Since it's Monday, and 95% of us have to face the world of employment, I thought it'd be best to give you a little something to help you through your week. Something about Monday makes it a struggle to face, perhaps it's the idea of facing five or six straight days of work. So with that in mind here's a little snippet from John Wooden on bow to bring out the best in people.
Keep courtesy and consideration for others first and foremost in your mind, at home and away.
Try to have fun without being funny
While you can't control what happens to you, you can control how you react. Make good manners an automatic reaction.
Seek individual opportunities to offer a genuine compliment.
Remember that sincerity, optimism, and enthusiasm are more welcome than sarcasm, pessimism, and laziness.
Laugh with others, not at them.
All great ideas and all great ways to make a Monday a little less stressful. Have a great day!
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
Monday, January 31, 2011
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Education and Government
Yesterday I introduced you to Eric, a young man with a lot on his plate. I went to great lengths to admonish our school system for failing to provide a moral compass for our youth. While I still believe the current system is deeply flawed, I want to make sure and correct an impression I may have left. The school system is not where the problem begins, it's in the home. The initial responsibility for teaching lies in the hands of the parents.
Eric had a home life riddled with negative influences. While his mom and dad failed to extol a guideline between right and wrong, he did and does have grandparents to emulate. Basic family values are where we have to begin. Discipline, respect, work ethic, and morality are grounded and taught as a responsibility of the parents. It's the schools job to reinforce those principles and values. If you consider the average child's schedule, you can see how this responsibility is important. A good seven hours of the day, five days a week our youth is under the guidance of the school system. Since a child usually sleeps about ten hours during any given twenty four hour period, that only leaves seven hours for home work, playtime, eating, interaction with friends outside of school, (sports, music, etc) and the care and love of their parents. Other than sleep it's the largest block of their day. You can see how the influence of school is critical.
Recently our president publicly announce to the nation his admiration for the Chinese school system. The kids spend longer days being taught and influenced by someone outside the home. This the president concluded produced a better end result educationally. The Chinese have passed by the family unit in favor of the government. The children are taught to obey governmental policies, not moral absolutes. Rather than hang the damnation of eternity in hell, they instill the shame of dishonoring the government as the higher power they cleave to. So in reality government has become their creator and savior. To fail the government will result in damnation here on earth. This is where our president and those progressive liberals want to take our nation. A nation founded upon the moral absolutes of a Judeo-Christian philosophy. It's the camel's nose under the tent toward government control and the loss of parental rights. Once the first generation is indoctrinated with the need to please the government, it's a forgone conclusion the process will duplicate itself, and future generations will realize the government as the one true god in their existence. This is where President Obama's hope and change lies.
I hope you can see the importance of bringing the family back to center stage. There is a court battle going on right now over a parent's right to home school. They can't have our youth learning anything outside the indoctrination of the government, now can we?
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
Eric had a home life riddled with negative influences. While his mom and dad failed to extol a guideline between right and wrong, he did and does have grandparents to emulate. Basic family values are where we have to begin. Discipline, respect, work ethic, and morality are grounded and taught as a responsibility of the parents. It's the schools job to reinforce those principles and values. If you consider the average child's schedule, you can see how this responsibility is important. A good seven hours of the day, five days a week our youth is under the guidance of the school system. Since a child usually sleeps about ten hours during any given twenty four hour period, that only leaves seven hours for home work, playtime, eating, interaction with friends outside of school, (sports, music, etc) and the care and love of their parents. Other than sleep it's the largest block of their day. You can see how the influence of school is critical.
Recently our president publicly announce to the nation his admiration for the Chinese school system. The kids spend longer days being taught and influenced by someone outside the home. This the president concluded produced a better end result educationally. The Chinese have passed by the family unit in favor of the government. The children are taught to obey governmental policies, not moral absolutes. Rather than hang the damnation of eternity in hell, they instill the shame of dishonoring the government as the higher power they cleave to. So in reality government has become their creator and savior. To fail the government will result in damnation here on earth. This is where our president and those progressive liberals want to take our nation. A nation founded upon the moral absolutes of a Judeo-Christian philosophy. It's the camel's nose under the tent toward government control and the loss of parental rights. Once the first generation is indoctrinated with the need to please the government, it's a forgone conclusion the process will duplicate itself, and future generations will realize the government as the one true god in their existence. This is where President Obama's hope and change lies.
I hope you can see the importance of bringing the family back to center stage. There is a court battle going on right now over a parent's right to home school. They can't have our youth learning anything outside the indoctrination of the government, now can we?
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Leadership Matters!
Well as most of you know, these trips I wander off on usually have a story attached, and this one is no exception. I boarded my Southwest flight to Ohio and got myself all situated in an isle seat. As the rest of the passengers boarded, down the isle came a young man sporting a sideways baseball cap, the hooded sweatshirt look of a thug, and completed the ensemble with tattered, hole filled jeans. As luck would have it he chose to occupy the seat next to me.
We'll call him Eric, cause that's his name. He no sooner got seated, turned to me, and proceeded to unburden himself of the stress he was carrying. Seems Eric left Ohio about a month ago to go live with his grandparents, and attempt to get his life," back on track." Yesterday he received a call from his ex-girlfriend, whom he'd had a very short relationship with prior to departing, to inform him he was going to be a daddy. So he was on his way back to Ohio to be with his baby's momma, with no job, no skills, and no hope. Eric is 19 years old.
He then took focus off himself and commented that I looked very successful, and asked why I was traveling to Ohio. I told him I was off to a leadership convention, and asked him why he assumed I was successful. He said because I was well dressed, and was reading a book when he interrupted me. Then he asked about the leadership thing. So I explained some basics about leadership and then asked him what his plans were for employment when he arrived in Ohio, because it seemed money was going to be a priority with a baby on the way. He had none. So I asked him based on his comments;" if there was a corporation hiring for a good paying position, based on our appearances, who do you think they would hire if we both showed up for the job?" Smart kid, he got the point!
I noticed based on our conversation he's had a shift in priorities. So I asked him what was the most important thing to him the day before yesterday? He truthfully said himself. Then I asked him what was most important to him today, and again he was truthful and said his soon to be born offspring. So I told him I'd show him what a leader would do, because he was about to become the leader of his family. We took out some paper and listed his new found priorities. Then we discussed how he could manage his life to address those priorities. He admitted his future scared him, he wasn't used to being responsible. He'd dropped out of high school, crashed a car his grandparents gave him and lost his license. He then began to tell me the tale of woe that was his life. Dad was in jail, mom left when he was twelve and abandoned her children to go pursue a relationship with another man.
I told Eric he'd have a great story to tell when he finally did become successful. The sequence of success is dream, struggle, then the victory. I pointed out most of the success stories you hear about people always start with a tale of woe. Since he was deep into the struggle part, he was oh so close to his victory. It was time to manage his current life decision, and work his priorities. I noted he had awesome people skills, and those were very marketable, a powerful key to success.
Eric was also distraught because he feared he'd caused a fray in his relationship with his grandmother over leaving Florida to be by his baby's momma side. He felt she was overbearing and controlling when it came to his decisions. I explained grandma was a wise woman, and she'd seen others make the mistakes he has made. She knows the answers to success through experience, and sees Eric was straying from that path. She also loves Eric very much and it hurt her to see him err. I suggested Eric call grandma after he landed and ask her to be a part of his priority management. I was sure she'd love to be a strong influence in her soon to be born great grandchild's life. He agreed he'd like that, and would work to patch the bumps he's caused in their relationship. After all, a man in his position is going to need some allies.
Eric accomplished some great self realization on that flight. He's decided that leadership training will be a great addition to his limited education, and he's going to attend the next leadership open in Ohio to begin the process. He has all the tools to be a great father and hopefully a great husband, despite the failure of our nation's education to prepare him for life. In school he was taught priorities didn't matter, it was okay to be selfish. Nothing in his education guided him toward a successful outcome. God has been evicted from the school system, so there are no absolutes when it comes to a moral compass. Though condoms are distributed and the enlightenment of the student's sexuality is part of the curriculum, the consequences of not practicing abstinence is left unmentioned. Our government controlled and taxpayer funded education system has failed this young man to date, but a chance encounter on a plane ride to Ohio, might just be the beacon of hope that turns this mess all around. How many enter our education system and leave to find their lives a hopeless mess? Better yet, how many more will we allow to live without hope?
God Bless
Capt. Bill
We'll call him Eric, cause that's his name. He no sooner got seated, turned to me, and proceeded to unburden himself of the stress he was carrying. Seems Eric left Ohio about a month ago to go live with his grandparents, and attempt to get his life," back on track." Yesterday he received a call from his ex-girlfriend, whom he'd had a very short relationship with prior to departing, to inform him he was going to be a daddy. So he was on his way back to Ohio to be with his baby's momma, with no job, no skills, and no hope. Eric is 19 years old.
He then took focus off himself and commented that I looked very successful, and asked why I was traveling to Ohio. I told him I was off to a leadership convention, and asked him why he assumed I was successful. He said because I was well dressed, and was reading a book when he interrupted me. Then he asked about the leadership thing. So I explained some basics about leadership and then asked him what his plans were for employment when he arrived in Ohio, because it seemed money was going to be a priority with a baby on the way. He had none. So I asked him based on his comments;" if there was a corporation hiring for a good paying position, based on our appearances, who do you think they would hire if we both showed up for the job?" Smart kid, he got the point!
I noticed based on our conversation he's had a shift in priorities. So I asked him what was the most important thing to him the day before yesterday? He truthfully said himself. Then I asked him what was most important to him today, and again he was truthful and said his soon to be born offspring. So I told him I'd show him what a leader would do, because he was about to become the leader of his family. We took out some paper and listed his new found priorities. Then we discussed how he could manage his life to address those priorities. He admitted his future scared him, he wasn't used to being responsible. He'd dropped out of high school, crashed a car his grandparents gave him and lost his license. He then began to tell me the tale of woe that was his life. Dad was in jail, mom left when he was twelve and abandoned her children to go pursue a relationship with another man.
I told Eric he'd have a great story to tell when he finally did become successful. The sequence of success is dream, struggle, then the victory. I pointed out most of the success stories you hear about people always start with a tale of woe. Since he was deep into the struggle part, he was oh so close to his victory. It was time to manage his current life decision, and work his priorities. I noted he had awesome people skills, and those were very marketable, a powerful key to success.
Eric was also distraught because he feared he'd caused a fray in his relationship with his grandmother over leaving Florida to be by his baby's momma side. He felt she was overbearing and controlling when it came to his decisions. I explained grandma was a wise woman, and she'd seen others make the mistakes he has made. She knows the answers to success through experience, and sees Eric was straying from that path. She also loves Eric very much and it hurt her to see him err. I suggested Eric call grandma after he landed and ask her to be a part of his priority management. I was sure she'd love to be a strong influence in her soon to be born great grandchild's life. He agreed he'd like that, and would work to patch the bumps he's caused in their relationship. After all, a man in his position is going to need some allies.
Eric accomplished some great self realization on that flight. He's decided that leadership training will be a great addition to his limited education, and he's going to attend the next leadership open in Ohio to begin the process. He has all the tools to be a great father and hopefully a great husband, despite the failure of our nation's education to prepare him for life. In school he was taught priorities didn't matter, it was okay to be selfish. Nothing in his education guided him toward a successful outcome. God has been evicted from the school system, so there are no absolutes when it comes to a moral compass. Though condoms are distributed and the enlightenment of the student's sexuality is part of the curriculum, the consequences of not practicing abstinence is left unmentioned. Our government controlled and taxpayer funded education system has failed this young man to date, but a chance encounter on a plane ride to Ohio, might just be the beacon of hope that turns this mess all around. How many enter our education system and leave to find their lives a hopeless mess? Better yet, how many more will we allow to live without hope?
God Bless
Capt. Bill
Friday, January 28, 2011
Wooden on Character!
This week I'm off to refuel the tank at the TEAM leadership winter convention. I've always felt true leadership rises and falls on character. So with that in mind, a snippet from coaching great John Wooden's book, A Lifetime of Observations and Reflections On and Off The Court.
Character
Be more concerned with your character than your reputation. Character is what you really are. Reputation is what people say you are. Reputation is often based on character- but not always!
Character is more about how you react to things- sensibly, without getting carried away by yourself or your circumstances. A person of character is trustworthy and honest, and for a dollar, he or she will give you a dollar.
The other kind of person looks for a way out.
I like to think the players I coached, however they came to UCLA, left as men of character. But in truth, if they didn't have it when they came, I couldn't give it to them. It was too late. That's a job for a mother and a father.- John Wooden
Boy, now that's a mouthful.
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
Character
Be more concerned with your character than your reputation. Character is what you really are. Reputation is what people say you are. Reputation is often based on character- but not always!
Character is more about how you react to things- sensibly, without getting carried away by yourself or your circumstances. A person of character is trustworthy and honest, and for a dollar, he or she will give you a dollar.
The other kind of person looks for a way out.
I like to think the players I coached, however they came to UCLA, left as men of character. But in truth, if they didn't have it when they came, I couldn't give it to them. It was too late. That's a job for a mother and a father.- John Wooden
Boy, now that's a mouthful.
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Let 'Em Go!
Orrin posted something profound the other day, as he usually does, and it stirred my thought process.
Instead of creating a life of regrets, by avoiding our dreams, why not create a life of dreams, by avoiding our regrets.- Orrin Woodward
Most people live a life of managed regrets, how many times have we said, "If only I had..." How things might have turned out differently for me! So as life would have it, I came across this passage in the Bible today that might help shed a little light on those regrets.
" Take off the garment of your sorrow and affliction, O Jerusalem, and put on forever the beauty of the glory from God. Put on the robe of righteousness from God, put on your head the diadem of the glory of the Everlasting. For God will show your splendor everywhere under heaven. For your name will forever be called by God, Peace of righteousness and the glory of godliness."-Baruch 5- 1-4
We don't need to ponder those regrets anymore than to realize they are part of God's greater plan for us. Learning experiences and character molding, they serve to define what we are today, and drive us to be what we will tomorrow. Let your dreams guide you for a greater tomorrow, and let those regrets lie in the past where they belong....forgotten.
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
Instead of creating a life of regrets, by avoiding our dreams, why not create a life of dreams, by avoiding our regrets.- Orrin Woodward
Most people live a life of managed regrets, how many times have we said, "If only I had..." How things might have turned out differently for me! So as life would have it, I came across this passage in the Bible today that might help shed a little light on those regrets.
" Take off the garment of your sorrow and affliction, O Jerusalem, and put on forever the beauty of the glory from God. Put on the robe of righteousness from God, put on your head the diadem of the glory of the Everlasting. For God will show your splendor everywhere under heaven. For your name will forever be called by God, Peace of righteousness and the glory of godliness."-Baruch 5- 1-4
We don't need to ponder those regrets anymore than to realize they are part of God's greater plan for us. Learning experiences and character molding, they serve to define what we are today, and drive us to be what we will tomorrow. Let your dreams guide you for a greater tomorrow, and let those regrets lie in the past where they belong....forgotten.
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
It All Goes Back To The Founding!
Last evening I got sucked in to responding to an old classmate's post on Face book. Let me preface this story by revealing I grew up in a little town in New Jersey where liberal's flock like lemmings. My schoolmate made light of the President's upcoming State of the Union address, and pretty much summed it up in a couple of sentences, following it with, "and now back to your regularly scheduled programming." This brought a litany of responses, most supportive of his humor, but then the liberals had to add their puke. The first statement was a call for unity and working for the common good. Nice premise, but as I swiftly pointed out, right out of the socialist handbook. We in America are individuals, responsible for our own behavior and accountable first to ourselves. We believe in individual freedom and American exceptionalism. If everyone in our nation, and the politicians in Washington adopted this policy, we wouldn't have this mess to begin with. With self reliance and self accountability there would be no need for the budget crushing entitlements we are saddled with today.
From there it took a turn for the worse. The next liberal had to go to Bush bashing. Now I don't know about you but I've had just about enough of this juvenile behavior. Pointing out another's short comings to justify your bad behavior is simply infantile. We should learn from the mistakes of former leaders not use them as crutches. Anytime you start a sentence with, but the (fill in the blank with the party of your choice)administration did blah,blah,blah, your starting to sound like a 5 year old saying but little Jimmy did blah,blah,blah, so my crime against humanity isn't looking so bad. Poppycock! Again individual accountability!
Then came the kicker...
The sentence started out, "in America where we live in democracy." Whoa, big fellah....A democracy is where we have mob rule, this my friend is a representative republic. Where we don't bow to public opinion, just in case it falls outside of our morals. The founders set it up that way,
Leaving the Constitutional Convention, Benjamin Franklin was asked, “What kind of country did you give us Mr. Franklin?” Franklin eloquently answered, “A Republic, Madam, if you can keep it.”
And I refer you to the Pledge of Allegiance, you know the thing we used to say in school to the flag. "I pledge allegiance, to the flag, of the United States of America, and to the REPUBLIC........"
There has never been a democracy that has stood the test of time. They have all failed, because once the population figures out they can vote themselves entitlements, the government is bankrupt. So maybe we should quit treating this nation as a democracy, and treat it as the Republic it was meant to be.
So now that we have the temperature of the populous, here's my State of the Union. The country is ignorant of the principles and the philosophy it was founded on. We have strayed from the basics that made this country great. We need to get back to the principles of personal accountability, and educate our residents about how and why this Union was formed. A better understanding of what we are about is key to staying on track, or should I say getting back on track. Individual accountability is the key to fiscal responsibility. The freedom and the rights of the individual, not the masses are what makes this country exceptional, and unique.
I know they attended the same school I did, sat in the same classes, with the same teachers. How did they turn left, and I ended up right?
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
From there it took a turn for the worse. The next liberal had to go to Bush bashing. Now I don't know about you but I've had just about enough of this juvenile behavior. Pointing out another's short comings to justify your bad behavior is simply infantile. We should learn from the mistakes of former leaders not use them as crutches. Anytime you start a sentence with, but the (fill in the blank with the party of your choice)administration did blah,blah,blah, your starting to sound like a 5 year old saying but little Jimmy did blah,blah,blah, so my crime against humanity isn't looking so bad. Poppycock! Again individual accountability!
Then came the kicker...
The sentence started out, "in America where we live in democracy." Whoa, big fellah....A democracy is where we have mob rule, this my friend is a representative republic. Where we don't bow to public opinion, just in case it falls outside of our morals. The founders set it up that way,
Leaving the Constitutional Convention, Benjamin Franklin was asked, “What kind of country did you give us Mr. Franklin?” Franklin eloquently answered, “A Republic, Madam, if you can keep it.”
And I refer you to the Pledge of Allegiance, you know the thing we used to say in school to the flag. "I pledge allegiance, to the flag, of the United States of America, and to the REPUBLIC........"
There has never been a democracy that has stood the test of time. They have all failed, because once the population figures out they can vote themselves entitlements, the government is bankrupt. So maybe we should quit treating this nation as a democracy, and treat it as the Republic it was meant to be.
So now that we have the temperature of the populous, here's my State of the Union. The country is ignorant of the principles and the philosophy it was founded on. We have strayed from the basics that made this country great. We need to get back to the principles of personal accountability, and educate our residents about how and why this Union was formed. A better understanding of what we are about is key to staying on track, or should I say getting back on track. Individual accountability is the key to fiscal responsibility. The freedom and the rights of the individual, not the masses are what makes this country exceptional, and unique.
I know they attended the same school I did, sat in the same classes, with the same teachers. How did they turn left, and I ended up right?
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Lend Me Your Ear!
It has always intrigued me how adamant the liberal faction of this country has always been about separation of church and state. They have actually taken the context of a letter written by Thomas Jefferson and spoke it into existence, reinforced by judicial activism. Why oh why are they so worried about the infliction of morality in government? What presuppositions have prejudiced their world view to suppose this is a bad thing?
I think it's safe to say that our religious views determine a person's direction in life, as it does society. Or should I say the lack of religion also affects the direction of society and it's government. So wouldn't it lend itself true that a code of morality, as defined by a religious belief, could sway our society to better path?
All one has to do is look back on Roman civilization as a guide to where we are headed, as it is a direct ancestor of the modern western world. Wherever western civilization has gone so far, it has been marked by the Romans. Much of Roman thought and cultural influences was shaped by Greek thinking, especially after Greece came under Roman rule in 14 B.C. Here's the key....
Greece tried to build their society on the political, the city-state. All loyalty and focused on their rulers, but they prove human and flawed. So the Greek/Roman society then turned their adoration toward a series of gods. But their gods were amplifications of humanity, built upon what they viewed as greatness. Example was the god Hercules, who embodied incredible strength, above and beyond what a normal human could ever hope for. Those they idolized had a finite structure, not the divinity of a religion. They possessed no morals or values, and depended on the society that created them. Consequently society collapsed as did their gods
So when you put your faith and trust in a creation of either government or man's greatness, rather than the divinity of your creator, your destined to fail. Herein lies the fate of our country if we fail to realize our founders based it's laws and creation upon a Judeo-Christian ideology for a reason. They studied the failed models of state and idols. They knew a nation, built to last had to be grounded in the values and morality found only in our Creator, and to continue to exist that concept had to be fed and nourished so it could prosper.
"In God we trust," isn't just a motto, it's the basis for our countries continued longevity. So again I ask, what is the infatuation with the invention of separation of church and state?
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
I think it's safe to say that our religious views determine a person's direction in life, as it does society. Or should I say the lack of religion also affects the direction of society and it's government. So wouldn't it lend itself true that a code of morality, as defined by a religious belief, could sway our society to better path?
All one has to do is look back on Roman civilization as a guide to where we are headed, as it is a direct ancestor of the modern western world. Wherever western civilization has gone so far, it has been marked by the Romans. Much of Roman thought and cultural influences was shaped by Greek thinking, especially after Greece came under Roman rule in 14 B.C. Here's the key....
Greece tried to build their society on the political, the city-state. All loyalty and focused on their rulers, but they prove human and flawed. So the Greek/Roman society then turned their adoration toward a series of gods. But their gods were amplifications of humanity, built upon what they viewed as greatness. Example was the god Hercules, who embodied incredible strength, above and beyond what a normal human could ever hope for. Those they idolized had a finite structure, not the divinity of a religion. They possessed no morals or values, and depended on the society that created them. Consequently society collapsed as did their gods
So when you put your faith and trust in a creation of either government or man's greatness, rather than the divinity of your creator, your destined to fail. Herein lies the fate of our country if we fail to realize our founders based it's laws and creation upon a Judeo-Christian ideology for a reason. They studied the failed models of state and idols. They knew a nation, built to last had to be grounded in the values and morality found only in our Creator, and to continue to exist that concept had to be fed and nourished so it could prosper.
"In God we trust," isn't just a motto, it's the basis for our countries continued longevity. So again I ask, what is the infatuation with the invention of separation of church and state?
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
Monday, January 24, 2011
Dollars and Sense!
The laws of fiscal solvency are so simple to follow, one has to wonder why more people fail at finance? I guess that's exactly the reason, people finance. The thought of actually waiting to purchase something till they have the funds is a lost art. Here's some basic laws of financial success.
Live on the barest minimum possible. This is mandatory until all bills are paid and all creditors satisfied, there is no room for extras or luxury.
Save something, even if it's five dollars a month. It's a habit we have to get into. Disciplining ourselves financially is the key to success.
If paid in doesn't cover paid outs, lower expenses, or get a second job.
Credit cards are to have a zero balance at the end of the month. If you can't pay it off, don't buy it!
Never purchase anything on credit, even if it's a same as cash deal.
If you ever do ignore the rule above, never purchase anything on credit that depreciates.
Sell what you don't use to help satisfy your debts. How many broke people have a garage full of stuff they haven't used in years collecting dust?
Cable TV, cell phones, and Internet service are luxuries. Until you are debt free these need to be suspended. I've yet to meet a broke person who didn't have all three of these.
Once you have saved an emergency fund of a thousand dollars, and put away six months salary for a rainy day, then you can consider setting financial goals to purchase those little extras that make life more enjoyable. Learn to deny yourself until that's accomplished.
"What the world is crying out for is men and women of character and
courage, who will learn to face their fears and do the right thing no matter
what, who won't make excuses, blame others, or hide behind convoluted
rationale." -Rascal
And remember, if you have to borrow money to finance recreation, it's not time to play!
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
P.S. I would appreciate it if you'd pass this on to your Congressman.
Live on the barest minimum possible. This is mandatory until all bills are paid and all creditors satisfied, there is no room for extras or luxury.
Save something, even if it's five dollars a month. It's a habit we have to get into. Disciplining ourselves financially is the key to success.
If paid in doesn't cover paid outs, lower expenses, or get a second job.
Credit cards are to have a zero balance at the end of the month. If you can't pay it off, don't buy it!
Never purchase anything on credit, even if it's a same as cash deal.
If you ever do ignore the rule above, never purchase anything on credit that depreciates.
Sell what you don't use to help satisfy your debts. How many broke people have a garage full of stuff they haven't used in years collecting dust?
Cable TV, cell phones, and Internet service are luxuries. Until you are debt free these need to be suspended. I've yet to meet a broke person who didn't have all three of these.
Once you have saved an emergency fund of a thousand dollars, and put away six months salary for a rainy day, then you can consider setting financial goals to purchase those little extras that make life more enjoyable. Learn to deny yourself until that's accomplished.
"What the world is crying out for is men and women of character and
courage, who will learn to face their fears and do the right thing no matter
what, who won't make excuses, blame others, or hide behind convoluted
rationale." -Rascal
And remember, if you have to borrow money to finance recreation, it's not time to play!
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
P.S. I would appreciate it if you'd pass this on to your Congressman.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Let's Agree To Disagree!
"No man who is resolved to make the most of himself, can spare time for personal contention. Still less can he afford to take the consequences, including the vitiation of temper and the loss of self control. Yield larger things to which you show no more than equal rights; and the lesser ones though clearly your own. Better give your path to a dog than be bitten by him in contesting for the right. Even killing the dog will not cure the bite." -Abraham Lincoln
Wise words for this Sunday morning. I wonder why more people don't consider them? I have to confess I'm also guilty of not applying the wisdom of Lincoln. I can't help but wonder how much further down this path of self improvement I'd be had I been privy to this lesson and heeded it earlier?
" Hatred is never ended by hatred but by love"-Buddha
A misunderstanding is never ended by an argument but by tact and diplomacy, conciliation and a sympathetic desire to see the other person's view point. Even if the offender is dead wrong, hear our opponent out, and look for areas where you agree. Then address the areas of contention with tact and reason. Question the source of the information, and offer to supply your source. Often times I've found the disagreement is simply cause by the application of hearsay not facts. Above all use tact!
It's great to disagree. It shows you both have an interest in a common cause! And remember if two partners always agree, one of them is not necessary!
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
Wise words for this Sunday morning. I wonder why more people don't consider them? I have to confess I'm also guilty of not applying the wisdom of Lincoln. I can't help but wonder how much further down this path of self improvement I'd be had I been privy to this lesson and heeded it earlier?
" Hatred is never ended by hatred but by love"-Buddha
A misunderstanding is never ended by an argument but by tact and diplomacy, conciliation and a sympathetic desire to see the other person's view point. Even if the offender is dead wrong, hear our opponent out, and look for areas where you agree. Then address the areas of contention with tact and reason. Question the source of the information, and offer to supply your source. Often times I've found the disagreement is simply cause by the application of hearsay not facts. Above all use tact!
It's great to disagree. It shows you both have an interest in a common cause! And remember if two partners always agree, one of them is not necessary!
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Critical Thinking!
One of my biggest challenges is to not be critical. I find it difficult not to condemn people, but in my never ending journey toward self improvement, I'm going to try to understand them. Try to figure out why they do what they do, if you will. Without a doubt it'll be more intriguing! And after all....
"God himself, sir, does not propose to judge a man until the end of his days."- Dr. Johnson
Why should I?
"I have enough trouble overcoming my own limitations without fretting over the fact that God has not seen fit to distribute evenly the gift of intelligence."-John Wannamaker
Criticism is futile as it puts the other person on the defensive and usually makes them strive to justify themselves. Now I don't know about you but I've had just about enough of rationalization for bad behavior. There has to be a better way to bring someone around to the truth. Criticism is dangerous because it wounds a person's precious pride, hurts his sense of importance, and arouses resentment. That resentment is usually pointed at the critic! Grandma always said, "you get more bees with honey than you do with vinegar." It seemed wise, but I could never figure out what I wanted with bees in the first place.
Anyway, I'm off on this new adventure, and I've noticed it's been the study of many, many people! Apparently I'm not the only one who struggles with this. It's nice to know I'm in good company. One of the first pieces of wisdom I found pertinent was written by psychologist Hans Seyle...
" As much as we thirst for approval, we dread condemnation."
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
"God himself, sir, does not propose to judge a man until the end of his days."- Dr. Johnson
Why should I?
"I have enough trouble overcoming my own limitations without fretting over the fact that God has not seen fit to distribute evenly the gift of intelligence."-John Wannamaker
Criticism is futile as it puts the other person on the defensive and usually makes them strive to justify themselves. Now I don't know about you but I've had just about enough of rationalization for bad behavior. There has to be a better way to bring someone around to the truth. Criticism is dangerous because it wounds a person's precious pride, hurts his sense of importance, and arouses resentment. That resentment is usually pointed at the critic! Grandma always said, "you get more bees with honey than you do with vinegar." It seemed wise, but I could never figure out what I wanted with bees in the first place.
Anyway, I'm off on this new adventure, and I've noticed it's been the study of many, many people! Apparently I'm not the only one who struggles with this. It's nice to know I'm in good company. One of the first pieces of wisdom I found pertinent was written by psychologist Hans Seyle...
" As much as we thirst for approval, we dread condemnation."
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
Friday, January 21, 2011
A Father Forgets
Father Forgets
by W. Livingston Larned
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Listen, son; I am saying this as you lie asleep, one little paw crumpled under your cheek and the blond curls stickily wet on your damp forehead. I have stolen into your room alone. Just a few minutes ago, as I sat reading my paper in the library, a stifling wave of remorse swept over me. Guiltily I came to your bedside.
There are things I was thinking, son: I had been cross to you. I scolded you as you were dressing for school because you gave your face merely a dab with a twoel. I took you to task for not cleaning your shoes. I called out angrily when you threw some of your things on the floor.
At breakfast I found fault, too. You spilled things. You gulped down your food. You put your elbows on the table. You spread butter too thick on your bread. And as you started off to play and I made for my train, you turned and waved a hand and called, "Goodbye, Daddy!" and I frowned, and said in reply, "Hold your shoulders back!"
Then it began all over again in the late afternoon. As I came Up the road, I spied you, down on your knees, playing marbles. There were holes in your stockings. I humiliated you before you boyfriends by marching you ahead of me to the house. Stockings were expensive - and if you had to buy them you would be more careful! Imagine that, son, form a father!
Do you remember, later, when I was reading in the library, how you came in timidly, with a sort of hurt look in your eyes? When I glanced up over my paper, impatient at the interruption, you hesitated at the door. "What is it you want?" I snapped.
You said nothing, but ran across in one tempestuous plunge, and threw your arms around my neck and kissed me, and your small arms tightened with an affection that God had set blooming in your heart and which even neglect could not wither. And then you were gone, pattering up the stairs.
Well, son, it was shortly afterwards that my paper slipped from my hands and a terrible sickening fear came over me. What has habit been doing to me? The habit of finding fault, of reprimanding - this was my reward to your for being a boy. It was not that I did not love you; it was that I expected too muchof youth. I was measuring you by the yardstick of my own years.
And there was so much that was good and fine and true in yourcharacter. The little heart of you was as big as the dawn itself overthe wide hills. This was shown by your spontaneous impulse to rush in and kiss me good night. Nothing else matters tonight, son. I have come to your bedside in the darkness, and I have knelt there, ashamed!
It is a feeble atonement; I know you would not understand these things if I told them to you during your waking hours. But tomorrow I will be a real daddy! I will chum with you, and suffer when you suffer, and laugh when you alugh. I will bite my tongue when impatient words come. I will keep saying as if it were a ritual: "He is nothing buy a boy - a little boy!"
I am afraid I have visualized you as a man. Yet as I see you now, son, crumpled and weary in your cot, I see that you are still a baby. Yesterday you were in your mother's arms, your head on her shoulder. I have asked too much, too much.
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
by W. Livingston Larned
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Listen, son; I am saying this as you lie asleep, one little paw crumpled under your cheek and the blond curls stickily wet on your damp forehead. I have stolen into your room alone. Just a few minutes ago, as I sat reading my paper in the library, a stifling wave of remorse swept over me. Guiltily I came to your bedside.
There are things I was thinking, son: I had been cross to you. I scolded you as you were dressing for school because you gave your face merely a dab with a twoel. I took you to task for not cleaning your shoes. I called out angrily when you threw some of your things on the floor.
At breakfast I found fault, too. You spilled things. You gulped down your food. You put your elbows on the table. You spread butter too thick on your bread. And as you started off to play and I made for my train, you turned and waved a hand and called, "Goodbye, Daddy!" and I frowned, and said in reply, "Hold your shoulders back!"
Then it began all over again in the late afternoon. As I came Up the road, I spied you, down on your knees, playing marbles. There were holes in your stockings. I humiliated you before you boyfriends by marching you ahead of me to the house. Stockings were expensive - and if you had to buy them you would be more careful! Imagine that, son, form a father!
Do you remember, later, when I was reading in the library, how you came in timidly, with a sort of hurt look in your eyes? When I glanced up over my paper, impatient at the interruption, you hesitated at the door. "What is it you want?" I snapped.
You said nothing, but ran across in one tempestuous plunge, and threw your arms around my neck and kissed me, and your small arms tightened with an affection that God had set blooming in your heart and which even neglect could not wither. And then you were gone, pattering up the stairs.
Well, son, it was shortly afterwards that my paper slipped from my hands and a terrible sickening fear came over me. What has habit been doing to me? The habit of finding fault, of reprimanding - this was my reward to your for being a boy. It was not that I did not love you; it was that I expected too muchof youth. I was measuring you by the yardstick of my own years.
And there was so much that was good and fine and true in yourcharacter. The little heart of you was as big as the dawn itself overthe wide hills. This was shown by your spontaneous impulse to rush in and kiss me good night. Nothing else matters tonight, son. I have come to your bedside in the darkness, and I have knelt there, ashamed!
It is a feeble atonement; I know you would not understand these things if I told them to you during your waking hours. But tomorrow I will be a real daddy! I will chum with you, and suffer when you suffer, and laugh when you alugh. I will bite my tongue when impatient words come. I will keep saying as if it were a ritual: "He is nothing buy a boy - a little boy!"
I am afraid I have visualized you as a man. Yet as I see you now, son, crumpled and weary in your cot, I see that you are still a baby. Yesterday you were in your mother's arms, your head on her shoulder. I have asked too much, too much.
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Prosperity 101
America has always been about dismantling the power of the "elites." The original settlers left England to escape the will of the ruling class, and find the freedom to succeed without the glass ceiling imposed by those who were graced by birth.
The ever perceptive James Madison fretted about the tension between the freedom to succeed and the power of the successful. Safeguarding the ambition of the individual has always been what was the first object of our government from it's inception. But the diversity in the faculties of men-their differing abilities, invariably leads to a division of society. Creating a separation of classes, which led to unequal distribution of property. The "haves', and the 'have not's" , if you will.
For every American who believes in the fairness of the system, there is another who feels they are being trampled by powers beyond their control. The cream always rises to the top, then there are those who make excuses. American exceptionalism is what makes this country great. Yet even with every man being created equal, and given ample opportunity to succeed, there are those who will hold a grudge, or a chip on their shoulder, because "easy street" wasn't in their ambition level. This is where the progressive party steps in and picks at a festering wound. They are happy to point out to the "have-not's" that despite their equal start in life, someone has surpassed them, and that's just not fair.
The progressive agenda feeds this lack of contentment, and rather than help those who "have-not" arise from the ashes, enable their lack of success by entitlements, feeding anger. That anger is then pointed toward those in power as the weight that holds them down, and the progressive movement offers to step in an guarantee a lifestyle of mediocrity for all. While that works for the lazy, it's not how a productive society thrives.
How about we remove the incentive to be idle and return this great nation to it's root of prosperity? The needy in this country should be cared for by charitable organizations within the community. The reason the infection of entitlement abuse has spread is it has been fertilized by the "ah poor baby" mollycoddling of the agenda driven left. Let those at the local level distribute the charity and the incentive to be self sufficient, where it can be most effective. Remember when you rob Peter to redistribute his wealth to Paul, you can usually count on the vote of Paul in the next election.
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
The ever perceptive James Madison fretted about the tension between the freedom to succeed and the power of the successful. Safeguarding the ambition of the individual has always been what was the first object of our government from it's inception. But the diversity in the faculties of men-their differing abilities, invariably leads to a division of society. Creating a separation of classes, which led to unequal distribution of property. The "haves', and the 'have not's" , if you will.
For every American who believes in the fairness of the system, there is another who feels they are being trampled by powers beyond their control. The cream always rises to the top, then there are those who make excuses. American exceptionalism is what makes this country great. Yet even with every man being created equal, and given ample opportunity to succeed, there are those who will hold a grudge, or a chip on their shoulder, because "easy street" wasn't in their ambition level. This is where the progressive party steps in and picks at a festering wound. They are happy to point out to the "have-not's" that despite their equal start in life, someone has surpassed them, and that's just not fair.
The progressive agenda feeds this lack of contentment, and rather than help those who "have-not" arise from the ashes, enable their lack of success by entitlements, feeding anger. That anger is then pointed toward those in power as the weight that holds them down, and the progressive movement offers to step in an guarantee a lifestyle of mediocrity for all. While that works for the lazy, it's not how a productive society thrives.
How about we remove the incentive to be idle and return this great nation to it's root of prosperity? The needy in this country should be cared for by charitable organizations within the community. The reason the infection of entitlement abuse has spread is it has been fertilized by the "ah poor baby" mollycoddling of the agenda driven left. Let those at the local level distribute the charity and the incentive to be self sufficient, where it can be most effective. Remember when you rob Peter to redistribute his wealth to Paul, you can usually count on the vote of Paul in the next election.
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Leadership Foundation
"No man can climb out beyond the limitations of his own character."-John Morley
When a leader's character is strong, people trust them, and they trust in their ability to release their potential. This is why impeccable character is the cornerstone of leadership. If we think long and hard enough about it, leadership is based upon relationships. Relationships are based upon trust, and trust is the result of good character.
As an example Christianity took a shot in the public's eye in the late 1980's. Several high profile Christian leaders were called out on moral issues. Their lack of character wounded the ability of church leadership to pass on a message, as they were all held in contempt as hypocrites. To this day, people are suspicious of church leaders, because of the moral lapse of a few. The flawed character of those fallen leaders destroyed the credibility the foundation of their leadership was based on. People will never trust someone who slips in character.
"People will tolerate honest mistakes, but if you violate their trust you will find it very difficult to regain their confidence. That is one reason that you need to treat trust as your most precious asset."-Craig Weatherup PepsiCo chairman and CEO.
Living a life where anything goes, will ultimately be a life where nothing goes.....
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
When a leader's character is strong, people trust them, and they trust in their ability to release their potential. This is why impeccable character is the cornerstone of leadership. If we think long and hard enough about it, leadership is based upon relationships. Relationships are based upon trust, and trust is the result of good character.
As an example Christianity took a shot in the public's eye in the late 1980's. Several high profile Christian leaders were called out on moral issues. Their lack of character wounded the ability of church leadership to pass on a message, as they were all held in contempt as hypocrites. To this day, people are suspicious of church leaders, because of the moral lapse of a few. The flawed character of those fallen leaders destroyed the credibility the foundation of their leadership was based on. People will never trust someone who slips in character.
"People will tolerate honest mistakes, but if you violate their trust you will find it very difficult to regain their confidence. That is one reason that you need to treat trust as your most precious asset."-Craig Weatherup PepsiCo chairman and CEO.
Living a life where anything goes, will ultimately be a life where nothing goes.....
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Put Up Your Dukes!
"It is not the critic that counts,not the man who points out how a strong man stumbled, or where a doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to a man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by dust sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause; who at best, in the end the triumph of high achievement; and who at worse, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat."
-Theodore Roosevelt
I'm not a big fan of this man's political policies, but when your right, your right! As the vice presidential candidate in 1900, he gave over 673 speeches, and traveled over 20,000 miles for the McKinley presidential cause.
Years after his presidency, while preparing to deliver yet another speech in Milwaukee, Roosevelt was shot in the chest by a would-be assassin. With a broken rib and a bullet in his chest he insisted on delivering the one-hour speech before allowing himself to be taken to the hospital for treatment.
On January 6, 1919, at his home in New York, Theodore Roosevelt died in his sleep. Then Vice President Marshall said, "Death had to take him sleeping, for if Roosevelt had been awake, there would have been a fight." When they removed him from his bed, they found a book under his pillow. Up until the very last Teddy Roosevelt was striving to learn and improve himself.
That's quite a tale of leadership, I'm willing to wager few of us were exposed to in our history class! It's the things you learn after the teaching process has ceased that make a difference!
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
-Theodore Roosevelt
I'm not a big fan of this man's political policies, but when your right, your right! As the vice presidential candidate in 1900, he gave over 673 speeches, and traveled over 20,000 miles for the McKinley presidential cause.
Years after his presidency, while preparing to deliver yet another speech in Milwaukee, Roosevelt was shot in the chest by a would-be assassin. With a broken rib and a bullet in his chest he insisted on delivering the one-hour speech before allowing himself to be taken to the hospital for treatment.
On January 6, 1919, at his home in New York, Theodore Roosevelt died in his sleep. Then Vice President Marshall said, "Death had to take him sleeping, for if Roosevelt had been awake, there would have been a fight." When they removed him from his bed, they found a book under his pillow. Up until the very last Teddy Roosevelt was striving to learn and improve himself.
That's quite a tale of leadership, I'm willing to wager few of us were exposed to in our history class! It's the things you learn after the teaching process has ceased that make a difference!
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
Monday, January 17, 2011
The Dream Lives On!
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is remembered this day because as a person of influence, (leader), he promoted change through peace and love. He preached to his followers the power of a dream, and that through non-violent protest change can be made.
Unfortunately, Dr. King's vision has been perverted to fit others agenda. In some light he's viewed like another protester of his time, Malcolm X. These men were two polar opposites, and it's unfortunate, that the radical discourse of another is lumped in with such a beautiful message. The same issue is alive and well today. Irresponsible figureheads of the black community use Dr. King's reputation to carry on an agenda that would make Dr. King roll over in his grave.
Fortunately his legacy and message live on through his niece.
Dr. Alveda C. King works toward her purpose in life, to glorify God.
Dr. King currently serves as a Pastoral Associate and Director of African-American Outreach for Priests for Life and Gospel of Life Ministries. She is also a voice for the Silent No More Awareness Campaign, sharing her testimony of two abortions, God’s forgiveness, and healing.
The daughter of the late civil rights activist Rev. A.D. King and his wife Naomi Barber King, Alveda grew up in the civil rights movement led by her uncle, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Her family home in Birmingham, Alabama, was bombed, as was her father’s church office in Louisville, Kentucky. Alveda was jailed during the open housing movement. She sees the pro-life movement as a continuation of the civil rights struggle.
Dr. King is a former college professor and served in the Georgia State House of Representatives. She is a best selling author; among her books are How Can the Dream Survive if we Murder the Children? and I Don’t Want Your Man, I Want My Own. She is an accomplished actress and songwriter. The Founder of King for America, Inc., Alveda is also the recipient of a Doctorate of Laws degree from Saint Anselm College and sits on the Board of Georgia Right to Life.
Dr. King lives in Atlanta, where she is the grateful mother of six and a doting grandmother
The story of Alvita King being jailed is due to her coming to the aid of another who was being beaten for resisting police during a protest march. Her father had told her, no violence, and when she called her father from jail to be bonded out, she was told to make herself comfortable because she didn't learn the non-violence lesson. She has now! She preaches a message of love, hope, responsibility, and non-violence, in the spirit of her uncle's true message.
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
Unfortunately, Dr. King's vision has been perverted to fit others agenda. In some light he's viewed like another protester of his time, Malcolm X. These men were two polar opposites, and it's unfortunate, that the radical discourse of another is lumped in with such a beautiful message. The same issue is alive and well today. Irresponsible figureheads of the black community use Dr. King's reputation to carry on an agenda that would make Dr. King roll over in his grave.
Fortunately his legacy and message live on through his niece.
Dr. Alveda C. King works toward her purpose in life, to glorify God.
Dr. King currently serves as a Pastoral Associate and Director of African-American Outreach for Priests for Life and Gospel of Life Ministries. She is also a voice for the Silent No More Awareness Campaign, sharing her testimony of two abortions, God’s forgiveness, and healing.
The daughter of the late civil rights activist Rev. A.D. King and his wife Naomi Barber King, Alveda grew up in the civil rights movement led by her uncle, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Her family home in Birmingham, Alabama, was bombed, as was her father’s church office in Louisville, Kentucky. Alveda was jailed during the open housing movement. She sees the pro-life movement as a continuation of the civil rights struggle.
Dr. King is a former college professor and served in the Georgia State House of Representatives. She is a best selling author; among her books are How Can the Dream Survive if we Murder the Children? and I Don’t Want Your Man, I Want My Own. She is an accomplished actress and songwriter. The Founder of King for America, Inc., Alveda is also the recipient of a Doctorate of Laws degree from Saint Anselm College and sits on the Board of Georgia Right to Life.
Dr. King lives in Atlanta, where she is the grateful mother of six and a doting grandmother
The story of Alvita King being jailed is due to her coming to the aid of another who was being beaten for resisting police during a protest march. Her father had told her, no violence, and when she called her father from jail to be bonded out, she was told to make herself comfortable because she didn't learn the non-violence lesson. She has now! She preaches a message of love, hope, responsibility, and non-violence, in the spirit of her uncle's true message.
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Omens?
Looking back on history, it's interesting to review our founding father's thoughts on America and it's involvement in the rest of the world. We are uniquely constructed, blessed with an unfathomable store of resources, and isolated from other armies and conflicts surrounded by water. We actually had the option to remain aloof from the rest of the world. To the north and to the south there are empty quarters. Back in the founding of our country, Canada and Mexico were vast expanses of lands that were sparsely populated, and posed no threat. While Europe and Asia had centuries of battles with their neighbors, we were removed from those conflicts, and didn't have to participate. With our detached and distant situation we could be a fortress of independence, with no armies or conflicts to threaten our peace.
Initially our foreign trade revolved around the export of furs and tobacco to Europe. As our country reached it's puberty the rich fertile plains became the food source for the world and a foreign policy became more vital. America's foreign policy fell into four categories...
The Hamiltonians believed we must make the world safe for commerce.
The Jeffersonians preached any involvement might undermine liberty at home
The Wilsonians saw our role as making the world safe for liberty.
The Jacksonians demanded we destroy all enemies and defend our sovereignty at all costs, world opinion be damned.
Quite a mix of contrasts, no? It seems we've adopted a compromise and combined them, well at least three of the four. The Jeffersonians vision of isolationism has basically been lost. We've become the world's policeman, not unlike England was before it contracted after World War 1 and 2. Prior to it's retraction England was known as the Empire where the sun never set. We used to be the main exporter in the world, but now China has taken our place. It seems we've lost our manufacturing base, and become consumers, not producers. Sounds like Europe when we used to supply them, and now their economies have been in a steady decline. Could history have already taught us the outcome of the path we are following?
Great question!
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
Initially our foreign trade revolved around the export of furs and tobacco to Europe. As our country reached it's puberty the rich fertile plains became the food source for the world and a foreign policy became more vital. America's foreign policy fell into four categories...
The Hamiltonians believed we must make the world safe for commerce.
The Jeffersonians preached any involvement might undermine liberty at home
The Wilsonians saw our role as making the world safe for liberty.
The Jacksonians demanded we destroy all enemies and defend our sovereignty at all costs, world opinion be damned.
Quite a mix of contrasts, no? It seems we've adopted a compromise and combined them, well at least three of the four. The Jeffersonians vision of isolationism has basically been lost. We've become the world's policeman, not unlike England was before it contracted after World War 1 and 2. Prior to it's retraction England was known as the Empire where the sun never set. We used to be the main exporter in the world, but now China has taken our place. It seems we've lost our manufacturing base, and become consumers, not producers. Sounds like Europe when we used to supply them, and now their economies have been in a steady decline. Could history have already taught us the outcome of the path we are following?
Great question!
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
Saturday, January 15, 2011
So You Say You Want A Revolution?
The progressive left is becoming more frustrated after having their grip on the White House and Congress, then watching as it slowly slips away. President Obama has realized his only hope for reelection is to shift his policies to the center, and the super majority the left held in the house and the senate has been redistributed to the conservative side after the last election. Consequentially, they are throwing tantrums on the only source of expression they still control, the media. So today I thought I'd contrast the behavior of both sides so you can make an informed decision about where you'd like the country to head, and under which ideals. First a rebroadcast of an MSNBC show.....
http://biggovernment.com/eyeblasttv/2010/11/09/liberals-openly-call-for-violence-and-revolution-on-msnbc/
In summary, they would like a revolution, violence is optional, and redistribute the wealth of our nation from those who've earned it to those who've not. A direct assault on the principles our nation was founded upon, and American exceptionalism. The progressive left has always believed the ends justify the means, so their agenda needs to be accomplished through whatever means. I for on am glad this view is held by less than 10% of our population.
Now in contrast we have Glenn Beck offering his Pledge To America. He has presented this document to all 535 members of Congress and asked them to sign on to this vision. It states as follows....
I challenge all Americans, left or right, regardless if you're a politician, pundit, painter, priest, parishioner, poet or porn star to agree with all of the following.
I denounce violence, regardless of ideological motivation.
I denounce anyone, from the Left, the Right or middle, who believes physical violence is the answer to whatever they feel is wrong with our country.
I denounce those who wish to tear down our system and rebuild it in their own image, whatever that image may be.
I denounce those from the Left, the Right or middle, who call for riots and violence as an opportunity to bring down and reconstruct our system.
I denounce violent threats and calls for the destruction of our system -- regardless of their underlying ideology -- whether they come from the Hutaree Militia or Frances Fox Piven.
I hold those responsible for the violence, responsible for the violence. I denounce those who attempt to blame political opponents for the acts of madmen.
I denounce those from the Left, the Right or middle that sees violence as a viable alternative to our long established system of change made within the constraints of our constitutional Republic.
I will stand with anyone willing to sign that pledge. Today I make a personal choice. I urge leaders of both sides and all walks of life to join me as all Americans joined hands on 9.12.2001.
Interesting contrast, no? Beck has only found 17 members of Congress willing to stick their necks out and rally for peace. This begs the question, To which side of this debate do you feel most comfortable with? Personally my decision was made a long time ago, and with these two contrasts it would be hard not to see a clear path. But to be fair let's look at how the progressive left reacted to this pledge. Media matters assaulted it on their blog...
http://mediamatters.org/blog/201101110036
And here are a snippet of some of the comments. Warning: these do subject the viewer to brash outbreaks of a lack of emotional maturity!
by nerzog (January 11, 2011 4:59 pm ET)
17 2
Personally, I wouldn't sign anything handed to me by Nostradumbass
by mjlilgui (January 11, 2011 6:37 pm ET)
7 2
This a**hole is not qualified to request or require anything of our government body, nor his is endorsement or condemnation anything that should, in a realistic world, impact politics in the slightest.
He is such a pandering, transparent smuck, and I truly am getting to the point where I despise him for what he's doing to our country.
by IRONY 101 (January 11, 2011 5:08 pm ET)
3 2
Screw Glenn Beck...he is, quite possibly, psychotic. Are we supposed to believe Jesus cured him of his affliction overnight?
These are just the first three, the assault goes on and on. Anonymous attacks assaulting his credibility, trying to diminish the quality of the document. Can you sense the frustration and desperation? Unfortunately promoting a lack of emotional maturity is infectious and can spread like a cancer if not brought out into the light, open air has a way of disinfecting bad behavior. But then that's why George Soros and Hilary Clinton work behind the scene with groups like Media Matters.
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
http://biggovernment.com/eyeblasttv/2010/11/09/liberals-openly-call-for-violence-and-revolution-on-msnbc/
In summary, they would like a revolution, violence is optional, and redistribute the wealth of our nation from those who've earned it to those who've not. A direct assault on the principles our nation was founded upon, and American exceptionalism. The progressive left has always believed the ends justify the means, so their agenda needs to be accomplished through whatever means. I for on am glad this view is held by less than 10% of our population.
Now in contrast we have Glenn Beck offering his Pledge To America. He has presented this document to all 535 members of Congress and asked them to sign on to this vision. It states as follows....
I challenge all Americans, left or right, regardless if you're a politician, pundit, painter, priest, parishioner, poet or porn star to agree with all of the following.
I denounce violence, regardless of ideological motivation.
I denounce anyone, from the Left, the Right or middle, who believes physical violence is the answer to whatever they feel is wrong with our country.
I denounce those who wish to tear down our system and rebuild it in their own image, whatever that image may be.
I denounce those from the Left, the Right or middle, who call for riots and violence as an opportunity to bring down and reconstruct our system.
I denounce violent threats and calls for the destruction of our system -- regardless of their underlying ideology -- whether they come from the Hutaree Militia or Frances Fox Piven.
I hold those responsible for the violence, responsible for the violence. I denounce those who attempt to blame political opponents for the acts of madmen.
I denounce those from the Left, the Right or middle that sees violence as a viable alternative to our long established system of change made within the constraints of our constitutional Republic.
I will stand with anyone willing to sign that pledge. Today I make a personal choice. I urge leaders of both sides and all walks of life to join me as all Americans joined hands on 9.12.2001.
Interesting contrast, no? Beck has only found 17 members of Congress willing to stick their necks out and rally for peace. This begs the question, To which side of this debate do you feel most comfortable with? Personally my decision was made a long time ago, and with these two contrasts it would be hard not to see a clear path. But to be fair let's look at how the progressive left reacted to this pledge. Media matters assaulted it on their blog...
http://mediamatters.org/blog/201101110036
And here are a snippet of some of the comments. Warning: these do subject the viewer to brash outbreaks of a lack of emotional maturity!
by nerzog (January 11, 2011 4:59 pm ET)
17 2
Personally, I wouldn't sign anything handed to me by Nostradumbass
by mjlilgui (January 11, 2011 6:37 pm ET)
7 2
This a**hole is not qualified to request or require anything of our government body, nor his is endorsement or condemnation anything that should, in a realistic world, impact politics in the slightest.
He is such a pandering, transparent smuck, and I truly am getting to the point where I despise him for what he's doing to our country.
by IRONY 101 (January 11, 2011 5:08 pm ET)
3 2
Screw Glenn Beck...he is, quite possibly, psychotic. Are we supposed to believe Jesus cured him of his affliction overnight?
These are just the first three, the assault goes on and on. Anonymous attacks assaulting his credibility, trying to diminish the quality of the document. Can you sense the frustration and desperation? Unfortunately promoting a lack of emotional maturity is infectious and can spread like a cancer if not brought out into the light, open air has a way of disinfecting bad behavior. But then that's why George Soros and Hilary Clinton work behind the scene with groups like Media Matters.
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
Friday, January 14, 2011
How Are You Managing?
Today I thought I'd help clear up the confusion between leadership and management. Most of us are familiar with managers, but few have been introduced to true leadership. The difference between the two can be as diverse as the difference between heaven and hell. If you've ever had a bad manager your familiar with my analogy.
If you take the words down to their definition or their origin, a manager is simple one who manages, or basically, one who gets by. Managers are positions of appointed authority. Usually granted by seniority or hopefully outstanding job performance. There is the exception of nepotism, and that's usually a recipe for disaster. A manager, gets by, using their authority to accomplish their goals. Some of us are all too familiar with how a great job can turn into a living nightmare with a simple change of management. All of this can be avoided by the institution of simple leadership skills.
And just what is a leadership? Let's break the word down! Leader, one out in front. The head of the pack, leading the charge. Ship, to transport. Together we have one who leads the pack and transports others through that influence to where they want to be. Leaders influence others, hopefully in a positive direction. A true leader exudes character and integrity so people naturally want to follow where they are going. Sprinkle in some people skills, and the ability to resolve conflicts and you have defined your person of influence as a leader! The magnetism of character naturally draws others in that positive direction.
While a manager usually earns a higher pay grade than those he manages, a leader is rewarded handsomely. Not only do leaders top the pay scale, they also get the reward of the personal gratification of influencing others in a positive direction.
We are all called to leadership! It might be to lead your family as the head of household, or as the CEO of a major corporation. The same principles apply, people are watching you and how you use your influence. Now ask yourself, am I simply managing my decisions, or am I applying leadership principles to accomplish my goals? Your answer defines where you stand in your leadership journey.
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
If you take the words down to their definition or their origin, a manager is simple one who manages, or basically, one who gets by. Managers are positions of appointed authority. Usually granted by seniority or hopefully outstanding job performance. There is the exception of nepotism, and that's usually a recipe for disaster. A manager, gets by, using their authority to accomplish their goals. Some of us are all too familiar with how a great job can turn into a living nightmare with a simple change of management. All of this can be avoided by the institution of simple leadership skills.
And just what is a leadership? Let's break the word down! Leader, one out in front. The head of the pack, leading the charge. Ship, to transport. Together we have one who leads the pack and transports others through that influence to where they want to be. Leaders influence others, hopefully in a positive direction. A true leader exudes character and integrity so people naturally want to follow where they are going. Sprinkle in some people skills, and the ability to resolve conflicts and you have defined your person of influence as a leader! The magnetism of character naturally draws others in that positive direction.
While a manager usually earns a higher pay grade than those he manages, a leader is rewarded handsomely. Not only do leaders top the pay scale, they also get the reward of the personal gratification of influencing others in a positive direction.
We are all called to leadership! It might be to lead your family as the head of household, or as the CEO of a major corporation. The same principles apply, people are watching you and how you use your influence. Now ask yourself, am I simply managing my decisions, or am I applying leadership principles to accomplish my goals? Your answer defines where you stand in your leadership journey.
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Weird Science!
As I was walking the dog this early morning I couldn't help but notice it was unusually cold outside. My slight discomfort was accompanied by grumbling about the global warming farce, and kind of chuckling to myself after a report from a couple of friends that Florida was the only place in the continental United States without snow. As my emotions ran from, "man it's stinking cold," to, "at least it isn't snowing," I got all Al Gore like and contemplated the cause. It seems I remembered a report that the FAA had to adjust runway headings because true north had shifted. So I googled it and sure enough there were the facts!
According to The Tampa Tribune, the culprit is the magnetic north pole, which is moving nearly 40 miles a year toward Russia because of magnetic changes in the core of the planet.
Now I'm a simple man, so I don't deal with complicated explanations well, but if this is indeed true, I believe that the earth's axis has shifted, or more simply put the earth's rotation has tilted ever so slightly. Now in my mind that would put some areas of the earth closer to the sun,(making them warmer), and other parts farther away, (making them colder), and thereby creating unseasonal "climate change."
In what is known as true polar wander, the solid Earth can rotate with respect to a fixed spin axis. Research shows that during the last 200 million years a total true polar wander of some 30° has occurred. -Wikipedia
Now you see I've done the research and debunked this man made climate change hooey. Unless of course we have overpopulated China and the extra weight has cause the earth to wobble off center. But we can clearly see the cold weather or the floods in Australia have little or nothing to do with carbon dioxide. Or does it? You decide!
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
According to The Tampa Tribune, the culprit is the magnetic north pole, which is moving nearly 40 miles a year toward Russia because of magnetic changes in the core of the planet.
Now I'm a simple man, so I don't deal with complicated explanations well, but if this is indeed true, I believe that the earth's axis has shifted, or more simply put the earth's rotation has tilted ever so slightly. Now in my mind that would put some areas of the earth closer to the sun,(making them warmer), and other parts farther away, (making them colder), and thereby creating unseasonal "climate change."
In what is known as true polar wander, the solid Earth can rotate with respect to a fixed spin axis. Research shows that during the last 200 million years a total true polar wander of some 30° has occurred. -Wikipedia
Now you see I've done the research and debunked this man made climate change hooey. Unless of course we have overpopulated China and the extra weight has cause the earth to wobble off center. But we can clearly see the cold weather or the floods in Australia have little or nothing to do with carbon dioxide. Or does it? You decide!
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Aiming To Protect Our Freedom!
Apparently the need to write needless legislation in Washington is some kind of highly contagious incurable infection. Congressman Peter King, a New York Republican, has announced his plans to bring to the floor, legislation to ban the carrying of a weapon within 1000 feet of a public appearance of a federal legislator. I guess even the best of us lose focus, and drift from our principles when confronted with adversity.
Here's my point...
It is already illegal to carry a concealed weapon within 1000 feet of anybody unless you have a permit. We don't need additional gun laws to reconfirm what's already in place!
Those who have a carry permit are required to be trained, and have been extensively background checked, ergo, they aren't psychologically disturbed. Has there ever been an incident of random violence by someone licensed to carry? I believe there hasn't, and in fact had there been someone present in Arizona during the most recent shootings with a concealed weapon, my guess is it would have ended much differently. I can envision less than three shot fired before a citizen licensed to carry would have responded, cutting down on the loss of life and needless injuries. The expense of a circus trial likely would have been avoided as well if the defender of the innocent aim was true.
Now, am I advocating shootouts at the OK Corral? Hardly, just a quick reaction by a responsible citizen to protect those who cannot protect themselves. People carry weapons for self defense because policemen are too heavy, and when a officer is just minutes away, incidents like this happen in seconds.
So I'm asking Congressman King to reconsider his knee jerk reaction to an ugly situation. The law he seeks already exists, and to hamper those who might have diffused the situation is just plain crazy. Disarming those responsible citizens demotes them to sheep, following the herd to slaughter. Use the existing laws to achieve your goal, and let's not put anymore restrictions on our freedoms.
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
PS. I sent him these thoughts via e-mail, I suggest anyone who feels the same respond in kind.
Here's my point...
It is already illegal to carry a concealed weapon within 1000 feet of anybody unless you have a permit. We don't need additional gun laws to reconfirm what's already in place!
Those who have a carry permit are required to be trained, and have been extensively background checked, ergo, they aren't psychologically disturbed. Has there ever been an incident of random violence by someone licensed to carry? I believe there hasn't, and in fact had there been someone present in Arizona during the most recent shootings with a concealed weapon, my guess is it would have ended much differently. I can envision less than three shot fired before a citizen licensed to carry would have responded, cutting down on the loss of life and needless injuries. The expense of a circus trial likely would have been avoided as well if the defender of the innocent aim was true.
Now, am I advocating shootouts at the OK Corral? Hardly, just a quick reaction by a responsible citizen to protect those who cannot protect themselves. People carry weapons for self defense because policemen are too heavy, and when a officer is just minutes away, incidents like this happen in seconds.
So I'm asking Congressman King to reconsider his knee jerk reaction to an ugly situation. The law he seeks already exists, and to hamper those who might have diffused the situation is just plain crazy. Disarming those responsible citizens demotes them to sheep, following the herd to slaughter. Use the existing laws to achieve your goal, and let's not put anymore restrictions on our freedoms.
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
PS. I sent him these thoughts via e-mail, I suggest anyone who feels the same respond in kind.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Political Cowards!
"We must hang together, gentlemen...else, we shall most assuredly hang separately." -Ben Franklin
Isn't it interesting our founding fathers wrote and stood by the Declaration of Independence even though the British and the Tory sympathizers would have assassinated them for their beliefs? They lived life with a proverbial musket pointed constantly at them for their convictions of liberty. Most of them made sacrifices, both financially and physically, that cost them dearly for their political position.
Everyday we ask our service men and women to leave our shores to defend freedom in a foreign land. We ask them to defend the rights of people they have never met, or never may meet. Yet they hold the conviction of liberty and freedom strong enough to risk their lives for it. They are over worked and under paid, yet still they stand in the line of fire strong on their belief. They swore an oath to our country and to defend what our founding fathers wrote, no matter what the sacrifice. They've done this for generations.
Then in contrast we have today's politicians, stand before us (kinda), using every form of media that'll give them airtime, to ask for protection. Somebody drew a cross-hair on their district symbolizing it as a target for electoral overthrow. They stand in fear of their policies, of their constituents, of We The People, because they don't have the conviction of their belief. Where are the heroes? These lilly-livered poor excuses for leaders quiver at the thought of reaction to policies they backed, all because they were unpopular. Ben Franklin would be so proud of you!
How about we dress you in the same kevlar we give our soldiers so you can go out among the people and tell them how important it is we back your assault on our liberty. Are you that convicted, or are you just trying to get votes from those who seek entitlements? Does anyone else find it amusing it's all the liberals complaining? Apparently if your a conservative, and believe in the Constitution, your convictions are not one of convenience, and you don't have to live in fear. If your policies are that unpopular you have to live in fear, perhaps you should readdress those policies!
Back in the day of our founders, you had to hold to your belief. It wasn't uncommon for disagreements to lead to a pistol duel. While violence isn't ever the answer, the threat of it sure reveals character, or lack of it. This tragedy has exposed some giant yellow streaks running up the backs of our politicians, right where a spine should be. I can only pray this next election continues to pull the handle and flush this toilet bowl of cowards we have serving(?) in Washington. Maybe we should replace the word serving with the word hiding, in that last sentence. That's a better description!
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. stood before crowds of people knowing the preaching of his message of equality through peace and love, would eventually lead to his death. He was committed to his convictions. Many other leaders stand before crowds and audiences while death threats have been made. This defines leadership and conviction. Next time a politician asks for your vote, ask yourself; Is this person running for something, or are they going to Washington to run from something?
I also can't help but wonder, if America was under attack, and there were opposing forces in Washington DC, how many of these "leaders" would be buried Saddam Hussein like under a rock cowering in a tunnel like a little school girl? Then how many would emulate George Washington and the rest of our founding fathers and fight for the freedom we love? They all seem brave in front of the evil microphone, well until recently, but how many would stand for the cause of freedom if threatened? It's food for thought!
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
Isn't it interesting our founding fathers wrote and stood by the Declaration of Independence even though the British and the Tory sympathizers would have assassinated them for their beliefs? They lived life with a proverbial musket pointed constantly at them for their convictions of liberty. Most of them made sacrifices, both financially and physically, that cost them dearly for their political position.
Everyday we ask our service men and women to leave our shores to defend freedom in a foreign land. We ask them to defend the rights of people they have never met, or never may meet. Yet they hold the conviction of liberty and freedom strong enough to risk their lives for it. They are over worked and under paid, yet still they stand in the line of fire strong on their belief. They swore an oath to our country and to defend what our founding fathers wrote, no matter what the sacrifice. They've done this for generations.
Then in contrast we have today's politicians, stand before us (kinda), using every form of media that'll give them airtime, to ask for protection. Somebody drew a cross-hair on their district symbolizing it as a target for electoral overthrow. They stand in fear of their policies, of their constituents, of We The People, because they don't have the conviction of their belief. Where are the heroes? These lilly-livered poor excuses for leaders quiver at the thought of reaction to policies they backed, all because they were unpopular. Ben Franklin would be so proud of you!
How about we dress you in the same kevlar we give our soldiers so you can go out among the people and tell them how important it is we back your assault on our liberty. Are you that convicted, or are you just trying to get votes from those who seek entitlements? Does anyone else find it amusing it's all the liberals complaining? Apparently if your a conservative, and believe in the Constitution, your convictions are not one of convenience, and you don't have to live in fear. If your policies are that unpopular you have to live in fear, perhaps you should readdress those policies!
Back in the day of our founders, you had to hold to your belief. It wasn't uncommon for disagreements to lead to a pistol duel. While violence isn't ever the answer, the threat of it sure reveals character, or lack of it. This tragedy has exposed some giant yellow streaks running up the backs of our politicians, right where a spine should be. I can only pray this next election continues to pull the handle and flush this toilet bowl of cowards we have serving(?) in Washington. Maybe we should replace the word serving with the word hiding, in that last sentence. That's a better description!
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. stood before crowds of people knowing the preaching of his message of equality through peace and love, would eventually lead to his death. He was committed to his convictions. Many other leaders stand before crowds and audiences while death threats have been made. This defines leadership and conviction. Next time a politician asks for your vote, ask yourself; Is this person running for something, or are they going to Washington to run from something?
I also can't help but wonder, if America was under attack, and there were opposing forces in Washington DC, how many of these "leaders" would be buried Saddam Hussein like under a rock cowering in a tunnel like a little school girl? Then how many would emulate George Washington and the rest of our founding fathers and fight for the freedom we love? They all seem brave in front of the evil microphone, well until recently, but how many would stand for the cause of freedom if threatened? It's food for thought!
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
Monday, January 10, 2011
Barkeep, Bring Us Another Round!
I'm sure you've seen the western movies where the customer walks into the saloon and orders a round for everyone, he pays for it with a single coin, then continues to drink without adding additional payment. Or when Paw and his son head to the general store with the buckboard and load it up with supplies, They stack it high and the proprietor comes up with a total of like a dollar twenty three, better yet he puts the supplies on account. Actually this was grounded in historical fact! Hard backed currency or "specie" was limited, and as Americans ventured westward, there was hardly enough currency to supply the coastal towns, let alone the vast western territories. That's why a man could drink all day, and buy rounds for his friends on a single coin. Money had value! Gold and silver were the only measure of sure value, and some in power believed that these metals were prepared by the Almighty himself for exactly that purpose.
There is currently 147.3 million ounces of gold kept and guarded in Fort Knox. This used to be the standard we used to value our dollar in the world market. At today's gold prices, approximately $1300/ounce, America's net worth would be $1,914,000,000,000, right at two trillion dollars. Seeing as our debt is in the neighborhood of 14 trillion plus, you can see why we dropped the gold standard. It couldn't keep up with our demand to spend money on social programs. Gold would have to be valued at almost $10,000.00/ ounce for us to be on the gold standard.
Printing money without backing it with gold is a way of taxing you without your knowledge. That coin that brought a round of drinks for all and kept the cowboy in spirits all day, would have a hard time buying you a pack of gum, in today's world That my friends is inflation!
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
There is currently 147.3 million ounces of gold kept and guarded in Fort Knox. This used to be the standard we used to value our dollar in the world market. At today's gold prices, approximately $1300/ounce, America's net worth would be $1,914,000,000,000, right at two trillion dollars. Seeing as our debt is in the neighborhood of 14 trillion plus, you can see why we dropped the gold standard. It couldn't keep up with our demand to spend money on social programs. Gold would have to be valued at almost $10,000.00/ ounce for us to be on the gold standard.
Printing money without backing it with gold is a way of taxing you without your knowledge. That coin that brought a round of drinks for all and kept the cowboy in spirits all day, would have a hard time buying you a pack of gum, in today's world That my friends is inflation!
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Accepting Accountability!
Generally I'll let any breaking news play out for a couple of days before I opine with my two cents worth, but today is an exception. Yesterday a horrible situation played out in Arizona, that left six people dead and several hospitalized. Included in the wake of that disaster was the death of a federal judge and the wounding of a congresswoman. As tragic as that was, and let me take this time to ask everyone to remember all those involved in their prayers, this post is about what ensued after.
Adversity reveals character, or lack thereof!
There were several politicians who were quick to respond to this devastating act and assign blame. Now I don't know what caused this character flaw, if it was guilt, or just a flat out lack of accountability, but it reeks of immaturity. Fingers were pointed at Fox News, and the Tea Party as being directly responsible for this individual's action. Let's address those allegations...
If Congress enacts an unpopular bill, take healthcare for instance, that 2/3's of the nation does not want, is it the reporting of the facts by a news organization that is to blame for reprisals, or the actions of those who forced the legislation down the throats of the American people? Did Paul Revere cause the battle with the British that followed that historic ride, or was it the reaction to the tyranny imposed by the British Crown? Accepting accountability for tyranny imposed on those who granted you leadership, is part of the job of the leader. It's not a news organizations fault for your actions. The are simply doing their job, informing the people.
If a political movement peacefully reacts to a Congress that refuses to listen to the people who granted them the authority to govern, it's a right granted by the Constitution. Amendment 1 states in part, "or the right for the people to peaceably assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." The blame of reaction toward legislators doesn't lie on the response toward the actions of Congress, but with the Congress itself. You made your bed, it's not popular with the people, don't assign blame elsewhere.
The reaction of those politicians who assigned blame for this tragedy to anyone but the shooter and his accomplices, is reacting in fear of accountability. The Tea Party or Fox News are no more accountable for the actions of this twisted individual than pencils and pens are to blame for bad spelling. This event has exposed a select few who have no business in leadership positions. A lack of accountability exposes character flaws, and a certain immaturity that has no place in government, or any position of leadership. Leaders hold themselves accountable, period!
Now who should be held accountable for this ugly disregard of the law? Was it the gun laws, the ammunition, the gun dealer, his Mommy, his upbringing, or did his Daddy ignore him? None of the above! The shooter was emotionally immature and couldn't properly handle his anger, he had no sense of right and wrong, and deserves no pity. He and if he had any accomplices, should be held responsible for his actions and dealt with by the full extent of the law, and quickly to insure there are no copycats brought on by exposure. It's simply unacceptable social behavior, and cannot be tolerated.
Fear not politicians, your not directly responsible for this lunatic's actions. You absolved of your guilt, so there is no need to point fingers. You do have some damage control to do though. We all saw your character flaws!
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
Adversity reveals character, or lack thereof!
There were several politicians who were quick to respond to this devastating act and assign blame. Now I don't know what caused this character flaw, if it was guilt, or just a flat out lack of accountability, but it reeks of immaturity. Fingers were pointed at Fox News, and the Tea Party as being directly responsible for this individual's action. Let's address those allegations...
If Congress enacts an unpopular bill, take healthcare for instance, that 2/3's of the nation does not want, is it the reporting of the facts by a news organization that is to blame for reprisals, or the actions of those who forced the legislation down the throats of the American people? Did Paul Revere cause the battle with the British that followed that historic ride, or was it the reaction to the tyranny imposed by the British Crown? Accepting accountability for tyranny imposed on those who granted you leadership, is part of the job of the leader. It's not a news organizations fault for your actions. The are simply doing their job, informing the people.
If a political movement peacefully reacts to a Congress that refuses to listen to the people who granted them the authority to govern, it's a right granted by the Constitution. Amendment 1 states in part, "or the right for the people to peaceably assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." The blame of reaction toward legislators doesn't lie on the response toward the actions of Congress, but with the Congress itself. You made your bed, it's not popular with the people, don't assign blame elsewhere.
The reaction of those politicians who assigned blame for this tragedy to anyone but the shooter and his accomplices, is reacting in fear of accountability. The Tea Party or Fox News are no more accountable for the actions of this twisted individual than pencils and pens are to blame for bad spelling. This event has exposed a select few who have no business in leadership positions. A lack of accountability exposes character flaws, and a certain immaturity that has no place in government, or any position of leadership. Leaders hold themselves accountable, period!
Now who should be held accountable for this ugly disregard of the law? Was it the gun laws, the ammunition, the gun dealer, his Mommy, his upbringing, or did his Daddy ignore him? None of the above! The shooter was emotionally immature and couldn't properly handle his anger, he had no sense of right and wrong, and deserves no pity. He and if he had any accomplices, should be held responsible for his actions and dealt with by the full extent of the law, and quickly to insure there are no copycats brought on by exposure. It's simply unacceptable social behavior, and cannot be tolerated.
Fear not politicians, your not directly responsible for this lunatic's actions. You absolved of your guilt, so there is no need to point fingers. You do have some damage control to do though. We all saw your character flaws!
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Pay Up Whimpy!
I haven't weighed in yet on the raising of the debt ceiling crisis our government has created and needs to deal with. You can tell by my tone this is not going to be pretty, but then facing the truth rarely is.
Liberals are quick to defend the need to go to the people's pocket by questioning whether you're willing to rise the full faith and credit of the American dollar by not raising the debt ceiling. Ironic they ask this question now, instead of when they consistently passed legislation that wasn't paid for. Isn't it funny they throw the ball of responsibility for damaging the dollar in the other court when it's time to pay the piper?
So the question remains, should we allow the government to raise it's credit limit when they can't meet the obligations now? The real question is, are we really dumb enough to even address this? If you owe someone ten dollars, and you can't repay it, is it wise of the person who lent you the ten dollars to lend you another ten, so they don't think less of you?
To become fiscally sound you don't borrow more money, you cut expenses. There is no better time than the present to begin that process. That would require someone in Washington have a backbone, because it's just not going to be popular.
The full faith and credit of the American dollar isn't worth the paper they are printing it on. Our dollar is already worth less today than it was a month ago. Have you seen the increase in gas prices and food cost at the grocery store? Your dollar is buying less!
Let's start by repaying the unused stimulus money back to the debt. That'll recoup 25% of the increase they are asking for. Pay deductions of all federal workers of 10%, and a hiring freeze. From this point on every government employee's pay will be commensurate with the starting salary of a private sector employee. Every government official will be mandated to cut their operating expenses by 10% across the board. Pork projects, defunded, foreign aid eliminated. Audit every department and program for waste and fraud, including medicare, medicaid, and social security.
One of the great talking points of the liberal faction is that conservatives are going to rob grandma and grandpa of their social security. While I'm not a fan of this program, one of the things we cannot do is raise the retirement age. While we are living longer, there is a point where you have to realize we cannot expect a 68 year old fireman or policeman to be on the job. Same applies for nurses, ironworkers, etc. It's not realistic to assume that seniors can continue a career at that age. There can only be room for so many grocery baggers, Wal-Mart greeters, and Walgreen checkout people. But we can offer the incoming youth other options to prepare for retirement. I'll save all that for another post!
Bottom line, you don't put more money in someone's checking account who continually writes bad checks. You act responsibly and take away the pen! Our government hasn't been fiscally responsible for a long, long time. Paying the piper is always painful! It's time to quit kicking the can down the road, and take our medicine. Just ask yourself and anyone who favors raising the debt ceiling. When is enough, enough?
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
Liberals are quick to defend the need to go to the people's pocket by questioning whether you're willing to rise the full faith and credit of the American dollar by not raising the debt ceiling. Ironic they ask this question now, instead of when they consistently passed legislation that wasn't paid for. Isn't it funny they throw the ball of responsibility for damaging the dollar in the other court when it's time to pay the piper?
So the question remains, should we allow the government to raise it's credit limit when they can't meet the obligations now? The real question is, are we really dumb enough to even address this? If you owe someone ten dollars, and you can't repay it, is it wise of the person who lent you the ten dollars to lend you another ten, so they don't think less of you?
To become fiscally sound you don't borrow more money, you cut expenses. There is no better time than the present to begin that process. That would require someone in Washington have a backbone, because it's just not going to be popular.
The full faith and credit of the American dollar isn't worth the paper they are printing it on. Our dollar is already worth less today than it was a month ago. Have you seen the increase in gas prices and food cost at the grocery store? Your dollar is buying less!
Let's start by repaying the unused stimulus money back to the debt. That'll recoup 25% of the increase they are asking for. Pay deductions of all federal workers of 10%, and a hiring freeze. From this point on every government employee's pay will be commensurate with the starting salary of a private sector employee. Every government official will be mandated to cut their operating expenses by 10% across the board. Pork projects, defunded, foreign aid eliminated. Audit every department and program for waste and fraud, including medicare, medicaid, and social security.
One of the great talking points of the liberal faction is that conservatives are going to rob grandma and grandpa of their social security. While I'm not a fan of this program, one of the things we cannot do is raise the retirement age. While we are living longer, there is a point where you have to realize we cannot expect a 68 year old fireman or policeman to be on the job. Same applies for nurses, ironworkers, etc. It's not realistic to assume that seniors can continue a career at that age. There can only be room for so many grocery baggers, Wal-Mart greeters, and Walgreen checkout people. But we can offer the incoming youth other options to prepare for retirement. I'll save all that for another post!
Bottom line, you don't put more money in someone's checking account who continually writes bad checks. You act responsibly and take away the pen! Our government hasn't been fiscally responsible for a long, long time. Paying the piper is always painful! It's time to quit kicking the can down the road, and take our medicine. Just ask yourself and anyone who favors raising the debt ceiling. When is enough, enough?
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
Friday, January 7, 2011
A Friday Pep Talk!
When you learn the concept of goal setting and self denial, your on the path to success. The art of delayed gratification is key to achieving what you want in life. Earning success and denying yourself until it's attained is the discipline of the accomplished! Now if it was easy, everyone would do it. That's why less than ten percent of us ever reach that plateau. Here's a list of pitfalls to expect on the path to greatness!
Time: It's going to take longer than you've ever expected. It's going to require strict time management. The excuse those who quit use most is, "I don't have time to do it." You have the same amount of time in a day as every accomplished person has, the difference is how you manage it....
Effort: Nobody said it would be easy! It's going to way harder than you ever expected. Why do you think so few do it? Here's the excuse to look out for, "It's not worth all the effort." That my friends is the lie quitters tell themselves to rationalize failure.
Distractions: Something will arise to distract you from the goal. Don't fall for, "I'll just take a break and be right back to it later." Whatever that shiny object is that altered your attention from the prize, forget it!
Rewards; They will be slow in coming. You might not see results right off. You may experience setbacks. These are all normal hurtles to overcome on the path to your goal! If it's happening to you, your on the right track!
Maintenance: Keep setting higher goals, don't settle for the base camp when the mountain top is yours to be had! It's easy to become complacent after gaining some results, success demands you keep climbing. If your not moving forward, your going backwards. There is no idle speed. Don't allow yourself to become comfortably numb!
Lasting goal achievement requires lots of time, hard work, personal sacrifice, ongoing effort, and dedication to a process that is maintained over years. Success demands you don't settle for good, when great can be achieved!
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
Time: It's going to take longer than you've ever expected. It's going to require strict time management. The excuse those who quit use most is, "I don't have time to do it." You have the same amount of time in a day as every accomplished person has, the difference is how you manage it....
Effort: Nobody said it would be easy! It's going to way harder than you ever expected. Why do you think so few do it? Here's the excuse to look out for, "It's not worth all the effort." That my friends is the lie quitters tell themselves to rationalize failure.
Distractions: Something will arise to distract you from the goal. Don't fall for, "I'll just take a break and be right back to it later." Whatever that shiny object is that altered your attention from the prize, forget it!
Rewards; They will be slow in coming. You might not see results right off. You may experience setbacks. These are all normal hurtles to overcome on the path to your goal! If it's happening to you, your on the right track!
Maintenance: Keep setting higher goals, don't settle for the base camp when the mountain top is yours to be had! It's easy to become complacent after gaining some results, success demands you keep climbing. If your not moving forward, your going backwards. There is no idle speed. Don't allow yourself to become comfortably numb!
Lasting goal achievement requires lots of time, hard work, personal sacrifice, ongoing effort, and dedication to a process that is maintained over years. Success demands you don't settle for good, when great can be achieved!
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Storytime!
An old Buddhist parable...
Two monks were strolling by a stream on their way home to the monastery. They were startled by the sound of a woman sobbing, sitting on the bank, wearing a bridal gown. Tears were flowing as she gazed across the water. She needed to cross the water to get to her wedding, but feared that doing so might ruin her beautiful handmade gown.
This group of monks were forbidden from ever touching a woman. But the one monk was filled with compassion for the young bride. Ignoring his sanction he lifted her on his shoulders and carried her across the stream, so she might continue her journey and fulfill her dreams. She smiled and thanked him endlessly for his service as he waded back across the stream toward the other monk.
His partner was beside himself. " How could you do that? he scolded." You know we are forbidden to touch a woman, much less carry one around."
The offending monk listened intently to the lecture that lasted all the way back to the monastery. The day's excitement caused him to drift off to sleep when he returned to his cell, until he was jostled awake in the middle of the night by his fellow monk.
Again he scolded him,"How could you carry that woman? Someone else could have helped her across the stream. You were a bad monk!"
Still in a daze from being awakened so suddenly the sleepy monk replied, "what woman?"
"Don't you remember? The bride you carried across the stream!"
"Oh, her" Laughed the sleepy monk. "I only carried her across that little stream, you carried her all the way back to the monastery."
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
Two monks were strolling by a stream on their way home to the monastery. They were startled by the sound of a woman sobbing, sitting on the bank, wearing a bridal gown. Tears were flowing as she gazed across the water. She needed to cross the water to get to her wedding, but feared that doing so might ruin her beautiful handmade gown.
This group of monks were forbidden from ever touching a woman. But the one monk was filled with compassion for the young bride. Ignoring his sanction he lifted her on his shoulders and carried her across the stream, so she might continue her journey and fulfill her dreams. She smiled and thanked him endlessly for his service as he waded back across the stream toward the other monk.
His partner was beside himself. " How could you do that? he scolded." You know we are forbidden to touch a woman, much less carry one around."
The offending monk listened intently to the lecture that lasted all the way back to the monastery. The day's excitement caused him to drift off to sleep when he returned to his cell, until he was jostled awake in the middle of the night by his fellow monk.
Again he scolded him,"How could you carry that woman? Someone else could have helped her across the stream. You were a bad monk!"
Still in a daze from being awakened so suddenly the sleepy monk replied, "what woman?"
"Don't you remember? The bride you carried across the stream!"
"Oh, her" Laughed the sleepy monk. "I only carried her across that little stream, you carried her all the way back to the monastery."
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Attention Reverend Al.....
I have to highlight today an event that happened while I was doing my Twelve Days of Christmas run. Reverend Al Sharpton began an assault on freedom of speech, by demanding the FCC shut down Rush Limbaugh's radio program because he felt it had racial overtones. His charge was that Rush shouldn't be allowed to broadcast over federally controlled airways. Al never actually cited anything Rush had said, but he felt harm.
Here's the problem... In his vigor to attack Rush Limbaugh, Al overlooked something. The very same thing he's complaining about, he's guilty of himself! Absolutely everything Al Sharpton says has racial overtones. Him whole agenda is bias toward people of color. He's a color bigot. And in his zeal to silence a critic, he's actually exposed himself to the same scrutiny.
Let's look at the body of Reverend Al's work. He's been an advocate for the Afro-American for as long as I can remember, but honestly, he's likely what's been hindering progress. Isn't that a funny thing to say about a progressive liberal?
One of the first projects you should conquer if you want to defeat poverty and help your people rise toward success, is to ensure quality education. So has the drop out rate improved for the black community under Al's leadership? That answer would be, no!
You'd think preserving the family unit would be crucial to their cause. Raising children with two parents, guiding and nurturing them is a great way to improve community success. So has the birth rates of unwed mothers lowered since Al's started crying out? That answer would also be, no.
Abortion is the leading killer of Afro-Americans. Has that assault to their heritage diminished? Again, sadly, no!
Has the cruelty of Black-on-Black crime rate lowered any since old Al has begun to be the voice of the community? Once again, the answer is, no.
Has the food stamp or the welfare rolls receded any since the Reverend has preached his message? I'm afraid not.
Basically Reverend Al's liberal message of Black Theology, victim hood and reparation hasn't improved life for the black community. While Al's done a whole bunch of marching, all he's accomplished is a load of sore feet. It's time old Al checked his progress, wait I just did. I'm afraid your regressing. It's time Reverend Al took a hard look at the anger he lets spew from his pulpit. Since he's ineffective, he's pretty much a bag of wind.
Now all is not lost Reverend Al! You have a great example right in your midst in Dr. Alvita King, (Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s niece). She has a message that'll work, and if you open your ears and shut you mouth, you could be part of the success. You've chosen to dismiss her because your letting your ego get in the way of your message. She has the cure, and she lives her message everyday. She preaches love, non-violence, faith and education. She demands people become accountable to themselves and to the Lord for their circumstances. That my friend is the key to success. And in that spirit, I still love you......
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
Here's the problem... In his vigor to attack Rush Limbaugh, Al overlooked something. The very same thing he's complaining about, he's guilty of himself! Absolutely everything Al Sharpton says has racial overtones. Him whole agenda is bias toward people of color. He's a color bigot. And in his zeal to silence a critic, he's actually exposed himself to the same scrutiny.
Let's look at the body of Reverend Al's work. He's been an advocate for the Afro-American for as long as I can remember, but honestly, he's likely what's been hindering progress. Isn't that a funny thing to say about a progressive liberal?
One of the first projects you should conquer if you want to defeat poverty and help your people rise toward success, is to ensure quality education. So has the drop out rate improved for the black community under Al's leadership? That answer would be, no!
You'd think preserving the family unit would be crucial to their cause. Raising children with two parents, guiding and nurturing them is a great way to improve community success. So has the birth rates of unwed mothers lowered since Al's started crying out? That answer would also be, no.
Abortion is the leading killer of Afro-Americans. Has that assault to their heritage diminished? Again, sadly, no!
Has the cruelty of Black-on-Black crime rate lowered any since old Al has begun to be the voice of the community? Once again, the answer is, no.
Has the food stamp or the welfare rolls receded any since the Reverend has preached his message? I'm afraid not.
Basically Reverend Al's liberal message of Black Theology, victim hood and reparation hasn't improved life for the black community. While Al's done a whole bunch of marching, all he's accomplished is a load of sore feet. It's time old Al checked his progress, wait I just did. I'm afraid your regressing. It's time Reverend Al took a hard look at the anger he lets spew from his pulpit. Since he's ineffective, he's pretty much a bag of wind.
Now all is not lost Reverend Al! You have a great example right in your midst in Dr. Alvita King, (Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s niece). She has a message that'll work, and if you open your ears and shut you mouth, you could be part of the success. You've chosen to dismiss her because your letting your ego get in the way of your message. She has the cure, and she lives her message everyday. She preaches love, non-violence, faith and education. She demands people become accountable to themselves and to the Lord for their circumstances. That my friend is the key to success. And in that spirit, I still love you......
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
The Prisms Of Our Mind!
I've often wondered how some people form their opinions, I mean, you have to admit they are pretty diverse! So what guides them in the direction they choose to take? After an extensive study, here's my take.
People view everything through a pre-disposed filter. For instance, I've defined in my mind that Vice President Joe Biden is an individual who misquotes statistics to benefit his point, and basically everything that flows from his mouth isn't true. Therefore I don't accept a word he says as true and I fact check every statement he speaks. Where did I acquire this prism of bias? He earned it from past action.
Tea party supporters view all liberals as a threat to our Constitution and the sovereignty of our country. Liberals view every conservative as cement heads who can only say no, and have no tolerance for progressive thinking. Immigration reform advocates see those who oppose them as race biased bigots. Gay rights activists look upon those who oppose them as homophobes, and bigots. Your personal filter is in placed by the stereotypes that exist in your mind.
So where do those stereotypes from? Basically, they are creations of your environment. Your family, friends, religious beliefs, educators, and mentors nudge you toward what you believe. So if we are victims of our environment, wouldn't it be prudent to choose our associations carefully? If an educator or mentor draws your admiration, is it because she or she has great family values, and is a upstanding member of the community grounded in faith and morality, or is it because a peer told you they were cool? Not only do these seemingly unimportant decisions define your filter on life, the eventually define you and your level of success.
This should be a cause for reflection!
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
People view everything through a pre-disposed filter. For instance, I've defined in my mind that Vice President Joe Biden is an individual who misquotes statistics to benefit his point, and basically everything that flows from his mouth isn't true. Therefore I don't accept a word he says as true and I fact check every statement he speaks. Where did I acquire this prism of bias? He earned it from past action.
Tea party supporters view all liberals as a threat to our Constitution and the sovereignty of our country. Liberals view every conservative as cement heads who can only say no, and have no tolerance for progressive thinking. Immigration reform advocates see those who oppose them as race biased bigots. Gay rights activists look upon those who oppose them as homophobes, and bigots. Your personal filter is in placed by the stereotypes that exist in your mind.
So where do those stereotypes from? Basically, they are creations of your environment. Your family, friends, religious beliefs, educators, and mentors nudge you toward what you believe. So if we are victims of our environment, wouldn't it be prudent to choose our associations carefully? If an educator or mentor draws your admiration, is it because she or she has great family values, and is a upstanding member of the community grounded in faith and morality, or is it because a peer told you they were cool? Not only do these seemingly unimportant decisions define your filter on life, the eventually define you and your level of success.
This should be a cause for reflection!
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
Monday, January 3, 2011
Mail Call!
Time for a little tidbit of history I'll bet you didn't learn in school!
When the Whig Party nominated Zachary Taylor as it's presidential candidate in early June 1848, they sent him a letter notifying him of their choice. There were no e-mails nor cell phones, actually the only form of communication was the mail. Believe it or not, Zachary sent the letter back unopened. Why, do you ask? Because at that time, recipients of letters were responsible for paying the postage, not the person sending the letter. Fact is, the first postage stamp wasn't issued only one year before Taylor's nomination, but the practice of recipient paid postage still continued. I guess old habits are hard to break!
Taylor's frugality might have cost him dearly. You see, Taylor was an extremely popular hero of the Mexican-American War, and often received a great deal of fan mail, for which he would have to pay the postage. So he routinely returned all the mail he received, including the nomination. It wasn't until July that Taylor learned he was the official candidate for the Whig Party. As fate would have it, he when on to become president in 1849 and was the last Whig ever elected.
Stories like this are great ways of remembering history. When you tie something interesting to the event it sticks in your mind, as opposed to just memorizing dates, names, and events. I know I'll remember ole Zach was a cheap skate, and the last Whig ever elected in 1849 by having this story to associate with it. I wonder if he has any modern day descendents to help balance the budget?
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
When the Whig Party nominated Zachary Taylor as it's presidential candidate in early June 1848, they sent him a letter notifying him of their choice. There were no e-mails nor cell phones, actually the only form of communication was the mail. Believe it or not, Zachary sent the letter back unopened. Why, do you ask? Because at that time, recipients of letters were responsible for paying the postage, not the person sending the letter. Fact is, the first postage stamp wasn't issued only one year before Taylor's nomination, but the practice of recipient paid postage still continued. I guess old habits are hard to break!
Taylor's frugality might have cost him dearly. You see, Taylor was an extremely popular hero of the Mexican-American War, and often received a great deal of fan mail, for which he would have to pay the postage. So he routinely returned all the mail he received, including the nomination. It wasn't until July that Taylor learned he was the official candidate for the Whig Party. As fate would have it, he when on to become president in 1849 and was the last Whig ever elected.
Stories like this are great ways of remembering history. When you tie something interesting to the event it sticks in your mind, as opposed to just memorizing dates, names, and events. I know I'll remember ole Zach was a cheap skate, and the last Whig ever elected in 1849 by having this story to associate with it. I wonder if he has any modern day descendents to help balance the budget?
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Eyes Forward, People!
As I ramble through this wonderful experience called life, I often encounter lost souls who insist upon dwelling in the past. Most of it seeps with regret, and in some instances it defines the person. They all share one thing in common, they need to quit driving in the rear view mirror. The road to prosperity lies in front of us.
It's impossible to find happiness when your mired in a circumstance from the past. So many people hold grudges for some event in their history that sticks in their craw like gum on a shoe. "Forgiveness means letting go of the hope for a better past." It's done, passe', let it go and look toward the promise of a better tomorrow. I'll bet most of the individuals they hold a grudge about, aren't even aware they upset the grudge holder. Trust me, your not teaching them a lesson!
Then there is the "I once was," people. Well as the song goes, "you not as good as you once were," but you can be as good as you've ever been. If you were once accomplished at something, give me a reason that isn't an excuse, for why you can't achieve even greater heights! You've already proven you can do it, who told you it was time to drop anchor and stop sailing your course? It's not time to put a period at the end of the sentence, but time for a comma so you can continue.
With that said, the path to happiness lies in front of you. living in the past only leads to regret. Put those trophies and those grudges back on the shelf where they belong. Go meet the challenge of a new day and find a way to make it your own. Every second God grants us on His earth should be made our masterpiece. Our actions are a statement that we are the message, and because you were created by Almighty God you can fulfill his glory. Let someone else have the memory!
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
It's impossible to find happiness when your mired in a circumstance from the past. So many people hold grudges for some event in their history that sticks in their craw like gum on a shoe. "Forgiveness means letting go of the hope for a better past." It's done, passe', let it go and look toward the promise of a better tomorrow. I'll bet most of the individuals they hold a grudge about, aren't even aware they upset the grudge holder. Trust me, your not teaching them a lesson!
Then there is the "I once was," people. Well as the song goes, "you not as good as you once were," but you can be as good as you've ever been. If you were once accomplished at something, give me a reason that isn't an excuse, for why you can't achieve even greater heights! You've already proven you can do it, who told you it was time to drop anchor and stop sailing your course? It's not time to put a period at the end of the sentence, but time for a comma so you can continue.
With that said, the path to happiness lies in front of you. living in the past only leads to regret. Put those trophies and those grudges back on the shelf where they belong. Go meet the challenge of a new day and find a way to make it your own. Every second God grants us on His earth should be made our masterpiece. Our actions are a statement that we are the message, and because you were created by Almighty God you can fulfill his glory. Let someone else have the memory!
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
Saturday, January 1, 2011
"Please Sir, Can I Have Some More?"
I just watched a debate between a liberal and a conservative about the still unspent stimulus money, two years after it was appropriated. The liberal point of view was quite amazing as he defended the lack of results to two interesting arguments.
First the pundit tried to make the point that it takes time to get "shovel ready" projects underway. Call me foolish but doesn't the term, "shovel ready" imply the work can begin immediately? I'm also certain 24 months is a reasonable amount of time to move forward and expect progress. The defense of this was at best lame, and if it wasn't so absurd and our tax dollars involved, laughable. I distinctly remember hearing the level of expectation for improvement of the economy and the jobless issue being set by those who insisted this was an emergency of disastrous proportion. The White House economic team insisted if they passed this boondoggle unemployment would not rise over 8.5%. Their words, not mine!
Now that we see this was all a ruse, the best excuse they can come up with is, "we didn't make the stimulus big enough." You know I had a similar issue when I was a young child. Whenever we were having something I was fond of for dinner I would insist they fill my plate till there was room for no more. Basically my eyes were bigger than my stomach, as I was often told. The response I got to this request is the same response we should hand Washington. "Finish that, and you can have more." It was meant to placate my selfishness, as they knew I wouldn't eat what I was given, same applies to Washington. They've had enough of our cash.
Boil this down to the irreducible minimum and here's the scoop. The Keynesian economic plan didn't work, you didn't use the resources we gave you, and your not going to get anymore. You haven't provided us the results you promised. It's insane to pour more gas on a fire trying to extinguish it. Quit making lame excuses and apply the unused funds to lower the debt.
This was at best failed policy, and at worse a huge rip-off of the American tax dollar to pay back political favors. It's also amusing all of the economic advisors who devised this plan have left the White House and retreated back to the higher learning institutions they were plucked from, to teach this poison to our youth. Reinforcing my belief that those who can, do...Those who can't , teach!
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
First the pundit tried to make the point that it takes time to get "shovel ready" projects underway. Call me foolish but doesn't the term, "shovel ready" imply the work can begin immediately? I'm also certain 24 months is a reasonable amount of time to move forward and expect progress. The defense of this was at best lame, and if it wasn't so absurd and our tax dollars involved, laughable. I distinctly remember hearing the level of expectation for improvement of the economy and the jobless issue being set by those who insisted this was an emergency of disastrous proportion. The White House economic team insisted if they passed this boondoggle unemployment would not rise over 8.5%. Their words, not mine!
Now that we see this was all a ruse, the best excuse they can come up with is, "we didn't make the stimulus big enough." You know I had a similar issue when I was a young child. Whenever we were having something I was fond of for dinner I would insist they fill my plate till there was room for no more. Basically my eyes were bigger than my stomach, as I was often told. The response I got to this request is the same response we should hand Washington. "Finish that, and you can have more." It was meant to placate my selfishness, as they knew I wouldn't eat what I was given, same applies to Washington. They've had enough of our cash.
Boil this down to the irreducible minimum and here's the scoop. The Keynesian economic plan didn't work, you didn't use the resources we gave you, and your not going to get anymore. You haven't provided us the results you promised. It's insane to pour more gas on a fire trying to extinguish it. Quit making lame excuses and apply the unused funds to lower the debt.
This was at best failed policy, and at worse a huge rip-off of the American tax dollar to pay back political favors. It's also amusing all of the economic advisors who devised this plan have left the White House and retreated back to the higher learning institutions they were plucked from, to teach this poison to our youth. Reinforcing my belief that those who can, do...Those who can't , teach!
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
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