08.19.10
Extreme?
The NRSC points out the fallacy of rhetoric coming from the Democrats and the MSM:
07.02.10
The Selfless Gene – a review
I was very disappointed by this book and would have stopped reading after the first chapter if not for my commitment to Thomas Nelson Publishers to write a review. I found the book so tedious that it has taken me far too long to read it.
The cover notes for The Selfless Gene describe it as “a reasoned dialogue between faith and scientific study and a reconciliation of what are popularly seen as two opposing worldviews.” I found the book lacking on both fronts.
Charles Foster states in his preface that he is angry at both Darwinists and creationists, Further, he is angry with proponents of Intelligent Design. He cites Richard Dawkins as an example of the former and the Kentucky Creation Museum as an example of the later. In his arguments against the Biblical creation story, he cites discrepancies in Genesis 1 and 2, yet I could not find the creation order he cites in any of the several versions of the Bible I checked. He makes other statement which makes one wonder how he views Scripture. His references to “the compilers” betrays a view that seems to deny Scripture as inspired or as the revelation of God.
Rather than creating dialogue, reading this book became a chore I had to complete. I was tempted to skip to the last chapter to see if there was a neat summary that would help me complete my task. Alas, there was not. I cannot recommend this book.
03.25.10
Fact & Fallacy – The Hyde Amendment
Recent developments make it clear that the public at large and many members of Congress and their staff members do not have a clear understanding of what the Hyde Amendment is and what it has the power to enforce. Even doing research to support my comments was challenging, because much of what is written and available online is done from the perspective of the author or the author’s political leanings and not strictly accurate.
DEFINITION: The Hyde Amendment is a rider to the annual Labor/Health and Human Services (HHS)/Education appropriations bill which prevents Medicaid and any other programs under these departments from funding abortions, except in limited cases. It is named after Rep. Henry J. Hyde (R-IL) who, as a freshman legislator, first offered the amendment.
The Hyde Amendment was first enacted in 1976 and has been reauthorized each year since, the latest being in the Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009.
FALLACY:
- Hyde is settled law.
- Hyde would be in force regardless of any other bill enacted by the Congress such as the health care legislation.
There are also a lot of political and emotional statements that fall under the heading of fallacy, but let’s leave them out of it and stick to truth.
FACT:
- The Hyde Amendment is a rider to an appropriations bill.
- The Hyde Amendment is not a stand alone law.
- Since statements 1 and 2 are correct, the Hyde Amendment does not govern other laws passed by Congress unless it is specifically referenced in such laws.
- Since statements 1 and 2 are correct, the legislation passed by the House of Representatives (H.R.3962) was amended by H.AMDT.509, the Stupak Amendment to codify the Hyde Amendment as part of the bill.
- This language was rejected by the Senate and not included in H.R. 3590, the bill approved by the Senate on December 24, 2009, by the House on March 21, 2010 and signed by the President on March 23, 2010.
Some sources to check:
Memorandum from National Right to Life – While this was written with reference to H.R. 3200, the bill originally introduced in the House of Representatives in July 2009, it still offers an accurate analysis of the scope of the Hyde Amendment.
National Committee for a Human Life Amendment – an excellent overview of the Hyde Amendment … its history, changes, challenges and Supreme Court ruling.
One of the claims most often heard is that the Hyde Amendment denies needed treatment to the poor and is therefore discriminatory. Surprisingly a 1992 poll of people making $15,000 or less found that they opposed abortion by a ratio of 2 to 1. Given recent surveys that a majority now believe that abortion destroys life, I suspect this ratio would be higher if a survey were taken today.
Planned Parenthood, through their research arm have long promoted the concept that there is a cost benefit to providing abortion services in that it costs less than providing maternity benefits and subsequent child welfare services. How grotesque is that?
Another argument often heard is that women who are denied abortion services through Medicaid will go to illegal abortion providers; however, I found no statistical evidence to support that.
Has the Hyde Amendment been beneficial? I suppose that depends on your point of view. Prior to Hyde, the federal Medicaid program paid for about 300,000 abortions annually. In fiscal year 2004, that number was 159.
03.23.10
So much for the representative republic …
The House of Representatives passed, over the objections of a majority of the American public, what they call Health Care Reform. Of course, they have promoted this under so many titles that may not be the title du jour. I have read the bill, which puts me ahead of most of those voting for it. People who live in the rarefied air of government and most of whom have never held a real job, should be willing to listen to those who have and who can assess how this legislation will impact their businesses and their employees. Not this Congress, however.
On the eve of passage the Rasmussen Report found the following:
- Fifty-four percent (54%) are opposed and 45% Strongly Oppose it
- 50% of all voters say they’re less likely to vote this November to reelect a member of Congress who votes for the health care plan.
- Fifty-seven percent (57%) believe that if the plan passes, the cost of health care will go up. Only 17% believe the plan will achieve the stated goal of reducing the cost of care.
- At the same time, most voters (54%) believe that passage of the plan will hurt the quality of care.
- Eighty-one percent (81%) believe the health care plan will cost more than projected.
- Most voters (56%) oppose reducing Medicare spending and also oppose an excise tax on so-called “Cadillac” insurance plans.
- Fifty-seven percent (57%) also believe that passage of the plan will hurt the U.S. economy.
“The disconnect between sustained public opposition to the health care plan and the belief it may pass may be one reason that just 21% of voters believe the federal government has the consent of the governed.”
I will be working hard to help those members of Congress who visited this travesty on the American public get out and scramble for jobs like the rest of us. It should be edifying for them.
03.18.10
Live Blogging an Art
I’ve often been frustrated by the character of live blogs … the lack of construction of sentences, the use of strange abbreviations, etc. Having tried it for myself, I can testify that live blogging is hard. It is definitely an art form. If I were doing it again, I would not try to capture the words unless there were no live stream. Instead I would focus on how those words were received and compare them with the responses of others on the panel.
Now to get another chance to do it!
Clueless in Cleveland
JAKE TAPPER, ABC NEWS: ‘What would the bill do for Natoma?”
OBAMA: “Well, what would have happened is Natoma would have been able to be part of this exchange, this marketplace, that gave her a choice of plans just like members of Congress have, but because she’d be part of a million people who are in a pool, her rates would be lower.”
WRONG ANSWER, Mr. President! The truth is that it would do ABSOLUTELY NOTHING because it won’t go into effect until 2014 even if passed. How about a little truth with the pathos?
03.12.10
Live Blog from the Constitution Forum #2
This half features Tom Emmer and Marty Seifert, candidates for governor.
Marty Seifert: Main role of government is protection of life, liberty and property. I am running for governor because I do not want us to become a smaller, colder California. Top three employers in are State of Minnesota, the University of MN and the federal government. This needs to change. Job is to downsize and rightsize government.
Tom Emmer: This is one of these great nights that we have when people are actually celebrating what this country is about. I am in the MN House of Representatives and have been there since 2005. My wife and I get up every day and look at what is happening in Washington and St. Paul and wonder what can be done to change the direction.
Question: Minnesota Constitution allows for a lottery. Would you have voted for that?
Marty Seifert: I would not have voted for it and feel that these things are not to be part of our constitution.
Question: Can you get into the idea of original intent in the constitution?
Tom Emmer: The words in the Constitution mean the same thing today that they meant when written. those who want to say it is a “living breathing document” really mean words are elastic. What it does mean is that we need to protect the intent.
Question: Drinking age?
Tom Emmer: As a society, we should send a message on some of these issues. I will not criticize people who pass laws trying to keep people out of harms way. But it is not a constitutional issue. We should be educating our children on these issues.
Question: Quotes Thomas Sowell on issue of social ills. Questions role of government.
Marty Seifert: People want to spend other other people’s money on these issues and we end up creating a department of happiness that spends money and saves no one.
Question: Arguments made for the sanctity of human life seem pretty uncomplicated. In your philosophy, where does a person acquire the right. And how would you apply that to end of life situations.
Tom Emmer: Conception and no (to end of life control)
Question: Your views on gambling.
Tom Emmer: I don’t believe we should sponsor gambling and have twice introduced bills to that effect.
Question: What is thee role of government in education?
Marty Seifert: Constitutionally we should provide equality of education. In actual fact, we have a huge disparity in funding. Teachers spend much less contact time with students. We have a lot of changing to do and I am willing to take on the teachers union to make sure we get it done.
Question: How would you define “for the common good” with relation to eminent domain and the development of land?
Marty Seifert: Individual property rights should never be suppressed for the good of other individuals. Some public uses are constitutional, while others are not.
Question: Should the Tea Party be part of the Republican party, or should the Republican Party become part of the Tea Party?
Tom Emmer: What is critical is not whether we become part of each other’s organizations, but that we stand up for the principles that define us as Republicans.
More follows later …. will edit from the stream.
Video is available at MinnesotaFreedom.org
Live Blog from the Constitution Forum
We opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Purpose of the event is to give us all a little insight into the candidates and to hear their views on the Constitution, our personal liberties and states rights.
Participants:
Candidates for endorsement for CD – 08 – Darrel Trulson, George Burton, Chip Cravaack, Justin Eichorn and Rob Farnsworth
Candidates for endorsement for Governor: Tom Emmer and Marty Siefert
Moderators are Lon Schmidt and Guy Green
Candidates represent Minnesota Republican and Constitution Party. Candidates for other parties in the state including DFL and Independent were invited but either did not respond or had other commitments.
Each candidate has an opening statement, limited to two minutes. Answers are also limited by time. Questions will alternate in order determined by lot. Each will also have one minute for closing.
Question: What is your understanding of the 10th Amendment?
George Burton: Right to limit government and retain functions to the state
Question: Explain the phrase “The Constitution is a living, breathing document.”
Darrel Trulson: States that document is not meant to be flexible as to meaning.
Question: Quotes Obama’s statement about redistributive change. Asks for comment as to meaning.
Chip Cravaack: This administration is trying to take away rights. The Constitution is the foundation of our government. We, the People, own our government and must fight to defend the Constitution.
Justin Eichorn: Grew up hunting, believe this a right and would fight to support it.
Question: Do you feel that are a lot of laws out there that should be repealed, and if so, which ones?
Rob Farnsworth addressed defense budget as part of federal budget in 61. Further stated that he believes many programs such as No Child Left Behind; Medicaid; and many others should be changed or rescinded.
Question: The state, by its Constitution must maintain a balanced budget. What means would be required to do the same nationally?
Chip Cravaack: Elect conservatives to Congress, the Senate, the presidency. (pause for laughter) Seriously, we need to cut spending and get control of the budget. Recently, because we didn’t want to offend China over the Dahli Lama’s visit, we allowed them to dictate the way we received a foreign leader.
Question: Should the Constitution define marriage?
George Burton: Doesn’t it already? Seriously, I believe it does.
Question: Do you believe the Patriot Act is constitutional?
George Burton: It has chipped away at our liberties.
Question: Explain your views on affirmative action.
Rob Farnsworth: Everyone deserves equal opportunity, but prioritizing based on other criteria is wrong.
Closing Statements:
George Burton:
Darrel Trulson: I have been elected before, I have experience. I have written books, been a school teacher and administrator. I share these so that you know that I have the diversity of experience to do the job. I have an obligation to my children, grandchildren to do the job and so that you have an advocate in Washington.
Chip Cravaack: I think about all the troops out there who have the point. We are here because of them. It is great that we can discuss the Constitution. I have never been a politician and hope to never be one.
Justin Eichorn: I feel my location gives me a great ability to serve the 8th District. I have the ability to raise funds and the desire to serve the peole of the 8th district.
Rob Farnsworth: Not here to pat myself on the back. How many are tired of hearing that we cannot mix our faith with politics. Allow your faith to help you make this decision. I believe there is a reason we are all involved and this is the most important election of my life. It is important that we seek divine wisdom for the decisions we make.
03.09.10
The Haircut
One day a florist went to a barber for a haircut. After the cut, he asked about his bill, and the barber replied, “I cannot accept money from you; I’m doing community service this week.” The florist was pleased and left the shop.
When the barber went to open his shop the next morning, there was a “thank you” card and a dozen roses waiting for him at his door.
Later, a police officer came in for a haircut and, when he tried to pay his bill, the barber again replied, “I cannot accept money from you; I’m doing community service this week.” The officer was happy and left the shop.
The next morning when the barber went to open up, there was a “thank you” card and a dozen donuts waiting for him at his door.
A Congressman came in for a haircut and, when he went to pay his bill, the barber again replied, “I can not accept money from you; I’m doing community service this week.” The Congressman was very happy and left the shop.
The next morning, when the barber went to open up, there were a dozen Congressmen lined up waiting for a free haircut. And that, my friends, illustrates the fundamental difference between the citizens of our country and the politicians who run it.
So funny I had to post it … originally appeared at humor@patriotpost.us
02.13.10
The Big Picture
I have thought long and hard about the bills being considered by Congress. They seem to want to ram huge spending bills through without looking at the big picture.
Yes, we have need to address health care costs. But the first step to doing that is to examine factors that contribute to the costs. Congress seems bent on mandating huge changes that will be detrimental to our health care delivery system without addressing the issues that need consideration.
Yes, we have a need to replace lost jobs, but Congress doesn’t seem interested in why we are losing so many jobs. What factors are causing jobs to go out of the country and what makes it so difficult for people to find jobs in the same or other industries?
What about costs of education? And the quality of our schools? How are these issues affecting our economy? How do we improve the performance of teachers and students in what seems to be a failing system? How can we provide access to better schools for students in failing ones?
What is the effect of illegal immigration on the job market? On health care costs? On education? On other public services? On crime?
We need to know the answers to these questions before we can approach legislation. Sure, everyone has an opinion, but what are the facts? Here in Minnesota, studies have been done on the cost to schools, hospitals and public services related to illegal immigration. Yet the problem goes deeper than just those individuals. Often they do not pay taxes, so the state gets a double whammy … lost tax revenue as well as the cost of providing services. Clearly there is much to think about before we go legislating. Since Congress and the President seem so fond of commissions, how about one to study these issues and make some recommendations? We are running out of time.
02.12.10
Interesting …
I heard about a report detailing population trends in Minnesota and their effect on state and local tax revenues. It was interesting reading. The Tax Migration Study from the Freedom Foundation of Minnesota details significant out-migration of high wage earners and the reasons they left the state. It also includes information on where they move to. What was significant about the study was that we not only lost tax revenue, but the purchasing power represented by these people and its impact on the economy.
Some of the reasons people leave cannot be changed. No matter what Al Gore says, Minnesota is not going to be a tropical paradise any time soon. And it just costs more to build and operate homes in our climate.
Another factor was population density. Minnesota has only 62.2 people per square mile, a factor which many would applaud. Yet people leaving the state chose to move to area with 275% higher population density.
The study concludes that “Minnesota should work toward reducing the state and local tax burden via reductions in the income tax which would encourage both people and income to stay in Minnesota or move into the state.” Sounds like reasonable advice, but getting our legislature to agree may be difficult, to say the least. Current estimates show that Minnesota has a $1.6 billion shortfall for the current biennium, 70% of which is due to lower individual income tax collections.
02.04.10
Minnesota CD 8
I haven’t made up my mind and am still researching candidates, but I think this is the one I will support for the nomination to oppose Jim Oberstar.
01.14.10
A review of Rediscovering God in America
“There is no attack on American culture more destructive and more historically dishonest that the secular Left’s relentless effort to drive God out of America’s public square.” So begins the Introduction to Newt Gingrich’s Rediscovering God in America, Reflections on the Role of Faith in our Nation’s History and Future. While I don’t necessarily agree that this is strictly a result of leftist politics, I do agree that secularists have tried increasingly to suppress any mention of or reference to God in the public square.
Newt makes his case for the historical role of God in the US by taking us on a sight seeing trip through the District of Columbia. From the national Archives to the National Cemetery, he recounts the history of each site and references the many quotes enshrined there that indicate that our Founding Fathers did, indeed, have a robust faith in God.
Sadly, the history he recounts will not be believed by some. In times past, this history was taught. People learned about the founding documents and about the signers, many of whom were pastors. They knew and saw nothing wrong with the prayers at the Continental Congress, of Washington during the war, of Jefferson, of Lincoln during the travail of the Civil War. Perhaps Gingrich’s book will awaken some to that history.
Photographs for the book were done by Newt’s wife, Callista Gingrich. Rediscovering God in America is published by Thomas Nelson.
12.31.09
Happy New Year
I was going to write about many things, but got sidetracked by an article that ran this week in Denmark … EDITORIAL: Obama greater than Jesus
The more I thought about how I wanted to address this, the more I knew that nothing I could say would be better than the Word of the Lord, so here it is:
If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14