Ah, Election Day. A day that I usually look forward to, because it is our chance as citizens of this country to let our voice be heard from all corners of this country. A day that we get to stand up and let our politicians hear us loud and clear, more so than any other time possible. On Election Day, we have the opportunity shape the way that our government runs and to shape the future of this country. On this Election Day though, I am not that excited.
And I say that not because of Obama or McCain, Chambliss or Martin, etc. I say that because I am scared of the people of this country more than the leaders we are about to elect. I am scared that our vast electorate has somehow transformed itself into a pitiful lot that needs and craves more dependence on our federal government with each passing day. I am scared that we have transitioned from self-reliance to self-pity. No longer are we asking what we can do to improve our situations in life. We are asking now how the government and taxpayers can help us. It seems like a small issue, but it is life-threatening to the sovereignty of this nation and our ability to freely pursue life, liberty, and happyness. And this problem goes across both aisles, Democrats and Republicans alike.
If I could ask every citizen one thing, it would not be to vote for McCain, or here in GA to vote for Saxby Chambliss, etc. I would ask each man or woman to look in the mirror and ask,
"What can I do to make my life better? How can I take more responsibility for my own actions and decisions and put less burden on those around me?"
If we could all take a few minutes and really examine the strengths of self-reliance, this nation would grow and prosper in ways that our generation has never experienced. But sadly, most people cannot even begin to accept responsibility for their mistakes, their decisions, the things that have directed the course of their lives, and instead look to a dependence on others in the form of big government and redistribution of wealth as the easy way out. And the easy way out is going to cost us everything in the long run.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Someone please explain this to me
I found a news story this morning that came out of Murfreesboro TN, saying that vandals who had been harassing the Republican Campaing HQ there finally actually vandalized the building, throwing a brick with an anarchy symbol on it through the window... So let me get this straight. Vandals who want less government control over their lives (hence, heading towards potential anarchy in a very convulated way) decide to target the party that promotes less government intervention into our lives. That makes no sense. But, I am applying a logical thought process to idiots who throw bricks through windows, and that is my fault.
But it brings up why I support having a test that qualifies you to vote in our federal elections. We have too many morons in this country that help put freedom-takers into office based on nothing other than campaign rhetoric. I listen to all of these Obama supporters that really have no clue what he brings to the table. I'm not saying that these people are idiots b/c they support Obama (even though I think that they are, but that is a different argument), I am saying they are idiots because they don't really know why they support him, which is the worst kind of idiot. People who don't know what they don't know scare the crap out of me when it comes to choosing leadership of our country. Not just for the president, but also for the Senate and the House. We have a looming super majority of far-left, individual rights hating lawmakers, ready to take a filibuster proof ride into socialism. And all because we have a voter base that has no freakin clue what they are about to do.
But it brings up why I support having a test that qualifies you to vote in our federal elections. We have too many morons in this country that help put freedom-takers into office based on nothing other than campaign rhetoric. I listen to all of these Obama supporters that really have no clue what he brings to the table. I'm not saying that these people are idiots b/c they support Obama (even though I think that they are, but that is a different argument), I am saying they are idiots because they don't really know why they support him, which is the worst kind of idiot. People who don't know what they don't know scare the crap out of me when it comes to choosing leadership of our country. Not just for the president, but also for the Senate and the House. We have a looming super majority of far-left, individual rights hating lawmakers, ready to take a filibuster proof ride into socialism. And all because we have a voter base that has no freakin clue what they are about to do.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Chicago Marathon
For any of you looking for a way to challenge your mind, body, and your resolve in a way you have never before, I have three words of advice.... Run a marathon. I ran the Chicago marathon last weekend, and I have to say it was one of the toughest, but most rewarding physical challenges I have had. I have been training since early this year for the race, so I felt I was prepared to go out there and get it done. But in the course of training, I never once had the feelings in my legs, and my mind for that matter, that I did over the last few miles of that race.
I read over and over about 'hitting the wall' around mile 22. It is what occurs when your body's carbohydrate store becomes essentially empty, and you are left with 4 or 5 miles to go and the honest desire to just fall flat on your face on the pavement and not move for three days. It hit me around mile 21, when the heat really starting get to me as well. My time slowed considerably, but I was able to push on through and finish the race. I came in under my goal time of 3 hours, 45 minutes, but the last 25% was quite a bit slower than I had been running.
The course was flat, much better than running here in the foothills of GA. This is a course that usually produces outstanding times for experienced pro runners. In fact, there were quite a few Olympic athletes running this race. Ideal race temp for one of these: 50 degrees. High last Sunday in Chicago: 84. Little toasty. And that made a huge difference towards the end of the race.
Best part of the whole thing was having my wife Summer there as well cheering me on. Here is a link to her site and the pics from the weekend. http://joshsummerandmaddux.blogspot.com/2008/10/marathon-man.html She had me prepared with plenty of Gu and energy packs and a great t-shirt she wore as well. Every time I passed her on the streets, I got a little more energy to finish up. That is until I saw her at mile 25, where she was screaming at me to pick it up and finish strong. At that point, I almost threw my last Gu pack at her from across the road. Kidding. sort of. So a big thank you to her for keeping me going strong....
As for the crowds, they were unbelievable. The energy of the crowd was amazing, they were constantly cheering us all on, and there were literally thousands of spectators everywhere. I hope one day to do this again.
I read over and over about 'hitting the wall' around mile 22. It is what occurs when your body's carbohydrate store becomes essentially empty, and you are left with 4 or 5 miles to go and the honest desire to just fall flat on your face on the pavement and not move for three days. It hit me around mile 21, when the heat really starting get to me as well. My time slowed considerably, but I was able to push on through and finish the race. I came in under my goal time of 3 hours, 45 minutes, but the last 25% was quite a bit slower than I had been running.
The course was flat, much better than running here in the foothills of GA. This is a course that usually produces outstanding times for experienced pro runners. In fact, there were quite a few Olympic athletes running this race. Ideal race temp for one of these: 50 degrees. High last Sunday in Chicago: 84. Little toasty. And that made a huge difference towards the end of the race.
Best part of the whole thing was having my wife Summer there as well cheering me on. Here is a link to her site and the pics from the weekend. http://joshsummerandmaddux.blogspot.com/2008/10/marathon-man.html She had me prepared with plenty of Gu and energy packs and a great t-shirt she wore as well. Every time I passed her on the streets, I got a little more energy to finish up. That is until I saw her at mile 25, where she was screaming at me to pick it up and finish strong. At that point, I almost threw my last Gu pack at her from across the road. Kidding. sort of. So a big thank you to her for keeping me going strong....
As for the crowds, they were unbelievable. The energy of the crowd was amazing, they were constantly cheering us all on, and there were literally thousands of spectators everywhere. I hope one day to do this again.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Top 5 List
Ok, so anybody that reads this blog with any regularity (all two of you) should know my stance on the upcoming election. I don't see this as an election choice that I would prefer in my ideal world, even though I am ardently supporting John McCain in his bid for the White House. McCain's campaign rhetoric has left a lot to be desired by us in the conservative end of the Republican Party, but our choice is critical to the direction of this nation. I. like many of you, will be watching the debate tonight, and in honor of the occasion, I am laying out my top five reasons to oppose Barack Obama for Prez. And guess what, none of them have to do with race. Unbelievable isn't it, that I oppose him and don't care that he is black??? Its apparently an impossible feat, but I assure you I have accomplished it. And it is that argument that Obama supporters keep making that made me want to create this list: To legitimize my opposition and fear of his presidency, based on facts and logic, not emotion and hate.
5. Obama has done nothing to bring the coutry together and unite our divided parties. In his illustrious 143-day US Senate career, Barack Obama's voting record shows that he voted along party lines 97% of the time. And he accuses John McCain of being 90% with GW. Side note: GW doesn't vote in the Senate, but I digress. "Change we can believe in"??? That's not change, that is Washington as usual. Nothing about Obama seems any different that any other leftist idealogue serving (I using the term 'serving' very loosely here).
4. Foreign policy experience and knowledge. Obama requested from our Iraqi government to hold out on any troop withdrawal plans until after the election, presumably to get the credit for doing so. Despicable if you ask me. And he accuses our troops of atrocities and killing civilians, then says he would make a strong commander in chief? He scares the crap out of me in charge of the most important piece of our federal budget: the military.
3. Higher taxes on the rich does not stimulate the economy. Studies conducted over the past ten years have shown conclusively that our economy is best stimulated through business growth, not government growth. High-income earners create jobs, and job creation keeps things moving forward. The government does not create jobs, unless you count the thousands of desk jockeys that collect a federal paycheck to do nothing that effectively promotes economic growth.
2. Universal health care is not the answer. Our health care system is amiss, to be sure. But making all things health care under the care of our lovely federal government will lead to a catastrophic change in our system. I don't know about you, but I don't want to wait 5 months on an x-ray for a broken bone, or have to take certain medicine b/c that is what Congress says I have to take. Critical difference b/w the two candidates: McCain says health care is a responsibility of the citizen, Obama says it is a right. If it is a right, then the government has to back it and enforce it. Obama can say what he wants about choice of coverage, etc., but bottom line is that the gov't will enforce it and do with it as they see fit.
1. America is great because of its government, not its people. Or at least that is what Obama would have you think (Refer to earlier post about Obama's visit to Letterman). The US is great in spite of its government at this point. Our federal government needs to relinquish power back to the states and to the people, and only step in when absolutely necessary. Free market activity promotes competition, whether that be a furniture store choice or school choice with a voucher system. Survival of the fittest makes us all work harder and smarter, and that is exactly what this country needs right now.
If you want less choice in how to run your life, if you want to give more liberties away to our federal government, if you want more redistribution of your wealth given away to those who haven't earned it, if you want to lose any choice in which doctors you see, if you want our foreign enemies to be renewed in their sense of victory over us, if you want weakened sovereignty, then by all means, vote for Obama.
5. Obama has done nothing to bring the coutry together and unite our divided parties. In his illustrious 143-day US Senate career, Barack Obama's voting record shows that he voted along party lines 97% of the time. And he accuses John McCain of being 90% with GW. Side note: GW doesn't vote in the Senate, but I digress. "Change we can believe in"??? That's not change, that is Washington as usual. Nothing about Obama seems any different that any other leftist idealogue serving (I using the term 'serving' very loosely here).
4. Foreign policy experience and knowledge. Obama requested from our Iraqi government to hold out on any troop withdrawal plans until after the election, presumably to get the credit for doing so. Despicable if you ask me. And he accuses our troops of atrocities and killing civilians, then says he would make a strong commander in chief? He scares the crap out of me in charge of the most important piece of our federal budget: the military.
3. Higher taxes on the rich does not stimulate the economy. Studies conducted over the past ten years have shown conclusively that our economy is best stimulated through business growth, not government growth. High-income earners create jobs, and job creation keeps things moving forward. The government does not create jobs, unless you count the thousands of desk jockeys that collect a federal paycheck to do nothing that effectively promotes economic growth.
2. Universal health care is not the answer. Our health care system is amiss, to be sure. But making all things health care under the care of our lovely federal government will lead to a catastrophic change in our system. I don't know about you, but I don't want to wait 5 months on an x-ray for a broken bone, or have to take certain medicine b/c that is what Congress says I have to take. Critical difference b/w the two candidates: McCain says health care is a responsibility of the citizen, Obama says it is a right. If it is a right, then the government has to back it and enforce it. Obama can say what he wants about choice of coverage, etc., but bottom line is that the gov't will enforce it and do with it as they see fit.
1. America is great because of its government, not its people. Or at least that is what Obama would have you think (Refer to earlier post about Obama's visit to Letterman). The US is great in spite of its government at this point. Our federal government needs to relinquish power back to the states and to the people, and only step in when absolutely necessary. Free market activity promotes competition, whether that be a furniture store choice or school choice with a voucher system. Survival of the fittest makes us all work harder and smarter, and that is exactly what this country needs right now.
If you want less choice in how to run your life, if you want to give more liberties away to our federal government, if you want more redistribution of your wealth given away to those who haven't earned it, if you want to lose any choice in which doctors you see, if you want our foreign enemies to be renewed in their sense of victory over us, if you want weakened sovereignty, then by all means, vote for Obama.
Friday, September 26, 2008
If the shoe fits....
Foxnews.com today reported that two terrorists were arrested in Germany while on board a flight headed to the Netherlands. Apparently, the Netherlands is a prime target for Islamic terrorists, in part due to a film created by a Dutch lawmaker, Geert Wilders. According to the article, his film "Fitna", sets 'Koranic texts against a background of violent images, which the agency said "is considered a major insult and provocation" by terrorist groups'.
So, let me get this straight. Islamic terrorists don't like being depicted as religiously violent people, so to protest this, they commit terrorist acts against the nation that this author lives in. I may not be the smartest man in the world, but I can see that this may not be the way to show the world that Wilders is wrong. Just a thought. But then again, I am trying to provide logical thought process to people who obviously threw logic out the window a long time ago....
So, let me get this straight. Islamic terrorists don't like being depicted as religiously violent people, so to protest this, they commit terrorist acts against the nation that this author lives in. I may not be the smartest man in the world, but I can see that this may not be the way to show the world that Wilders is wrong. Just a thought. But then again, I am trying to provide logical thought process to people who obviously threw logic out the window a long time ago....
Thursday, September 25, 2008
A little ironic?? Don't ya think????
So, it was announced today that JP Morgan Chase is buying Washington Mutual Bank. WaMu is now known as the greatest bank failure in the history of the U.S. For those of you who don't watch as much tv as I do, this is the bank that in its own commercials makes fun of the all of the old school banks, constantly making fun of the old white guys in their stuffy three piece suits and how they don't care about the common man. WaMu attempted in these commercials to be the new alternative for all of us.
The reason for their failures? If you said bad mortgage debts, then you guessed correctly. They had amassed billions of dollars in failed mortgage loans, and this was their only way out. The reason that this is worth blogging about is that this institution prided itself in serving the people that probably (ok, definitely) did not need to be purchasing a home in the first place. Not to sound cold-blooded, but they asked for it. You loan billions of dollars to unqualified borrowers and the writing should have been on the wall from day one. While the Democrat-led Congress of the late 80's and early 90's pressured lenders to get more citizens into home ownership (pandering to the masses as per usual), they also created this crisis that we are facing today. I am amazed that WaMu and the rest of the financial institutions, with all of their bright minds and great ideas, did nothing but go after short term profits when they had to have known that this would be the end result.
But don't get me wrong, this is not only on the shoulders of the lenders and the idiots in power of our federal government. Borrowers have to be held accountable for their decisions, as it is their signatures on the closing docs and their butts on the line when they bought these homes they could not afford.
Jim Martin for Senate in GA??? Yeah right.
So I saw this commercial on tv last night for our state's Senate seat challenger, the venerable Jim Martin, who is a Democrat. And like all the rest of the socialists, he equates his competitor, a Republican, with 'George Bush economics'. (On an aside, that is a great label, b/c we all, supporters included, that that GDub isn't the sharpest tool in the shed). My beef with the ad is that it claims we are in a recession. Doesn't sound too wrong, does it?? That is only because we have had it beat into our heads by the liberals and the media (is that a redundancy) that we are in a recession. By definition, a recession is a period of two consecutive quarters of negative economic growth, or a negative GDP. Last time I checked, we have had ZERO quarters of negative growth. Not one. Not two. ZERO. Which means, by definition, that we are not in a recession. I know times suck right now. I lost my job and I have been looking for one for over two months with little luck. But just because things could be better does not mean we are in a recession or heading for a depression. Its word choice and blatant lies like this ad that only exacerbates the problem. So, of course I emailed Jim Martin's campaign, and gave them the truth, and all I got was a lousy canned response saying that Jim Martin cares what I think. What a load of crap. If he cared, then he should stop insulting my intelligence and speak the freaking truth instead of manipulating the voters to think that we are in the gutter and only the Dems can get us out.
The reason for their failures? If you said bad mortgage debts, then you guessed correctly. They had amassed billions of dollars in failed mortgage loans, and this was their only way out. The reason that this is worth blogging about is that this institution prided itself in serving the people that probably (ok, definitely) did not need to be purchasing a home in the first place. Not to sound cold-blooded, but they asked for it. You loan billions of dollars to unqualified borrowers and the writing should have been on the wall from day one. While the Democrat-led Congress of the late 80's and early 90's pressured lenders to get more citizens into home ownership (pandering to the masses as per usual), they also created this crisis that we are facing today. I am amazed that WaMu and the rest of the financial institutions, with all of their bright minds and great ideas, did nothing but go after short term profits when they had to have known that this would be the end result.
But don't get me wrong, this is not only on the shoulders of the lenders and the idiots in power of our federal government. Borrowers have to be held accountable for their decisions, as it is their signatures on the closing docs and their butts on the line when they bought these homes they could not afford.
Jim Martin for Senate in GA??? Yeah right.
So I saw this commercial on tv last night for our state's Senate seat challenger, the venerable Jim Martin, who is a Democrat. And like all the rest of the socialists, he equates his competitor, a Republican, with 'George Bush economics'. (On an aside, that is a great label, b/c we all, supporters included, that that GDub isn't the sharpest tool in the shed). My beef with the ad is that it claims we are in a recession. Doesn't sound too wrong, does it?? That is only because we have had it beat into our heads by the liberals and the media (is that a redundancy) that we are in a recession. By definition, a recession is a period of two consecutive quarters of negative economic growth, or a negative GDP. Last time I checked, we have had ZERO quarters of negative growth. Not one. Not two. ZERO. Which means, by definition, that we are not in a recession. I know times suck right now. I lost my job and I have been looking for one for over two months with little luck. But just because things could be better does not mean we are in a recession or heading for a depression. Its word choice and blatant lies like this ad that only exacerbates the problem. So, of course I emailed Jim Martin's campaign, and gave them the truth, and all I got was a lousy canned response saying that Jim Martin cares what I think. What a load of crap. If he cared, then he should stop insulting my intelligence and speak the freaking truth instead of manipulating the voters to think that we are in the gutter and only the Dems can get us out.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
A break from the rants
Wanted to post a couple of pics of my nephew AJ from our trip to the Georgia Tech game last Saturday. Minus the sunburns, I think he had a good time, and GT trounced Mississippi State 38-7, so all in all it was a good day.
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