance? America's accepted a standard of living that was founded on false and dangerous principles. The Nation might be taught the hard way now.

Kirk

ACORN Has Grown to a Giant Oak Tree

2008-10-05T20:09:00.009-06:00

So I have been doing some homework on ACORN. I have been hearing about it in the news and didn't even know what it was. It is an acronym for the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now and is the largest left wing radical group in America. They have over 150 sub-organizations with various fields they concentrate their efforts. They are a group of community organizations that use two forms of activism. One of force, civil disobedience and fear tactics to get their messages out. Second, an inside approach where they control a situation through legislation and bullying tactics. The group makes no effort to conceal that they are a radical socialist party. ACORN turns in thousands upon thousands of new voter registrations each week throughout the country. Massive task forces must be employed to review these application due to a track record of voter fraud. ACORN is currently being investigated in as many as 12 states for voter fraud. Naturally the majority of them democratic.

ACORN is the modern successor of the National Welfare Rights Organization (NWRO)that sought to remove eligibility restrictions for welfare, thus flooding the welfare rolls and requiring a massive government rehaul of the entire welfare system for our "socially unjust capitalist society." Their efforts did nothing but destroy the inner cities and create a culture of dependency.

Now you may be thinking, this kind of sounds like the bailout problem that now requires the government to intervene. Well, there's a bit more to the story than this.

Under the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA)passed under the ACORN supported Clinton administration, banks are required to make a certain number of sub-prime loans to certain ethnic and low-income groups. If the banks want to expand or merge, they are required to show that they have met these requirements. So the banks comply and the housing bubble begins to build. The banks begin making plenty of money and ACORN no longer has to threaten lawsuits to push these lending practices. You know the rest of the story now.

Now I am not one for believing in and loosing a lot of sleep over conspiracy theories but this is not a coincidence. In the bailout bill as it was voted on the first time, those Congresspeople close to ACORN included a loophole to allow them to give the first 20% of any profits made to organizations such as ACORN. Before the taxpayer! Many house republicans recognized this bamboozle and voted against it. It was removed in the second version of the bill because of public outcry.

A side note now. Apparently, Obama has close ties to ACORN. He has trained staffers for them during his community organizer days, argued for them as a lawyer in major cases and while serving on the board of directors of two foundations, funneled millions of dollars to ACORN.

When all this bailout started being talked about, I find it funny that Obama remained so quiet and unopinionated. Perhaps because he knew of these connections and how ACORN stood to potentially profit from the bill passing.

So the organization that helped cause this massive financial meltdown is now sitting in the corner watching their plans for the meltdown of capitalism as we know it unfold. I think now our eyes are open and we can see what has happened and it's too late to fix this in a rational way. France, Germany, Russia and now Al Queda are all watching this happen and claiming this is a result of our corrupt capitalist society. Perhaps the problem with our capitalist society is we allow the government intervention that allows groups like ACORN to exert their influence on private enterprise and legislators that taint the system with failed policies. I categorically reject the stance Obama takes on this mess. He claims it is the Bush administration's failed policies. In 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005 both Greenspan and the Republican treasury secretary warned of the impending crisis if action was not taken to reform lending practices of Fannie and Freddie. Each time, democrats voted no along party lines on reform of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. If you need proof check the congressional record.

I apologize for the lengthy post.

Mormon Profiteering

2008-10-05T13:14:00.002-06:00

I love watching conference and the specials between the sessions. It does however make me wonder if the marketers that run the same commercials over and over during the breaks realize that although the people watching are most likely members of the church, that we do have an IQ. Just because it has something to do with a Mormon, does not make me want to buy it.

It doesn't bother me as much on Saturday, but Sunday seems a little overdone. I finish watching such beautiful talks so full of the spirit in their delivery only to be bombastically bombarded with kitchy, overdone and grossly overrun commercials for the LDS people. I guess I should just shut it off when conference ends. Gotta go...there's a couple new videos and books I've got to go buy. Oh wait, it's Sunday.

Frankly, I don't care for you....

2008-10-05T04:50:00.004-06:00

I was never really interested in politics at all growing up. I could never figure out what a republican or democrat was but I knew it was impolite to ask three questions. One-How much money do you make? Two-What religion are you? And three- Are you democrat or republican? So instead of looking it up, I just ignored it all together. Until I went on a mission to Europe. I saw socialism at it's worst. The government was even more "out of reach" there than it feels here. I realized how good I had it in America. I wasn't in the states for the big Bush/Gore election debacle so this feels like the first time I have actually had a strong opinion in a presidential election. When I came home, I began learning, forming my own opinions and defending my positions and beliefs in college. It was good for me. Many of my professors would have been right at home in Austria. So, in my accounts in political history be kind, I am only an 6 year old!

One of these items of my political naivety is that I thought when you hold public office, you handle your affairs in such a way that is above reproach. Maybe it's the way I was raised but it seems like just the opposite now. When you get elected now you must get a goodie basket that has two get-out-of-jail-free cards, one lack-of-judgement card, one dozen free lies, an extra marital affair, love child or run in with a prostitute, and four bad personal association cards. Nixon, Clinton, Dodd, Craig, Clinton, Obama, McCain, Edwards, Clinton and now Barney Frank.

So I have been learning a little bit about Barney Frank lately. Again, call me naive or ignorant but apparently he's been "out of the closet" since 1984. He said he didn't want to make excuses to keep his private life in check with his political life anymore. There's no room for anything to go wrong now that everyone knows he likes other congressmen!

So, in the 80s, he hires a male prostitute for 80 bucks, moves him in, and tries to help the young man change his life around and then dumps the kid. (Let's leave the prostitute life changing to Richard Gere) Everyone finds out that favorite politician from Boston hires long term male prostitute-no prob Frank. We'll re elect him another couple decades or so. He has a card for that! Remember? And anyway, what he does in his personal life is his business! Quit meddling.

It's now the 90s and Mr. FRANK is on the House Financial Services Committee overseeing the big government run programs such as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. During the same time, Mr. FRANK accepts over 40,000 dollars from Fannie Mae while serving on this oversight committee that advocates lax lending practices for minorities and sub-prime loans. (As does senator Chris Dodd, also on the committee) Guess what direction the Financial Services' Committee leans? You guessed it. Oh and one more thing. For 10 years on the HFSC, Mr. FRANK was involved romanticly with a man named Herb Moses. He openly called Mr. Moses his spouse. Herb Moses was an executive for none other than our now favorite government bailout-owned Fannie Mae. I wonder if there was any possibility of a conflict of interest there? Since 2003, Mr. FRANK has been the chairman of this committee that "oversees" government programs and makes policy recommendations as to lending practices, government backed mortgages and banking policy. Gee, this is the same guy criticising republicans of letting this whole economic mess happen? Also the same guy that just 5 weeks ago said publicly that Sarah Palin's personal live was fair game?

Excuse my cynicism a moment while I ask a couple rhetorical questions.

If Mr. FRANK was a straight conservative republican, would not the press be reporting this with fervour?

If Mr. FRANK was a straight conservative republican, would this not be grounds for dismissal from this critical committee or from office altogether?

Although I am a bit naive still when it comes to politics, I am at least smart enough to know that if elected to public office, I'd better keep my nose clean. That is unless that goodie bag comes with some kleenex. As for Mr. FRANK, he is now being investigated by the FBI.

Maybe someone will finally tell Mr. FRANK to leave the ballpark. He may feel right at home in federal prison.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VgctSIL8Lhs

Prediction

2008-10-04T09:05:00.003-06:00

I am going to make a prediction and I want it documented. The 850 Billion Bailout is just the beginning. Watch what our government does now that we've given them a mile. They will take a marathon.

Random Ramblings in Dixieland

2008-10-03T22:26:00.002-06:00

Although I am sick to my stomach that the House passed the Emergency Economic Stability Bill today I am going to take a break from discussing this muddled mess. All I can say is God help us and I hope it works. There's nothing I can do about it now other than let it eat at me and kick the bums out of office in the next election cycle.

So we came down to the house in St. George for conference with Carin's folks. The ride to St. George with 3 kids three and under is always exciting. When we stop to get lunch we are often stared down the whole time because we have twins. You just smile. Most people mean well. The others I just beat down. Yes, we meant to have another kid, No we did not use fertility, Yes they are twins and yes they are identical. It always makes me wonder if people actually think before opening their mouths. Are they twins?! Um. Yeah-here's your sign.

Carin and I also discussed what we were going to get do for the twins birthday. I like my birthday and the free dinners and special treatment as much as the next guy but come on....if anyone should get special treatment or a gift on a birthday it should be the mother that birthed the baby's ginormous cranium. Really kids, we're glad you're here but go over and give your mother a hug. I did not have to talk very persuasively to convince Carin of my philosophy. Thoughts?

Another random thought....We took the new Legacy Parkway for fun today just to see how many dead raccoons we could re-run over. Apparently the extreme-enviros that held up the construction of the parkway for 10 years forgot about the little bandits-of-the-night. Poor fellas. The enviros from St. George have done a much better job protecting our little animal friends. If you have ever driven the Red Rock Parkway above St. George by the Dixie "D" you may have noticed the little 12 inch fence running along the side of the road. Desert Tortoise my friend. Desert Tortoise. It's a cute little fence anyway and I have never seen a dead tortoise. I would have liked to see them installing it though. I love to honk and wave at people doing stupid things....especially "neckers" on the North Ogden Divide.

And third....any of you who many have a commercial drivers license tell your truck driver buddies not to pass other trucks on a hill unless they are sure they can actually pass. Nothing worse than driving through "beautiful" central Utah at 30 mph.

The 24 Year Long Vice Presidential Debate

2008-10-02T22:19:00.009-06:00

Why do we have to start the race for the presidency so early? Are we just so anxious to see a lame duck President finally be dismissed from office or are we just socially so inept that this compromises the whole of our lives for a year and a half? Does the media need material? Do campaign staffers really not want to go out and find a real job that bad?

So I suffered through the whole debate, word for word, without yielding to the temptation of the fast forward button as it screamed at me the whole time. I watched it because I am looking for someone to inspire me. Instead I found myself bored to tears by the same language, attacks and talking points we've have all been punished with for the last year and a half. I am considering a lawsuit against the government for the pain and suffering and irreversible damage this election cycle has caused me. I might even have a case under the "cruel and unusual."

I also, embarrassingly so, added CSPAN1 and CSPAN2 back to the line up on the dish. I watched the 1984 VP debate for a minute and decided that, if it weren't for the plaid suits, sweater vests and huge platter glasses on Geraldine Ferraro, that I could have shut my eyes and been listening to tonight's debate. 24 years later, our dialog has not advanced. Some might call this frustrating, aggravating, even embarrassing. Not me, I call it politics at their best. If the government can keep collecting our taxes and with those taxes promise to save the economy from turmoil, middle class families from financial insolvency and protection from maniacal dictators....props to them and shame on us for not making them live up to these promises.