Wednesday, July 28, 2010

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

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

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."

Monday, July 26, 2010

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

Saturday, July 24, 2010

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.

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

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.....

Monday, July 19, 2010

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.

Saturday, July 17, 2010

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.

Friday, July 16, 2010

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".

Thursday, July 15, 2010

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

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

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