Merry Christmas

Have a safe and wonderful Christmas holiday and a fantastic New Year. Great things are ahead when God is in it!

The Picken's Plan

OPEC to Cut Production

Robert Kiyosaki and Donald Trump say it best - when oil prices go up, wealth goes down and vice versa.

Just look what has happened over the past several years. Oil prices have steadily risen faster than our economy could cope and helped lead to our decline in wealth.

Our government has had years to deal with this problem (since Jimmy Carter in the late 1970's, so almost 30 years), and instead, they sit on their laurels just getting wealthy at our expense. And instead of coming up with answers and being leaders, they have decided to throw money at the problem makers which has increased our national debt so much that my children's children will be paying for this mess.

Enough is enough.

The Picken's Plan is a a great place to start when dealing with our oil dependency. Mark my words, OPEC is already trying to outmaneuver us. They are already looking at how they can buy out our alternative fuel sources so that when oil is no longer economically feasible they will not lose money.

We must act now!

The Picken's Plan puts us in the driver's seat. It is a simple plan to get our larger vehicles and many of our smaller vehicles on natural gas in order to put money back into our economy while we shift our attention to developing more alternative fuel sources such as wind power, solar power, and other viable and renewable sources of energy.

We have to stop giving foreign entities, who would rather have our nation fail than survive, our money! Iran wants our wealth not our help. Saudi Arabia wants our wealth not our survival. Venezuela's nut cased leader wants our demise regardless. Russia wants us to suffer so they can again regain superpower status.

We need to act now and start contacting President-elect Obama's transition team and energy moguls. They need to hear from us, and here is how you can get involved:

Tell a Friend

Become a District Leader or Join a Group in Your Area

Check out were your representatives and Senators stand and contact them

Thanks and let's get to work!

Congratulations Mr. Obama

So, the voice of America has chosen Senator Obama as the 44th President of the United States. Congratulations.

The next four years should be very interesting. I think President-elect Obama has shown he is a capable politician. In fact, I told my dad four years ago after hearing him speak at the Democrat Convention of 2004, that he would be our next president (I hate it when I am this right). I believe he has the potential of becoming a good president. Yet, by electing Mr. Obama and putting a super majority in the House and Senate, we may have to look forward to the following:

• An economy slowing to a crawl due to higher taxes (higher taxes are to blame for the progression of the Great Depression). When Samuel told the Israelites about the dangers of a king, he said, "He'll tax your harvests and vintage to support his extensive bureaucracy." 1 Sam 8:15 (MSG) I am not calling Mr. Obama a king - just making you aware of the dangers of a growing federal government
  
• A new form of welfare with money being given out like candy to those who should be earning a living - we will be rewarding laziness (socialized redistribution of wealth here we come). Maybe we should do a better job showing them how to pull their own weight?

"Our orders—backed up by the Master, Jesus—are to refuse to have anything to do with those among you who are lazy and refuse to work the way we taught you. Don't permit them to freeload on the rest. We showed you how to pull your weight when we were with you, so get on with it." 2 Thessalonians 3:6-7 (MSG)

• A return of the fairness doctrine - this is very dangerous because the government will tell us what it wants us to hear not allow us to have the freedom to choose - ever read 1984?
  
• Secret ballots for union elections are as good as gone - goodbye privacy. I feel very sorry for those who will be in unions. They will be bullied forever more because of the Democrats lust for power (and they say absolute power doesn't corrupt? Just wait!)
• Say goodbye to school choice and vouchers and to the freedom to raise your children by placing them in a school that you choose. The democrats are ready to indoctrinate the masses (again read 1984). I also fear for homeschooling
  
• Oh, don't forget universal health care. Of all proposals this one has the masses of the United States blinded. Now the government will not only dictate what you hear but also whether or not you will get seen by a doctor. Just look to the messes in Canada and France and other socialized medical care
• Churches will get slammed with new lawsuits once the federal government starts fooling with the "hate laws".
  

Did I miss anything? Probably. Is all the news so dire? Not really - Jesus is coming soon.

Do I agree with the Democrats on anything? Sure. In fact, I think these three areas would benefit us all:

• I believe we need to work out some way in providing better health care answers for those in our country who cannot afford it. We are a wealthy and strong nation. There is not any reason we cannot do this - but we should do it without the interference of the federal government. Look at the AMA proposal.
• I believe we need a more fair and better tax system. A system that will abolish the 16th Amendment and the IRS - Look at the FairTax
• I believe in getting away from our dependency on foreign oil and turning to better fuel sources (especially renewable energy) - see the Pickens Plan
  

I think my greatest hope is to see that the republican party wakes up or we see the rise of a new political party. Above all, we need to return to God.

If anything, right now we should begin praying for our newly elected government. Praying for peace and strength and wisdom. Praying for humility and love and kindness. Praying for God's will to be done.

I am very excited that a black man has been elected in the United States. I just wished he was Republican (maybe Michael Steele would consider running). May God Bless America.

I Voted, Did You?

As you head out to vote, remember what's at stake. Pray, seek the facts, and vote. Have a great election day!

Christian Voter Values Part 5

Tomorrow, we as a nation elect a new president. We can either place a Democrat in control of the top office or a Republican.

A Democrat gives the Democratic party complete control of the federal government.

A Republican may give a check against such power.

As Christians, we have to decide as to whether or not we get involved. I was just listening to some commentary online. They said the Christian conservatives do not make a difference at the polls.

Is that true? Do Christians vote values or just stay home? I hate to say it, but I think they are right. Christians tend to get their feelings hurt, stop looking at the whole picture, and sit at home - "to teach them a lesson."

If we really wanted to make the difference we say we want to make, we should stand behind a political party that stands for values. I think we need a third party that will draw those who are disappointed in the current two party system into a party that will at least deal with problems and provide answers.

But the whole idea of Christians participating is to get your voice heard. Our nations has problems with addictions (pornography and gambling), with sexual immorality (homosexuality and sex out of marriage), family issues (abortion, divorce, the definition of marriage), with education (reality versus relativism, liberal teaching, intelligent design), with Christian hate (prayer out of schools, Bible out of schools and the workplace, demonizing Christian worldview), and more.

Our nation also has a lot of other problems like the economy (we need the FairTax, we need less government), with immigration (illegals and not having a better immigration policy with our neighboring countries), with terrorism (we have to deal with oil - The Pickens Plan), and with numerous other future events such as the retirement of Supreme Court Justices.

To sit back and not be involved is a slap in the face to the country and a slap in the face to Christian values. I know we do not exactly have much to choose from but if you can't bring yourself to vote for either of the main party candidates at least throw your vote towards an alternative such as the Constitution Party. There are more than two people running for president.

Get informed and vote for values. I Vote Values - This is a great blueprint for your reading about the topics that need be addressed by our government.

Christian Voter Values Part 4

Christian Voter Values Part 3

Marriage and Family

When we talk about marriage and family many immediately think about three areas: abortion, the definition of marriage, and divorce.

Marriage should always be defined as a covenant between a man and a woman to live the rest of their lives together. Homosexuality should never cross into this realm. I understand that some people would even like to have civil unions between people, but to be honest, even that leans too much toward marriage.

Because our nation was founded on Judeo-Christian beliefs, we should honor a commitment to hold on to values that have carried this nation for so many years. To deny our heritage will quickly destroy the moral fibers that hold our nation together.

Abortion is a sin. I had never thought about the lengths people go to to save a nest of baby turtle eggs as compared to the growing infant within the womb of a woman. Why is that? Why do people so eagerly dismiss the destruction of a human soul over the death of a sea turtle or other animal? Humans are not animals even if they choose to act like one.

As for divorce, I am deeply concerned about the rate of divorce among those in and out of the church. 50% of all marriages fail in the United States. Christians should be really ashamed of their lack of concern about this. Here is a really good book that helps in this area "Love, Sex, and Lasting Relationships." Before I start a marriage seminar let me just say that we have created the wrong idea and image about marriage. Read the book it will help.

But those three areas are not the only areas we have to consider about marriage and family when dealing with public policy. What about abuse, drug addiction, sexual addictions and gambling. When Christians do not get involved in politics, they are inviting more and more damage to be done to marriage and family issues.

Just think what will happen if the Democratic party becomes fully entrenched in the Congress and the White House? They will not only pass legislation that would harm our moral integrity as a nation, but they will readily appoint judges who are activists and rule on thought and not on law. These activist judges will rule constantly against Christian beliefs.

Your voice will only be heard at the polls. Get informed and vote for values. I Vote Values - This is a great blueprint for your reading about the topics that need be addressed by our government.

Christian Voter Values Part 2

Education

I think one of the greatest dangers our educational system is facing comes from those who teach relativism.

Just so you understand what relativism is let me explain. According to the dictionary, relativism means any theory holding that criteria of judgment are relative, varying with individuals and their environments.

In other words, your truth is not the same as my truth. Your truth is good for you, and my truth is good for me.

You may think that sounds okay but that rules out absolute truth. They teach that absolute truth is not relevant nor acceptable. Of course their claim that absolute truth is not real is none other than absolute which totally destroys their argument but who wants to do that.

By teaching science through the eyes of relativism, people are no longer people with souls. They are animals evolving. By teaching history with relativism, facts are accepted but not required especially if the truth offends others. By teaching law with relativism, rules can be skirted and laws are not absolute especially if those laws are contrary to popular thought.

Relativism gives rise to evolution and denies the truths held by others (Christians) in intelligent design. Relativism gives rise to humanistic values (greater purpose is not found in God). When my high school went through its humanism in the classroom phase, I was told that I could not value God or the church or the Bible. Get real.

Humanism has been repackaged as relativism. This is why so many students are struggling with faith as they attend our government schools.

Relativism is not the only problem with education. Students are given the wrong message about sex - the acceptability of the homosexual practice or the acceptance of sex outside of marriage. I will deal with homosexuality in another post but will say this, I fully accept homosexuals. I love them and know they are very productive members of our society. However, I do not condone the act of homosexuality nor the ideals of that lifestyle.

As for sexual habits outside of marriage, let me tell you about the 1990s when a local high school began teaching the acceptance of condom use. A number of students started holding sex parties and syphilis cases rose dramatically. Like Henry Fonda said in "Mine, Yours, and Ours", you are not ready for sex until you are ready for marriage and kids and the entire responsibility that comes with it.

As Christians we should support various forms of education such as government schools, private schools, vouchers, and home schooling. In fact we should be asking for vouchers to be given to everyone equally - home schools included.

Another thing our education needs is a better commitment to families and students who strive for excellence by providing better incentives to achieving higher goals. Science and technology schools should be created with full tuition for students in high school who show an interest in these areas. Pay them a stipend for achievement if need be.

As Christians we should help support any programs or ministry that help lower income students. I know of a church in Atlanta that is trying to raise funds in order to create a business training program for students in high school. The kids will literally be given a business on the church property to run. What a fantastic idea.

I could go on and on, but I want to end with one thing. True wisdom comes from learning about the fear of God. There are a lot of intelligent people who walk around without any wisdom. The Bible needs to be put back into school.

If you are a Christian and you want to take part in the election, do so responsibly. Get the necessary information and vote.

I Vote Values - This is a great blueprint for your reading about the topics that need be addressed by our government.

Who Should Christians Vote For?

Here is a great message from Ed Young about who to vote for:


Politicked - Rock the Vote from Fellowship Church on Vimeo.

Senator Biden Can't Handle Tough Questions

The Obama Campaign has canceled any further interviews with this station until after the election. They just can't handle the truth, and they don't think you can either.

Christian Voter Values Part 1

The Presence of the Church in America

If there is anything Christians should be more aware of, then it is the way government is trying move Christians to the sidelines in all policy making.

Look at what happened when the "non-profit" status was introduced by President Johnson. The government by doing so, put handcuffs on how a ministry can be involved in politics. It intentionally took measures to keep the church out of politics. Look what has happened to our nations morality since.

Today, liberals are working feverishly to get Christians silenced in all public arenas - school, public meetings, prayer in legislative sessions, the ten commandments, etc.

Since the handcuffing of the church, America's moral values have plummeted. The very foundation of our country's justice system and of the laws we hold so dear was founded on Christian beliefs, and those beliefs are being thrown aside for a relativistic view.

But let put a question to you. Has the church added fuel to the fire of those who oppose Christian values in how we deal with politics? I do not want a nation that forces Christianity on its people. Accepting Christ as a personal Savior is a choice not a mandate.

However, as Christians we are mandated to stand up for principles and morality. We must ensure the protection of marriage, life, and liberty. Freedom was given birth through Christ and to walk away from Him is to walk away from that freedom.

Freedom comes with a price. It means sacrifice and patience. It means some peoples will not agree with each other but that is the beauty of our nation. Common people can have varying ideas and can present those ideas for others to reject or accept.

The church must rise up and vote not with ideals but with the truth. We must speak up about the dangers of sexual immorality, of improper social behaviors, of uneducated children, of mishandling our economy, and more.

So don't get discouraged. Get informed. Vote but do so with prayer and vigilance. Pay attention to what is being said not what is being presented. Listen to the truth because as we should believe, the truth sets us free.

Below is a link to a pdf from I Vote Values. I recommend reading it.

I Vote Values - This is a great blueprint for your reading about the topics that need be addressed by our government.

Liberals and the FairTax Part 3

The Democrats could win this election with a slam dunk by accepting in totality the FairTax. Here's why:

The FairTax provides for strengthening Social Security and Medicare because the incoming taxes will have be budgeted. This means no more borrowing from these funds.

The FairTax also helps to create a stronger economy which in turn helps business generate new jobs.

Look at the chart. Today we suffer from distressed mortgages. With the FairTax people get to keep their entire paycheck and get to choose how their money will be spent. That means those who are suffering from not being able to pay their mortgages would have more money in their pockets.

The government chose a stuck-up way to bail them out. They said they would rather spend billions in helping those who made the mess instead of directly putting money in the hands of the people.

This would be the greatest win for Democrats ever!

Did you also know that the FairTax untaxes education? That means that for every dollar spent on education - not one penny goes towards federal taxes. That allows more people to be able to afford better educations and get better jobs. It also means parents will get the opportunity to put more money towards their children's education.

So let me ask you, who better budgets your money - you or the government? The FairTax is the best option for those looking for a progressive tax. If you want to learn more, go to FairTax.org. Or see my previous posts Part One and Part Two

Max Lucado's Prayer For Our Nation

American Solutions 2008

Mr. Murtha Calls Western Pennsylvannia Racist

How does he face those he represents?

A Question Mr. Obama Needs to Answer

I have thought about the use of Ayers and Wright to describe the political character of Senator Obama. Yes, they are relevant. Yes, they do show as a negative on his political character.

I think the most relevant question, however, has to do with Mr. Obama's relationship with an organization that is at the root cause of our mortgage woes which have sunk our economy - ACORN.

I want to know why Mr. Obama supposedly gave $800,000 to this organization. I want to know what he thinks about an organization that does not police its subgroups. Remember, Acorn's voter fraud dealings are nationwide - this is not an "isolated" incident.

I want Mr. Obama to come out and attack this or any grouped that does not use public funds in a pure manner. I would love to see him ask for his money back so he can give it to an organization that really works for the benefit of a community.

In my opinion, Mr. Obama needs to answer these questions if we are to take him seriously on any issue. It goes right to how carelessly he may distribute the hard earned money he plans to take by force using the guise of the IRS so he can "redistribute the wealth".

I would also love to hear why his comment on redistribution of wealth comes so closely to that of the Marxist Communist view. But who will ask it?

How's This For Gun Control?

Or should I say control of a gun?

Liberals and the FairTax Part 2

Yesterday I touched upon how the FairTax is a great financial assistance program for the poor. For Democrats that is a big win with this tax renewal proposal.

Today, I want to add to something I hinted to yesterday - the FairTax taxes the rich more!

Just think, a consumption tax includes every thing that is consumable. The rich buy expensive products and will have to pay full taxes on them. They will not be able to use a tax loophole to get out of paying taxes, unlike how they are able to use tax loopholes to skirt out of income taxes.

If you want to get at the rich, this is a better way. Senator Obama's plan will do everything to slow down our economy including sending jobs overseas. Senator MCain's plan does not do enough to stir the job growth and stimulate corporations to bring the jobs back to the United States.

By taking the pseudo corporate taxes off the corporations (corporations do not pay taxes, they just pass them on to those who purchase their products), corporations will be more willing to bring the jobs home. By putting more money in the pockets of the poor and the middle class, they will be able to spend more and stimulate job growth through the growth gained by small businesses through spending.

Just look at these two quotes from the FairTax website:

• The FairTax is the only plan that targets and taxes existing wealth, not the fruits of labor. The FairTax will tax every dollar of accumulated wealth in the most efficient way possible when it is spent.
  

• The FairTax promotes the American Dream. The FairTax makes home ownership more affordable because used homes are totally untaxed, and three out of four homebuyers buy used homes.

As a Christian, I believe this tax plan falls more evenly into the Christin values and convictions I hold strongly to.

The word Democrat holds one ideal - that all of us are created equal. Shouldn't our tax code reflect that ideal?

Is Senator Barack Obama a Democrat, Socialist, Communist?

Democrat - American Heritage Dictionary

1. An advocate of democracy.
2. One who believes in social equality or discounts distinctions in rank.

Socialist - American Heritage Dictionary (socialism)

1. Any of various theories or systems of social organization in which the means of producing and distributing goods is owned collectively or by a centralized government that often plans and controls the economy.
2. The stage in Marxist-Leninist theory intermediate between capitalism and communism, in which collective ownership of the economy under the dictatorship of the proletariat has not yet been successfully achieved.

Communism - American Heritage Dictionary

1. A theoretical economic system characterized by the collective ownership of property and by the organization of labor for the common advantage of all members.
2. Communism
1. A system of government in which the state plans and controls the economy and a single, often authoritarian party holds power, claiming to make progress toward a higher social order in which all goods are equally shared by the people.
2. The Marxist-Leninist version of Communist doctrine that advocates the overthrow of capitalism by the revolution of the proletariat.

Liberals and the FairTax Part 1

I am going to use this week to urge Democrats and other liberals to take a serious look at the FairTax. With the current meltdown of the economy, the FairTax is a serious and viable tax replacement plan.

Today, I want to show you that the FairTax is a great financial assistance program for the poor.

First, by repealing the 16th Amendment and ridding ourselves of the IRS, we can for the first time in almost one hundred years take federal taxes off those who are poor.

Literally, everyone would receive their entire paycheck (no social security, medicare, or federal income tax deductions).

Second, everyone would receive a prebate at the beginning on the month to offset any sales taxes. The more you make the less you receive. The less you make the more you receive at the beginning of every month.

That means that not only do the poor not pay taxes, they also receive entitlements to help them pay for groceries, gas, and more.

Just think of the buying power that the poor will gain. They will not have to have those embarrassing food stamps. They will get money to help take care of their immediate needs. Low income households will receive 5 times the benefit of the higher income households.

This is the most progressive tax ever presented. Every Democrat should be jumping on this. Don't let your political hopefuls lie to you.

They are against this because they lose money from the Washington D.C. political machine that is working very hard to sway their vote.

Their argument is that the FairTax will have to be more to cover the costs. What they do not tell you is that they would be forced to cut spending. They do not want you to know that this tax would force them to work harder to keep spending under control.

What would spending control do for the U.S.?

The largest problem the U.S. dollar has right now is that the United States is in debt. Every time the Treasury prints more money it creates more inflation. The higher the inflation the more volatile the interest rates.

Spending controls force the government to balance the budget which reduces the amount of tax needed to run government. Don't let them deceive you. Vote for the FairTax by putting FairTax candidates in office.

Is There Hope?

I am not a prophet, but I can say that we are in the midst of a growing nightmare.

Why doesn't the President turn to God? Why not ask for a day of prayer? Why think that we can fix the problems all by our selves?

God left Israel to fend for themselves in the Old Testament after they had abandoned God. In fact, He said:

Thus says the Lord to this people: "Thus they have loved to wander; They have not restrained their feet. Therefore the Lord does not accept them; He will remember their iniquity now, And punish their sins." Then the Lord said to me, "Do not pray for this people, for their good. "When they fast, I will not hear their cry; and when they offer burnt offering and grain offering, I will not accept them. But I will consume them by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence." Jer 14:10-12 (NKJV)

God loves us too much to leave us completely but when we want to do things on our own, God loves us too much to restrict our free will.

Though I am not a prophet, I understand that real peace and hope come to nations who recognize God as their God. When we spend time trying to eliminate God from our national picture we are telling God, "Thanks but no thanks!" How dare we become so arrogant? What has happened to our humility?

We need God! We cannot continue this great experiment without Him.

There is hope. There can be peace. There is a revival in having faith.

Here's proof:

When you are in distress, and all these things come upon you in the latter days, when you turn to the Lord your God and obey His voice 31 (for the Lord your God is a merciful God), He will not forsake you nor destroy you, nor forget the covenant of your fathers which He swore to them. Deut 4:30-31 (NKJV)

Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you." Deut 31:6 (NKJV)

Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." 6 So we may boldly say: "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?"Heb 13:5-6 (NKJV)

The key is seen in the verse from Hebrews - "Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have."

Selfish ambitions brought us to this crisis. Humility and cake-eating will get us out. When we become content instead of going into debt trying make ourselves look good, we can then discover the faithfulness of God. We fear because we have uncertainty. God brings certainty.

For those who say God doesn't belong in our government, you are missing the point. Our government cannot survive without Him. He is our strength. He is our correction. He is our hope. He is our peace.

Paul said in Philippians, "I can do all things through Jesus Christ who strengthens me." We will make it through this just fine.

We do have to get ready for problems. However, if we work together, we will make it through. keep your heads up, because if God is for us, who can be against us?

Pickens Plan e-Rally

Listen real carefully around the 5 minute mark.



Foreign oil companies are looking to take the money we have spent in their oil and turn it around and buy up our green energy ideas. Do you always want to be in debt to them or are you ready to change?

This video will help you understand what's really happening with energy. Listen to the experts -- not the politicians. As Mr. Pickens says, "If they say this plan doesn't work, the ask them what their plan is. If they don't have one, then they do not have an answer."

Arm yourself with knowledge and demand an answer!

A Real Health Care Plan

If you haven't heard, there is a plan being presented by the American Medical Association (AMA). They have been placing ads throughout television. Visit www.voicefortheuninsured.org to see their proposal. You can also see a layout of their plan on this pdf - AMA Health Plan

My wife and I are having to change our health care plan again. It seems that our health care cronies have been swayed by two national companies. I am not complaining, because by God's grace we have an opportunity to receive health care coverage. Many people cannot.

So now we have to choose between the HRA (Health Reimbursement Account) which is a new kind of PPO, a HMO, or a standard PPO. There is one more which is a high deductible plan that also allows for an HSA. We are leaning towards the HRA.

The AMA plan brings my attention back to those who cannot afford or who do not understand how to get insurance (because it is so convoluted - my wife had me go to the insurance meeting because I understand it even though the insurance is offered through her employer). Last night both candidates had a chance to really step out and hit the nail on the head but I think both missed.

As Mike Huckabee has said this morning, we saw two Senators in the debate last night, not a president. A president has to come out and say this is where we are going, and then help lead the people that direction. Neither of the candidates have done this yet. Both are probably competent people but neither are connecting in a way that says - I am a presidential candidate.

While everyone is out stumping for their pick - I am waivering. I really want to vote for McCain because I do think much of Mr. Obama's plan could lead us into a more socialized form of government.

Why did Newt not run? Why were Republicans so adamant about supporting Mr. McCain over Mike Huckabee or even Mitt Romney? Mike Huckabee is a better communicator and I honestly believe he could have had a better showing in both debates.

Senator McCain needs to read his website and use the material there. His debate team needs to read his website and have a better compare and contrast / cause and effect sessions with him. I am glad for Rick Eddy, my Georgia history teacher in 8th grade, who used to make up tests with questions like "Compare and Contrast the Pros and Cons of the ....." or "Give the cause and effect of the ...." but I digress.

The debates have been a total failure, but that could be because the candidate negotiators for the debate are really tying the hands of the moderators (all so far lean liberal) with a bunch of stupid rules. Are they afraid that their candidate will actually be revealed?

Folks, don't worry about the market. It will recover. Keep your heads held high and help one another. Let's be Americans! Pay off your consumer debt and stop creating more. And that's my soapbox for today.

Mr. McCain Needs to Support The FairTax

Yesterday the DOW had an 800 point drop before recovering. That is pretty significant.

Just think, the government came to the rescue with an $800 Billion rescue plan that hasn't taken place yet nor will it for several months. Then Congress called it quits and went home so fast that the effect left a vacuum in Washington with peoples' ears still popping from the void left behind.

Now Sec. Paulsen is left with hiring former buddies to begin the long drawn out process to help correct the mess made by people who were greedy and others who just could not keep their hands to themselves.

Yesterday's drop proved that government help takes too long, but should we be surprised? Look how long it takes our government to get its act together (unless it is an election year and they only have less than a month to go home and reclaim their seats).

In fact I watched a report this weekend produced by FOXNews which vetted out the causes of the economic downturn. One of the facts I found interesting was that economists are revisiting the history of the Great Depression and many have come to the conclusion that government actions actually caused the Depression to last far beyond what it should have lasted.

As soon as I can find the video online, I will post it.

But my point is that when government gets overly involved, the economy becomes more constrictive. We need a better plan to loosen the economy not restricting it.

This is why Mr. McCain needs to become more radical and support the FairTax. Here is what Neal Boortz had to say today:

I got an email from my publisher yesterday asking if I had been giving the two FairTax books a big push. It seems that sales of The FairTax Book and FairTax, the Truth have been spiking. Well .. it wasn't me, so I guess something else is going on out there.

That call and the spike in sales of the FairTax books does give me the opportunity to remind you that there is no better job creation took out there right new than the FairTax. With implementation of the FairTax several things happen:

1. Business begin operating in the U.S. with no tax component on capitol or labor. This means that businesses who have been sending their jobs overseas will immediately start bringing them back home. Those jobs left to find a more favorable tax climate. What more favorable tax climate could there be than a no-tax climate?
2. Foreign government start screaming bloody murder because their corporations start shipping their jobs here to the U.S. Again, the no-tax climate would be the draw.
3. Trillions of dollars that Americans have sent overseas to work in lower tax countries start coming home as well. These dollars will fuel the greatest explosion in the American economy – and that means more jobs – in history.
4. You have to hide under you bed to avoid employment.

SNL Bailout Skit

The 2008 Pork Filled Rescue from the Senate

You have to love to hate their ability to make us angry. The Senate passed a huge tax break package with the bailout.

Here is a good blog for seeing the tax breaks in the bill: Hot Air

New Tax earmarks in Bailout bill
- Film and Television Productions (Sec. 502)
- Wooden Arrows designed for use by children (Sec. 503)
- 6 page package of earmarks for litigants in the 1989 Exxon Valdez incident, Alaska (Sec. 504)

Tax earmark “extenders” in the bailout bill.
- Virgin Island and Puerto Rican Rum (Section 308)
- American Samoa (Sec. 309)
- Mine Rescue Teams (Sec. 310)
- Mine Safety Equipment (Sec. 311)
- Domestic Production Activities in Puerto Rico (Sec. 312)
- Indian Tribes (Sec. 314, 315)
- Railroads (Sec. 316)
- Auto Racing Tracks (317)
- District of Columbia (Sec. 322)
- Wool Research (Sec. 325)

The American Public didn't like the $700 billion, so the Senate thought we would rather have $850 Billion instead?

The FairTax Needed Now

Let's get the FairTax back on the table. This is the best possible solution to free up cash in the pockets in the common man. With the FairTax we each get to choose how we want to be taxed. With the FairTax we each could collectively stop paying taxes legally as a means of protest..

The FairTax plan is a comprehensive proposal that replaces all federal income and payroll based taxes with an integrated approach including:

• A progressive national retail sales tax.
• A prebate to ensure no American pays federal taxes on spending up to the poverty level.
• Dollar-for-dollar federal revenue neutrality.
• Repeal of the 16th Amendment through companion legislation.

Now is the time to stand up and get real change.

• No to Bailout, and yes to the Common Sense Plan or the Gingrich Idea
• Change taxation policies - Lower taxes, help the lower income families, and get our jobs back with the FairTax

That's my continued soapbox.

The Troubled Economic Bailout or Rescue

Here's the problem. I was listening to Senator Lamar Alexander this morning and he repeats what everyone in Congress seems to be repeating: People can't get this loan or that loan or pay that bill or this bill.

Example 1: The Car Loan

The Congress says people cannot get car loans. What kind of car loan are they trying to get? Are they not trying to save up a down payment? Do they need the more expensive vehicle? Why can't they get a used car? Why not buy a KIA over a Luxury car?

Example 2: The Student Loan

They say parent's cannot get student loans for their kids. I do not know about you, but I paid cash for my education. I did a really weird thing called - get a job and pay for it.

Example 3: the Home Loan

They say that people cannot get a home loan. How much does that home cost? Why can't they try for a smaller, more affordable home? Why not set aside money for about ten to fifteen years for a strong down payment? I understand every situation is different, and then again, some people cannot afford a home.


Here are the questions I cannot get answered (I am emailing numerous people):

1. How much is this bailout going to really cost us? We have already paid out $600 Billion.
2. What is this going to do to the value of the dollar?
3. If our country is in debt, then where is this money going to come from? International loans?
4. Why is this the only way?

So if you have the answers, I would love to hear from you. Leave a comment and let's talk about it.

The Common Sense Plan

Here is Dave Ramsey's Common Sense Plan to help aid our economy:

The Common Sense Fix

Years of bad decisions and stupid mistakes have created an economic nightmare in this country,
but $700 billion in new debt is not the answer. As a tax-paying American citizen, I will not support any congressperson who votes to implement such a policy. Instead, I submit the following threestep:

Common Sense Plan

I. INSURANCE

a. Insure the subprime bonds/mortgages with an underlying FHA-type insurance.
Government-insured and backed loans would have an instant market all over the
world, creating immediate and needed liquidity.

b. In order for a company to accept the government-backed insurance, they must do two
things:

1. Rewrite any mortgage that is more than three months delinquent to a 6% fixed-rate mortgage.
a. Roll all back payments with no late fees or legal costs into the balance. This brings homeowners current and allows them a chance to keep their homes.
b. Cancel all prepayment penalties to encourage refinancing or the sale of the property to pay off the bad loan. In the event of foreclosure or short sale, the borrower will not be held liable
for any deficit balance. FHA does this now, and that encourages mortgage companies to go the extra mile while working with the borrower—again limiting foreclosures and ruined lives.
2. Cancel ALL golden parachutes of EXISTING and FUTURE CEOs and executive team members as long as the company holds these government-insured bonds/mortgages. This keeps underperforming executives from being paid when they don’t do their jobs.

c. This backstop will cost less than $50 billion—a small fraction of the current proposal.

II. MARK TO MARKET

a. Remove mark to market accounting rules for two years on only subprime Tier III bonds/mortgages. This keeps companies from being forced to artificially mark down bonds/mortgages below the value of the underlying mortgages and real estate.

b. This move creates patience in the market and has an immediate stabilizing effect on failing and ailing banks—and it costs the taxpayer nothing.

III. CAPITAL GAINS TAX

a. Remove the capital gains tax completely. Investors will flood the real estate and stock
market in search of tax-free profits, creating tremendous—and immediate—liquidity in
the markets. Again, this costs the taxpayer nothing.

b. This move will be seen as a lightning rod politically because many will say it is helping
the rich. The truth is the rich will benefit, but it will be their money that stimulates the
economy. This will enable all Americans to have more stable jobs and retirement
investments that go up instead of down.

This is not a time for envy, and it’s not a time for politics. It’s time for all of us, as Americans, to
stand up, speak out, and fix this mess.

What Caused The Economic Problem?

Watch This:

Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008

109 pages of information. That is what is being presented for signing. From a six page original document to 109 pages.

$700 Billion to bailout, oops - I mean Stabilize, the economy. For a government that is in debt, where did the money come from? Are they making up money as it goes? What will this do to value of the dollar? I have seen the summaries and legislative proposal. Neither explain enough for me to support this.

So I am hereby announcing that I am running for President. I am even starting my own party - The Commoners. The Commoners is for the common man. You see, our government was created on the belief that the common man can rule himself. This great experiment is no longer an experiment. After 230 years of rule, I would say the United States has withstood plenty of turmoil that would have destroyed any other country. Ours is a special country.

The Commoners is a party that believes that the common man can come up with good ideas that will help expand our ability to remain a great nation. It believes that God is central to all understanding of justice. It believes that truth and honesty are the key to keeping a new form of elitism from dominating our lives - the very lives we have the ability to control.

As for a party platform, I think it should have seven common ideals:

1. The FairTax is essential to stabilizing our ability to compete with a global market especially with the rising prowess of China and India. Paying off the national debt is must to shore up the dollar and our ability to remain an economic powerhouse.
   
2. Education is key to moving our nation forward. Science and technology are the current trends of the future and should be rewarded at the local level for those schools that can raise new innovative leaders in these areas. Vouchers are a must and federal standards are the most the U.S. government needs to provide the common man. Education must be controlled at the local level. Financial Education in the high school level is a must and students will have to pass such classes to graduate.
   
3. Healthcare is a must for our nation. The Commoners oppose any legislation that nationalizes healthcare. We have the greatest healthcare in the world. What we need is better communication between the medical fields through more enhanced technology. We need to clean up Medicare and look into provided incentives to industries that are able to provide healthcare to those in need. We need to stimulate plans that help the poor to save money with tax free investments that they can use for education, health care, or other immediate needs. We do this by creating a supplement for low cost insurance for those who make a under certain amount per year. Pornography is a detriment to our society and destroys individuals as well as families, and should be banned. Marriage as seen by the Commoners is between a man and a woman. Abortion is wrong and should be opposed by all. But marriage and abortion, though vital to our identity, should be fought at the state level.
4. Social Security is a problem today. It must be dealt with immediately. The FairTax will help to better secure the finances needed to care for our aging citizens but the finances needed for the future must be secured through encouraged investments and savings at the individual level. People must be taught how to save and invest if we are ever to see Social Security replaced.
5. Energy and the environment are vital to our survival. The Commoners support the Pickens Plan to help provide better security and better energy management for our nation. This environment is our only environment. Though we oppose government taking the land of people, we must provide for more recycling and better treatment of our natural resources.
6. National defense must remain a primary work of the federal government. Immigration enforcement is part of this security and must be the primary goal of this Party. The war against terrorism must continue, and the message of freedom must be made known throughout the world.
7. God is central to governing. The push to rid America of the true God of the Bible must end. Our principles and beliefs all stem from the Bible. Respect for all religious beliefs must be maintained but moral integrity should arise from our Christian heritage.

As time goes on, new issues will be addressed. These however are the seven primary issues that are driving this election. Anyway, those are my musing. Maybe this will catch on in time to get elected. Someone has to stand for something.

As for those I would ask to help govern:

• Vice-President - Newt Gingrich
• White House Chief of Staff - my uncle
• Secretary of State - Karen Handel
  
• Secretary of Defense - I would ask Mr. Gates to remain

As for the others, time would reveal my picks for those positions. What do you think?

Say No to the Bailout

To get to the point, I hope Congress does not act on the 700 Billion Dollar bailout. Instead, I would rather they change the mark-to-market accounting law and to extend insurance but extend no loans.

To get more details and to contact your representatives and the Finance committee check this out: How We Can Clean Up a Lot of the Economic Problems

The Deal, Boss, The Deal

So Democrats are coming out and screaming about the deal they had on the table until John McCain (who didn't speak the first 40 minutes during the round table) railroaded the debate.

As I watched the news yesterday, the Democrats did not have a deal until after McCain announced he was on the way to Washington D.C.

THEY DID NOT HAVE DEAL! They are playing politics just like everyone else. Do not listen to the rhetoric. They are blaming Mr. McCain now because they can't come up with any real plan.

My Question

My question about this plan or bailout or investment or whatever they are calling it today, how long before the same bad behaviors cause us to have to bailout the banking system again?

I heard Republicans say that people need to be able to borrow to send their kids to school. They need to borrow in order to pay employees.

1. If you borrow to send your kids to school you are already teaching them how to lose in life! You are teaching them that borrowing is the best solution - but teaching them how to create debt is exactly why we are in this situation. Kids need to be taught how to make money and how to use that to create more opportunity.
2. If you are borrowing just to pay your payroll - you do not have a business. You are failing!

The reason people are having trouble paying for a home is because the home is too much to afford. The reason car makers are having such a hard time is that there are a lot of good used cars that are being bought and sold. The reason gas is so expensive is because we do not know how to conserve (we all believe it is there just for me and nobody else deserves it as much I do).

Maybe not everyone, but it is getting close.

Are you having a hard time paying your bills - drop something. Drop your landline phone service. Drop your internet service. Drop your cell phone company. Drop your cable or satellite service. Make the cuts necessary to keep going.

Some gurus say they refuse to live below themselves (Kiyosaki and Trump). Fine. Good for them - you are not them. That does not mean you cannot rebuild and grow again to what you are used to having. Right now you have to do the right thing instead of trying to look right.

Proverbs 24:3,4 says:

A house is built by wisdom and becomes strong through good sense. Through knowledge its rooms are filled with all sorts of precious riches and valuables. (NLT)

I am listening to all these people who say "so and so will get paid if such and such can get money through a loan". Let me say it more clearly. If you have to take out a loan to do something - you cannot afford it! If you cannot pay cash for something and whip out that credit card - you are creating more problems!

This is probably too logical. I understand it is also a simplistic answer but that is all we are getting from those with the microphones.

People keep saying that the government should have acted sooner. Let me ask this - when did we need government to step in? What happened to personal responsibility?

That verse says a house becomes strong through good sense. Our government has proven that it doesn't act with good sense a lot of the time - it wasn't created to do so. We are to act with good sense. If you gamble with your money and you lose, you lose. That is why it is called a gamble.

A house is built with wisdom. True wisdom comes from understanding the will of God. The more we lose contact with God, the further away from true wisdom we are found.

Let's stop gambling and start acting with good sense. Only then will our nation grow stronger.

The Strategy Room

I have been watching The Fox News Strategy Room, a streaming news commentary only found on the internet. It is great - no commercials and people get to finish their thoughts. It is also fair and balanced! Both sides of the story are represented.

Here is the link and they do answer your questions and comments! The Strategy Room

As to the economic crisis, I think the slower approach is better. These companies made their own beds and through greed created an inevitable crisis. Bailing out people who bought homes they could not afford is even worse. The government wants to take more control which I fear above all because they are taking us down a slippery slope towards communism or socialism.

Our country may lose some through this. Haven't we lost before? Haven't we had the resilience to overcome problems? Haven't leaders emerged when we needed them?

Instead of placing blame, why not begin to pray to a loving God, and then let's answer the problems. Let the candidates stop being vague and put real answers before the people. Then let's vote on the path most likely to help us. If the Democrats win, then we go their way. When they fail then we fix it (just kidding). If the Republicans win, then let's go their way. If a third party emerges, then let's get on board and be a nation that stands together.

Division will cause this nation to split apart. It happened before in the 1800's - remember the Civil War. I know we are not headed down that path but you get the picture. Let's stop trying to be right and start doing the right things. If there are real and legitimate question, then let's vet them out.

But of all things, let's put answers out there and vote! That's what a Republic does. Our republic is suffering from an identity crisis. Let's stop, think, and do the right thing.

We Need Real Leadership

Venezuela's president, the super mouth from the south, has decided to have "military" maneuvers as a show of strength against the U.S. The Russian mafia government as a means of throwing a tantrum has decided to refresh its alliances in Latin America (or at least with those countries that want something to do with them).

Of course, the reason for these maneuvers are to test new toys that Venezuela is getting ready to purchase. Russia has signed a contract to provide a bunch of new weaponry, and they are also looking to broker a deal to create an energy alliance. Russia is moving to provide Venezuela with a refinery so Venezuela can refine its own fuel. This is what interest me the most.

Venezuela is the ninth largest oil producer in the world and provides the U.S. with a large portion of our oil supplies. The alliance with Russia seems to be a move in which Russia can use to manipulate us. Russia's tantrum has all the earmarks of the old Cold War posturing.

Russia is trying to flex a muscle it hasn't used in twenty years. If we do not wake up soon we will have a huge problem on our hands. Venezuela with this new alliance will not have to sell oil to us.

We need to invest in our own renewable sources and until we can get to that point we must find new sources for oil. Drilling fifty miles off the coast is not going to help us. We need to drill where the oil is.

Picken's plan looks better and better. At least it gives us a direction. Right now our politicians are lost in a fog. I would love to see someone stand up and take a firm position.

JFK was loved by most not because he was a perfect president. He was loved because he had vision and direction. He said we should put someone on the moon, and we did. He took a bold move in standing up to the Russian move to put nukes in Cuba, and Russia backed down.

Lincoln is loved not because he was president but because he believed in abolishing slavery (unpopular as it was), and he stuck to his guns. There was a Civil War and his ideas won in the end.

Our new aged politicians are too busy trying to become movie stars and popular icons. They are afraid to take a position and go for it. I would love to see one of the candidates come out with one strong idea on each of the major topics and run on those ideas. Lay out their plans and let us decide which plan we like.

All I hear are wishes and hopes of the candidates. I have written about this numerous times but with Russia becoming a pain, Iran blowing everyone off, and North Korea pulling the shades down low, we do not have the luxury of getting this wrong.

• Drill Here, Drill Now - and Pay Less. Then invest heavily in renewable energy.
• Adopt the FairTax and bring our corporations and jobs home
• Vouchers all the way for school (any school), set federal standards, and let competition meet those goals
• Go back to pre-Clinton banking rules to regulate the banking and stocks systems in a healthy way to help stem off greedy and underhanded trading that leaves us vulnerable
• PAY OFF OUR NATIONAL DEBT
• Actually implement our immigration policies
• Take care of our environment (it is not about global warming; it's about being faithful stewards of what God has entrusted us with)
• And most importantly, let God be God in America again

Was that so hard? It would easily take four years just to get these eight points taken care of. Maybe then we could get away from personal attacks and get back to really debating each other's ideas.

The Medal of Honor

I just watched a report online about a young Marine sergeant who after being shot grasped a grenade that been thrown amongst his peers and smothered it which ensured his death.

He was awarded the Navy Cross, not the Medal of Honor. Why? Supposedly the military says he was dead from being shot and he had a reflex that raked the grenade under him. Say what? I have seen such reflexes in bugs I have killed, but never heard of them in humans.

Besides, how does someone's death reflex just happen to coral a grenade and save the lives of those around him?

Before I get too judgmental, I do not know all of the facts. But if the Marines that were with him believe that what he did was a conscious effort to save their lives by giving his, I would have to go with those who were there.

Again, I do not know how many interviews were done about the subject or how things unfolded. All I know is that a young Marine did his job. Having spent six years as a military policeman, I will say job well done, Sgt. Rafael Peralta.

Let's not forget our soldiers. They are still in harm's way, and as we can see from the vicious attack on our embassy in Yemen, the danger is still real.

I'm a Patriot, He's a Patriot, Wouldn't You Like To Be One Too?

So Joesph Biden thinks we are being unpatriotic if we do not like to pay more taxes?

He has gone off the deep end. How about this Senator - CUT SPENDING!

If I stop making money, I have to cut spending. The government should also. If the money is not there, it needs to CUT SPENDING! Our forefathers are turning over in their graves.

How much louder can I say it? Of course, I wish I was one of the wealthier so this had more meaning. But get real.

Neither raising taxes nor cutting taxes is going to help our economy recover any faster. The first step is for the federal government to take the baby steps necessary to cut spending. But then their power will recede and the government may become for the people and by the people again. I don't think Congress could part with their pocket padding.

If Mr. McCain would like to help Americans recover, he needs to get on board with true tax reform and cutting federal spending. Committees are the first place to put things you want to die. Don't believe me? Ever been a part of a church committee?

Senator Biden might see his leashed pulled back in after this one.

The Economy Tanks, Now What

Okay, so the economy hasn't completely tanked. There are a lot of good things still happening. Maybe we will get back onto topic because of it.

There are some things that need urgent attention. One for example is the Red Cross needs donations. They are dealing with thousands of people needing support on the Gulf coast in Texas and still in Louisiana.

Why would I say give when people are unsure about tomorrow? None of us are guaranteed tomorrow. We are guaranteed right now. Right now is a great time to pass along help to those in need.

The Bible says:

Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you." Luke 6:38 (NKJV)

It also says:

Do not say to your neighbor, "Go, and come back, And tomorrow I will give it," When you have it with you.Prov 3:28 (NKJV)

Giving is a command of God. It is the one sure way of testing our resolve. We will either become greedy in times like these or we will be gracious in how God blesses us. True character is shown in tough times.

The Red Cross is not the only way to give. Another place I like to support is Operation Compassion.

But why give?

Only through giving do we take the time to reflect on what we have and how we can make a difference even with little.

Through reflection we can also get a better handle on our own budget.

Every budget should consist of giving, saving, and spending. Giving reminds you that you have an important role to play in this life. There are greater tragedies than our own.

Saving is a way to protect yourself in times like now. Dave Ramsey suggests having a $1000 in savings for emergencies. Then pay off all consumer debt. Another thing to do is have 3 to 6 months in budget savings. See Dave's Baby Steps here.

Spending comes regardless of what we do. You have to decide how important things are to you. Where can you cut back? Don't worry about not supporting the economy. Worry about supporting you or your family by the financial decisions you are making right now.

The federal government

The federal government will have to take care of its own mess. We have all those smart people we elected and they are pretty confused about how overspending effects the economy. Maybe one day they will realize that our country is in debt and needs to get out of it.

Besides, Congress has more important issues to deal with - Check it out: Congress Celebrates Boooze

For now, get yourself in step and take care of yourself.

He Said, She Said, They Said, So I Say

Lehman Brothers has filed for bankruptcy, and did so on a good day. It has given everyone time to swallow the futures. Bank of America continues to grow with the announcement of their buying out Merrill Lynch. Gas falls due to demand. Russia is still defiant. North Korea is ruled by who? Venezuela is thumbing its nose. Did I miss anything?

All the while our candidates for the presidency are lost. I mean really lost. The Democrats are so lost that they have forgotten who their opponent is. The Republicans have become so lost that they are missing opportunity after opportunity to stay on topic.

He said this. She said that. They did this, so we will do that. Everyone says we will avoid typical politics but that has already been proven untrue.

The Democrats are so far off topic that they attacked John McCain's inability to email. Why can't he use email? It couldn't be that his injuries suffered in Hanoi causes extreme pain when he attempts to use a keyboard could it? Stupid politics calling for uncalled cheap shots at Mr. McCain's disabilities.

Gov. Palin is in the headlights. Charlie Gibson and his pro-democrat editors proved that with their negative use of Gibson's interview (I so impressed with their ability to stay objective!). See the differences in Gibson's interview with Obama and Palin here.

And the Republicans: Some of their ads are not exactly truthful. I have been very disappointed with the Republican ads. They are missing too many opportunities to keep their arguments before the people. They even admit to taking a new hard lined approach to this campaign.

To be honest, both campaigns have become boring. Our national history is plagued with negative campaigning. But there are differences.

In the past politicians made a person look bad for certain policies they supported. Today, politicians attack because of what clothing someone wears or how one's nose looks. Politics have moved from attacking policies to personal attacks.

He said. She said. They said. Boring. Give me the old days. Let's get back to economics, taxes (Go FairTax), terrorism, education, and the such. Maybe then people will start paying real attention.

What this adds up to, then, is this: no more lies, no more pretense. Tell your neighbor the truth. In Christ's body we're all connected to each other, after all. When you lie to others, you end up lying to yourself. Ephesians 4:25 (MSG)

Remembering 7 Years Later

7 years ago, our nation suffered a loss not seen since Pearl Harbor. We were attacked by cowards on our own soil. We had opened our borders in love and compassion and received a blow to the head.

Why? Because the Islamic Hardliners do not want a military base in a Muslim nation.

Today's post is dedicated to those who have lost their lives and those who are fighting on foreign soil to bring to justice those who would have us destroyed.

Never Forget - Don't let history repeat itself!

What About Arlington?

The Hand That Holds the Cards

I have spoken a little about how our country used to be a place for other governments to come and ask for loans. Now, our country is a debtor nation. Our national debt reflects our bad judgement at all levels.

Our leaders' refusal to balance the budget and pay off our debt is reflected in our personal and our business debts. Consumer debt is destroying lives everyday.

The problem with our national debt is that it drives down the value of the dollar. The dollar is backed by our word and those who back our loans.

If for any reason our loan agents from the Middle East or in China decide they want us to pay up, we lose. The dollar will crash.

To the point...

I wonder how much our President and certain members of Congress are telling us. Are those who are loaning us these ridiculous loans holding a knife at our national throat? I can almost bet that is why we are so gentle with some nations such as China and Saudi Arabia.

I am not saying China and Saudi Arabia are great threats. We do not have much leverage when it comes to their social injustices though.

My fear is that those who hold the loans may be able to manipulate certain foreign policies.

The answer...

I believe we have to pay off our debts. We need a debt "snowball" as Dave Ramsey frequently speaks about on his radio and television show. This is one sure way of solidifying the dollar - not the only means but at least we will not be held captive to debt.

Congress has to know we are serious about this.

Proverbs 22:7 says - "Just as the rich rules over the poor so the borrower is servant to the lender."

I haven't taken an economics class in 15 years but I am sure that verse is correct about each of us. I personally cannot ask those who represent me to be good stewards of our nation if I myself cannot control my own spending and keep out of consumer debt.

So I challenge you, take the snowball challenge and start paying off your debts. Your retirement will thank you for it. Then you will have leverage with those who make our money decisions in government.

I am four months away from paying off everything but my home. It feels really good to have control of my money again and it is not controlling me.

Our nation can have this same feeling if we can get in control of our personal debt and cut spending. So how about it?

Sen Obama Can Lower Taxes

Here is how it works:

1. President Obama, with a Democratically dominated Congress will raise taxes on the top 5%.
2. The top 5% will in turn cut jobs and stop creating new positions.
3. Those who lose their jobs or those who cannot find a job will have lower taxes.
4. Why? They will not have any money to pay taxes with.

Yes, Senator Obama is ready to lower taxes and you can get a free pass to the welfare state he is wanting to create with his plan. Welcome to the United States of Socialism, if Mr. Obama is elected.

It is not too late to start demanding the FairTax or at least getting involved with electing Mr. McCain.

www.FairTax.org

www.John McCain.com

Palin Hit a Homerun

I was able to watch Gov. Palin's speech last night. John McCain doesn't have to do much after that warm-up.

The sickening attacks by the Democratic Party have rejuvenated a lot of disenfranchised voters to vote for Republicans. I have seen numerous blogs to this point.

One attack has been for the attempted firing of a state trooper who was married to Palin's sister. The democrats would have you think that it was due to his divorcing the sister. Well maybe they should get their facts straight - here is an article from someone in Alaska about the problem: Cynical Alaskan

The attacks will get worse and the Democrats are looking for anything to grasp so they can destroy a woman - even using her children. Do people really want a party that has so much hatred in control of our government?

Senator Biden is so focused on bringing criminal charges against President Bush that he has lost sight of the future and the issues. Isn't the Congress supposed be controlled by the Democrats? If they refuse to bring charges, why would Biden? Because the Democrats do not have answers to issues. They are just trying to get votes.

Senator McCain Announces...

Governor Sarah Palin!

An excellent choice from the eyes of conservatives. One reason being because she is a she. Another because she is young.

The problem that will be brought up is that he did it only because she is a she. Of course those who say this will only be saying it because they are angry that their candidate choose differently.

I think Gov. Palin will be a great asset to the McCain campaign. She is the first woman since Geraldine Ferraro to be nominated to a vice-presidential role.

You cannot see it but I am smiling. As I have said, this will be a fun election. The problem is that through the fun many are missing the seriousness of the decision that has to be made in November, and that decision has to be made in two months.

I think the stakes are too high and I am still unsatisfied with the same talking points from Democrats and Republicans. I really would like to hear three or four true changes from our two candidates. Something that will help them standout. Something like:

• "Bye, Bye IRS and hello FairTax"
• "Bye, Bye NEA (National Educational Administration), hello vouchers"
  
• How about, "Let's hear it for the Picken's Plan"
• or maybe, "Let's cut federal spending and really strengthen the dollar!"

I just am not hearing that. I do not hear how they are going to fix social security or medicare or immigration. We are on a downhill slope headed towards a brick wall, and no one wants to stand out and push the brake. The unfortunate thing about answers is that someone always resists change.

Their problem is they need to read Visioneering: God's Blueprint for Developing and Maintaining Vision by Andy Stanley. At least it would be a start.

The Congress Does What?

President Bush has a 30% approval rating. That is definitely a failing grade, but I am not here to break that down. I want to show another number that does not get enough press - the approval rating of the Democratically led Congress. It is only 17%!

That means that 8 out of every 10 people disapprove of the Nancy Pelosi legislature. If people really want change, shouldn't that change take place in Congress? Is leaving the current crew of 435 in office a smart idea? Will their approval grow just because they are given another two or more years?

Real change will not come from the money-hungry, power-centered leaders of Congress. Congress needs to change. We need leaders in Congress who can cut spending, stop taking holidays when the U.S. needs them, and can come to terms on changing our tax system.

• As long as our government over-spends and refuses to cut spending and then prints more money, our dollar and buying power will decrease. Our economy will continue to suffer (no matter how many times a president says it is strong).

• As long as our economy is suffering. we will have difficult times when oil prices increase. As Kiyosaki so keenly says, "As oil prices go up, wealth goes down." Start with drill here and drill now, add Picken's plan to the mix, and start making changes.

• As long as our tax system is as convoluted as it is, corporations will continue to move out of country taking valuable jobs with them.

If you want to make a real difference this election period, vote for Congressional change.

The Fun of Campaigning Begins

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Senator Obama Chooses...

It is down to the final hours for Senator Obama. He has made his choice and for some reason he has to drag it out. Why? It keeps his name in the media.

This is one of the most brilliant marketing ploys I have seen. I am watching Fox News as I type and 90% of the coverage is about Obama. Larry King is also covering Obama.

Everyone is talking about this announcement. Talk about viral marketing (oops that's for my other blog).

The consensus is that he has chosen Senator Biden, an accomplished and experienced Senator. This does a couple of things in my opinion:

• It gives Senator Obama experience on the ticket
• It gives him an attack dog (respectfully)

Senator Biden is a tenacious campaigner (though he did not come close to drawing attention to himself in the democratic primary race - probably due to the media's love of Senator Clinton). We will see how much of a difference he makes. Of course then again, in 2007 Biden did say he would turn the VP position down, he supposedly has said yes - wait and see as the Saturday text messages come out.

As for Senator McCain, with Biden chosen, then this is the best time to choose Senator Hutchinson from Texas. Senator Obama has dissed the female vote by not choosing Senator Clinton. John McCain could jump at this chance. I have blogged about this before - and now even Dick Morris is saying it!

But I do have to say something about the distinguished gentlewoman from Texas. I have it on good authority that she is more interested in running as governor in Texas (though she would not say no to the VP slot).

The Jeopardy tune is playing! So what is the answer?
Or are we watching:

Have a great weekend.

Russia Tries The World's Patience

Big talk continues to pour out of Russia as they threaten Poland with a nuclear strike, defy the withdrawal treaty, and continue to restrict the freedom of the Russian people.

The withdrawal seems to be more a farce than anything. How do you make it look as though you are pulling out when in all actuality you are not? Thin the troops, seize new areas, and move things around.

NATO, however, has become non-committal in its stance against Russia. Some say this due to their dependence on Russian natural resources. There's that natural resource problem again.

Now, Georgia's government is not an innocent party in this deal.. They have been overzealous in their response to freedoms. But have they done so much that it warrants an invasion? As I learn more, I still say no. Why has Russia acted with such aggression as is punishing a wayward child? I still believe it is Putin's overall plan to regain Russian dominance in the area - and he needs Georgia's natural resources to keep it up.

Here is a news story on the current Russian manipulation of its own news:

Battling Inflation

What would happen if we had an economic stimulus plan that helped to

• decrease interest rates
• and to free up capital normally spent on tax compliance?

A major problem that has occurred with the housing debacle was created by fluctuating interest rates that sent a lot of home owners packing because they could not afford the raised mortgage payment.

Interest rates can drive inflation if not monitored correctly. I am not an expert, but from what I do understand, inflation is due to bad borrowing and bad economic practices. Also, if I may deduce, interest helps to pull excess money out of circulation thereby creating a pseudo increase in the value of the dollar which helps to stabilize inflated pricing by creating more demand for money.

Raise the rates too high and the economy becomes sluggish making it harder to afford some products and services. Lower rates too much and inflation begins to rage. It is an indefinite balancing act.

Much of this is caused by the overspending of the federal government. The government (executive and legislative) has for the last eight years spend more than any previous administration. They have spent so much that in order to cover our spending our government has turned to foreign countries to back our borrowing. Now we have a situation that proves why we need a an amendment of some kind that forces Congress to balance the budget and pay off our debt.

Our government has decided that the best practice to fighting our money problems is to print more money (money that is not backed by any physical value - like gold). Printing more money decreases the value of the dollar and again you battle inflation because a deflated dollar means you need more dollars to buy a product.

So what is the answer?

Why not adjust the interest rate for growth (that means lower it). Then balance the federal budget and provide for immediate repaying of all outstanding federal debt! Then pass a balanced budget amendment. Then replace the current tax code with the FairTax because it is the only tax code that can promise the two issues I mentioned at the beginning of this blog.

Okay this is my opinion, what's yours? And yes, as I stated, I am not an expert so if you understand inflation better than me then by all means correct me.

Oh and look at this: The FairTax and economic growth or A Macroeconomic Analysis of the FairTax Proposal (Arduin, Laffer & Moore Econometrics)