Friday, December 28, 2012
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
The Case Against Public Education
If public education is allowed to survive, all efforts to resuscitate the inert husk of modern civilization will fail. It is time to unravel the most wasteful and destructive entitlement program of all. Cancer cells do not divide into healthy cells. A corrupted, power-intoxicated political class will not willingly raise a freedom-loving, self-reliant populace. Governments must no longer be allowed to pre-determine their nations' fates, by mass producing the populace that serves their interests.
For years, reasonable and serious people have known that the educational establishment is at the root of the undoing of modernity and its natural political fruit, individual liberty. And for years, excepting a tiny, brave minority of parents and educators, most citizens have assumed that the problems of the education system, however grave, are to be resolved through legislative reforms, bureaucratic changes, or school board activism.
Such methods, though often undertaken with the noblest of intentions, have always failed, in spite of the few heartening but minor victories that may have been won on the way to ultimate defeat. This general failure is inevitable, as treating the superficial symptoms of a fatal disease will always be, whatever temporary relief such treatment may bring to the sufferer.
Articles: The Case Against Public Education
For years, reasonable and serious people have known that the educational establishment is at the root of the undoing of modernity and its natural political fruit, individual liberty. And for years, excepting a tiny, brave minority of parents and educators, most citizens have assumed that the problems of the education system, however grave, are to be resolved through legislative reforms, bureaucratic changes, or school board activism.
Such methods, though often undertaken with the noblest of intentions, have always failed, in spite of the few heartening but minor victories that may have been won on the way to ultimate defeat. This general failure is inevitable, as treating the superficial symptoms of a fatal disease will always be, whatever temporary relief such treatment may bring to the sufferer.
Articles: The Case Against Public Education
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
FYI - The Church of Satan
There are various sects of Satanic culture and devil worship worldwide.
The main established organization promoting the practice in the U.S. is the Church of Satan, which uses LaVey’s “The Satanic Bible” as its guiding book.
The church has five degrees that members can achieve after being inducted through private ceremonies.
The church has a ruling body consisting of the High Priest, the High Priestess and the Council of Nine.
Church of Satan members have over the years made numerous media appearances to refute notions that their doctrine encourages or participates in violence.
The church espouses nine statements of beliefs:
The main established organization promoting the practice in the U.S. is the Church of Satan, which uses LaVey’s “The Satanic Bible” as its guiding book.
The church has five degrees that members can achieve after being inducted through private ceremonies.
The church has a ruling body consisting of the High Priest, the High Priestess and the Council of Nine.
Church of Satan members have over the years made numerous media appearances to refute notions that their doctrine encourages or participates in violence.
The church espouses nine statements of beliefs:
- Satan represents indulgence instead of abstinence.
- Satan represents vital existence instead of spiritual pipe dreams.
- Satan represents undefiled wisdom instead of hypocritical self-deceit.
- Satan represents kindness to those who deserve it instead of love wasted on ingrates.
- Satan represents vengeance instead of turning the other cheek.
- Satan represents responsibility to the responsible instead of concern for psychic vampires.
- Satan represents man as just another animal, sometimes better, more often worse than those that walk on all-fours, who, because of his “divine spiritual and intellectual development”, has become the most vicious animal of all.
- Satan represents all of the so-called sins, as they all lead to physical, mental, or emotional gratification.
- Satan has been the best friend the Church has ever had, as He has kept it in business all these years.
Merry Cliff-mass
Christmas arrives this year at a time when our nation is on the brink
of the fiscal cliff. With time running out for President Obama and
Congress to reach an agreement, this Christmas Eve we bring to you 2012
twist on Clement Clarke Moore’s famous poem, “A Visit from St.
Nicholas.” It was produced by Public Notice as part of its Bankrupting America project.
The poem was sent to members of Congress and President Obama “to lift their spirits during the final weeks of negotiations and hopefully inspire some responsibility.” We hope you enjoy it. Have a safe and festive Christmas Eve.
The poem was sent to members of Congress and President Obama “to lift their spirits during the final weeks of negotiations and hopefully inspire some responsibility.” We hope you enjoy it. Have a safe and festive Christmas Eve.
’Twas the night before Cliff-mas, and all through the House
Not a member was working, no ideal to espouse;
Their offices closed, the members all gone,
No solution for a budget plan had yet to be drawn.
Our Congress had spent a year feuding again,
While uncertainty and poor growth plagued businessmen;
The economy had slowed, unemployment was high,
Things weren’t looking up for a taxpayer, like I.
On December 31st tax rates were scheduled to rise,
Which many agreed was not in itself wise.
With this, another date caught the country’s fiscal fixation—
The second of January was set for across-the-board sequestration.
I’d heard all the talk, all the senators saying,
“If we’re spending this much, someone has to be paying!”
The rhetoric from the news droned on in my head,
As I turned off my light, and crawled into bed.
When out on the Mall there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter.
It was the President! His sudden arrival was thrilling,
He went after the Congress, he called them by building:
“Now, Senate! Now, Hart! Now, Russell and Dirksen!
On House! on Rayburn! on, Longworth and Cannon!
The fiscal cliff is approaching! We need to make cuts!
Bad policy and spending got us into this rut!”
Out came the lawmakers, their cheeks from sleep rosy,
I saw Boehner, Reid, McConnell and Pelosi;
They gathered together, their eyes straight ahead,
Some seemed optimistic, as the president said:
“We need to end this uncertainty, if we are to stay strong,
I know we can do it, if we all get along.
We won’t hurt the middle class, we’ll raise taxes on the wealthy!
It’s right for everyone to pay a fair share to keep our economy healthy!”
Reid stepped up as well, his voice rather hoarse,
“We know that we need to include a few cuts, of course.
This deficit spending hurts our economy in the long-run,
But for now, raising some taxes will help everyone!”
“Now hold on one minute,” Boehner said with a sigh,
“You know the tax increase you propose is too high!
The wealthy you speak of—they aren’t you and me;
They’re middle-class, and small business owners you see!”
“You won’t close the tax loopholes, you won’t lower our debt!
You’ll create a situation where new investors will sweat!
We need tax reform, to resolve all this clutter!”
He stepped back with a nod—the crowd started to mutter.
Was he right? Was it true? Could reform solve it all?
Or would a tax hike spur investment and keep us from a fall?
It was the same talk I’d heard, the same from before—
So I ran down the stairs, and I opened the door:
“You say you’ll manage the tax code, and cut wasteful spending,
But it’s these political struggles that keep our economy pending!
We need real reform, not this spending obsession;
‘Else this cliff should put us in another recession!”
The lawmakers started, they had not known I was there;
And they sputtered and scattered and ran without care;
I watched them go and yelled after them, as they took flight:
“Avoid the fiscal cliff for all, and to YOU a good-night!”
SAINT WHO??
I'm Pretty Nervous about this whole Christmas thing. I mean who IS this guy they talk about and why should we be excited about his visit?
1. He sees us when we are sleeping - he has hidden cameras in our bedrooms?
2. He knows when we're awake - he is stalking us during the daytime?
3. He knows when we've been bad or good, is that a result of bedroom peeping?
4. He likes little kids to sit on his lap, which makes him jolly.
5. He is a misogynist, he calls women double Ho's.
6. He breaks into our houses at nights (burglary?), at least forced entry.
7. What else is he doing in our houses late at night, anyone count the silverware.
8. He hates kids, he doesn't approve of crying.
9. What standard does he use for bad or good, would we agree.
This fellow has serious problems and if people find out what he's doing, they will have him arrested, get him counseling.... just saying ...YOU BETTER WATCH OUT and NO SHOUTING
1. He sees us when we are sleeping - he has hidden cameras in our bedrooms?
2. He knows when we're awake - he is stalking us during the daytime?
3. He knows when we've been bad or good, is that a result of bedroom peeping?
4. He likes little kids to sit on his lap, which makes him jolly.
5. He is a misogynist, he calls women double Ho's.
6. He breaks into our houses at nights (burglary?), at least forced entry.
7. What else is he doing in our houses late at night, anyone count the silverware.
8. He hates kids, he doesn't approve of crying.
9. What standard does he use for bad or good, would we agree.
This fellow has serious problems and if people find out what he's doing, they will have him arrested, get him counseling.... just saying ...YOU BETTER WATCH OUT and NO SHOUTING
Monday, December 24, 2012
Earl - a tribute given at his wake prayer service...
The generation Earl belongs to has been called the greatest generation. Greatness is a sliding scale. Not all who are or were his age were great. I knew many in his generation who were not…. Great. There were some however who were truly great. In every way. Earl is one of those who deserves that appellation.
His accomplishments are not what makes him great.... though there are many.
Government service. State Senator, Councilman, Board Member, State Commander of the American Legion in ND, as Mayor the man who saw Trinity Bible College become fact by his intervention, and in his later years as a Dickey county commissioner.
All this after his service to our country in the US Army in World War II. On the beaches of Italy. On the mountaintop overlooking Bologna Italy. As Mussolini fell. As victory came, he carried out his duty beside others of his greatest generation with the threat of instant death all around him. All this while his wife and child prayed for his return -- which he did.
It get's personal now. He and Ruth did the greatest think any family ever does... for another. Provided continuity that many see broken when the Death of our Mom and Dad, Ruby and Ralph left a question hanging in the air....WHO? When the dust settled, the question was answered with... “Here am I”. Just as his public and military life was answered with a yes, they said yes when it mattered to my brother, sister and ... to me. There is no way to say thank you. I did. A thousand times. Yet... once more. Thank you to Greatness in a Great decision.
So many memories. Farming. Hunting. The building of the Church building that I grew up in, the one that he will receive his final salute in, it all seems very appropriate.
Once I was interviewed by a reporter who asked me who the three most influential men in my life had been. Earl H. Redlin was the FIRST name from my lips. There was never any doubt. His strong and tall stature never left my mind’s eye.
As years passed, the far too few times we had alone or in small groups were so valuable. Sitting on the concrete patio at the house in those chairs I worried would still hold me, shaded by a well watered willow tree, extinguishing adult beverages and adult smoke producing items, we would solve the world's problems. His humor, wisdom and good nature always made him an anticipated joy to be with. Now that's heaven's gain. I kinda hope they have a concrete patio there too. I look forward to the next time...
After his first falling down, one time, we went for a ride in his pickup. He had become frail. I never told anyone, but when we got out in the country, I let him drive. I figured, what could possibly happen? He did real well. We drove around for an hour or so. Then he needed a pit stop. Painfully stepping out of that pickup truck, pulling himself up and then standing erect he was able to do what men do better than women... a wide smile blossomed. I knew the he was feeling. Once more with the cool Dakota wind caressing his face --- he was a MAN... in every way.
His role as a businessman, as a farmer, as a father, as a lover, as a friend, as a grandpa... all the many faces of Earl adds up to the one thing those of us who know him can say with confidence, we hold him as GREAT.
I speak of him not in a past tense, but in a present changed now. He is not gone.. Except from us. He still is. As will we all be. I have a vision of heaven. Something of which I know a bit about. People who have had a visit to heaven and reported back in popular books report one of the things common is being greeted upon entrance by those they knew and loved on this side of the veil. I have little doubt that the first face he saw was his Oldest, that boy who had hoped for his return from the war, that one HE had supported during many difficult and dark days of difficulty until his death... John.. Or as he called him here and now as he called him there… already.... JOHNNY. That reunion has erased any tear, any pain, and any remembrance of these days and years past.
He has now come face to face to HIM in a NOW that has fullness of all Joy.
Years ago I asked him how he deals with the loss of so many of his contemporaries, those he loved. Friends, neighbors, relatives. He said, “it's a matter of perspective. I simply say, if it's to a grieving widow, You have lost a dear husband, and I have lost a dear Friend". It seemed right to him. I have followed his lead…as I have so often.
So, I now say to Ruth Redlin who partnered with him in so many adventures, and the one that means the world to me, "You have lost a dear husband, and I have lost a father, a friend, a GREAT influence on my life. One I will be eternally thankful for". The GREATEST will be when Reunion comes for me. I have so many who I look forward to seeing again.
So, I won't say rest in Peace SIR, that much is certain. I will say, May your JOY be made FULL NOW..., until I see you again on the other side of the veil.
The prince of Preachers, Charles Spurgeon ... said of these times of life’s passages: "We wept when we were born though all around us smiled; so shall we smile when we die while all around us weep."
I can see his smile… even now… Can’t you?
His accomplishments are not what makes him great.... though there are many.
Government service. State Senator, Councilman, Board Member, State Commander of the American Legion in ND, as Mayor the man who saw Trinity Bible College become fact by his intervention, and in his later years as a Dickey county commissioner.
All this after his service to our country in the US Army in World War II. On the beaches of Italy. On the mountaintop overlooking Bologna Italy. As Mussolini fell. As victory came, he carried out his duty beside others of his greatest generation with the threat of instant death all around him. All this while his wife and child prayed for his return -- which he did.
It get's personal now. He and Ruth did the greatest think any family ever does... for another. Provided continuity that many see broken when the Death of our Mom and Dad, Ruby and Ralph left a question hanging in the air....WHO? When the dust settled, the question was answered with... “Here am I”. Just as his public and military life was answered with a yes, they said yes when it mattered to my brother, sister and ... to me. There is no way to say thank you. I did. A thousand times. Yet... once more. Thank you to Greatness in a Great decision.
So many memories. Farming. Hunting. The building of the Church building that I grew up in, the one that he will receive his final salute in, it all seems very appropriate.
Once I was interviewed by a reporter who asked me who the three most influential men in my life had been. Earl H. Redlin was the FIRST name from my lips. There was never any doubt. His strong and tall stature never left my mind’s eye.
As years passed, the far too few times we had alone or in small groups were so valuable. Sitting on the concrete patio at the house in those chairs I worried would still hold me, shaded by a well watered willow tree, extinguishing adult beverages and adult smoke producing items, we would solve the world's problems. His humor, wisdom and good nature always made him an anticipated joy to be with. Now that's heaven's gain. I kinda hope they have a concrete patio there too. I look forward to the next time...
After his first falling down, one time, we went for a ride in his pickup. He had become frail. I never told anyone, but when we got out in the country, I let him drive. I figured, what could possibly happen? He did real well. We drove around for an hour or so. Then he needed a pit stop. Painfully stepping out of that pickup truck, pulling himself up and then standing erect he was able to do what men do better than women... a wide smile blossomed. I knew the he was feeling. Once more with the cool Dakota wind caressing his face --- he was a MAN... in every way.
His role as a businessman, as a farmer, as a father, as a lover, as a friend, as a grandpa... all the many faces of Earl adds up to the one thing those of us who know him can say with confidence, we hold him as GREAT.
I speak of him not in a past tense, but in a present changed now. He is not gone.. Except from us. He still is. As will we all be. I have a vision of heaven. Something of which I know a bit about. People who have had a visit to heaven and reported back in popular books report one of the things common is being greeted upon entrance by those they knew and loved on this side of the veil. I have little doubt that the first face he saw was his Oldest, that boy who had hoped for his return from the war, that one HE had supported during many difficult and dark days of difficulty until his death... John.. Or as he called him here and now as he called him there… already.... JOHNNY. That reunion has erased any tear, any pain, and any remembrance of these days and years past.
He has now come face to face to HIM in a NOW that has fullness of all Joy.
Years ago I asked him how he deals with the loss of so many of his contemporaries, those he loved. Friends, neighbors, relatives. He said, “it's a matter of perspective. I simply say, if it's to a grieving widow, You have lost a dear husband, and I have lost a dear Friend". It seemed right to him. I have followed his lead…as I have so often.
So, I now say to Ruth Redlin who partnered with him in so many adventures, and the one that means the world to me, "You have lost a dear husband, and I have lost a father, a friend, a GREAT influence on my life. One I will be eternally thankful for". The GREATEST will be when Reunion comes for me. I have so many who I look forward to seeing again.
So, I won't say rest in Peace SIR, that much is certain. I will say, May your JOY be made FULL NOW..., until I see you again on the other side of the veil.
The prince of Preachers, Charles Spurgeon ... said of these times of life’s passages: "We wept when we were born though all around us smiled; so shall we smile when we die while all around us weep."
I can see his smile… even now… Can’t you?
An excerpt from an email a friend received. This is happening all over. I know of a half dozen personally:
"During this time at the warehouse we had our people organizing to vote in the union, I was told by "the company" if they vote the union in we would be terminated within 30 days, which means everyone will lose their jobs…. Last night they voted and last night they voted themselves out of a job… They believed what the union said, not knowing ( or believing ) that the union can't force a company to pay higher wages and give benefits, in short they promised them higher wages than we are billing, can't stay in business very long doing that…."
Now as the year ends, this dear soul will be looking for work. Voting against your best interests seems to be the order of the day in this time
"During this time at the warehouse we had our people organizing to vote in the union, I was told by "the company" if they vote the union in we would be terminated within 30 days, which means everyone will lose their jobs…. Last night they voted and last night they voted themselves out of a job… They believed what the union said, not knowing ( or believing ) that the union can't force a company to pay higher wages and give benefits, in short they promised them higher wages than we are billing, can't stay in business very long doing that…."
Now as the year ends, this dear soul will be looking for work. Voting against your best interests seems to be the order of the day in this time
I
found the Pareto Principle on a local level, anytime I had to do a
story about any of the high schools my newspapers covered. I noticed
that the students at the top of the class were involved in the most
activities, while those at the bot...See More
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)