-- Samuel Adams --
*http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Redistribution_of_wealth#cite_note-15
Friday, August 31, 2012
Redistribution of Wealth
"The utopian schemes of leveling [redistribution of wealth], and a community of goods, are as visionary and impracticable as those that vest all property in the Crown. [These ideas] are arbitrary, despotic, and, in our government, unconstitutional."*
The "Tie of Marriage"
“There is certainly no country in the world where the tie of marriage is more respected than in America.”
--Alexis de Tocqueville--
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Americans Celebrate Success
"Americans celebrate success! We don't apologize for success."
--Mitt Romney--
--Mitt Romney--
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Monday, August 27, 2012
Pursuit of Happiness Vs. Pursuit of Fairness
Life is not fair. People who know and accept that life is not fair can be happy. Those who do not know and do not accept that life is not fair cannot be happy because they will always yearn for something that cannot be. Cry-babies who fantasize that life can be fair need to surrender their cell phones to the government and start planting rice in their backyards . . . but that would mean they would have to figure out how to distribute backyards to all whiners fairly.
Americans have a history of taking responsibility for their lives. They would rather pursue happiness than fairness.
Americans have a history of taking responsibility for their lives. They would rather pursue happiness than fairness.
Sunday, August 26, 2012
LDS Political Neutrality
From The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Handbook of Instructions:
The Church’s mission is to preach the
gospel of Jesus Christ, not to elect politicians. The Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints is neutral in matters of party politics.
This applies in all of the many nations in which it is established."Political Neutrality
The Church does not:
- Endorse, promote or oppose political parties, candidates or platforms.
- Allow its church buildings, membership lists or other resources to be used for partisan political purposes.
- Attempt to direct its members as to which candidate or party they should give their votes to. This policy applies whether or not a candidate for office is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
- Attempt to direct or dictate to a government leader.
- Encourage its members to play a role as responsible citizens in their communities, including becoming informed about issues and voting in elections.
- Expect its members to engage in the political process in an informed and civil manner, respecting the fact that members of the Church come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences and may have differences of opinion in partisan political matters.
- Request candidates for office not to imply that their candidacy or platforms are endorsed by the Church.
- Reserve the right as an institution to address, in a nonpartisan way, issues that it believes have significant community or moral consequences or that directly affect the interests of the Church.
Relationships With Government
Elected officials who are Latter-day Saints make their own decisions and may not necessarily be in agreement with one another or even with a publicly stated Church position. While the Church may communicate its views to them, as it may to any other elected official, it recognizes that these officials still must make their own choices based on their best judgment and with consideration of the constituencies whom they were elected to represent.
Modern scriptural references to the role of government: Doctrine and Covenants, Section 134
Political Party Participation of Presiding Church Officers
In addition, the First Presidency letter issued on 16 June 2011 is a re-statement and further clarification of the Church’s position on political neutrality at the start of another political season. It applies to all full-time General Authorities, general auxiliary leaders, mission presidents and temple presidents. The policy is not directed to full-time Church employees.
"General Authorities and general officers of the Church and their spouses and other ecclesiastical leaders serving full-time should not personally participate in political campaigns, including promoting candidates, fundraising, speaking in behalf of or otherwise endorsing candidates, and making financial contributions.
"Since they are not full-time officers of the Church, Area Seventies, stake presidents and bishops are free to contribute, serve on campaign committees and otherwise support candidates of their choice with the understanding they:
- Are acting solely as individual citizens in the democratic process and that they do not imply, or allow others to infer, that their actions or support in any way represent the church.
- Will not use Church stationery, Church-generated address lists or email systems or Church buildings for political promotional purposes.
- Will not engage in fundraising or other types of campaigning focused on fellow Church members under their ecclesiastical supervision."
Saturday, August 25, 2012
To Be Green
A friend of a friend owns a palatial estate in an exotic location built from reclaimed wood. The reclaimed wood is the owner's statement that he is living an exemplary "green" life and is respectful of the planet and its limited resources. The home is the owner's second or third residence and has untold amenities, including a monstrous garage that, in all probability, harbors several high-end vehicles.
I'm probably just jealous, but if I had a lot of money to make statements, I might pass on the reclaimed wood one with so many other conflicting statements going on.
I'm probably just jealous, but if I had a lot of money to make statements, I might pass on the reclaimed wood one with so many other conflicting statements going on.
Friday, August 24, 2012
Definition of a Progressive
"Progressive (pro-gres-iv, noun) . . . is someone who worries that NBC, CBS, ABC, CNN and MSNBC are being ganged up on by Fox News."*
*Published in Mallard Fillmore cartoon by Bruce Tinsley
*Published in Mallard Fillmore cartoon by Bruce Tinsley
Thursday, August 23, 2012
What's Fair?
My four and six-year-old granddaughters like everything to be fair. For example, if one gets a cookie, the other wants one right now.
In the adult world, fairness is a concept with limited value. For example, some people pursue education, work hard and have more money while some people who have not invested in education and hard work feel unfairly treated because those who have done their homework aren't enthusiastic about being unfairly taxed to support those who have not.
In the adult world, fairness is a concept with limited value. For example, some people pursue education, work hard and have more money while some people who have not invested in education and hard work feel unfairly treated because those who have done their homework aren't enthusiastic about being unfairly taxed to support those who have not.
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Power Vs. Liberty
The defining question to ask in the 2012 presidential election:
Which candidate is running to protect and preserve the liberty of the American people and which candidate is running to protect and preserve the power of government?
Which candidate is running to protect and preserve the liberty of the American people and which candidate is running to protect and preserve the power of government?
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
The Designs of Republicans vs. Democrats
It appears the designs of the Republican Party are to restore the greatness of America, to strengthen and retain our rights and privileges, to preserve liberty for ourselves and our posterity, and to maintain the Constitution.
It appears the designs of the Democratic Party are to level the United States in the mix of world nations, to weaken and level the rights and privileges of all while demanding special rights and privileges for the few, to level the future of our children and grandchildren by presenting them with the responsibility to pay a debt they did not incur, to level entrepreneurship and the creativity of the individual, and to level religious freedom according to the dictates of the powers that be.
It appears the designs of the Democratic Party are to level the United States in the mix of world nations, to weaken and level the rights and privileges of all while demanding special rights and privileges for the few, to level the future of our children and grandchildren by presenting them with the responsibility to pay a debt they did not incur, to level entrepreneurship and the creativity of the individual, and to level religious freedom according to the dictates of the powers that be.
Monday, August 20, 2012
A Christian Nation
America was founded on principles of Christianity and is often referred to as a Christian nation. America is also a nation of religious freedom where people of all faiths can belong and practice their values and beliefs. Principles of Christianity--accountability, work, the worth of the individual to choose for him/herself and so many more--stand the test of time while nearly everything else ebbs and flows with time like the tide.
At this writing, the bottom line in America remains Christian principles, and those principles are represented by the Romney/Ryan team, in clear contrast to those of the present administration.
At this writing, the bottom line in America remains Christian principles, and those principles are represented by the Romney/Ryan team, in clear contrast to those of the present administration.
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Pray for the World's Leaders
It's Sunday and a good day to pray for world leaders--no matter who or where those leaders may be. One idea is to pray that they will be blessed with honesty, wisdom and goodness. Other good days to pray for leaders of the world are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
You don't have to be religious to pray. If you are religious, any religion will do. Prayers in any language and of any and every denomination are heard and answered. Because the sincere prayers of anyone breathing are important to the God of us all, and they do make a difference.
You don't have to be religious to pray. If you are religious, any religion will do. Prayers in any language and of any and every denomination are heard and answered. Because the sincere prayers of anyone breathing are important to the God of us all, and they do make a difference.
Saturday, August 18, 2012
Definition of Democracy
Reminding myself of definitions:
"Democracy is a form of government in which all eligible citizens have an equal say in the decisions that affect their lives. Democracy allows people to participate equally—either directly or through elected representatives—in the proposal, development, and creation of laws. It encompasses social, economic and cultural conditions that enable the free and equal practice of political self-determination.
A democratic government contrasts to forms of government where power is either held by one, as in a monarchy, or where power is held by a small number of individuals, as in an oligarchy or aristocracy.
Several variants of democracy exist, but there are two basic forms, both of which concern how the whole body of citizens—the sovereign power in any variant of democracy—executes its will. One form of democracy is direct democracy, in which citizens have direct and active participation in the decision making of the government. In most modern democracies, the whole body of citizens remain the sovereign power but political power is exercised indirectly through elected representatives; this is called representative democracy.
While there is no universally accepted definition of "democracy,"[5] equality and freedom have both been identified as important characteristics of democracy since ancient times.[6] These principles are reflected in all citizens being equal before the law and having equal access to legislative processes. For example, in a representative democracy, every vote has equal weight, no unreasonable restrictions can apply to anyone seeking to become a representative, and the freedom of its citizens is secured by legitimized rights and liberties which are generally protected by a constitution."*
*http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Democracy
"Democracy is a form of government in which all eligible citizens have an equal say in the decisions that affect their lives. Democracy allows people to participate equally—either directly or through elected representatives—in the proposal, development, and creation of laws. It encompasses social, economic and cultural conditions that enable the free and equal practice of political self-determination.
A democratic government contrasts to forms of government where power is either held by one, as in a monarchy, or where power is held by a small number of individuals, as in an oligarchy or aristocracy.
Several variants of democracy exist, but there are two basic forms, both of which concern how the whole body of citizens—the sovereign power in any variant of democracy—executes its will. One form of democracy is direct democracy, in which citizens have direct and active participation in the decision making of the government. In most modern democracies, the whole body of citizens remain the sovereign power but political power is exercised indirectly through elected representatives; this is called representative democracy.
While there is no universally accepted definition of "democracy,"[5] equality and freedom have both been identified as important characteristics of democracy since ancient times.[6] These principles are reflected in all citizens being equal before the law and having equal access to legislative processes. For example, in a representative democracy, every vote has equal weight, no unreasonable restrictions can apply to anyone seeking to become a representative, and the freedom of its citizens is secured by legitimized rights and liberties which are generally protected by a constitution."*
*http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Democracy
Friday, August 17, 2012
The U.S. is a Republic
It's good to be reminded that the form of government in the U.S. is that of a republic.
"A republic is a form of government in which the state is considered a "public matter," not the private concern or property of the rulers, and where offices of states are subsequently directly or indirectly elected or appointed rather than inherited. In modern times, a common simplified definition of a republic is a government where the head of state is not a monarch.
In modern republics such as the United States . . . the executive is legitimized both by a constitution and by popular suffrage.
For instance, Article IV of the Constitution of the United States "guarantee[s] to every State in this Union a Republican form of Government."*
*http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Republic
"A republic is a form of government in which the state is considered a "public matter," not the private concern or property of the rulers, and where offices of states are subsequently directly or indirectly elected or appointed rather than inherited. In modern times, a common simplified definition of a republic is a government where the head of state is not a monarch.
In modern republics such as the United States . . . the executive is legitimized both by a constitution and by popular suffrage.
For instance, Article IV of the Constitution of the United States "guarantee[s] to every State in this Union a Republican form of Government."*
*http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Republic
Pray for Children and Grandchildren
I'm 66. So far, it's been a great life. My children and grandchildren are young with much of life ahead. It makes me sick at heart to know they will have to pay for debt incurred by my generation. This is wrong. I know it. You know it. We all know it. Government can't fix it because government is just an idea with no power of its own. Only people who have the guts to do what is right--not what is politically expedient--can fix it. The Romney/Ryan team have the tools and the heart to start making things right.
Thursday, August 16, 2012
What is Worth Fighting For?
My list of things worth fighting for:
- defending ourselves
- family
- property
- rights outlined in the Constitution
- power
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Presidential Cookie Bake-Off - 2012
My friend, Stephanie Nye, dropped off a plate of cookies featuring two kinds of cookies with this note attached:
"Dear Friends, In 1992, the First Lady Cookie Contest began. Twenty years later, the tradition continues. Your patriotic duty is to taste and vote!"
Most of my family members weren't available, so I asked several friends to help. They tasted the cookies and voted for their favorite. The oatmeal M & M cookies got eight votes, and the mint chocolate chip cookies received two.
Then, I opened the envelope revealing the winner, and . . . drumroll . . . the winning recipe belongs to . . . Ann Romney!!
*Unfortunately, I have egg on my face (no pun intended) since my daughter, Janette and I were the only two who voted for the mint chocolate chip cookies.
"Dear Friends, In 1992, the First Lady Cookie Contest began. Twenty years later, the tradition continues. Your patriotic duty is to taste and vote!"
Most of my family members weren't available, so I asked several friends to help. They tasted the cookies and voted for their favorite. The oatmeal M & M cookies got eight votes, and the mint chocolate chip cookies received two.
Then, I opened the envelope revealing the winner, and . . . drumroll . . . the winning recipe belongs to . . . Ann Romney!!
*Unfortunately, I have egg on my face (no pun intended) since my daughter, Janette and I were the only two who voted for the mint chocolate chip cookies.
Monday, August 13, 2012
If Somebody Reads This
I wish my husband, Dan, were here to talk about politics with me because I know he would have creative ideas about what needs to happen to turn our country around. Unfortunately, he passed away of a sudden heart attack on November 20, 2004. He was an avid political analyst and patriot. I miss him and his big ideas very much.
Sunday, August 12, 2012
The Capacity for Freedom
“Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom. As nations become corrupt and vicious, they have more need of masters.”
-- Benjamin Franklin --
Saturday, August 11, 2012
The Freedom to Fail
Nobody wants to attach the word freedom to the word fail, yet all humans fail at times due to freedom.
For example, my friend, Suzy*, reports that our mutual friend, Lisa*, doesn't have health insurance. Lisa has several large dogs. Suzy is encouraged that Lisa will be compelled to buy health insurance when Obamacare is implemented since Lisa appears to place dog food ahead of her family's health.
I just wonder. Why is it the business of the federal government or Lisa's friends to prioritize her life?
*names changed
For example, my friend, Suzy*, reports that our mutual friend, Lisa*, doesn't have health insurance. Lisa has several large dogs. Suzy is encouraged that Lisa will be compelled to buy health insurance when Obamacare is implemented since Lisa appears to place dog food ahead of her family's health.
I just wonder. Why is it the business of the federal government or Lisa's friends to prioritize her life?
*names changed
Friday, August 10, 2012
Our Founding Principles
Never at any time in the history of our country have so many Americans demonstrated that they are unclear about what has made and what will make The United States of America a great nation. It's not our wealth, our creativity, our accomplishments, our military, or even our vast variety of citizens. It's our founding principles*, which, when understood, acknowledged and followed, will lead this and any nation or individual away from dependence and despair and toward liberty, happiness and success beyond imagination.
*//quizlet.com/1383222/us-constitution-founding-principles-flash-cards/
*http://www.azpe.org/content.php?section=american&info_id=130
*//quizlet.com/1383222/us-constitution-founding-principles-flash-cards/
*http://www.azpe.org/content.php?section=american&info_id=130
Thursday, August 9, 2012
America Requires Positive Leadership
One of these names is not like the others:
George Washington
Abraham Lincoln
Harry Truman
Ronald Reagan
Barack Obama
George Washington
Abraham Lincoln
Harry Truman
Ronald Reagan
Barack Obama
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Don't Get Me Started
And another thing that bugs me about the has-been Obama presidency is the memory of him telling the American people before his election that if something didn't work in his presidency, he would change tactics and do whatever works instead of repeating mistakes.
Yeah, right.
Yeah, right.
Did Olympians "Build That?"
I'm proud of the the athletes who have devoted years and untold sacrifices toward achieving their status as Olympians. It gnaws at my gut to hear reports of U.S. Olympians who receive phone calls from President Obama after winning medals. I wonder how these dedicated, young Americans would react if, instead of offering his congratulations, Obama spoke from the heart as he did when telling other Americans who have succeeded in achieving their American dreams, "You didn't build that. Somebody else made that happen."
Monday, August 6, 2012
Blog Therapy
I started this blog during the pivotal presidential election in hopes of making a difference to at least one person, even if that one person is me. So far, I'm on track with that one person, and it feels good. Sometimes, unexpected things happen when I make goals, and this one falls into that category. Whenever I sit down to make an entry, I notice that political steam has been building since the last entry. Entering my thoughts releases the steam, and it's great therapy for this ordinary, patriotic American mom.
Go Team . . . Vote Mitt!!
Go Team . . . Vote Mitt!!
Sunday, August 5, 2012
Israel Our Ally
A recent message from Mitt Romney:
"It was a deeply moving experience to be in Jerusalem, the capital of Israel, last week.
You can't get much closer to the ideals and convictions of the United States than you do in Israel. We're part of the great fellowship of democracies. We speak the same language of freedom and justice and believe in the right of every person to live in peace.
The story of how America -- a nation still so new to the world by the standards of this ancient region -- rose up to become the dear friend of the people of Israel is among the finest and most hopeful in our nation's history. Israel and America are in many respects reflections of one another, and I am happy America has such a great friend and ally.
Thanks,
Mitt Romney"
*Check out Mitt Romney's new video on Israel, our ally:
"It was a deeply moving experience to be in Jerusalem, the capital of Israel, last week.
You can't get much closer to the ideals and convictions of the United States than you do in Israel. We're part of the great fellowship of democracies. We speak the same language of freedom and justice and believe in the right of every person to live in peace.
The story of how America -- a nation still so new to the world by the standards of this ancient region -- rose up to become the dear friend of the people of Israel is among the finest and most hopeful in our nation's history. Israel and America are in many respects reflections of one another, and I am happy America has such a great friend and ally.
Thanks,
Mitt Romney"
*Check out Mitt Romney's new video on Israel, our ally:
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Saturday, August 4, 2012
Family Reunion
This weekend, our family gathered at a cabin near Garden Valley,
Idaho for a family reunion. We enjoyed lots of eating and talking,
exploring the area, a nail-biter Jenga tournament, wading, and board games. Each
family provided a meal and an activity. Everyone pitched in for the work
and play. Looking back, it feels like the theme of our reunion was how
all the adults, despite differences in personalities and
processes, cooperated in concert to help the younger generation grow and
make important family connections that will last.
America needs to be more like a successful family reunion!
America needs to be more like a successful family reunion!
Friday, August 3, 2012
Tax Bill from Outer Space!
I didn't do my homework and am now responsible to pay a tax bill I didn't see coming.
I'm not opposed to paying taxes. What I'm opposed to is trusting my financial stability to self-serving financial planners, then discovering that since I didn't do MY homework when I hired them, I am now mad at THEM when I lost money and things didn't go MY way. I know better and usually do better.
I believe most Americans know better and do better as well.
I believe a majority of Americans will do their homework and vote for Mitt Romney.
I'm not opposed to paying taxes. What I'm opposed to is trusting my financial stability to self-serving financial planners, then discovering that since I didn't do MY homework when I hired them, I am now mad at THEM when I lost money and things didn't go MY way. I know better and usually do better.
I believe most Americans know better and do better as well.
I believe a majority of Americans will do their homework and vote for Mitt Romney.
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Chick-fil-A
It's impressive when business owners practice their religious beliefs in public. Like Chick-fil-A.
They are closed on Sundays in observance of the Sabbath, and they publicly extol their allegiance to the definition of marriage as the union between a man and a woman.
In America, we still have religious freedom and freedom of speech. Those who want to eat fast food have freedom to eat it elsewhere on Sundays, and those who believe in same-sex marriage are not barred from eating at Chick-fil-A between Monday and Saturday. It's still America.
They are closed on Sundays in observance of the Sabbath, and they publicly extol their allegiance to the definition of marriage as the union between a man and a woman.
In America, we still have religious freedom and freedom of speech. Those who want to eat fast food have freedom to eat it elsewhere on Sundays, and those who believe in same-sex marriage are not barred from eating at Chick-fil-A between Monday and Saturday. It's still America.
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
"Be Strong and of a Good Courage"
I like the Old Testament scripture where Joshua is counseled three times by God before taking the children of Israel into Canaan . . . "be strong and of a good courage."* The third time the message is delivered, it is followed by "be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed."*
This is still good advice for today.
I believe the November presidential election is the most important election of my life.
I'm glad for God's words to "be strong and of a good courage" because my personal freedom and independence are important to me. I strongly object to an ever-more-encroaching government depriving Americans of the rights and responsibilities of governing themselves as long as their thoughts, words and actions do not infringe on the rights of others.
*Joshua 1:6, 7, 9 (King James Version)
This is still good advice for today.
I believe the November presidential election is the most important election of my life.
I'm glad for God's words to "be strong and of a good courage" because my personal freedom and independence are important to me. I strongly object to an ever-more-encroaching government depriving Americans of the rights and responsibilities of governing themselves as long as their thoughts, words and actions do not infringe on the rights of others.
*Joshua 1:6, 7, 9 (King James Version)
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