Politics as Unusual

After putting the title on this piece, I wondered if it was true, was it truly an "unusual" election night?  It was certainly historic, but, I think in many ways it was a very predictable election.

In spite of the efforts by many to remake the U.S. into the Euro-model, we remain uniquely our own.  We don't carry the baggage of the Medieval kingdoms in our makeup, nor do we carry the ethnic hatreds of Europe.  Yes, there is certainly ethnic tension, but, it is uniquely our own -- the product of a slave system that was divided along racial lines rather than that of the conquered and the conquering except possibly along our Southwestern border where the racial tensions may be traced back to the war with Mexico (Texas Independence).

We are a nation of fiercely independent people who sought to re-make the world in a better image.  An image in which a man could overcome obstacles by the efforts of his own hands in order to reach a level of success rather than to be born into a caste where his options were limited merely by the circumstances of his birth.  If royalty is in our blood, it is tempered by the blood of countless victims of the political whims of the "Great Houses" of Europe.  It is a uniquely American makeup that will resist subjugation at every turn -- whether it be at the hands of a conquering invader or at the hands of those who would elevate themselves to a ruling class.

There are exceptions, however.  In many of our larger cities and along our Southwestern border, are people who feel as if they are a subjected class.  They are people who feel an inferiority due to their racial background and due to their economic situation.  They are the ones who look to a "benevolent ruler" to have mercy on them through a welfare state.  They, along with the centers of power (i.e. the Northeast and the West Coast), cause the political map of the U.S. to exhibit significant splashes of blue on a map that is otherwise red.

The winners in yesterday's election must realize that the results are the product of resistance to overreaching government, not an endorsement of a political party.  They are a clear message that we do not wish to be ruled by the elite, we wish only to be left alone to rule ourselves.

The secondary message is one that has been ignored for a large part of the history of this nation.  That is the message that the poor and economically subjected areas of our country -- i.e. the inner cities and the poor laboring classes -- must be elevated to the status of full participants in the greatness of this country.  They can no longer be treated as problems or as cheap labor (virtual slavery), but must instead be brought into full economic and social participation.  When that occurs, they will no longer be subjected to the machinations of those who would become a ruling elite.

How can those groups be lifted from their misery?  Get them employed in meaningful work that is economically rewarded at a level sufficient to lift them from their poverty and feeling of helplessness.  The best stimulus would be to provide tax breaks to companies who would create jobs in our inner cities that would erase the need for dependence on a welfare state.  Many will need to be educated in order to perform those jobs.  We should provide additional incentives for private educational initiatives by those same companies in order to improve the basic skills of those workers and their families.  We must quit relying on a "nanny-state" to provide such things, but instead provide incentives to the private sector to step up to the challenge.  It is in all of our best interests.  Prosperity comes when individuals are rewarded for their efforts.

Quantitative Easing

I'm a little slow sometimes in catching up to what is going on in the economy.  The fact is, I don't pay that much attention to the news and most news coverage is of all the wrong things anyway.  The things that truly impact us tend to stay below the radar of most of the media.

Tonight a friend asked me what I thought about the Quantitative Easing Policy of the Fed.  It was a new term to me, so, I did some research.  At risk of being raked over the coals for doing so, I am going to link (here) to the Wikipedia definition.  Yeah, I know, there is definitely risk associated with using a Wikipedia definition, but, after a good deal of research of other sources I concluded that it does a pretty good job of explaining it.

I also am linking an MIT article that is another attempt at explaining it.  Interestingly, the conclusions of the two definitions are somewhat at odds.  The MIT article seems to think it will do no harm, the writer of the Wikipedia entry sees a good deal of risk.

I not only see risk, I see definite harm to the average citizen.  The impact of the policy is an increase of the money supply while forcing interest rates to artificially low levels.  The result is a deflated dollar.  That means that the average citizen is losing wealth because his money is worth less and he can't get a reasonable return on most investments that he would make.

The problems with the economy are not going to be fixed by Monetary Policy.  The real issue is uncertainty created by wrong-headed Fiscal Policy.  Until Congress and the current Administration get their house in order, the economy will remain stagnate.  While there is plenty of money in the system, no one is willing to risk it to create new jobs.  Banks aren't lending without Federal Guarantees and businesses aren't expanding in the face of huge tax increases on the horizon. 

The Season of Mud

The campaign rhetoric of the mid-terms is turning nasty as usual.  Such a turn is emblematic of our society in general.  We have come to tolerate incivility to the point there are few limits on behavior short of breaking the law.  That is frequently done as well because the consequences are usually light or non-existent except in the most heinous cases -- and then only if caught. 

It is also a manifestation of the loss of moral guidance.  In a society where people are taught that there is no ultimate moral law, how can we expect civil behavior?  The most vitriolic attacks seem to come from the left which is made up primarily of those who do not believe in God.  They may tell you they are Christian, or whatever, but, a lack of belief in God makes such a statement merely a political expedient.  I think that is the case of our "dear leader" in Washington.  Political pragmatism as the guiding principle for leadership means getting the job no matter what it takes (lying, back-stabbing, etc.) and then holding on to it by the same methods.

The American people need to learn to recognize such individuals for what they are -- power-hungry and morally bankrupt.  Sadly, it has become accepted by nearly all political aspirees that not responding in kind is a sign of weakness and a sure-fire way to lose.

It's About the Economy

The Administration doesn't get it -- still.  It's about the economy.  They think the American public is a bunch of idiots.  The money they are throwing at "stimulus" packages is just designed to buy votes for another few years of power.  It certainly won't stimulate the economy.

Money is being tucked away by businesses who have the power to create jobs.  Why would they invest it with such an environment of uncertainty in Washington?  Or, perhaps, why invest when there is such certainty in Washington? -- certainty that those in power are out to take what isn't their's and throw it to those who would keep them in power.  Either way, the economy suffers.

It isn't something that is popular to mention, but, the War in Iraq was actually a stimulus to our economy.  Spending on military equipment and supplies created lots of jobs, as did troop recruitment.  It also cost less than the Obama Administration's "stimulus" spending to date -- which, by-the-way, did nothing to stimulate the economy.

I'm not much on "ranting" about every little thing that goes on in the world -- whether politics, economics or whatever.  There are just a handful of fundamental issues anyway.  They come back to differences in world-view.  Right now, mine is at a polar opposite to what I see in Washington.  Fortunately, mine includes a faith in something higher that sustains me through the valley of the shadow.......

Miracles Do Happen

It must be the end of the world because Congress is finally doing its job!  Interesting, an unrecorded voice vote -- they all know that it is the right thing to do.

House Approves $600M For More Drones, Agents at U.S.-Mexican Border

The bill is a step in the right direction.  Comprehensive Immigration legislation is still needed but, not blanket amnesty.  Nothing will do any good though until the border is secure.

The president Just Dosn't "Get" It On Jobs

Sustainable jobs are created by businesses, not by government.  There is a tipping point that will be reached in which there is not enough productivity by the private sector to support the public (government) sector.  Unless of course, the trend toward nationalization of businesses continues (bank bailout, automaker bailout, etc.) and we convert completely to the "dark side" -- er, I mean Communism/Socialism/State Ownership.

To create jobs, businesses need 1) adequate excess income to reinvest and 2) a stable regulatory environment in which risk is known.  The current Administration and Democrat controlled Congress has taken, or is taking away in the form of repealing the Bush tax cuts, both of these necessary ingredients.

In an AP article (Obama overtures to business fall flat ) out today, the president notes:

"This should be as American as apple pie," Obama told a Democratic fundraiser in Austin, Texas, on Monday. "And yet we can't get it moving through the Senate." He speculated that Republicans were blocking the bill because they didn't want to do anything to help him and were "thinking about the next election instead of the next generation."

The truth of the matter is better stated by Steve Forbes in the same article:

"The truth is that not even the Franklin Roosevelt administration was as hostile to and ignorant about free enterprise as this administration is," declared magazine publisher and one-time GOP presidential contender Steve Forbes.

So, is it all about politics, or is it about the economic policies of the Administration/Democratic Congress?  As a small-business owner/manager, I say it is about the economic policies of the Administration.  It appears that Mitch McConnell at least has a clue.

But Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky shot back in a statement, "For more than a year and a half, the president and his Democrat allies on Capitol Hill have pushed an antibusiness, anti-jobs agenda on the American people in the form of one massive government intrusion after another."

I wonder when the president will "get" the message?  After all, as noted in the same article, there isn't a single former CEO of a business in his entire cabinet or among his top economic advisers.  The outlook for an improving jobs situation given the shape of things in Washington is dismal.

Austin: Safe Haven City for Alien Socialists

Isn't it interesting, Governor Rick Perry (R-Texas) did the polite thing?  He greeted the president and shook his hand after applauding him as he left Air Force One.  But, the president wouldn't even accept the letter personally offered by the Governor.  I guess it was beneath his dignity.

Perry invites Obama to tour the border with him

I doubt very much that the president will tour the border with Governor Perry.  I'm actually a little surprised that he entered the state given the attitude of the majority of the people.  I suppose that Austin would be considered a "safe haven" city for alien Socialists though.....

Note:  I have placed the word president in a smaller font and without capitalization to make the point that I believe the office, as well as our country in the eyes of the world, has been significantly diminished under the current administration.

Protesting federal cops detain commander in Juarez

Until the law enforcement agencies in Mexico can clean up internal corruption, there will be little progress in the border war.

Protesting federal cops detain commander in Juarez

It is criminal elements along the border that are creating the real problem. Yes, unrestricted immigration must be addressed, but, the violence is coming from criminals. Control is necessary to stop the criminals -- and not just those from Latin America -- from crossing our borders. Islamic terrorists are coming in also.

Trying to Snuff the Light

It's not about religion as much as it is about power.  The Taliban doesn't want charity to reach the needy villagers of remote parts of Afghanistan because it would hurt their grip of power over them.

Charity: 6 Americans on medical team among 10 killed by militants in remote Afghanistan

They fear Christianity.  Light shining in darkness reveals the evil that lurks therein.

Feeding The World in the Face of Poverty

In the past, I did a lot of blogging about Agriculture (see Common Sense Agriculture, Conservation and Energy).  After all, agriculture is how I make my living.  The opinion article linked below is about the future of feeding the world.  I hope that you will take the time to read it and go to the linked information.  It is important.

Poverty and Lack of Research Block Path to a Well-Fed World

The lack of good governance is at the root of much of the poverty in the world.  Political corruption is one of the biggest problems in Africa and Latin America as well as parts of the Middle East, Asia and many of the former Soviet states.  It is a primary reason for the abject poverty of their people.

USPS Doesn't Get It

Ooo, Ooo, I know the answer!!!!

USPS posts $3.5 billion third quarter loss

Can anyone say Free Enterprise???

Keeping Distance

A politically shrewd move by Texas Democratic Gubernatorial candidate.

Bill White to President Obama: Call me
Candidate can’t meet with president, but would like to chat
 
Obviously, he realizes how unpopular Obama is in Texas.  Gotta keep that distance!

The "Pecking" Order

I thought that I would just "blow past" the article linked below in my Google Reader but, I couldn't.  Something kept drawing me back to it!

Fox News Receives Front-Row Seat in White House Briefing Room

How do they determine the pecking order?  Is it purely seniority?  If it was based on viewership/readership, Fox should have been on the front row before now.  If it was politically motivated, Fox would likely never hit the front row in the current administration.  I have to laugh.  It reminds me of a bunch of school children....

Partial Blockage on Arizona Immigration

It was not unexpected that the court would strike down at least part of the Arizona Immigration law.  This one will go all the way to the Supreme Court.  The trouble that I see is at the next level, Federal District Court, in the most liberal district in California.  Will Arizona appeal the items struck down AND the Administration appeal the items allowed?  This one has a couple of interesting iterations before it will land in the Supreme Court.  In the meantime, there continues to be no check on illegal immigrants (or, is that future Democrats).

Federal Judge Blocks Part of Arizona Immigration Law

The ruling is linked below:

http://www.foxnews.com/projects/pdf/072810_ArizonaRuling.pdf

The law is linked below:

http://www.foxnews.com/projects/pdf/SB1070-HB2162New.PDF

Meeting Arizona

I laughed when I read the following headline:

Arizona Hotels Thriving Despite Boycotts Over Immigration Law

Where do you suppose all those protesters stayed when they were in Arizona?  On the streets?

On a similar note, I've been doing all that I could to help boost their economy.  Last year I did not go to Arizona.  This year I spent a week there in May, I was there last week and I will spend a week there in August.  I spent on hotel, rental car, meals and fuel.  All of the travel was associated with business meetings so there was also rental on the meeting facility and other associated expenses.  I don't meet by myself, so there were others doing the same thing.

I wonder if maybe the whole Immigration Uproar is just a marketing ploy to raise the country's awareness of Arizona!

Shifting Power Through Regulatory Guidance

Sometimes, what sounds good in theory is bad in practice.  When it comes to decisions about the environment, permitting industry and other things of that nature, science should be the primary determining factor -- not the "feelings" of the community.  People carry a tremendous amount of "baggage" throughout their lives.  Some of it is based in myth and some is based on experience.

The EPA has just released new Guidance on the issue of "Environmental Justice."  It is the idea that everyone should have a say in any decision-making process that could affect the environment as well as any laws related to it.  In theory, it sounds like true democracy.  In practice, it drives out science and opens the door to popular whims that are often filled with ignorance.

The current Administration is using the guise of helping the "little people" -- those who are underrepresented or somehow repressed -- to effect their idea of "change."  It is really just a way of concentrating power.  The so-called social progressives are more nearly communist in practice.  They want power in the hands of a few who act in a manner that is designed to prevent power from migrating to other groups.  In other words, the liberal elite wish to take power away from industry and wealth.

The real problem is that power in the U.S. has traditionally been balanced by a strong middle class.  The middle class, in many ways, was the source of strength for Big Business and wealth.  They kept the money circulating.  The current political climate is one in which the middle class is being destroyed in order to shift the voting power to the poor.  The result will be a spiraling downward of our economy until it is either destroyed from the outside, or there is internal revolution.  (This would be a good place to insert some quotes from Aristotle's treatise on Politics but, I'm too lazy to look them up.)

EPA Releases Rulemaking Guidance on Environmental Justice

Below is the EPA's definition of Environmental Justice. (There is a link to it in the above linked article.)

"Environmental Justice is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. EPA has this goal for all communities and persons across this Nation. It will be achieved when everyone enjoys the same degree of protection from environmental and health hazards and equal access to the decision-making process to have a healthy environment in which to live, learn, and work."

Water: A Critical Resource in Danger

Developed countries like the U.S. have, for the most part, done an admirable job of cleaning up water supplies -- such as lakes and streams -- of the pollution that was once common.  It is time for the same to occur in other countries.  Usable water is quickly becoming the number one limiting resource on the planet.  There continues to be plenty of water but, it isn't always in the right place and frequently is unusable.

Pollution makes quarter of China water unusable: ministry

Growing up in an area where water is considered precious, I have always known that it is a resource to be protected.  The rest of the world is beginning to see the issue for what it is.  Just ask those city dwellers who are increasingly placed on water rationing due to shortages.  Those shortages don't just occur in the desert Southwest -- just ask citizens of Atlanta.

Here's a related article:

In midst of river cleanup, supporters are divided

Texas Business and Arizona Politics

I realize that in an election year it is necessary to "toot one's horn" as much as possible.  Fortunately for the Governor of Texas, there is plenty to "toot his horn" about.

Gov. Perry: Forward Thinking Companies Invest in the Future and in Texas

Last night I heard Arizona Governor Jan Brewer speak.  Her message sounded a lot like a Texas-style approach to business and government.  Business friendly, shrinking state payroll, individual liberties, anti-Washington -- just a few of the things on the list.  She described herself as a pragmatic conservative.  It was the right message and it was delivered over the course of about 30 minutes of perfectly executed speech from memory while her prepared folder remained closed on the podium.  It makes me laugh to read the desperation in her opponent's complaints as you will read in the article linked below.

Ariz. AG: Governor a 'one-trick pony'

By-the-way -- I got to meet the Governor and tell her how much the people back in Texas support her stance on the border.

The image is a little dark -- cell phones don't always make the best cameras.  That's me wearing my "attitude" shirt.  The Governor is a very attractive and gracious lady.  Thank you Governor Brewer!

Disenchantment in Tennessee

I haven't researched Rep. Wamp from Tennessee, but, more and more, I'm hearing the subject of secession discussed as an option for those states who are disenchanted -- no, that's not the right word -- "fed up" with the federal government.

Tennessee Rep. Zach Wamp talks of secession

The last time states seceded from the Union was pretty bloody.  Let's hope a more peaceful solution can be found before it comes to that.  November is just around the corner.

Ocean Planning and Zoning

Once upon a time, not long ago, the oceans were still a frontier for exploration.  Today, we see many signs of unchecked exploitation.  Lest you react too quickly against regulating access, think back to the implementation of game laws.  Most game species and other species dependent on them for survival (both up and down the chain) were on the verge of disappearing from our country prior to the implementation of hunting and fishing regulations.  Today, many have rebounded beyond our wildest expectations.  I have difficulty with restricting rights, but this one makes sense from the perspective of sustainability.  The ocean is perhaps the most important source of food protein on the planet.

Obama launches policy to protect oceans

I must admit though, I am amused by the phrase...."marine spatial planning."

Below is a link to the Executive Order:

Executive Order--Stewardship of the Ocean, Our Coasts, and the Great Lakes

A Need For Speed

Scramjet engines have been on the drawing board for years.  It seems that Boeing has been able to get one launched -- with speeds up to Mach 5!  It is still a long way from being perfected as a more economical mode of propulsion, but this is progress!

New Technology has Creators Floating On Air

Imagine, 45 minutes from New York to L.A.....

The Prime Indicator

Energy consumption is the number 1 indicator of economic activity.

China Passes U.S. as World's Biggest Energy Consumer

Some interesting quotes from the article:

"Highlighting how quickly its energy demand has increased, China's total energy consumption was just half the size of the U.S. 10 years ago."

"The U.S. is still by far the biggest energy consumer per capita, with the average American burning five times as much energy annually as the average Chinese citizen...."

"...said China requires total energy investments of some $4 trillion over the next 20 years to keep feeding its economy and to avoid power blackouts and fuel shortages."

"...China is expected to build over the next 15 years some 1,000 gigawatts of new power-generation capacity. That is about the total amount of electricity-generation capacity in the U.S. currently...."

And this just in (updated 7-20-10)....

China denies IEA label as world's top energy user

I guess that want us to think they are making huge leaps in energy conservation measures.

The Stuff of Adventure/Mystery Novels

Archaeology is another interest of mine.  The story linked below also would make a great novel. 

Looted antiquities worth millions recovered from black market by Italian police

The value of antiquities to collectors is very high.  The value to history is often priceless.  When objects such as those in the article disappear into private collections, the historical value is lost because rarely are they available to researchers and when available, the lack of "context" is a problem.  They often provide a wealth of information when left in situ which is lost upon removal.

But, there's a bit of the "Indiana Jones" in me that fights with what I know is the right approach......

Not So Science Fiction Any More

Defense technology has always interested me, as has science fiction.  I grew up on "laser gun" science fiction.  It appears to be getting very close to reality now, with the recent tests by Raytheon agains UAV's.

Anti-aircraft laser unveiled at Farnborough Airshow

The article points out a number of the problems with the technology but also indicates that this is a major step forward.  Let us hope that it doesn't fall into the hands of the Taliban or any of the Al Qaeda linked groups that are often the targets of our UAV's.

Arizona Law: Pros and Cons

From the "Houston Chronicle" comes the piece linked below with a list of 10 pros and 10 cons on the Arizona law.

Debate over Arizona law churns rhetoric on both sides

At least they are attempting to be fair and balanced......

Limited Options in Afghanistan

If someone attacks you there are limited options as to response.  1) You can beat the "crud" out of them and go home.  2) You can turn the other cheek. 3) You can try to make them your friend.

I think that Option 1) is a deterrent but likely won't make any lasting friends.  Option 2) is what Jesus would have done -- but, He works on a much higher plane of existence than we do.  Option 3) holds some possibility but probably will only work with an application of Option 1).

So, what are our options in Afghanistan?  1) Beat the "crud" out of them and go home.  2) Whimper and tell them we understand how we've mistreated them for all these years and how we deserved it.  And by-the-way, if you feel that you need to attack us again, that's OK.  3) Seek a treaty of friendship and cooperation (which loosely translated means that we will give them money to keep them from attacking again while they continue to hate us).

I think Option 1) is appropriate.  Option 2) is a sure path to destruction -- our own.  Option 3) is a money pit that allows the problem to fester until it breaks out again.

We've tried a combination of Options 1) and 3).  Perhaps it is time to revisit 1) and forget 3).

Clinton Heads to Afghanistan as Fears Mount Over War

I guess there's a reason that I wasn't considered for the Diplomatic Corp.

Border Sensationalism

It is a sad state of affairs when citizens feel it is necessary to step in and do the job the government is unwilling to do.  I do not agree with the beliefs of the National Socialist Movement, if indeed the individual to which the article linked below refers is sympathetic with their cause.  What I do find interesting is the sensationalism of the title to the article.  It certainly speaks of an agenda designed to paint proponents of a protected border in the worst possible light.

Man with neo-Nazi ties leading patrols in AZ

A Blob of Contention

I realize that the meandering post below is not as cohesive as was desired when I first began the ramble, but, perhaps there are a few things within that make sense.

Somewhere between "Drill Baby, Drill" and "The TreeHuggers Lament" is a balance that should define our approach to energy.  We are responsible for being good stewards of the resources of this planet.  That includes our environment and all of the things encompassed by that word -- plants, animals, water, soil, air, etc.

Stewardship implies use.  It does not mean that we "preserve" something at the cost of humanity.

The basic issue upon which the dichotomous views toward energy development turn is that of a human-centric view of the world versus one in which humanity has no value greater than any other thing -- at least on the surface.  In reality, it is a much more elitist view.  Those who would have you think that humanity has no greater value than anything else hold themselves at a much higher value than others.  In other words, it is a purely self-centric view.  It is a view that one group, those who worship the earth, are of greater value than those who do not.

Among those who value humanity above other things, there is also a division in views.  There is a split between those whose view is very near-term (usually no greater than a few days at the least or their own lifetime at the most) and those who take a generational view -- one that includes a responsible attitude that extends beyond their own lifetime.  Again, it is a difference between those who are self-centered and those who look beyond personal self-interests.

Ultimately, the division is between those who are purely self-seeking and those who feel a responsibility beyond self.

In the end, an attitude that is purely centered on self will result in destruction because there is no building for the future.  The extension of this philosophy of life would logically indicate that self-serving attitudes result in the destruction of the family, the country and ultimately, humanity.

The instinct for self-preservation, should at some point, trigger a cooperative effort.  For the individual whose view is of long periods of time, this point is reached quickly.  For those whose focus is in the immediate, this view is not reached until faced with chaotic, destructive forces beyond their control.

Applying this train of thought to our national situation we should become aware of a couple of things.  First, the focus on immediate gratification in our society would imply that, as a nation, we have a very short-term view.  Second, the acquisitive nature of our society would imply a highly self-centered attitude is the norm.  When taken together, these two factors alone indicate the source of our headlong rush to destruction.

So, how does this apply to energy policy?

At both ends of the spectrum we see self-interest as the driving force, although among the "treehuggers" it is disguised in the rhetoric of something else.  Each of these interests are pulling in opposite directions.  Normally, when you have forces pulling in opposite direction it is accompanied by a ripping sound.

On the one hand is the drive to "preserve" and on the other the desire to develop.  In the end, the balance would be responsible development with an extended view that looks to future generations.

I am a firm believer in the free market.  I think that if allowed to work without interference, the market will ultimately achieve balance.  We do not have a free market.  We have energy subsidies on the one hand and we have burdensome "environmental" regulations on the other.

Subsidies can be a useful policy tool.  When used properly with a view to national security interests, they can drive behavior in a manner that protects the interests of the nation.  When used improperly, they can lead to corruption.

"Environmental" regulations also can be a useful tool.  They should protect the interests of the whole so that "bad" individual behavior is corrected.  Clean air, clean water and safe products are in the best interests of the nation.  There is a tremendous "health cost" burden when such are not available.  This "health cost" is both direct (medical bills) and indirect (lost productivity or individual impairment).

Nation-states were formed when individuals of common interest banded together for protection.  Always, there was a cost to personal freedom and a gain to personal preservation.  It was a balance between individuals of competing interests.  The same balance applied between different nation-states.

Energy production must achieve a balance between competing interests (the present versus the future) that maximizes the benefit for all -- both today and in future generations.  The answer is not wind or solar.  The answer is not in fossil fuels alone.  The answer is probably not nuclear.  The answer will be in new technologies.  In the interim however, we will cross the bridge that is composed of all of the available technologies into a future that we would not recognize if we were suddenly transported in time to that far off day -- given of course that there are still humans left alive to experience it.

Meanwhile, the "Blob of Contention" between current and future needs drifts aimlessly in the Gulf of Mexico.

Have Mercy on the Illegals: Enforce the Border

Here's a thought for you.  Enforcing the laws of our country and preventing Illegal Aliens from entering could be an act of mercy. 

Immigrant deaths in Arizona desert soaring in July

A Sure Way to Jumpstart the Economy

What a novel idea...for a politician.  This is the first proposal for a piece of legislation that I've seen in a long time that makes sense.

Top House Republican wants ban on new federal regulations

One of the costs of doing business that is seldom considered is risk.  Risk impacts borrowing, spending, expansion and other operations.  If you want to free a bunch of capital for investment, reduce the risk.  Uncertainty in the regulatory environment has been one of the greatest risks of doing business since control of the Senate and House fell into the hands of the Democrats.  President Bush provided at least some level of balance against their attack on business.  The current administration has pushed the attack to unprecedented levels.  Remove some uncertainty and businesses will invest and the economy will grow.

Armed Escorts Necessary to Do Job in New Mexico

It's a sad state of affairs when workers need armed escorts in order to do their job.  The article linked below is just another example of how the Federal Government's failure to secure our border is costing us.

Armed Escorts to Accompany New Mexico Livestock Inspectors

I do take exception to the following clip from the article:

Illegal activity, such as human and drug trafficking, has "pretty much been shut down" in Luna County since 2005, Cobos said, but he acknowledged the "big potential for violence" at any time.


I don't believe for one minute that it has "pretty much been shut down".

Governor Perry Jousting With National Democrats

Governor Rick Perry has been a strong proponent of State's Rights for some time now.  Is it all political or is it truly what he believes?  We may never know the answer to that question but, his stance is to the benefit of Texans in my opinion.  The following link is to an article from "The Statesman", a fairly liberal publication.

DC Democrats returning fire from Texas Gov. Perry

I particularly like the following quote from the article:

"The governor of the state of Texas better be pushing back on the federal government, this federal government, extremely hard because they are about to bankrupt not just this country but this state," Perry said.

Yep, European style Socialism WILL bankrupt this country.  Our kids and grandkids will be the ones to suffer the most.

Will the Unemployed Take the Difficult Jobs in Agriculture?

The article linked below from "The Arizona Republic" is a thoughtful look at the new law in Arizona for enforcing the Federal Immigration statutes.  It looks at the impact on agriculture in relation to employment of illegals and the possible impact on those suffering from the near 10% unemployment rate in Arizona.  It asks the difficult question that has been one of contention among those who support guest worker programs and those who do not, "Will unemployed citizens take the difficult jobs that are going unfilled because of the implementation of the new law?

Arizona immigration law opens farm jobs to unemployed

On a related note:

Statement by Texas Gov. Rick Perry on Attorney General’s Amicus Brief in U.S. v. State of Arizona Case

Break

I've been enjoying a short break from travel for a couple of weeks now.  It has taken some readjustment!

There have been plenty of things to keep me busy though.  I have a presentation to a group of cattlemen next week that I've been preparing for as well as a convention/trade show where I will have a booth -- both in Tucson, Arizona.  The following week I will be doing a half-day training session for a large ranch in Central Texas.  They sell genetics in various forms and employ several full-time salesmen.  Their manager asked me to come do a Sales Training seminar for them.  I am excited about it but, it has taken a lot of preparation because that is not the type of training that I normally do other than for my own staff.  This will be a more formal type of program.

You never know what life will throw your way!  The Sales Training request came "out-of-the-blue".  The thing most interesting about it to me is that lately I believe God has been impressing on me that I need to spend time passing on what I have learned to others.  The timing of the request was, shall we say, attention getting!

An Article on Leadership

Good article on Leadership from Forbes.

To Lead, First Master Your Unconscious

In The Midst of a Coup

It is time to throw them out.  If they voted for ObamaCare they should be thrown out of office.  Representative Democracy is dead in this country.  If it was not, the bill would never have passed the Senate or the House.  An overwhelming majority of the American people are opposed to the bill.

This is one more step on the way to destroying the states.  When the state governments become insolvent, the federal government will take control.  At some point, all control will reside in the federal government.  When that occurs, we will become a communist nation.  We are experiencing a takeover through economic means.  Communism is not Socialism.  With Communism, power is in the hands of a few.  It is complete, controlling power.  The people have no rights under Communism.  Non-conformity is punished severely -- by servitude or by death.

It is time to throw them out of office.

Texas Governor's Race

Tuesday -- election day -- will soon be upon Texas voters and we will find out who the Republican nominee for Governor will be. I just now saw a Perry commercial on t.v. He was wearing a Carhart jacket and sitting in front of the Texas flag. Some of the Hutchinson commercials try to pull off the "good-ol'-country-gal" look but somehow it doesn't quite work. She just has a hard time fitting that image.

The article linked below might be of interest to those of you following the race:

http://www.texasmonthly.com/preview/2010-02-01/feature

So, what do you think? Is Perry positioning himself for a national race? Perhaps. I hope he can handle the attacks from the left if that is his plan.

What about Hutchinson? She might come back as an Independent and face Perry again in the General election if the primary is close. I don't think it will be. The real question is her Senate seat. Will she really retire? If so, I think Michael Williams is our best candidate for the seat. It may be an interesting year.