Here We Go. Again. Again.

There used to be a time here on my blog that I used to be gung-ho, in your face, constantly debating, ever-posting about politics. I don't do it much at all now but my opinions haven't changed. I read Samantha The Army Wife's post today though, and I could no longer hold back. My postings were all the way back before the current president became president and when the country seemed to be in meltdown. Now I look back and realize that wasn't meltdown. Not at all. Back then is NOTHING compared to NOW. I could talk until I'm BLUE in the face and we could go round and round in circles addressing THE ISSUES but that wouldn't do a single thing. Wanna know how I know? No, I'm not psychic. I just know because that's what our elected officials, the ones who hold 'the power' have been doing for longer than I care to think about. Well, in between their well deserved, badly needed, ever earned vacation time. Wanna know how much good its done?

ZIP. ZILCH. NADA. ZERO. BUTKISS.

Most everything that politicians think are important and spend all their time 'trying to figure out', makes me sick. I get angry and frustrated and upset but I try to just NOT think about it because its not worth the way it all makes me feel.

We all know of the scares earlier this year when Military pay was going to be frozen leaving most of the military and their families in major binds. Bills were still going to be due but none of us would have had the money. Well, that didn't happen and I think most everyone sighed a sigh of relief thinking it was all over and nothing more needed to be thought or worried about.

Not me.
Not my family.
Not most of the people I know who stay informed and up to date on what Congress does concerning our fates and futures.

I want you guys to watch this video.

The Colbert Report	Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c
The Word - The 1%
www.colbertnation.com
Colbert Report Full Episodes Political Humor & Satire Blog Video Archive

Its Stephen Colbert and yes he's funny but this has got to be the one and only video of his I have never laughed at.
It made me sick.
It made me want to grab and shake every politician and member of Congress and make them see how utterly preposterous, selfish, ludicrous, absurd, unethical, unfair, and inequitable their REASONING is.

With all of this 'Occupy Wallstreet', 'What you have earned and worked for, I deserve', 'I am the 99%' crap that's been going on and getting WAY too much attention, people's eyes have been turned to view the wealthy and privileged as awful, evil people. How dare they work and earn massive sums of money without giving it to MEEEEE!!! Do you want to know the REALITY? Anyone who feels so entitled to anything they themselves haven't slaved and worked for, regardless of what it is are truly the awful and evil people.

With all of the news coverage and articles about this current ludicrousness, eyes haven't been trained on Congress watching what they've been doing. Nobody has been pointing out the obvious yet easily ignored facts that what's wrong with this country ISN'T big corporations. It ISN'T capitalism. It ISN'T the people in suits who make their money from stocks and bonds and trading. Most people hear budget cuts and the different proposals that can never be agreed upon and their eyes glaze over so they don't want to look close enough to see that the REAL problem with this country is us. Its the people we've elected to run the country. What's wrong with our country is the flippancy that is directed towards the Armed Forces past, present, and future.

To think that the benefits of our Veteran's are the first things that come to the minds of our 'SUPER CONGRESS' when thinking of what needs to be cut...

That, THAT right there is what's wrong with this country.

Now let's look at the REAL 1% shall we?

If only the blindness of America and ignorance of Washington could be fixed by the simple snap of the fingers.

I'm Glad He Said It, But I Need To Say It Too

If you watch the news, read the newspaper, are involved on Facebook, Twitter, or have ever heard of a Mormon, you probably know all about the mudslinging and name calling one Evangelical pastor has been busy doing. Its all about the Mormon Presidential candidates and how Mormon's should not be allowed into office because we are a cult.

Anyway, if you have read my blog for any length of time, you know that I am a Mormon. You'll also know how difficult it is for me to bite my tongue about something like this. When people come out and say things that are so degrading and hurtful, I get angry and upset and all I want to do is grab them and shake them and make them understand the truth. Honestly, the absolute ignorance of people astounds me. It hurts my heart more than anything else.

There is a wonderful rebuttal article written by another Evangelist that put things into words better than I think anyone could as far as the political argument. Here are a few of my favorite excerpts. Please go read it in full. Its a great justice to not only Mormon's but to other people attacked unrighteously.

"A bigot can be an inexcusable ignoramus who does not understand a group, but insists on opining about them. Another kind of bigot insists on applying irrelevant standards to a person. This is not excusable even if the standards are relevant in a different situation...."

"...To add insult to bigotry, the pastor decided to name call by saying Mormonism is a cult. The use of cult to describe the Mormon faith is foolish and offensive in a political context.

The word cult has many meanings, including a technical religious one. The Mormon Church is not “standard” historic Christianity as Mormons point out in their witness. They think they have something new and valuable to say religiously.

Most of the public does not think doctrine, but danger when they hear the term cult. He imagines scary folk living in compounds drinking Kool-aid, not Harry Reid or Mitt Romney.

In that popular sense, Mormonism is not a cult and should scare no American. Mormons have been faithful citizens, dying in our wars for republican values. Does Rick Perry’s pastor friend acknowledge this truth? Can a Mormon die for the Republic in battle, but still not serve as commander in the White House...?

For mainstream evangelicals such bigoted attacks on Romney are an embarrassment. They often seem to rely on fear of difference, a sense that other groups are “weird.” Everybody seems weird to somebody some time, but loving people get past such feelings. If the Mormon who dies for my freedom doesn’t seem weird, neither should the Mormon politician....

Evangelical Christianity does not place all power in the state and so rejects messianic leaders. We want a president, not a prophet in office. A Mormon cannot be my priest, but he can be my political leader.

Worse is the impact of bigotry on my Mormon neighbor. It is a betrayal of the love Jesus commanded us to show. If I can love my enemy, surely I can easily love the Mormon next door. I hate the pain caused my Mormon neighbor by ignorance and bigotry.

My Mormon friends do not complain or become defensive. Like the Christ, my experience has been resignation and love when my Mormon friends see slander.

Mormons saw their first prophet murdered by an American mob, but still they loyally serve a Republic whose laws have often failed them. They created a paradise in a wilderness and great literature and a first-rate university against all odds..."

In the interview that Anderson Cooper did with this pastor where he says these things about Mormons, he kept saying, "They are not Christians. They don't believe Jesus is the way to salvation." Even when Anderson read directly from our Church's website, he kept spouting of his hate filled rhetoric which was totally false.

Did you know that in the history of the United States, the Mormon religion has been the ONLY religion that has had an extermination order put out on it? Yeah, extermination (and even though not many were killed after hostilities were resolved after our church members  moved West, it wasn't officially repealed until 1976). We are the one and only religion where it has been 100% legal to kill us for the sole purpose of being a Mormon. No other reason. No other religion. There could be no retaliation of course because they'd just kill you for that. Countless people got taken out of their homes and got tarred and feathered, houses burned down, put in prison, driven out of state after state after state.... That's why most of us ended up on the West Coast :) Anyway, its just interesting that he kept bringing up the history of our religion in his interview and what values make up a Christian and yet, the name calling and the holier than thou attitude that guy has going on, is one of the most un-Christlike things that's been said and done in a long, long time. 

I can tell you right now, I AM a Christian. I know that the ONLY way for me to get back to my God is through the Atonement of my Savior Jesus Christ. He is who I follow. He is who I turn to. He is who I love. He is who I know.

I'm a wifey, angel baby mommy, Christian, and a Mormon. Now go spread the word that we're not about to go all David Koresh WACO on you guys okay?

Yeah, I'm Putting In My 2 Cents

I won't say too much because most people know my political stance but this is undoubtedly and undeniably momentous for us as a nation. We must not lower our guards and please please PLEASE stick to OPSEC and continue to pray for our troops.

A lot of people are speculating and noting the obvious that there will more than likely be a power struggle to take Osama's place. I think its safe to say that's going to happen and yes we have to proceed with caution BUT freaking out and going into a catatonic state of fear and and unrest isn't going to do you or anybody any good. I've already seen rumors and people posting on Facebook about air strikes to bases and such. Just stop. You're not helping.  All military outposts are currently sitting at Fpcon Bravo which for those who don't know means extremely heightened security and is specifically aimed at high risk of terrorist threat.

We are a strong and brave nation. That has been proved time and again. We don't falter, we don't hesitate, and as shown in these recent events, we do not FAIL.

Some quotes, statements and things I have seen posted by friends all over the place. 

Funniest Facebook Page ever: And That's How The USA Outdoes A Royal Wedding

Facebook Statuses:

"The girl married her Prince. The bad guy is dead. It's a real Disney weekend here on Earth."

"We will not tire, we will not falter, we will not fail." - President Bush, 2001. We did not. God Bless America.

"Heard Obama's statement was late because they were digging through the White House attic so he could wear Bush's "Mission Accomplished" flight suit."

"May 1st of 1945: Hitler announced dead - May 1st of 2011: Bin Laden announced dead"

Statement from former President George W. Bush:

"Earlier this evening, President Obama called to inform me that American forces killed Osama bin Laden, the leader of the al Qaeda network that attacked America on September 11, 2001.  I congratulated him and the men and women of our military and intelligence communities who devoted their lives to this mission.  They have our everlasting gratitude.  This momentous achievement marks a victory for America, for people who seek peace around the world, and for all those who lost loved ones on September 11, 2001.  The fight against terror goes on, but tonight America has sent an unmistakable message:  No matter how long it takes, justice will be done."

Statement from Mitt Romney:

"This is a great victory for lovers of freedom and justice everywhere. Congratulations to our intelligence community, our military and the president. My thoughts are with the families of Osama bin Laden's many thousands of victims, and the brave servicemen and women who have laid down their lives in pursuit of this murderous terrorist."

Former State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley said on Twitter:

"#BinLaden's death does not eliminate the threat from #alQaeda, but it is hard to see anyone playing the same organizational role he did."

Seen on a military site:

UNITED STATES HIT LIST:
Saddam Hussein ☑
Osama Bin Laden ☑
Westboro Church ☐

Via a Facebook MilSpouse Page:

Now I lay me down to sleep, one less terrorist this world does keep. With all my heart I give my thanks to those in uniform regardless of rank. You serve our country and serve it well, with humble hearts your stories tell. So as I rest my weary eyes while freedom rings our flag still flies. You give your all, do what you must, with God we live and God we trust. Amen

 

Now I gotta share something spectacular. We've all heard it and most of us have seen it but tonight was the first time ever that I cried while listening to and watching Toby Keith sing.

"Justice will be served and the battle will rage. This big dog will fight when you rattle his cage. You'll be sorry that you messed with the US of A 'Cause we'll put a boot in your ass, it's the American way."

 

I have never been prouder to be the wife of an American Airman. He just returned from 7 months in Afghanistan and continues to serve our country every day. I have never been more overwhelmed with emotion and pride to be living in this country which despite all of its mistakes and politics is truly the best country in the entire world. Keep the love, pride, and prayers going and as always support our troops. 

It's funny, because it's so true :)

I got this from my MIL. Too funny to not pass along.

Open mouth, insert foot

A friend found this little gem and shared it. Here's a "miserably failing" metaphor from our oh so beloved President BO. I think it'll speak for itself. Can you say major foot in the mouth? Its things like this that make me pray like crazy that the American public wake up soon.



Just a little tid-bit of information: We pay the head honcho postmaster a 800,000 thousand a year salary with BONUSES on top of that while at the same time USPS is constantly in the red. Last year alone, the USPS reported a 2.8 billion dollar loss! I bet he's thinking, "Oh tele-prompter, where art thou?" I know where it was, he sent it via-USPS.

Simple Explanation

Here's an idea of the effects of socialism. Some people think its complicated yet so perfectly balanced when in reality it is a farce, and will be the downfall of America.

An economics professor at a local college made a statement that he had never failed a single student before, but he had failed an entire class. That class had insisted that Obama's socialism worked and that no one would be poor and no one would be rich. It would be a great equalizer.

The professor then said, "OK, we will have an experiment in this class on Obama's plan". He explained that all grades would be averaged and everyone would receive the same grade so no one would fail and no one would receive an A. After the first test, the grades were averaged and everyone got a B. The students who studied hard were upset and the students who studied little were happy. As the second test rolled around, the students who studied little had studied even less and the ones who studied hard decided they wanted a free ride too so they studied little. The second test average was a D! No one was happy.

When the 3rd test rolled around, the average was an F. The scores never increased as bickering, blame and name-calling all resulted in hard feelings and no one would study for the benefit of anyone else. All failed, to their great surprise, and the professor told them that socialism would also ultimately fail because when the reward is great, the effort to succeed is great but when government takes all the reward away, no one will try or want to succeed.

It really couldn't be any simpler than that.

We are in agreement

I received this from my MIL and agreed with it whole-heartedly. Not just because the media/liberal Hollywood worship makes me sick and not because my husband is in the Air Force and the possibility of him getting deployed terrifies me. I agree with it because the American people take what we have, for granted. No one thinks that the reason they get to sleep in a comfy bed at night with full stomach's is because of the blood that has been given on their behalf. Here it is:

SOLDIER RESPONDS TO MJ'S DEATH

This is written by a young man serving his third tour of duty in Iraq. Thought you might find his take on the Michael Jackson news interesting.
________________________________________________________________________________________

"Okay, I need to rant. I was just watching the news, and I caught part of a report on Michael Jackson. As we all know, Jackson died the other day. He was an entertainer who performed for decades. He made millions, he spent millions, and he did a lot of things that make him a villain to many people. I understand that his death would affect a lot of people and I respect those people who mourn his death, but that isn't the point of my rant.

Why is it that when ONE man dies, the whole of America loses their minds with grief? When a man dies whose only contribution to the country was to ENTERTAIN people, the American people find the need to flock to a memorial in Hollywood, and even Congress sees the need to hold a "moment of silence" for his passing?

Am I missing something here? ONE man dies, and all of a sudden he's a freaking martyr because he entertained us for a few decades? What about all those SOLDIERS who have died to give us freedom? All those soldiers who, knowing that they would be asked to fight in a war, still raised their hands and swore to defend the Constitution and the United States of America. Where is their moment of silence? Where are the people flocking to their graves or memorials and mourning over them because they made the ultimate sacrifice? Why is it when a soldier dies, there are more people saying "good riddance," and "thank God for IEDs?" When did this country become so calloused to the sacrifice of GOOD MEN and WOMEN, that they can arbitrarily blow off their deaths, and instead, throw themselves into mourning for a "Pop Icon?"

I think that if they are going to hold a moment of silence IN CONGRESS For Michael Jackson, they need to hold a moment of silence for every Service member killed in Iraq and Afghanistan. They need to PUBLICLY recognize every life that has been lost so that the American people can live their callous little lives in the luxury and freedom that WE, those that are living and those that have gone on, have provided for them. But, wait, that would take too much time, because there have been so many willing to make that sacrifice. After all, we will never make millions of dollars. We will never star in movies, or write hit songs that the world will listen too. We only shed our blood, sweat, and tears so that people can enjoy what they have.

Sorry if I have offended, but I needed to say it. Remember these five words the next time you think of someone who is serving in the military;

"So that others may live..."

Isaac"

Too True

I found this on a friend's blog and thought it too funny (and sadly true) to not post. Click on it to get the full view.

LOL Moment

Note: Title is a port-key

I found this cute site on my AF Wives group with tons of products for AF Wives and other USAF products. Some are kind of random and I ran across this bumper sticker and I had a literal (L)augh (O)ut (L)oud moment. Here it is. The port-key takes you to the site. Enjoy my dear ones!

My way of supporting this argument

Another One

This is long but a great echo of my sentiments exactly! Thanks Lonna for posting this.

GLENN: I got a letter from a woman in Arizona. She writes an open letter to our nation's leadership: I'm a home grown American citizen, 53, registered Democrat all my life. Before the last presidential election I registered as a Republican because I no longer felt the Democratic Party represents my views or works to pursue issues important to me. Now I no longer feel the Republican Party represents my views or works to pursue issues important to me. The fact is I no longer feel any political party or representative in Washington represents my views or works to pursue the issues important to me. There must be someone. Please tell me who you are. Please stand up and tell me that you are there and that you're willing to fight for our Constitution as it was written. Please stand up now. You might ask yourself what my views and issues are that I would horribly feel so disenfranchised by both major political parties. What kind of nut job am I? Will you please tell me?

Well, these are briefly my views and issues for which I seek representation:

One, illegal immigration. I want you to stop coddling illegal immigrants and secure our borders. Close the underground tunnels. Stop the violence and the trafficking in drugs and people. No amnesty, not again. Been there, done that, no resolution. P.S., I'm not a racist. This isn't to be confused with legal immigration.

Two, the TARP bill, I want it repealed and I want no further funding supplied to it. We told you no, but you did it anyway. I want the remaining unfunded 95% repealed. Freeze, repeal.

Three: Czars, I want the circumvention of our checks and balances stopped immediately. Fire the czars. No more czars. Government officials answer to the process, not to the president. Stop trampling on our Constitution and honor it.

Four, cap and trade. The debate on global warming is not over. There is more to say.

Five, universal healthcare. I will not be rushed into another expensive decision. Don't you dare try to pass this in the middle of the night and then go on break. Slow down!

Six, growing government control. I want states rights and sovereignty fully restored. I want less government in my life, not more. Shrink it down. Mind your own business. You have enough to take care of with your real obligations. Why don't you start there.

Seven, ACORN. I do not want ACORN and its affiliates in charge of our 2010 census. I want them investigated. I also do not want mandatory escrow fees contributed to them every time on every real estate deal that closes. Stop the funding to ACORN and its affiliates pending impartial audits and investigations. I do not trust them with taking the census over with our taxpayer money. I don't trust them with our taxpayer money. Face up to the allegations against them and get it resolved before taxpayers get any more involved with them. If it walks like a duck and talks like a duck, hello. Stop protecting your political buddies. You work for us, the people. Investigate.

Eight, redistribution of wealth. No, no, no. I work for my money. It is mine. I have always worked for people with more money than I have because they gave me jobs. That is the only redistribution of wealth that I will support. I never got a job from a poor person. Why do you want me to hate my employers? Why ‑‑ what do you have against shareholders making a profit?

Nine, charitable contributions. Although I never got a job from a poor person, I have helped many in need. Charity belongs in our local communities, where we know our needs best and can use our local talent and our local resources. Butt out, please. We want to do it ourselves.

Ten, corporate bailouts. Knock it off. Sink or swim like the rest of us. If there are hard times ahead, we'll be better off just getting into it and letting the strong survive. Quick and painful. Have you ever ripped off a Band‑Aid? We will pull together. Great things happen in America under great hardship. Give us the chance to innovate. We cannot disappoint you more than you have disappointed us.

Eleven, transparency and accountability. How about it? No, really, how about it? Let's have it. Let's say we give the buzzwords a rest and have some straight honest talk. Please try ‑‑ please stop manipulating and trying to appease me with clever wording. I am not the idiot you obviously take me for. Stop sneaking around and meeting in back rooms making deals with your friends. It will only be a prelude to your criminal investigation. Stop hiding things from me.

Twelve, unprecedented quick spending. Stop it now.

Take a breath. Listen to the people. Let's just slow down and get some input from some nonpoliticians on the subject. Stop making everything an emergency. Stop speed reading our bills into law. I am not an activist. I am not a community organizer. Nor am I a terrorist, a militant or a violent person. I am a parent and a grandparent. I work. I'm busy. I'm busy. I am busy, and I am tired. I thought we elected competent people to take care of the business of government so that we could work, raise our families, pay our bills, have a little recreation, complain about taxes, endure our hardships, pursue our personal goals, cut our lawn, wash our cars on the weekends and be responsible contributing members of society and teach our children to be the same all while living in the home of the free and land of the brave.

I entrusted you with upholding the Constitution. I believed in the checks and balances to keep from getting far off course. What happened? You are very far off course. Do you really think I find humor in the hiring of a speed reader to unintelligently ramble all through a bill that you signed into law without knowing what it contained? I do not. It is a mockery of the responsibility I have entrusted to you. It is a slap in the face. I am not laughing at your arrogance. Why is it that I feel as if you would not trust me to make a single decision about my own life and how I would live it but you should expect that I should trust you with the debt that you have laid on all of us and our children. We did not want the TARP bill. We said no. We would repeal it if we could. I am sure that we still cannot. There is such urgency and recklessness in all of the recent spending.

From my perspective, it seems that all of you have gone insane. I also know that I am far from alone in these feelings. Do you honestly feel that your current pursuits have merit to patriotic Americans? We want it to stop. We want to put the brakes on everything that is being rushed by us and forced upon us. We want our voice back. You have forced us to put our lives on hold to straighten out the mess that you are making. We will have to give up our vacations, our time spent with our children, any relaxation time we may have had and money we cannot afford to spend on you to bring our concerns to Washington. Our president often knows all the right buzzword is unsustainable. Well, no kidding. How many tens of thousands of dollars did the focus group cost to come up with that word? We don't want your overpriced words. Stop treating us like we're morons.

We want all of you to stop focusing on your reelection and do the job we want done, not the job you want done or the job your party wants done. You work for us and at this rate I guarantee you not for long because we are coming. We will be heard and we will be represented. You think we're so busy with our lives that we will never come for you? We are the formerly silent majority, all of us who quietly work , pay taxes, obey the law, vote, save money, keep our noses to the grindstone and we are now looking up at you. You have awakened us, the patriotic spirit so strong and so powerful that it had been sleeping too long. You have pushed us too far. Our numbers are great. They may surprise you. For every one of us who will be there, there will be hundreds more that could not come. Unlike you, we have their trust. We will represent them honestly, rest assured. They will be at the polls on voting day to usher you out of office. We have cancelled vacations. We will use our last few dollars saved. We will find the representation among us and a grassroots campaign will flourish. We didn't ask for this fight. But the gloves are coming off. We do not come in violence, but we are angry. You will represent us or you will be replaced with someone who will. There are candidates among us when hewill rise like a Phoenix from the ashes that you have made of our constitution.

Democrat, Republican, independent, libertarian. Understand this. We don't care. Political parties are meaningless to us. Patriotic Americans are willing to do right by us and our Constitution and that is all that matters to us now. We are going to fire all of you who abuse power and seek more. It is not your power. It is ours and we want it back. We entrusted you with it and you abused it. You are dishonorable. You are dishonest. As Americans we are ashamed of you. You have brought shame to us. If you are not representing the wants and needs of your constituency loudly and consistently, in spite of the objections of your party, you will be fired. Did you hear? We no longer care about your political parties. You need to be loyal to us, not to them. Because we will get you fired and they will not save you. If you do or can represent me, my issues, my views, please stand up. Make your identity known. You need to make some noise about it. Speak up. I need to know who you are. If you do not speak up, you will be herded out with the rest of the sheep and we will replace the whole damn congress if need be one by one. We are coming. Are we coming for you? Who do you represent? What do you represent? Listen. Because we are coming. We the people are coming."

AN OPEN LETTER TO PRESIDENT OBAMA

Just a note. I didn't want to post this if was for lack of a better term, a "hoax" so I did my research and it appears to be legit. Click the blog title to have it take you to the Snopes website for more details on when and how this letter began circulating.

Lou Pritchett Foremost Leader in Change Management

Lou Pritchett is one of corporate America's true living legends- an cclaimed author, dynamic teacher and one of the world's highest rated speakers. Successful corporate executives everywhere recognize him as the foremost leader in change management. Lou changed the way America does business by creating an audacious concept that came to be known as "partnering." Pritchett rose from soap salesman to Vice-President, Sales and
Customer Development for Procter and Gamble and over the course of 36 years, made corporate history.

AN OPEN LETTER TO PRESIDENT OBAMA

"Dear President Obama:

You are the thirteenth President under whom I have lived and unlike any of the others, you truly scare me. You scare me because after months of exposure, I know nothing about you. You scare me because I do not know how you paid for your expensive Ivy League education and your upscale lifestyle and housing with no visible signs of
support.

You scare me because you did not spend the formative years of youth growing
up in America and culturally you are not an American. You scare me because you have never run a company or met a payroll. You scare me because you have never had military experience, thus don't understand it at its core. You scare me because you lack humility and 'class', always blaming others. You scare me because for over half your life you have aligned yourself with radical extremists who hate America and you refuse to publicly denounce these radicals who wish to see America fail.

You scare me because you are a cheerleader for the 'blame America ' crowd and deliver this message abroad. You scare me because you want to change America to a European style country where the government sector dominates instead of the private sector. You scare me because you want to replace our health care system with a government controlled one.

You scare me because you prefer 'wind mills' to responsibly capitalizing on
our own vast oil, coal and shale reserves. You scare me because you want to kill the American capitalist goose that lays the golden egg which provides the highest standard of living in the world. You scare me because you have begun to use 'extortion' tactics against certain banks and corporations.

You scare me because your own political party shrinks from challenging you on your wild and irresponsible spending proposals. You scare me because you will not openly listen to or even consider opposing points of view from intelligent people. You scare me because you falsely believe that you are both omnipotent and omniscient.

You scare me because the media gives you a free pass on everything you do. You scare me because you demonize and want to silence the Limbaughs, Hannitys, O'Relllys and Becks who offer opposing, conservative points of view. You scare me because you prefer controlling over governing.

Finally, you scare me because if you serve a second term I will probably not
feel safe in writing a similar letter in 8 years.

Lou Pritchett"

AMEN!!

My friend wrote this article and got selected for it to be published on the KTAR website. She is amazing!! You can also read it at the link that is my title and comment.


The Cost of "Education"
by Hayley Payne/Special to KTAR.com (May 12th, 2009 @ 9:09pm)

This is a guest column contributed to KTAR.com from a @ktar923 Twitter follower. Your voice can be heard too. Send your opinion piece on any topic to webmaster@ktar.com.

"I started at Arizona State University in the fall of 2005. I was anxious to receive my "higher" education, and eager to become a member of the college society. I became an Education major, and was looking forward to the wisdom I would undoubtedly gain from my professors.

I was ready to make a difference in the world, and dreamed of how all of my late-nighters and early-morning cram sessions would be worth it once my degree led me into a sure-fire career field. After all, there is always a need for good teachers!

Now $33,000 in debt and 120 credits later, I begin student teaching in the fall asking myself what my time and money has truly earned me. When graduates spend four hours in the scorching Arizona heat at Sun Devil Stadium, drenched in sweat and peeling their cap and gown off their bodies for relief, only to hear a brief speech and step out into a job market void of any hope or consolation, I sincerely wonder if they will feel like the past four years were worth it. I know I don't.

It is only fitting that President Obama make the commencement speech this year at Arizona State. If you spend any time on campus at all, you cannot avoid hearing from countless students about how wonderful the stimulus package is and how finally America has the right idea about universal healthcare. Young Democrats stroll deep in conversation about how they approve increased spending as long as it's in the name of going ‘green.' But how many of those students, bombarded by the MTV-appeal of Obama and his big government, have stopped to wonder what their education has cost them?

When Obama steps on that stage, I can guarantee there are certain remarks he will omit. He will not tell the graduates that their determination and industry is no longer valued in this country. He will not tell them that under his administration their debt will only continue to increase. And you can bet he will not tell them that no matter how dedicated they are in their career, their wealth will be spread to those whom the government deems fit for the reward.

He will fulfill his role as the celebrity, Captain America, the blind leading the blind. I can only pray that so many of my "rock the vote" peers realize they got exactly what they voted for, but more than they bargained for. I hope they see that if our government continues down its current path, there is no way they could ever repay what we have lost as students.

So why did I bother earning a degree? Why not just sit back, relax, and wait for my own personal handout? Because I still believe the true hope of our country lies in the hard work of people just like me. Our society is starving for some perseverance. The government is not the answer. I am the answer."



Go HP!!!

Clear the Muddy Waters??

I guess for a few people I need to CLARIFY what I meant in my previous post.

"My last rebuttal I think may get me into some trouble with a few family members but I don't care. These are my beliefs and opinions and pretending they aren't is a disservice to myself.  See what I mean? Passion=trouble sometimes."

I knew my post would get me into "trouble" because I have a few family members who tend to take things rather personally. I do not care because no matter what is said or done, their opinions will not be changed.

I do think it is funny that when engaging in a discussion or debate concerning a differing of opinions, one party (or more) is prone to taking offense or getting hurt feelings. The purpose behind such discussions is to expand the mind, learn of others' opinions and points of view. I used to get angry or hurt feelings ALL THE TIME when I had a disagreement with someone but have since learned that such feelings are pointless.

I have gained an appreciation for diversity. Without diversified opinions, there can be no learning, sharing, or conversation. I like coming in contact with people whose ideas differ from my own. The world would be so bland if we all thought the same would it not?

I enjoy discussions concerning religion and government and current events because it helps me to not only try to look at things from a different angle, but it allows me to strengthen my ideas and resolve to talk about what I believe, and I daresay KNOW to be true and right.

There you have it. I was not just flagrantly displaying my lack of caring for my family. I love my family. EVERY SINGLE MEMBER OF IT. Whether they believe me or not, is up to them.

No Secret....

It is not news to anyone who truly knows me that I am a passionate person. I am passionate in my relationships and how I share my love. I am passionate about things like decorating and music and reading and writing. I am passionate about children. I am passionate about cleaning and a few specific tendencies I have that are border-line OCD. I am EXTREMELY passionate about my beliefs both religious and political. This being the reason that for me they coincide so completely. Government for me is something that I could go on and on about but it often gets me into trouble. I am out-spoken and confrontational and even though I may start out in a discussion promising myself I will behave and be cordial I oft times find myself being very ornery and.... mean? Mean is not the right word but I cannot think of a better fit. My passion for what is right and just and moral gets me into trouble. Mr. Superman likes that I am passionate but sometimes he just has to leave the room when I rant and "discuss/debate" politics.

Alright so obviously during the election season this blog was a little overrun by political posts but I think I managed to salvage a few of my readers by toning it down after wards. The thing is people, is that I just stopped posting it here. I am an avid participant in discussions and debates on Facebook and many other forums online. My good friend C has very politically savvy parents who have the same views as I. I daresay her mother is a good friend of mine as well. Well C's brother posted a poem on his Facebook that has sparked quite the debate/discussion. My last rebuttal I think may get me into some trouble with a few family members but I don't care. These are my beliefs and opinions and pretending they aren't is a disservice to myself.  See what I mean? Passion=trouble sometimes. I am going to go ahead and attach the poem with the debate minus the names except for mine. This is to save anyone from taking offense.

At first I thought this was funny...then I realized the awful truth of it. Be sure to read all the way to the end!

A poem about taxes

Tax his land,
Tax his bed,
Tax the table
At which he's fed.

Tax his tractor,
Tax his mule,
Teach him taxes
Are the rule.

Tax his work,
Tax his pay,
He works for peanuts Anyway!

Tax his cow,
Tax his goat,
Tax his pants,
Tax his coat.

Tax his ties,
Tax his shirt,
Tax his work,
Tax his dirt..

Tax his tobacco,
Tax his drink,
Tax him if he
Tries to think.

Tax his cigars,
Tax his beers,
If he cries
Tax his tears.

Tax his car,
Tax his gas,
Find other ways
To tax his a__.

Tax all he has
Then let him know
That you won't be done
Till he has no dough.

When he screams and hollers,
Then tax him some more,
Tax him till
He's good and sore.

Then tax his coffin,
Tax his grave,
Tax the sod in
Which he's laid.

Put these words
upon his tomb,
' Taxes drove me to my doom....'
When he's gone,
Do not relax,
Its time to apply
The inheritance tax.

Accounts Receivable Tax
Building Permit Tax
CDL license Tax
Cigarette Tax
Corporate Income Tax
Dog License Tax
Excise Taxes
Federal Income Tax
Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA)
Fishing License Tax
Food License Tax
Fuel Permit Tax
Gasoline Tax (42 cents per gallon)
Gross Receipts Tax
Hunting License Tax
Inheritance Tax
Inventory Tax
IRS Interest Charges IRS Penalties (tax on top of tax)
Liquor Tax
Luxury Taxes
Marriage License Tax
Medicare Tax
Personal Property Tax
Property Tax
Real Estate Tax
Service Charge Tax
Social Security Tax
Road Usage Tax
Sales Tax
Recreational Vehicle Tax
School Tax
State Income Tax
State Unemployment Tax (SUTA)
Telephone Federal Excise Tax
Telephone Federal Universal Service Fee Tax
Telephone Federal, State and Local Surcharge Taxes
Telephone Minimum Usage Surcharge Tax
Telephone Recurring and Non-recurring Charges Tax
Telephone State and Local Tax
Telephone Usage Charge Tax
Utility Taxes
Vehicle License Registration Tax
Vehicle Sales Tax
Watercraft Registration Tax
Well Permit Tax
Workers Compensation Tax

STILL THINK THIS IS FUNNY?

Not one of these taxes existed 100 years ago, and our nation was
the most prosperous in the world.

We had absolutely no national debt, had the largest middle class in
the world, and Mom stayed home to raise the kids.

What in the world happened? Can you spell 'politicians!'

Poli - The Latin word for Many.
Tics - Blood Sucking Insects.
Politics = Many Blood Sucking Insects!

Participant A:


We have more people, we have more roads, we have more stuff, we expect more stuff, we expect our stuff cheap, we expect to have all the stuff we want and not have to pay for it. We expect health care and to live a long life and to be cared for, we expect the best education n the world, we expect to not have our children to not work in sweat shops (which was happening) We expect to just work 8 hours a day and have a living wage.We expect to eat as much as we want, drink as much as we want, smoke as much as we want, drive want we want to drive, waste what we want to wast, we expect perfect food from anywhere any time of the year, we expect to have as many children as we want and above all we Expect To Not Pay Taxes. We expect clean water that come right into our house, we expect to water our grass, we expect to get rid of waste, we expect to all children immunized, we expect childhood diseases to not exist in our country, we expect electricity in every home, we expect telephone service, Internet, and cable, we expect, we expect, we expect, and we expect to NOT Pay Taxes.


Mrs. S:


It's not that we expect to not pay taxes but there are things in place called checks and balances that are supposed to make things even and fair. They are supposed to make sure that government doesn't overstep its bounds which has happened. It has happened to the extent that our nation is deep in debt, over taxing its people, and passing laws and implementing taxes and other things that are in no way constitutional.


Participant B:


What incentive do the top wager earners have to produce when their taxes keep going up even when they're already paying more than 50% of the taxes? Lower taxes and business owners have more money to buy more stuff and hire more people. Increase taxes, and they're forced to lay people off. What confidence can investors have in this administration when the market is down 30% in 3 mos? Of course that's fine for Obamaites to stick it to those evil rich people so everything can be more "fair" for everyone. Those evil rich people losing all their money are the ones who provide millions of jobs. Sad when people put their faith in govt rather than the ingenuity of the American people.


Mrs. S:


Its sad that the American Government has become so diluted as to think that Socialism is the right way of doing things.


Participant C:

Mrs. S, I'm proud of you! We do expect some taxes, but this has gotten so out of hand that it will become an unrecognizable nation soon- one we would not want our children raised in - a third world country, where no one is free. Some people lose their rights during war time - but we handed ours away. Sad:(

Participant D:


It's funny Participant A, the things you mention are things liberals feel they are entitled to. Free health care? Free schooling? The government should provide these things? No. We should pay for them ourselves. The only exceptions are the disabled and the elderly, really. But able bodied adults should have no problem providing for ourselves. 100 years ago the people maintained their own roads. The govt shouldn't be so involved its bad for all humanity.


Mrs. S:


The issue that has become so pressing is that now there really is a lack of incentive to work hard. If you're at the bottom of the totem pole, there is no reason to work to get higher because our new President is going to make sure you have everything you've ever wanted. The icing on the cake? You won't have to do a thing. If you have worked hard and done well? You get punished. Your hard earned and well deserved wealth is going to be taken from you and redistributed to help those "in need". In need meaning to lazy to get up and work. Robin Hood is a good story and all but its just a fairy tale.


Participant E:


My sister's able bodied....but since she has a slipped disc in her back from when she was 15 she has a hard time affording health care and after three years of being on her own health care, she just finally got her back covered last week...


Participant C:


Actually, having a back injury makes you less able. And do you think you should have to pay for someone to have Internet or cable? It's time for people to be responsible for themselves. What ever happened to pulling yourself up by the bootstrap? I guess now, you don't have to aspire for greatness, you don't have to do anything, you deserve what your neighbor has, just because you were born! Penalizing the wealthy will not encourage growth of the economy-it will wreak the economy. Obama has done more damage in the first two months than any president in history. Your children and grandchildren will be paying this debt. You will work your entire lifetime and never retire - you won't be able to afford to and there is no retirement now so we won't retire. Big government is a nightmare and we're in it. I feel so sorry for you young people - you never had a chance :(


Participant F:


I don't know about the rest of you, but we pay for our water, sewer, home, phone, Internet, satellite, gasoline, food, clothing, property insurance, health insurance, medical bills on top of what insurance doesn't cover(that includes immunizations for my children), gas tax, road tax, property tax, state income tax, federal income tax, social security tax(that will probably not be there for us to use for our own retirement-ha)-AND we pay taxes to provide for services for the less able, for schools, police and fire protection, for our military, for roads, libraries, jails,we subsidize daycare, housing, school lunches and health care for indigent. It is a free land and yes, I will have as many children as I'm able to raise and care for, I will live in a house I can afford, I will drive the vehicle that accommodates my family. I believe every life is sacred and abhor the thought of my money being spent to kill the innocent. I'm proud to be an American and I'm sad for the state it's in.


Participant C:


The colonies were fine with taxation until it became a heavy burden and unjustified-much like it's becoming now. Small revolts are happening across the nation and soon it may be time to stand up for freedom, liberty and the American way!


Participant D:


Participant F, who do you think is going to pay this bill that Mr O. has given the country? Free health care is not free!! Do you think I should pay if you just don't want to go to work? That's not to say if you cannot work don't confuse it.


Participant A:


I just keep wondering who these people are you keep talking about. Who are they and where are they? Everyone I know works hard and have long range plans. They are not letting setbacks stop them from pursuing their dreams. I know only one who looks for the short cut. I know there are people out there but they are not the majority or we would not be the country we are today. This recession started in 07 and it is not something that started on Jan 09. The truth is there are people out there trying to make it on less, that don't have family to help them, that are unskilled, untaught, or going to school and trying to get to that point of making a living to support themselves. You talk like you are the only hard working people out there and everyone else in sitting on the couch watching TV with their hand out. I haven't heard anything about free health care, just affordable, affordable insurance. And who are you to judge who "wants to work" and " who don't want to work". Participant B, when did you get so protective of the rich. I feel so sorry for those poor billionaires like Bernie Maddof, You know maybe they shouldn't have to pay more taxes. I think since you guys want to pay your way you should have to pay a pure cost for all those things you love. No taxes included in what you pay for. Not tax money included in the production of things. Pure cost of electricity- to the food on your table. The pure cost of roads, to your health care and then you would see what having no money is like. Keep your little bit of taxes and see if you come close to breaking even. Maybe we all need to see what the real cost of our lives are. The real cost of the water in your pools to the gas in your cars. Maybe would build smaller homes, drive smaller cars, protect our environment, buy our food local, not build in a dessert and grow corn in our food fields. We can not have it all.


Participant D:


No judgment. I'm not judging people who don't "want" to work. I'm just saying if you decide to not work you better have money or a way to afford these things, but don't ask me to pay for an able bodied person. Again no judgment on this side of the aisle. Participant A, I'm very glad you finally admit that the recession started in 07 when the Dem's started railroading this country. Please tell your lib friends so we can stop this disease (BDS) The only way to recover is to acknowledge.


Participant C:


Participant A, I think you need to slow down - most of what you talk about are things we pay to have, not anything taxed. We pay plenty and live quite simply and we pay our own way. Unlike many of the liberal democrats who like spending everyone Else's' money. How would you know the PURE cost of anything, is that what you pay? Of course not! And when you say your little bit of taxes, well we are probably paying more in taxes than you, so when you move to a house that more closely fits the size of your family, then we'll talk. This class warfare has to stop and I'm not talking about the Bernie Madoffs. We appreciate the wealthy, those who employ others, those who pay the most taxes, those who keep this country solvent. What is scary now is how low the figure for being "wealthy" is. Who decided who was the wealthy? Well now Obama changes that regularly - soon it will be $60,000 because he can't afford not to tax them, he has spent and over spent and spent into your daughter's children's generation. THAT is what should concern you - your sweet granddaughter will never have the things your kids had, because Obama mortgaged her future and you think it's a great idea- so great, you'll argue for it. unbelievable!!


Mrs. S:


All I know is what is going on today is a far cry from what our country was based on. The Founding Father's would weep if they saw how far this country has sunk and how utterly destroyed the morale of its politicians has become. It really does make me sick.


"You cannot legislate the poor into freedom by legislating the wealthy out of freedom. What one person receives without working for, another person must work for without receiving. The government cannot give to anybody anything that the government does not first take from somebody else. When half of the people get the idea that they do not have to work because the other half is going to take care of them, and when the other half gets the idea that it does no good to work because somebody else is going to get what they work for, that my dear friend, is about the end of any nation. You cannot multiply wealth by dividing it."

-The late Dr. Adrian Rogers, 1931-2005


Participant A:


Sorry Participant D, I don't have any "Lib" friends, you forget I live in Indiana. And we are commenting on the poem and the taxes listed there. The point is we do not know the pure cost of any thing. That is why we are so so so so wasteful. If we did maybe we would treat our world different. And all that pork that has been flying out of Washington for YEARS REPUBLICAN and DEMOCRAT is subsidizing almost everything in our life to MAKE IT CHEAP. You can pay it in taxes or straight out of you paycheck. I guess I don't understand "those liberal democrats that like spending other peoples money" I know a lot a lot a lot of Republicans that live just as freely as you describe. I don't get why it always has to be us Republicans who live one way and it is the right way, vs the rest of the world is "Dem's" that live another. I don't think you can tell them apart if you throw in a barrel. Everyone lives for themselves.


Participant C:


The difference is rep. believe in personal responsibility and paying your own way, Dem's believe in subsidizing others projects, remember they're the ones who wants to raise the tax, but can't seem to remember to pay their own-they believe in class warfare and keeping the little guy down and out, on welfare and beholden to the party that will keep paying them to lay around. Dem's want to spread my money to others and hide their money in some offshore account. True rebus are capitalists, Dem's are
socialist.


Participant E:


Participant D, I didn't comment anything about the stimulus bill...also no I don't think you should have to pay if I "just don't want to go to work." I never said anything along those lines. I made a comment about health care, my sister's back doesn't affect how long she works or how much money she makes, it just hurts all the time, and she needs physical therapy. It affects how much she pays for health care and whether or not she gets coverage, which for three years she didn't. Like I said, I dare you to tell her it's because she doesn't believe in "personal responsibility" or because she "doesn't work hard enough". And Mrs. S, I dare you to say the same thing to *insert name here* and see what he has to say about his wife. Also, you should research what's going to with the Mesa police department because of the stimulus bill. They're begging for the money.


Mrs. S:


I am not saying anything about how difficult it is to get health care, or talking about people who are willing but not able to work. The point I and most of us are trying to make is that this country, built on freedom and ingenuity and hard work, is falling apart. Only someone truly naive and ignorant would argue that fact. I understand how absolutely difficult it is to not only afford health care but to be able to obtain it and have it be of good quality. I do not have health insurance due to the cost and the fact that I have what insurance companies to be a "pre-existing condition". The point is that this so called miracle working stimulus package has put this country in so deep of debt that my grand kids will be working it off and won't succeed. This stimulus package is doing nothing for the hard working Americans who slave away and get nowhere but for the rich, irresponsible, selfish bureaucrats that foolishly squandered theirs and others money away. The point is that Obama's stance on so many issues are the polar opposite of what America is supposed to be about. Not only America's but the truly honest and moral way of handling things is being forgotten and forsaken for the "good of all." Not the good of all, the good of those who do not care or do not know (or both) what the good of all really means. Even though my husband and I work hard to get out of debt and make our way to try and get ahead, I would never ask for someone elses hard earned money to put us there. Most of the people who are for the stimulus package and for this "new" idea of spreading the wealth are people who do not understand how Socialistic it really is. If they do that goes to show how against they are for America and what we are supposed to be doing.

Just to push the point a little further a direct line from The Declaration of Independence.


"Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, —That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness."


The sad thing is though, the the people of America are either too dense and ignorant to do anything to change the government which has so blatantly over stepped its bounds or the ones that realize this and wish to do something are in the minority.

Also, just the fact that I have a brother who is on Mesa PD doesn't mean I would change my stance on this at all. Whatever their situation is doesn't change the fact that all of the things being passed and signed off on by our President and our Members of Congress makes them any more right.


Participant E:


I'm not going to talk about Obama and this stimulus bill with you anymore. Ever since our country was founded people have interpreted things differently. Just to push my point a little further a direct line from the declaration of independence.


"...all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."


And one from the eighth amendment


"Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted."


So I, along with many others, consider the death penalty to be unconstitutional and an area where the government is blatantly overstepping it's bounds. That's my opinion, that's the way I interpret the constitution. But, I'm certainly not going to call you dense and ignorant for not agreeing with me. I understand that you didn't bring up the death penalty, I'm just trying to find an obvious example of where people interpret the constitution differently. So you can call things unconstitutional or constitutional all you want, but no matter what there are always going to be people that disagree with you. Frustrating, huh? I know it is for me. So, that's why there's no point in continuing this, because we obviously have two different views. Also, I forgot your brother was a police officer, and I didn't know he worked for Mesa PD, i just saw that stuff this morning on the news and found it really interesting. I didn't mean it as a personal attack or anything.


Participant C:


So, Participant E, it's cruel and unusual punishment to give the death penalty to a rapist/murderer/molestor, but it's okay to give the death penalty to an innocent unborn baby? Strange, I think. And I have to say Mrs. S. has a grasp of the bigger picture, because of Obama's massive spending, we will never be out of debt and your children will suffer for it, and ALL of us will be paying for this - forever...


Participant E:


To answer your question yes, and I don't think it's strange. But I'm not going to get into that any further because I really don't want to ARGUE about it; if I politely stated my opinion on the subject it would just be rudely attacked. I see the horrible stuff people say to Participant A because she disagrees. It seems that talking nicely is not possible here. Conservatives are just living up to their stereotypes that they are mean, judgmental and that they constantly throw around accusations. Unfortunately, I live in Gilbert therefore, politically, hardly anyone agrees with me. Not only that, my views and opinions are also looked down on and mocked. I never should have posted anything in the first place; it has already been made clear to me that opposing views are not welcome. And thanks for proving my point that people interpret the constitution differently. I really have nothing more to say except peace out for real, I'm done with this "argument" because it's never going to go anywhere.


Participant F:


Are you seriously saying that it is okay to kill an unborn innocent baby because people are stupid and don't know safe sex but that its horrible to kill a murderer and child molesters and people that are complete garbage?


Participant C:


The only rudeness I have seen hasn't come from us. We haven't attacked anyone. You can't give offense, only take it, and it seems you want to take it. We could easily be offended by the things you say, but it's not worth it. You want to be a victim-be one. No one is calling you names, although it seems you have done that. Quit getting involved if you can't debate a point without getting your feelings hurt. No one has said anything to you that is offensive. Asking a question is not inappropriate. If you want to think it's okay to let some menace to society live, while murdering an innocent child is fine, well if you can sleep at night and think that's okay, well okay. It's not 'Gilbert' that's your problem, it goes much higher than that. It doesn't matter what I think, but it does matter what your Heavenly Father thinks.

And, you need to read again and tell me where I've said anything mean to Participant A- we have been lifetime friends (30 years), and you'll see that she debates vigorously and says what she wants to, never giving in and NEVER getting offended- and we don't get offended by what she says - that's what maturity is and what debate is. Participant A is not a vicitm and neither are you. Now we could be offended by the things you say, but we won't. But I will do whatever I can to save every innocent life possible and take in any baby that needs my care, and know that what I do is what my Heavenly Father wants me to do. And any person that commits heinous crimes should receive the full penalty provided by law, they give up their right to life if that is what is decided. I would be happy to put the needle in!!


Participant D:


Participant E, conservatives throw around accusations? Is that what people say? I think I heard that Sarah Palin's son born of down syndrome was actually Bristol's child. That's what the liberal news media reported. I've heard in liberal circles that 911 was an inside job orchestrated by George Bush. These accusations from people on the left are both insanely inflammatory and very unsubstantiated ridiculous rumors. If you'll notice Participant E, the conservative media tries to inform people of FACTS. There will always be a bad apple in the group so mud will be thrown but by and large you have these roles reversed.

If you stuck it out through this entire post I'm not only proud of you but I appreciate it. I'll see if I can wait a while before I get all passionate on you guys again.