Where does the role of our federal government begin and end? Should our Federal Government be re-distributing wealth on a daily basis? Does a 26% annual increase in the debt ceiling scare you? Should we bail-out bad investments to the tune of $700 Billion? Where do we draw the line on the operations of our federal government?
According to my count there are: 52 Federal Administrations, 33 Federal Agencies, 20 Federal Boards, 38 Federal Bureaus, 47 Federal Commissions, 9 Federal Corporations, 17 Federal Councils, 55 Federal Departments, 9 National Foundations, 2 National Laboratories and 61 Federal Service organizations.
Is it time for major reform of our Federal Government? Take our poll (at top right) and call the show to voice your opinion this Sunday at 4 pm CDT.
Join Don Bebee and I live on air or this Sunday at 4pm. You can hear the Show on The Word 98.5 & 99.3 KLGO FM Radio in Austin, or listen on-line ... http://www.theword993.com/
We need your calls. Pick us the phone and join the discussion every Sunday at 4pm. The call in numbers are ... (512) 637-9673 (WORD) - or - (888) 860-9673.
God Save the U.S.A.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Twenty-Six Percent Debt Limit Increase in One Year
As of Sept. 27, 2007 the limit on public debt was $8.965 trillion. The current bail out proposal from House Financial Services Committee Chairman Barney Frank would raise the National Debt Ceiling to a staggering $11.3 trillion. That is 26% in one year!
I also encourage you to look at the history of our National Public Debt in alignment with the various expansions of our federal government, which occurred at the expense of State's Rights. The growth of the public debt is staggering, particullarly when you look at how fiat currency was used to fund the Union Army. The National Banking Act of 1863 put many state run banks out of business.
Visit the following U.S. Treasury link to see how much public debt we owe. The numbers do not include unfunded government programs like Social Security and Medicare. In 1893 there was panic over the gold supply. In 1907 there panic spawned from a stock scheme. Now we have no standard gold and can't print enough paper (fiat) currency.
God Save the U.S.A.
SEC. 18. INCREASE IN STATUTORY LIMIT ON THE PUBLIC DEBT.The debt ceiling has been raised twice already in the last year. It was increased from $8.965 trillion to $9.815 trillion effective September 29, 2007. And it was increased from $9.815 trillion to $10.615 trillion effective July 30, 2008. Now the feds want more fiat currency.
Subsection (b) of section 3101 of title 31, United States Code, is amended by striking out the dollar limitation contained in such subsection and inserting in lieu 6 thereof
$11,315,000,000,000. - Sept 22, 2008, Chairman Frank's Proposed Legislation
I also encourage you to look at the history of our National Public Debt in alignment with the various expansions of our federal government, which occurred at the expense of State's Rights. The growth of the public debt is staggering, particullarly when you look at how fiat currency was used to fund the Union Army. The National Banking Act of 1863 put many state run banks out of business.Visit the following U.S. Treasury link to see how much public debt we owe. The numbers do not include unfunded government programs like Social Security and Medicare. In 1893 there was panic over the gold supply. In 1907 there panic spawned from a stock scheme. Now we have no standard gold and can't print enough paper (fiat) currency.
God Save the U.S.A.
Huckabee Disgusted with Republicans over Bail-out
On Monday Gov. Mike Huckabee expressed his disgust with Republicans over the Wall Street bail out...
What I can't figure out is why only a few people are discussing the origin of these problems. The FHA, Fannie Mae, and other housing federal programs/agencies were started as a part of the New Deal. Combined with elimination of the gold standard, the New Deal is a Raw Deal. The Federal Government has no business underwritting housing purchases.
Think about the process of buying a house. When people sign all those papers on a new home, do they really know what they are doing? Do the mounds of regulation and paperwork actually protect the buyer, or do they make it easier for crooks to get away with their robberies?
McCain/Palin, Obama/Biden and others are complaining about Wall Street. I think they're pointing at the wrong institution. The real problem is the over-bearing complexity of government regulations and their false promise to protect the people.
Wall Street has its problems, but the size of the Federal City is a bigger problem. If McCain and Palin are truly reformers, why are they going after Wall Street instead of Washington? What are your thoughts?
God Save the U.S.A.
U.S. Captiol Detail - Photo by jcolman (flickr)
"It’s especially disconcerting to see the very people who pilloried me during the Presidential campaign for being a “populist” and not “understanding Wall Street” to now line up like thirsty dogs at the Washington, D. C. water dish, otherwise known as Congress, and plead for help." - Gov. Mike Huckabee 9/22/08
What I can't figure out is why only a few people are discussing the origin of these problems. The FHA, Fannie Mae, and other housing federal programs/agencies were started as a part of the New Deal. Combined with elimination of the gold standard, the New Deal is a Raw Deal. The Federal Government has no business underwritting housing purchases.
Think about the process of buying a house. When people sign all those papers on a new home, do they really know what they are doing? Do the mounds of regulation and paperwork actually protect the buyer, or do they make it easier for crooks to get away with their robberies?
McCain/Palin, Obama/Biden and others are complaining about Wall Street. I think they're pointing at the wrong institution. The real problem is the over-bearing complexity of government regulations and their false promise to protect the people.
Wall Street has its problems, but the size of the Federal City is a bigger problem. If McCain and Palin are truly reformers, why are they going after Wall Street instead of Washington? What are your thoughts?
God Save the U.S.A.
U.S. Captiol Detail - Photo by jcolman (flickr)
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Dr. Paul Endorses Chuck Baldwin
Barr begged the question. McCain called for an endorsement. Now they have been answered, and it's not what they were looking for. Libertarian turned Republican (at least temporarily), Dr. Ron Paul, has endorsed Chuck Baldwin for President.
What about us? Could the current financial crisis be our responsibility? Could our political apathy be a concern? Could our tolerance of humanist thinking be connected to the current financial meltdown? Could the de-emphasis of morality play a part? Could the prevalence of personal debt and personal deficit spending be connected? Could the failure to continue in the Spirit of 1776 be part of the problem? What about the massive expansion of federal government? What about the degradation of states' rights? The list of speculation goes on and on, but in the end ... this is our country.
My friends, while I certainly have concerns about Wall Street, I believe the main problem is Main Street. Main Street has forgotten where it came from. Main Street has failed to lift up and maintain our Constitution. Main Street has failed to pass along the Ten Commandments and other Biblical principles that secure the liberty of a Nation Under God. I believe we have allowed our government and our culture to grow out of control, and we can take it back.
Dr. Paul's endorsement of Chuck Baldwin speaks to the issue of the Constitution. Dr. Paul has fought against the massive expansion of federal government more than any contemporary I know. Dr. Paul understands the Constitution better than most contemporary Congressmen. He actually votes according to his Constitutionalist view. I cannot say this about very many Republicans or Democrats.
I do believe Obama is more dangerous than McCain. I think McCain has a shot at making some reforms that will restrain Washington. In Texas and many other states, McCain has the lead, but overall Obama is moving back to the front, and anything can still happen.
My gut says vote for Chuck Baldwin. I don't think you can waste a vote, but my rationale mind says, "vote in such a way to ensure Obama doesn't win". A vote for any candidate is a vote that counts, but there is a lot riding on this one. What do you think? Baldwin for President?
God Save the U.S.A.
The big challenge, however, is taking on the establishment, and the process that is so well entrenched. But we can’t beat the entrenched elite without the alliance of all those who have been disenfranchised. ... I’ve thought about the unsolicited advice from the Libertarian Party candidate, and he has convinced me to reject my neutral stance in the November election. I’m supporting Chuck Baldwin, the Constitution Party candidate. - Dr. Ron Paul. 9/22/08The latest polls have Obama back in the lead. McCain/Palin have joined in the Wall Street bashing rhetoric. Folks are predicting our currency is going to take a massive hit. The 401(k) and IRA accounts of most have already suffered great losses (Thank God he led me to put everything into cash). Many individuals and banks have been bailed out of bad loans, and the war on terror has taken a back seat to financial chaos. Of course it is all Bush 43's fault. Not!
What about us? Could the current financial crisis be our responsibility? Could our political apathy be a concern? Could our tolerance of humanist thinking be connected to the current financial meltdown? Could the de-emphasis of morality play a part? Could the prevalence of personal debt and personal deficit spending be connected? Could the failure to continue in the Spirit of 1776 be part of the problem? What about the massive expansion of federal government? What about the degradation of states' rights? The list of speculation goes on and on, but in the end ... this is our country.
My friends, while I certainly have concerns about Wall Street, I believe the main problem is Main Street. Main Street has forgotten where it came from. Main Street has failed to lift up and maintain our Constitution. Main Street has failed to pass along the Ten Commandments and other Biblical principles that secure the liberty of a Nation Under God. I believe we have allowed our government and our culture to grow out of control, and we can take it back.
Dr. Paul's endorsement of Chuck Baldwin speaks to the issue of the Constitution. Dr. Paul has fought against the massive expansion of federal government more than any contemporary I know. Dr. Paul understands the Constitution better than most contemporary Congressmen. He actually votes according to his Constitutionalist view. I cannot say this about very many Republicans or Democrats.
I do believe Obama is more dangerous than McCain. I think McCain has a shot at making some reforms that will restrain Washington. In Texas and many other states, McCain has the lead, but overall Obama is moving back to the front, and anything can still happen.
My gut says vote for Chuck Baldwin. I don't think you can waste a vote, but my rationale mind says, "vote in such a way to ensure Obama doesn't win". A vote for any candidate is a vote that counts, but there is a lot riding on this one. What do you think? Baldwin for President?
God Save the U.S.A.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Voter ID & Fraud Prevention
“IN TEXAS, AN EPIDEMIC of voter fraud is harming the electoral process and it’s time we rooted it out. Of course, voter fraud is no newcomer to the Lone Star State. Six decades ago, the votes “found” in Jim Wells County’s infamous Ballot Box 13 helped Lyndon Johnson squeak into the U.S. Senate. Maybe none quite so dramatic, but other instances of “election irregularities” on both sides of the political aisle have plagued Texas since that 1948 primary.” - Greg Abbot, Texas Attorney General from 2006
Are Texas voting mechanisms vulnerable to manipulation by those who lack integrity and honesty? Accusations of voter fraud and criminal convictions exist in Texas history, along with many other states. Will it be any different this year, or in the years to come?
Can something be done about voting integrity without making it too hard for people to vote, and enabling further government intrusion into the privacy of individuals? Will electronic devices, such as RF-ID chips, take us one step closer toward overbearing government surveillance?
Voter Fraud is just one of many issues facing the Texas Legislature in 2009. Jerry Mikus, Republican for Texas House District 50 will be our guest on the Political Hope Radio Show on September 21st.
Please take the time to find out which district you are in, and be informed to vote. Visit http://www.politicalhope.com/ for the Resources link >> .
Are Texas voting mechanisms vulnerable to manipulation by those who lack integrity and honesty? Accusations of voter fraud and criminal convictions exist in Texas history, along with many other states. Will it be any different this year, or in the years to come?
Can something be done about voting integrity without making it too hard for people to vote, and enabling further government intrusion into the privacy of individuals? Will electronic devices, such as RF-ID chips, take us one step closer toward overbearing government surveillance?
Voter Fraud is just one of many issues facing the Texas Legislature in 2009. Jerry Mikus, Republican for Texas House District 50 will be our guest on the Political Hope Radio Show on September 21st.
Join us at 4 pm with your calls, comments and questions.
(512) 637-9673 (WORD) - or - (888) 860-9673
(512) 637-9673 (WORD) - or - (888) 860-9673
Please take the time to find out which district you are in, and be informed to vote. Visit http://www.politicalhope.com/ for the Resources link >> .
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Is Jillian Michaels Mean to the Biggest Losers?
There is one reality show my wife likes; it's The Biggest Loser. She sees people that care about each other, have a unified purpose, and can truly empathize with one another, while competing to loose weight.The question I have for you is this ...
Is Jillian Michaels mean to her losers?
Think about it. Jillian gets in those women's face. She shakes her finger at them, and tells them to get off their ___ ___ and do the exercises. Jillian is like a Drill Sergeant. She is pushy, demanding, and near brutal in her drive to knock the pounds off of the contestants.
Is that mean? Or is that compassionate? Does it best reflect hate, love, or indifference?
"The Biggest Loser" TV show illustrates what America has forgotten. Good is not easy. Wrong is easy. Love isn't a push-over. Love drives toward what is right and true, and doesn't cave into what is wrong. Rather than let loved ones eat unhealthy diets for years and years, love will take strong action to protect and bring change.
In the case of gay sex, rather than be bold enough to warn men of the associated health risks, people cave into saying its okay. Nothing could be farther from the truth! Men having sex with men (MSM) is more risky than obesity, and our society is largely silent on both issues. Take a look at what the CDC says about MSM.
What do you think? ...
Is Jillian Michaels Mean to her losers?
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Obama's Social Agenda Belongs in the Church House not the White House
So, the whole Messiah complex continues...
Obama bloggers and campaigners are propagating the analogy that "Obama" equals "Community Organizer" which equals "Jesus". What non-sense! Senator Barak Obama in no way compares to Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is much more than a Community Organizer. Jesus actually opposes evil. Jesus drives out demons. Jesus heals the sick and the lame. Jesus raises the dead, walks on water, and defeats death itself. Jesus is much more than a man or Community Organizer. Jesus Christ is God Incarnate. Jesus Christ is the Spotless Lamb of God, and He is more of a man than Barak Obama or I will ever be. This comparison is absolute non-sense, and reflects the failure of many to comprehend the Bible and the nature of Christ Jesus our Lord.
Now, let's set side the magnanimity of Christ aside for one second. Let's follow-out the Dems' notion that Jesus was a Community Organizer. Did Jesus run for the office of Roman Emperor (analogous to the White House)? Did Jesus seek to implement his reforms through law. No! Jesus came to conquer the hearts of men, not to assert a government program of social welfare. Jesus came to inspire the hearts of men to help their neighbor of their own volition, not through government mandate.
God Save the U.S.A.
Obama bloggers and campaigners are propagating the analogy that "Obama" equals "Community Organizer" which equals "Jesus". What non-sense! Senator Barak Obama in no way compares to Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is much more than a Community Organizer. Jesus actually opposes evil. Jesus drives out demons. Jesus heals the sick and the lame. Jesus raises the dead, walks on water, and defeats death itself. Jesus is much more than a man or Community Organizer. Jesus Christ is God Incarnate. Jesus Christ is the Spotless Lamb of God, and He is more of a man than Barak Obama or I will ever be. This comparison is absolute non-sense, and reflects the failure of many to comprehend the Bible and the nature of Christ Jesus our Lord.
Now, let's set side the magnanimity of Christ aside for one second. Let's follow-out the Dems' notion that Jesus was a Community Organizer. Did Jesus run for the office of Roman Emperor (analogous to the White House)? Did Jesus seek to implement his reforms through law. No! Jesus came to conquer the hearts of men, not to assert a government program of social welfare. Jesus came to inspire the hearts of men to help their neighbor of their own volition, not through government mandate.
If Senator Barack Obama wants to implement community reforms in the model of Jesus Christ, he needs to be working in the church house, not the White House.
God Save the U.S.A.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
The Sarah Palin Factor Sunday 9/14/08 at 4pm
Love her or hate her, Alaska's Governor Sarah Palin has nearly taken over the Presidential Race. Obama can't stop talking about her, and McCain doesn't want her away from his side. Now, there are a host of possible explanations for those loose comments...
The key questions revolve around Palin's significant impact on this race. Republicans are suddenly energized and Democrats are throwing darts her way at ninety miles per hour. But she is Super Woman, and the action figure proves it. Biden doesn't have one. (Don't be offended; that just a little satire to accompany the circus act).
While many analysts claim the Palin nomination to be a brilliant political move on McCain's part, one can also assert that Republicans and Conservatives have bought into part of the left's feminist agenda and claimed the victory for their own. That can be a good thing or a bad thing depending on your perspective.
Maybe you missed it, but there's also the Pentecostal background of Palin that made news this week. Is speaking in tongues and baptism of the Holy Spirit strange to some Evangelicals as John Fea says? Fea expects the GOP to keep the Pentecostal explanations out of the speeches. Maybe the Dems have other plans.
There are a host of more important questions and concerns around Gov. Palin. We want to hear your thoughts. Join Eileen Flynn and I as we talk about the Palin Factor, this Sunday at 4pm. Eileen is the Religion Reporter at the Austin-American Statesman. I encourage Austinites to follow her Of Sacred and Secular Blog.
Listen to the show this Sunday at 4 pm on-line at the Word (http://www.theword993.com/) or 99.3 FM in Austin. You can call us at (512) 637-9673 (WORD) - or - (888) 860-9673. You can also email your questions/comments to politicalhope@hotmail.com
God Save the U.S.A.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Statism: The Death of Religous Freedom & the State
R.C. Sproul's current Table Talk article deals with Statism and it's relevance to the United States. Please read it, and post your thoughts here.Statism - by RC Sproul
God Save the U.S.A.
Tagged by the Crow
You can blame, I mean thank, my friend Mike Crow for this one. Mike was kind enough to tag me. Look out fellow bloggers. Here are the rules:
1. Write about 5 specific ways blogging has affected you, either positively or negatively.
2. Link back to the person who tagged you
3. Link back to this parent post (L.L. Barkat is not so much interested in generating links, but rather in tracking the meme so she can perhaps do a summary post later on that looks at patterns and interesting discoveries.)
4. Tag a few friends or five, or none at all
5. Post these rules— or just have fun breaking them
Here goes ...
1.1 Blogging is great to to help digest what you're taking in on the topics of life. We are inundated with news and messages. Writing things down helps sort through what you've absorbed.
1.2 Blogging helps develop discipline. I was having trouble staying in a routine with writing. If you don't write regularly, people don't read your blog. I blog immediately following a few of the regular events in my weekly routine, and that has been a great blessing.
1.3 Blogging is convenient compared to regular web-site updates. You just write and post. It has help my productivity on web administration.
1.4 I'm running out thoughts... too much blogging.
1.5 The best reason to blog is so your friends will have something to throw darts at., and you can learn their opinions as they poke holes in your arguments.
2. Mike Crow - As the Crow Flies
4.2 Eileen Flynn - Of Sacred & Secular
5. You saw them, now read them and obey them! They're not the ten commandments, but you get the idea...
1. Write about 5 specific ways blogging has affected you, either positively or negatively.
2. Link back to the person who tagged you
3. Link back to this parent post (L.L. Barkat is not so much interested in generating links, but rather in tracking the meme so she can perhaps do a summary post later on that looks at patterns and interesting discoveries.)
4. Tag a few friends or five, or none at all
5. Post these rules— or just have fun breaking them
Here goes ...
1.1 Blogging is great to to help digest what you're taking in on the topics of life. We are inundated with news and messages. Writing things down helps sort through what you've absorbed.
1.2 Blogging helps develop discipline. I was having trouble staying in a routine with writing. If you don't write regularly, people don't read your blog. I blog immediately following a few of the regular events in my weekly routine, and that has been a great blessing.
1.3 Blogging is convenient compared to regular web-site updates. You just write and post. It has help my productivity on web administration.
1.4 I'm running out thoughts... too much blogging.
1.5 The best reason to blog is so your friends will have something to throw darts at., and you can learn their opinions as they poke holes in your arguments.
2. Mike Crow - As the Crow Flies
3. LL Barkat - Seedlings in Stone
4.1 Gary DeMar - Mashed Potatoes on the Anvil4.2 Eileen Flynn - Of Sacred & Secular
5. You saw them, now read them and obey them! They're not the ten commandments, but you get the idea...
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Holly Hansen & The National Conventions
In the past two weeks, we heard everything thing from "After all, there aren’t many people eager to see the words “Texan’ and “president” in the same sentence ever again" ... to "We lost the trust of the American people ..."
While it may not have been the most exciting speech of the last two weeks, it had two important and rare traits in political speech. Those traits are integrity and humility. A few DNC & RNC speeches referenced humility; Senator McCain displayed it by admitting his and the GOP's part in recent government problems/failures. Cecile Richard's speech reflects the antithesis of humility and is much more typical of what we hear in political convention speeches.
Was anything said or done at the conventions that swayed your opinion in the past two weeks? What did you see as the high lights and low lights? Join the Political Hope Radio Show with Republican delegate Holly Hansen and I as we review the 2008 National Conventions.
Sunday, September 7, 2008- 4 pm
http://www.theword993.com/
http://www.politicalhope.com/
While it may not have been the most exciting speech of the last two weeks, it had two important and rare traits in political speech. Those traits are integrity and humility. A few DNC & RNC speeches referenced humility; Senator McCain displayed it by admitting his and the GOP's part in recent government problems/failures. Cecile Richard's speech reflects the antithesis of humility and is much more typical of what we hear in political convention speeches.
Was anything said or done at the conventions that swayed your opinion in the past two weeks? What did you see as the high lights and low lights? Join the Political Hope Radio Show with Republican delegate Holly Hansen and I as we review the 2008 National Conventions.
Sunday, September 7, 2008- 4 pm
http://www.theword993.com/
http://www.politicalhope.com/
Humility in Politics
Some say that "Political Hope" is an oxymoron. What about humility in politics?
As we listened to the various political speeches at the Republican and Democratic National Conventions, did you see or hear true humility? Is that even possible? Am I crazy to even think about it or suggest it?
More than one candidate mentioned some form of the the word humility. All of the quotes I caught were self-described attributes in reference to receiving a nomination or serving with a truly great leader. I'm not going to tell you those were false assertions, though I know many of you are skeptical. I ask you to consider another view of humility, and the reality that one politician had the guts to demonstrate it.
My view of true humility is one that "the Fonz" on Happy Days couldn't quite get out of his mouth. My definition is doctrinal in nature. It has to do with confession; ownership of faults; recognizing that we're human. Of course we all know that we are human and we do have faults. The question; the difficultly ... is admitting them. Are you willing to admit your faults. Do you confess that you made a mistake, or an error, or just flat blew it?
There are two acid tests of true humility. One, are you willing to admit to your kids, especially teenagers, that you were wrong, and two, as a politician are you willing to admit you and/or your party has blown it?
Just my opinion ... but I think we could use a lot more "true humility". We need men and women, parents and politicians both, that are willing to say, "what I've been doing was wrong". From my count, during the last two weeks of national conventions, only one man, only one politician, had the guts to admit fault and take responsiblity for it.
God Save the U.S.A.
As we listened to the various political speeches at the Republican and Democratic National Conventions, did you see or hear true humility? Is that even possible? Am I crazy to even think about it or suggest it?
More than one candidate mentioned some form of the the word humility. All of the quotes I caught were self-described attributes in reference to receiving a nomination or serving with a truly great leader. I'm not going to tell you those were false assertions, though I know many of you are skeptical. I ask you to consider another view of humility, and the reality that one politician had the guts to demonstrate it.
My view of true humility is one that "the Fonz" on Happy Days couldn't quite get out of his mouth. My definition is doctrinal in nature. It has to do with confession; ownership of faults; recognizing that we're human. Of course we all know that we are human and we do have faults. The question; the difficultly ... is admitting them. Are you willing to admit your faults. Do you confess that you made a mistake, or an error, or just flat blew it?
There are two acid tests of true humility. One, are you willing to admit to your kids, especially teenagers, that you were wrong, and two, as a politician are you willing to admit you and/or your party has blown it?
Just my opinion ... but I think we could use a lot more "true humility". We need men and women, parents and politicians both, that are willing to say, "what I've been doing was wrong". From my count, during the last two weeks of national conventions, only one man, only one politician, had the guts to admit fault and take responsiblity for it.
God Save the U.S.A.
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