Post Election America

Where do we go from here..

The election is over and we have just what we had before the election.  The House of Representatives is controlled by the Republicans, the Senate and Presidency is controlled by the Democrats.

Going a little deeper in the numbers, I would like to make a couple of observations.  

1. The fact that the Republicans control the House means that the majority of the country in small sections is more conservative.  The larger cities and population centers are Democrat.  The population is moving more towards the cities and away from the rural areas.
2. The overall population has become accustomed to social interference from the Federal Government.  Mostly in the form of social security, medicare, unemployment, food stamps and the other helping hands provided to people down on their luck.
3. It is also become apparent that our country is deeply divided on the issues of government interference in our businesses and other aspects of our lives.
4. And finally, the overwhelming observation is that people do not trust their government, but would really like to.

So, in short, we are right where we started.  My personal view is that the Federal Government should restrict their actions to interstate commerce, defense and regulating the current social programs.  Expansion of any programs should not be encouraged.  They Feds are not good stewards of our money.  There is much waste and until they clean up the current waste, I would not like to see any expansion.

I have a real concern that the personal accountability that our parents, grandparents, great-grandparents all thought was the cornerstone of life is beginning to erode and be replaced by group accountability.  We are no so much responsible for our own lives as we are responsible to the community as a whole and that includes our time, treasure and talent.  It is not being done by choice but by legislation.  The political term for this is socialism.  Much of Europe is this way and many of the traditional communist countries are evolving to this.  It puts government as the overriding voice in what is right an wrong, where we go, what is good for us and what we deserve.  Placing this much power in the hands of bureaucrats creates a new class of citizen.  This "ruling" class has shown that the rules apply to all but them and that they are better informed and know what is good for us better than we do.

This dependency reduces the influence the influence that our family, church and community has upon our society and replaces it with a predetermined set of rules that has been decided in a chamber of government.

The cure for "Social Engineering" is education.  As long as those who control government control education, the Social Engineering Model perpetuates itself.  Moving the education of our youth and young men and women in college away from government and toward private education, the better our chances of reinstituting the values of personal accountability and freedom of choice that our parents enjoyed.

National education standards in terms of reading, writing, mathematics and science is all that need be taught.  Items that are more suggestive like history, social commentary, art, literature and music are items that should be electives and your choice.  By allowing parents to choose schools that have particular bents on the latter issues, we allow for a more diverse society.  Our values and overview of societal issues should be the prevue of parents not driven by government standards.

So, America needs to reinstitute our freedoms of choice and the ability to move our society back the diverse group that we used to be and not the mindless zombies that prefer to follow rather than lead.  There is hope for our country, but it is the future.  The battle for the future begins today.

The America I Know is in Danger

Today is pivotal..

The Election is just one part of what lies in store for America.

It has been a while since I posted here..  Mostly because I have been busy and partly because I really didn't have anything that I wanted to say.  But today is different.  Today is Election Day in America.

Election Day in America is something that we as Americans take for granted but most of the world treats like the Holy Grail.  Voting is the unobtainable portion of life that is denied them.

For the first time in my life (50+ years), I have real concern that the country is not only going in the wrong direction, but that it may disappear as a beacon of freedom that it was for over 200 years.

Those that came here from England did so, to pursue a dream of worshiping God in a manner that they felt was fit and to seek opportunities for themselves that a monarchy did not provide.  In England, nothing went on without the King's permission.  This led to a war, a new government and a bloody civil war.  Now as apathetic voters, many are giving up their freedom not to a King, but to a government that sees itself as smarter, better informed and wants to care for you from cradle to grave.  That security comes with a price. And for me that price is too high.  I am not willing to give up my ability to rise above my station, to set the bar high and reach my full potential for a mediocre existence and security. The yoke of government does not provide me any opportunities to succeed as I would like.

I believe that most people want to chart their own destinies.  And if they fail, they want to believe that their fellow Americans will lend them a hand up.. Not a hand out.  The role of government is at stake in this election.

The federal government's job according to the constitution is fairly basic.  Provide defense, regulate interstate commerce, provide post roads are the basics.  Since the depression days, the role of government has continued to grow, and at a faster rate than ever before.  Government regulations, federal monetary policies and social engineering has caused this country to come to a tipping point..  It was like race to the edge of the cliff just to see the view.

The role of church and state is at stake here as well.   Courts and legislature tell us that there is a separation of church and state, and there is no such thing.  To paraphrase the constitution, "The Federal Government shall not establish a national religion, nor prohibit the free practice there of any religion."  No where in the constitution is there a separation.  Only through judicial activism has this taken place.  America and Americans need to voluntarily fall to their knees to pray for guidance and blessings, not be forced to their knees to beg for government assistance.

Re-election of Obama is just the first step in pushing us off the cliff and beginning the rapid decline of the American Dream.  We as Americans have to take personal responsibility for our lives, our families and our neighbors.  It is not the job of the government, but the job of the people to help each other.

So vote today like it is your last vote.  It may be the last time you have a clear choice.  Vote for representatives who are servants of the people, not servants of themselves.  Vote for smaller government and return of power to the cities, towns and counties and away from the federal and state governments.  It will take decades to reverse the trend that has begun, but it all begins with taking up the mantle of the vote. 

I am not for ending help for those who cannot help themselves because of physical or mental limitations, or those who need a temporary help while losing a job, but I do not want to support homeless people who chose to move to California because the giveaways are better.  I will support those in my hometown, and through my Church, those in my community.

I want to keep more of my money to make decisions that impact my family and my life.  Not depend on bureaucrats to make that determination for me.

I am hopeful, but fearful, optimistic, but cautious.  There is so much coming to a head in the next decade that everyone should pay attention and do not let themselves be led by populous propaganda.  It is only if we delve into prayer, as a person, as a family, as a community, state and country that we can return America to the beacon of freedom that it was. 

The only call to action that I am asking from you today and everyday until the Lord takes you is to pray, engage your community and vote as if your life depends on it.  Because it does.

The Turbulent Times

This government here is the United States is beginning to create a society that is unsustainable.   The times we live in right now are trying not to ourselves, but our parents, grandparents, children and grandchildren.  For the first time in my life, I am actually concerned about the world that my children will grow up in. Below I will list my concerns and possible fixes for these concerns.  I know I usually try to give both sides of the story, but this issue requires thought and solutions.

Government

The Problem

The United States is a constitutional republic.  We elect representatives at local, state and national levels to voice our opinions and govern with our consent.  As many would say we are a democracy, by pure definition we are not.  What has happened over the evolution of our republic is that the elected has slowly eroded the voice of the people and created a "ruling" class.  A group of people who govern without having to live by the laws that they create.  Many of them create a career out of governing others.  I believe our founding fathers never envisioned this as a possibility, but they left the constitution to be corrected to stop such abuses and correct misdeeds.   The results of this power grab from the citizens, and the states are record debts, gridlock on legislation and elected officials whose sole purpose in life is re-election and the continuance of their way of life at the expense of the governed.

Possible Solutions

• Return of the government to the governed.  Term limits for all elected officials, local, state and federal.  Elimination of all retirement benefits and a perks.  Those that "serve" should consider themselves servants.  Pay should be set by the state legislature for all federal elected officials.  Senators should be appointed by the State Legislature like the used to be, the gives the state government a say in our federal government.  The people get representation by the House.

• Decentralize Washington DC.  Technology allows us to telecommute to work, why not telecommute to congress.  The President can release a nuclear holocaust via an electronic device, but our house and sensate cannot vote on a measure without physical presence in DC.  The results would be cost savings, loss of the huger bureaucracy that is in place to serve these guys and a group of people who are in tune with those they serve.  If they need to get together in person for a few months a year, they can do so, but staying in "Dorms" or local hotels and keeping staff to a minimum.

• Reduction of Federal "Nanny" programs.  Return the power of social help back to the states.  Let each state determine welfare, food stamps, unemployment, and other helps for the downtrodden.  These steps would eliminate a level of bureaucracy and let that money flow more fully to the projects that they are supposed to address.

• Full reduction of all Federal Government programs.  Start by taking a 5% cut in all programs, followed by another 5 the next year and another 5 the third.  Pass a balanced budget amendment that would take effect after the third year.  Only loop hole in the amendment would in a time of war.

 

• Convene a Constitutional convention to address all the above issues.

Economy

The Problem

Our problems with the economy are fundamental and deeper seeded than just ways to stimulate.  They go to our moral fiber, our selfishness and our lack of concern for one another in the chase for the dollar.  We have replaced our moral compass with one the points to the bank instead of to God.  Once people learned that they were not responsible for their own actions and that they could profit by exploiting the less fortunate, the economy has been a race to see who can take the most.  There has been no real "expansion" of the pie, only movement of existing money.  One side wants to be able to take all they want by using guile and deceit, the other side thinks that only the ruling government class can determine what is good for us so therefore what ton control all the money and power.  I however want to believe in the goodness of man and our ability to work, create a profit and expand our businesses without screwing over others or without worshipping at the alter of government for favors. At one time America was a beacon of opportunity and those that prospered were grateful and gave back to their community unselfishly.  Now it has become a battle of the have's and the have not's.  It should never be about that, it should be about each person working and earning to their potential.

Possible Solutions

• Elimination of special tax rates and all economic engineering by all levels of government.  A flat tax for each of the forms of government.  Elimination of inheritance tax, and corporate tax.  Inheritance is money that was already taxed when those who gathered it earned it.  And corporate profits are taxed when that money is distributed as dividends.  If you leave all of that taxed at the same rate it is proportional and equitable.  Everyone's tax form would be one page and about 6 lines.  The IRS would be reduced by 2/3's.  All monies earned by foreign corporations transferred outside of the US, would be taxed at the same rate before leaving the shores of the US.  That would encourage foreign corporations to play on the same playing field as US corporations.

• Reduction of litigation in business. All companies would have a liability cap on their business.  A mistake, (we all make them), should not close a business, but cause them to look at their model and how to improve.  Those effected by the mistake should been entitled to reimbursement for their loss, but not benefit from it.

 

• Schools should be returned to their communities and states, Take the federal government out of it.  The "equality" of education had reduced it to the lowest common denominator, not elevated it to the levels of the best.  Competition creates a need to excel.

 

• Eliminate all patent costs and extend patent protection.  The intellectual property of a person, should allow him to reap the rewards  Many great ideas are squashed by the bureaucracy that is created to govern it.

 

• EPA should be returned to the states, only those within the states should have a say on how the resources should be handled.  The National EPA should be made up of a representative of each state and any federal directives should be done so by a 90% agreement.
•  

Moral Center

The Problem

America was once a county based on Judeo-Christian beliefs.  We were a county founded on religious freedom, not freedom of religion  Our constitution was written so that congress could not make us all Jews, Lutherans, Mormon, Catholic or any other organized religion.   It has been construed to mean that we should not have any views of belief in God anywhere publically.  In return our schools were directed to teach the 3R's and stay away for basic moral tenants and our businesses stopped worshipping God and freedom and started worshiping money.  The Bible is very clear on this, a man can not have too masters.  America has chosen the wrong one.  We claim the moral high ground on the world stage but do so by sacrificing those morals that we got from God.  No wonder the world sees us as hypocrites.

Possible Solutions

• Get government out of religion.  Let schools determine for themselves the moral compass that will be taught.  Educating our youth on moral truths will create of next generation of ethical businessmen.

 

• Create a national day of rest.. To begin with once a month, then twice a month, then once a week, close all business activities with the exception of parks and restaurants.  Give our families the ability to reconnect. If you are religious, then attend church, if not take the time to rest and reflect.  No pro sports, no amateur sports, no building, no sales, just a 24 respite from the world and all the pressures.

 

• Honor those who selflessly give, but using that day to honor those who go above and beyond to help their neighbors.  Each community can do this.  Create competition to do good.  Everyone benefits.  Ask the media to give 20% of their coverage to good news and report bad news with compassion and without judgment.  I know that this is asking a lot, but if the public refused to patronize those who exploit the suffering of others for profit, then there will be no incentive to do it.

 

This is not a be all end all solution, but the thoughts of one rational man, who believes in the inherent goodness of man and the unerring greatness of God.  Together, man and God had created a great place to live, and when we forgot God, we succumbed to the temptations of the flesh and began to worship money.  Only when we turn our lives and our existence back to him, will the turbulence end.  I am not asking for religious zealously, but a basic moral compass that is focused on God and not on ourselves.  I think the world can back off the brink of self destruction we find ourselves in, but only by turning to God.

For those of you who have taken the time to read this, I thank you.  I just hope it causes you to think.. even if you disagree, at least give thought, serious thought to what our lives are like and what they could be like. 

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The Upcoming Election and the Consequences

The Election in 2012 will Shape the Country for 20 years

Every so often an election comes up that defines the American course for the next generation.  Many thought that 4 years ago that was that election.  The optimism that came from an Obama election was sky high.  Hope and Change was the call of the day.  Obama was eloquent, convincing and a great campaigner.  This man is a great motivational speaker.  I fully believed that he thought he could really make a difference.  Unfortunately with our current financial situation in the world and at home, this is not the time for lofty ideals or large government programs.

The national health care bill, labeled "Obamacare" by the press, is a bold move to try and enlarge the pool for insurance so that as the median population grows older and requires more care, it can be done without large premiums for them.  It is however another version of the current social security system.  This system is running out of money as more people draw from it than are paying into it.  People are living longer and it is more expensive to live.  The resulting situation is a deficit out of control, lowered housing values, decreased net worth and a worldwide credit crisis. The Supreme Court heard arguments this week about the healthcare bill and will render a decision on its' future by July.  Basically, it will define the future of the election and the future of our country.

At stake here is whether we will become a country where we work for someone else or for ourselves.  Whether or not we have the ability to control our own destinies.  I know that it is scary to live knowing that failure could cost us everything.  No one wishes that on anyone.  But the ultimate rewards of success are amazing.  Guys like Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, Rockefellers, Kennedy's, Carnegie's and more, have reaped the rewards of creating something from nothing and reaping the rewards.  The millions of people who also gained as a result of investing or working for these great entrepreneurs.  Without this spirit millions of inventions would have been thwarted and we would be stuck using a cell phone that weighs 10 pounds.

This could all go by the wayside if the government gains the ability to engineer the economy and control what products we are allowed to buy or sell.  The same type of economies are in use in Europe and a severe version of that is in use in China.  The results are a working class that has no hope of becoming more and a new powerful political class.

So this election, whether you are Republican, Democrat, Libertarian, or Independent, is vitally important.  Take the time to hear all the issues, learn what is going on and make informed choices.  This election will define the direction of our country for the next 20 years.   Much like the Reagan Revolution defined the 80's, this election will do so for this generation.

It is hard to get past the name calling, negative ads, and other drivel that these political groups put out.  To see what is happening for what it is.  That is why you and you alone must pay attention.  Do not let the media or any group tell you what is right.  Reach down in your heart, pray and listen.  You will do the right thing.

The real key here is that government cannot singlehandedly get us out of the economic mess that we are in, but they can certainly make it worse.

My vote this fall will go to the man or woman (no matter what party or office), who chooses to get out the business of business.  The man or woman who espouses to do the following..

• Balance the budget, control spending and new costs.
• Revamp current programs, eliminate expensive overhead and get more of that money doing what it is designed to do.
• Allow the country to determine what energy we use based on cost and technology, not engineer a technology and make it so expensive to use anything else.  Invest in technology that allows us to use our own resources, oil sands, natural gas, coal and nuclear.
• Believes in term limits for all offices.
• Professes to be a servant of the people, not an instrument of their own views.
• Reduces all benefits for elected officials including the removal of retirement benefits.  Political service was never designed to be a career.
• Reduce regulation to allow innovation.  Reward innovators, invest in technology.
• And lastly or most importantly, gives back the dream to our children that they can be anything they want to be.

This election is not just for our President, a person who is the face of the country, but for our legislatures in cities, towns, counties and parishes.  Every person must take their part in this serious.  I cannot believe and will not believe that any person who calls themselves an American would rather take money from the government than have a job, earn their way and chart their own course.   Please vote and do not deceive anyone from making their own conscious choice.  American is dependent on you and me.

The Election Cycle and the Tax Code

Election Cycles

This republican presidential primary season is an indictment of the system.  First of all the people of Iowa see 8 candidates on every street corner and every restaurant for 6 months.  In the meantime, the people of New Hampshire are seeing them on weekends and then non-stop after the Iowa Caucuses.   Then the onslaught moves to South Carolina, Florida then to Super Tuesday.

All in the meanwhile, by the time the primaries reach the areas of Texas, California, and my home state Indiana, the race has been decided.  The only real vote we have is to support the presumptive nominee or cast a protest vote to the man still left in the race.

In many other countries, the election cycle from primary to election is complete in 90 days.  Now I am not advocating the short hasty route, because that could make for buyer remorse, but a regional approach might be more advantageous.

Break the country into 6 regions each with a month long primary process.  Have these mini Super Primaries and then the convention in September.  General Election in November.  This will have many beneficial effects.

1. With the smaller window and larger territory, the amount of money spent will be spread throughout the states, thereby spreading the economic impact of the primary process, with media buys, hotels etc.
2. The shortened season, will keep the race fresh and voters interested with more choices for a longer period of time.
3. Finally the entire process can become more streamlined with less concentration in areas that really have minimal effect on the electoral process.

The Tax Code

Topic two is the Tax Code,   This topic is tied to the first, by way of pressure from candidates to release their tax returns.  Our tax code is over 9 millions words long and is so complicated, that there is an entire industry devoted to trying to comply with it.

Who ever is elected, the reform of the tax code is paramount to getting the country back on track.  Instead of trying to engineer the economy with tax cuts, breaks and incentives, the code could be used to fund the government's primary functions like interstate commerce and defense.

A simplistic revision of the code would allow everyone to file a one page return, stop the billions that is spent on IRS agents and software, and allow accountants to do more fun things like help you invest and grow your business.

Further down the list is the severe reduction of the Federal Government.  Much of what the Fed does is duplicated in the States.  So let's eliminate those agencies at the federal level and give more power to the states to take care of those close to home.  After all, a person living in New York City, has different problems and priorities than a person living in Los Angeles or even Fort Wayne Indiana.  The gist of this is to take the decision and move it to those most familiar with dealing with the issue.

So if we can simplify the government, that in terms simplifies our life and allows us as citizens to be free to explore our own goals and dreams.