In the words of Rahm Emanuel, “You never let a serious crisis go to waste.”  That is exactly the philosophical approach some members of our government are taking in the shadow of the horrific tragedy that took place at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT. On Wednesday President Obama held a news conference to present his plan for reducing “gun violence” in American.  Notice that it’s not “gun control” any more, instead he’s seeking to “reduce gun violence”, which sounds better.  His plan outlined a number of initiatives.  At the forefront was his call to reinstate an assault weapons ban and to limit the size of firearm magazines to ten rounds as well as a call to enforce background checks at gun shows and in private sales of firearms.  Additionally he signed 23 Executive Orders designed to address the issue ranging from clarifying the mental health services of Obamacare to requiring federal agencies to make relevant data available to the federal background check database. Let us examine these items closer.  First off, banning ‘assault weapons’ – there was no such thing as an ‘assault weapon’ until Congress created it when they banned them the first time in the 1990s.  The definition basically boils down to cosmetic traits […]

I posted on this date last year to declare the need for a new American Revolution.  A lot has happened since then.  Must of what has transpired has been to the detriment of our cause and liberties.  This year it seems appropriate to call out the tyrants for their crimes, much as our nations Founders did 236 years ago.  Using their Declaration as a basis, I have attempted to update it to reflect our current plight.  The list of offenses is by no means complete, or as eloquently stated as the list compiled and laid to parchment by Thomas Jefferson but I believe they offer a reasonable overview of the usurpations we face today.  As you will see in reading, some of the charges have not changed much from their original form.   I humbly submit to you the Declaration of 2012.  If you like it and agree, please feel free to pass it on.  If you would like to suggest additions, you are welcome to add them to the comments.   IN THE UNITED STATES, July 4, 2012. The unanimous Declaration of those who yet treasure their Liberty, When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for […]

On Monday, October 17th Republican Presidential candidate Ron Paul released his “Plan to Restore America”. The plan outlined some bold objectives for his first term in office if elected including $1 trillion in cuts the first year and a balanced federal budget by year 3. Dr. Paul does this all without raising any taxes. In fact, he lowers and eliminates some! The plan calls in a reduction of corporate tax to 15%, and the elimination of capital gains tax, the “death tax”, and taxes on personal savings accounts, while extending the Bush tax cuts. In order to achieve the massive spending cut, the government workforce will be reduced by 10% through attrition and the Departments of Energy, Commerce, Interior, Education, and Housing and Urban Development would all be eliminated with certain functions moving to remaining departments.  The plan will end the wars and cut all of that funding, while maintaining Defense spending and cutting all foreign aid.  It will cap all Federal Government spending at 2006 levels as well as abolish the TSA and turn those security duties over to the private sector. To foster an environment in which the economy can recover and jobs can be created Dr. Paul […]

The United States – often recognized as a beacon of freedom to the world, though perhaps more so in the past than in the present.  The original colonists came here seeking a fresh start, a land of unrivaled opportunity, and a reprieve from the oppression of the British Crown.  Immigrants in more recent times come for similar reasons.  They come to escape oppression, to pursue new opportunity, to endeavor to better themselves and their families by taking advantage of the freedoms we here take for granted.  The ultimate reason is the freedom to determine one’s own destiny.  At one time, this was the single most appealing feature of the land of Lady Liberty to others around the world.  Slowly, the United States is slipping from its previous grandeur.  As the citizens sit back and allow themselves to be lulled into oblivion by mind-melting television shows and the latest in fashion, football or celebrity gossip the freedom and liberty that we take for granted is being stripped away.  Like an onion, each layer is slowly removed and eventually, it will be gone entirely.  With each layer compromised come the stinging tears of those who witness the degradation.  We are not yet past […]

When I wrote about the Occupy Wall Street movement a few weeks ago I had not really intended on it becoming a recurring topic, but as events transpire I find myself compelled to speak out further.  The movement has continued to gain momentum and has spread all over the country, and to various locations around the world.  More people are getting involved, and more media attention is being cast in their direction.  Some of the attention has been on the movement itself, and some on the actions of the NYPD and other police departments in response to it. At this point, we should regard the Occupy movement as a potential danger.  It is very volatile.  I do not suggest that we should be concerned that it will escalate to a point of violence, though that is not out of the question, it seems unlikely at this point it time.  The danger stems from the fact that the protestors are so very disjointed.  There is no leader, and there is no clear mission or set of demands.  The protestors might as well be there for the simple fact that they have nothing better to do.  Clearly they share in their frustration […]

I have watched all the GOP debates up until this point and I plan to watch all future debates as well.  Though, I cannot say particularly that I look forward to them.  The debates so far have been biased, and rather worthless as far as highlighting the differences between candidates.  What they do highlight for those paying attention is how the media attempts to pick favorites and how the favorite’s favorite activity is pointing fingers at one another. The newcomer Rick Perry has been at the last three debates.  While new ideas and approaches should always be welcomed, Perry did not have any to offer.  His only contribution to the debates so far has been to give Mitt Romney someone to bicker with – which now happens at every debate.  Generally the topic of the bickering is who flip-flopped on what when.  The only thing this proves is that they are both inconsistent and would rather sling mud at one another than address the real issues in a thoughtful and creative way. Michele Bachmann who narrowly won the Iowa Straw Poll has slipped in the polls since Perry’s entry in the race and now she sits outside of the top […]

There is a protest taking place in New York City.  A rag-tag group of passionate citizens are making their voices heard regarding the economic mess taking place in our country, and the world.  The goal of the protest is simple; to occupy Wall St. for an extended period of time to draw attention to the misdoings of our banking institutions.  The protest began on Saturday, 9/17.  Around 1,000 protestors showed up.  That number has fluctuated over the following days of the protest.  A few hundred have been camping out overnight. The protestors are non-violent and receiving significant support from the Internet.  The protest was suggested by the Canadian magazine AdBusters and has been heavily promoted by the “hacktivist” group known as Anonymous.  The protest website (https://occupywallst.org/) is updated frequently on the current activities of the protestors.  Twitter is also being utilized heavily as a medium of communication from the people on the ground to the rest of the world.  Donations are being taken for the protest in general, and for food, camping supplies, and other needs.  The goal of the leaderless group is to occupy Wall St. for a few months in an effort to express their anger with what […]

This Sunday marks the 10th anniversary of the attacks against the United States that leveled the World Trade Center in New York City, punched a hole in the side of the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., and left the burning remains of a commercial airliner in a field near Pittsburgh, PA.  The official death toll from that day was 2,975 including the hijackers of the 4 planes.  Those of use who remember the day will never forget it.  We will never forget where we were, or what we were doing when we heard the news.  We will forever have burned into our mind’s eye the image if the Twin Towers falling.  We will never forget. On Sunday, we should all take some time to reflect on the lives lost on that day 10 years previous, and on the lives lost since that day as a result.  Prayers and kind wishes go out to those who lost friends and loved ones in the attacks, and in the wars that followed.  When we heard the news, the foremost question was ‘why?’  Why would a group of people plan and execute such a horrific act against the United States?  We were told by our […]

Lately Rick Perry has been all over the headlines.  He is the new media darling in the race for the Republican Party nomination.  Talk of Perry entering the race has been going on for months, but was recently confirmed by his formal announcement, made the day of the Ames, IA straw poll.  Ever since he has been touted as the candidate to beat in the Republican race; taking the lead spot from Mitt Romney in nearly every poll.  As the new leader, he is drawing flack from all over the political spectrum.  He is a target of Democrats and competing Republicans. So who is Rick Perry?  Is he just another man running in an already broad field, or is he truly the candidate to beat?  Is he really the kind of person we want in the White House?  Does he have a consistent and Constitutional stance on the issues?  These are a few of the questions that will be addressed as we delve into Republican Presidential Candidate Rick Perry. ♦♦♦ Personal Life James Richard “Rick” Perry was born on March 4, 1950 in Paint Creek, TX.  His father was a Democrat, which is the party Rick Perry held to until […]

The mainstream media, like many other things in our Republic is failing to do its job.  The primary purpose of newspapers and news broadcasts is to collect information, verify its accuracy, and present it in a neutral light to the masses.  One news company likes to remind us of this frequently with their slogan “Fair and Balanced”.  Too bad it is nothing more than an empty and meaningless tagline.  In reality, news media is almost never fair or balanced.  This is evident if we look at almost any newspaper ever to come off of a printing press. In recent history some important top stories have been influenced heavily by the bias of news organizations.  One that everyone is likely familiar with is the trial of Casey Anthony.  Judicially she was found “not guilty” of the murder of her daughter by a jury of her peers.  In the court of public opinion, Casey Anthony was well… utterly crucified.  This was largely precipitated by the mainstream media reports on the trial, personalities such as Nancy Grace, and even some celebrities.  Whether you are in agreement with the outcome or not, the system worked in the case of Ms. Anthony.  If anything can […]