The phrase out here in AZ "it's a dry heat" makes me laugh and I admit I've used it during my recent visit. You sweat though, or at least I do, especially when it's 109 degrees outside like it was today. I also noticed that the sweating has made my face break out just a bit, nothing I can't deal with, blackhead on nose type breakouts. Which in the end supposedly the dry heat of a sauna is supposed to clean and purify your skin. Out here in AZ? Nature is it's own sauna...
:-)
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Facebook and the Libertarian Party
I missed this earlier, so it's a bit late but I wanted to point it out because I think it's important. The below image, evidently caused issues for Facebook. This I find ironic considering the amount of tripe Facebook lets on there, especially those scam deals where you will get a laptop free, etc., etc.
WASHINGTON - The Libertarian Party (LP) is protesting the decision by Facebook to refuse advertisements that advocate for the legalization of marijuana.
The LP had been running a highly successful Facebook ad to express its support of marijuana legalization, but Facebook banned the ad about a week after accepting it.
In a July 23 email to the LP, a Facebook rep wrote, "We do not allow ads for marijuana or political ads for the promotion of marijuana."
The LP asserts that its ad is not intended to promote marijuana itself, but rather to take a position on the high-profile political question of legalizing marijuana. The issue is particularly relevant now, as a major marijuana legalization measure (Proposition 19) will be on the ballot in California this November.
Wes Benedict, Executive Director of the LP, commented, "Whether or not the folks at Facebook like marijuana, we think they should end their ridiculous censorship of our ad, which expresses the Libertarian position on a political issue of interest to many people."
Benedict continued, "We recognize Facebook's right to control their content and censor whoever they want. But we're also exercising our First Amendment right to complain about their bad decision, and to alert other consumers to put pressure on them."
On July 15, Facebook notified the LP that it had accepted the ad. Then, on July 22, Facebook revoked its approval, stating that "The image of this ad is either irrelevant or inappropriate."
Recently, the LP learned that Facebook revoked approval of similar ads from other groups, including Just Say Now and the District of Columbia Patients' Cooperative, claiming that their ads violated Facebook's ban on images of "smoking products." The LP notes that Facebook's ad guidelines prohibit "advertisements promoting tobacco products," but that the Libertarian ad does not promote the product itself, and that it is not a tobacco product.
Kyle Hartz, the LP's Development & New Media Assistant, said, "Our ad is targeted to people who have indicated that they are interested in the issue of marijuana legalization. It's bizarre that Facebook won't allow us to advertise to the very people who support what we are advocating."
WASHINGTON - The Libertarian Party (LP) is protesting the decision by Facebook to refuse advertisements that advocate for the legalization of marijuana.
The LP had been running a highly successful Facebook ad to express its support of marijuana legalization, but Facebook banned the ad about a week after accepting it.
In a July 23 email to the LP, a Facebook rep wrote, "We do not allow ads for marijuana or political ads for the promotion of marijuana."
The LP asserts that its ad is not intended to promote marijuana itself, but rather to take a position on the high-profile political question of legalizing marijuana. The issue is particularly relevant now, as a major marijuana legalization measure (Proposition 19) will be on the ballot in California this November.
Wes Benedict, Executive Director of the LP, commented, "Whether or not the folks at Facebook like marijuana, we think they should end their ridiculous censorship of our ad, which expresses the Libertarian position on a political issue of interest to many people."
Benedict continued, "We recognize Facebook's right to control their content and censor whoever they want. But we're also exercising our First Amendment right to complain about their bad decision, and to alert other consumers to put pressure on them."
On July 15, Facebook notified the LP that it had accepted the ad. Then, on July 22, Facebook revoked its approval, stating that "The image of this ad is either irrelevant or inappropriate."
Recently, the LP learned that Facebook revoked approval of similar ads from other groups, including Just Say Now and the District of Columbia Patients' Cooperative, claiming that their ads violated Facebook's ban on images of "smoking products." The LP notes that Facebook's ad guidelines prohibit "advertisements promoting tobacco products," but that the Libertarian ad does not promote the product itself, and that it is not a tobacco product.
Kyle Hartz, the LP's Development & New Media Assistant, said, "Our ad is targeted to people who have indicated that they are interested in the issue of marijuana legalization. It's bizarre that Facebook won't allow us to advertise to the very people who support what we are advocating."
Late night commercials...
I've noticed recently an increase in the late night television commercials for male enhancement products. At times they are pretty cheesy since they try to make the product promises known without really making the product promises known...One in particular with a man surrounded by smiling women, runs frequently. The premise of course is that he's pleased all of the women, all thanks to a cream, or pill or some other product. It is often said "sex sells" and in the cases of these types of products? Evidently it does.
:-)
:-)
Two kinds of tea partiers....
WASHINGTON - Looking toward the 9/12 Tea Party events in Washington, DC, Libertarian Party executive director Wes Benedict issued the following warning to Tea Partiers: "Republicans are trying to fool you again."
"There are two kinds of Tea Partiers," said Benedict. "One kind is so blinded by its hatred of Obama and Democrats that it cannot see fault with Republicans. It's the other kind the Libertarian Party is reaching out to."
Libertarian Party staff and volunteers will participate in the Washington, DC Tea Party events on September 12. They will distribute flyers pointing out how the Top 10 Disasters of the 2009-2010 Obama administration mirror the Top 10 Disasters of the 2001-2008 Bush administration.
Benedict continued, "Libertarians have much in common with Tea Party goals of reducing government spending and taxes. While many Tea Party supporters will admit that George W. Bush's administration grew government, Libertarians want to remind Tea Partiers about previous Republican administrations that loved big government.
"Republican Newt Gingrich and the Contract with America promised to eliminate the Departments of Education and Energy. Yet once Republicans took control of Congress, they failed even to reduce the spending on those departments.
"Republican President George Bush, Sr. remains famous for coining the phrase 'Read my lips, no new taxes,' and then raising taxes.
"Republican President Ronald Reagan grew federal government spending to the highest level it had reached since World War II. He also 'saved Social Security' by raising payroll taxes.
"Republican presidential candidate Bob Dole was a huge supporter of taxpayer subsidies for corn and ethanol.
"In 1971, Republican President Richard Nixon instituted wage and price controls. That made a group of free-market supporters so angry that they decided to form the Libertarian Party.
"Republicans seem to think we're idiots. For decades they have paid lip-service to shrinking government, while consistently doing the opposite in office.
"Our fear is that Tea Partiers might say 'This time it will be different.' No it won't. If you vote for Republicans this time, it will just reinforce the message that they can lie to you and grow government with impunity.
"Current Republicans are just as bad as past Republicans.
"This year, Libertarian Party co-founder David Nolan is running for U.S. Senate against Republican John McCain, who famously suspended his 2008 presidential campaign so he could rush back to Washington to bail out the banks.
"Republican leader John Boehner might end up as the next House Speaker, and he voted for George W. Bush's huge 2003 Medicare expansion.
"John Cornyn, Republican senator from Texas, and current chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, voted for the TARP bailouts.
"Ron Paul is probably the only Republican congressman willing to point out the huge cost of America's foreign wars and empire building. Other Republicans pretend that spending trillions on the military just doesn't count as big government.
"With Social Security, Medicare, and military spending making up the vast majority of federal spending, you can't cut significantly without cutting those. But Republicans refuse to touch them.
"Libertarians welcome the Tea Party movement's focus on the problem of government growth. However, we are concerned that Tea Partiers might fall for the Republicans' trickery.
"Republican leaders have brought up distractions like New York City mosques and gay marriage to distract voters from Republicans' big-government track record. We hope that Tea Partiers will see through the smoke and mirrors.
"While our nation is declining dangerously right now, a turnaround could be straightforward and simple with Libertarian steps like these: 1. Bring our troops home from Iraq and Afghanistan; 2. Stop rewarding failed companies with bailouts; 3. Cut taxes and spending and let the free market work.
"The Libertarian Party is fielding 168 candidates for U.S. House, and 20 candidates for U.S. Senate this year. Win or lose, a vote for a Libertarian sends a clear message for smaller government and more freedom. What message does a vote for John McCain send?"
"There are two kinds of Tea Partiers," said Benedict. "One kind is so blinded by its hatred of Obama and Democrats that it cannot see fault with Republicans. It's the other kind the Libertarian Party is reaching out to."
Libertarian Party staff and volunteers will participate in the Washington, DC Tea Party events on September 12. They will distribute flyers pointing out how the Top 10 Disasters of the 2009-2010 Obama administration mirror the Top 10 Disasters of the 2001-2008 Bush administration.
Benedict continued, "Libertarians have much in common with Tea Party goals of reducing government spending and taxes. While many Tea Party supporters will admit that George W. Bush's administration grew government, Libertarians want to remind Tea Partiers about previous Republican administrations that loved big government.
"Republican Newt Gingrich and the Contract with America promised to eliminate the Departments of Education and Energy. Yet once Republicans took control of Congress, they failed even to reduce the spending on those departments.
"Republican President George Bush, Sr. remains famous for coining the phrase 'Read my lips, no new taxes,' and then raising taxes.
"Republican President Ronald Reagan grew federal government spending to the highest level it had reached since World War II. He also 'saved Social Security' by raising payroll taxes.
"Republican presidential candidate Bob Dole was a huge supporter of taxpayer subsidies for corn and ethanol.
"In 1971, Republican President Richard Nixon instituted wage and price controls. That made a group of free-market supporters so angry that they decided to form the Libertarian Party.
"Republicans seem to think we're idiots. For decades they have paid lip-service to shrinking government, while consistently doing the opposite in office.
"Our fear is that Tea Partiers might say 'This time it will be different.' No it won't. If you vote for Republicans this time, it will just reinforce the message that they can lie to you and grow government with impunity.
"Current Republicans are just as bad as past Republicans.
"This year, Libertarian Party co-founder David Nolan is running for U.S. Senate against Republican John McCain, who famously suspended his 2008 presidential campaign so he could rush back to Washington to bail out the banks.
"Republican leader John Boehner might end up as the next House Speaker, and he voted for George W. Bush's huge 2003 Medicare expansion.
"John Cornyn, Republican senator from Texas, and current chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, voted for the TARP bailouts.
"Ron Paul is probably the only Republican congressman willing to point out the huge cost of America's foreign wars and empire building. Other Republicans pretend that spending trillions on the military just doesn't count as big government.
"With Social Security, Medicare, and military spending making up the vast majority of federal spending, you can't cut significantly without cutting those. But Republicans refuse to touch them.
"Libertarians welcome the Tea Party movement's focus on the problem of government growth. However, we are concerned that Tea Partiers might fall for the Republicans' trickery.
"Republican leaders have brought up distractions like New York City mosques and gay marriage to distract voters from Republicans' big-government track record. We hope that Tea Partiers will see through the smoke and mirrors.
"While our nation is declining dangerously right now, a turnaround could be straightforward and simple with Libertarian steps like these: 1. Bring our troops home from Iraq and Afghanistan; 2. Stop rewarding failed companies with bailouts; 3. Cut taxes and spending and let the free market work.
"The Libertarian Party is fielding 168 candidates for U.S. House, and 20 candidates for U.S. Senate this year. Win or lose, a vote for a Libertarian sends a clear message for smaller government and more freedom. What message does a vote for John McCain send?"
Would you click?
A catchy marketing ploy is to tell you to click here -- knowing that our typical human curiosity will most likely make us "click there" to see what is on the other side of the click. While it's a great marketing tool, it's also something you should be careful of if when clicking you get any kind of a message that you need to download something. If that's the case - back away from the website. It's also another reason you should use a good virus protection system, since if there is malware or other nefarious things lurking, you'll be warned and protected.
Tea Party euphoria meets reality
The Tea Party group has gotten the most attention of any political group this election season. It's not surprising to those of us with any degree of logic that like all political parties/ideologies, there will be some who are pretty far out there...
Yet, the painting of the brush to include all with one -- continues...CNN focuses on what it calls a tea party fall out. This is not the first time it's been predicted the tea party would implode. It's actually grown since then, which makes me wonder if some of the people polled who claim they are associated with it, are just doing so because it appears to be the popular anti-establishment stance to take, as opposed to really understanding what it is that the group believes/supports.
Part of the CNN story focuses on the whole witchcraft thing referenced below:
Yet, the painting of the brush to include all with one -- continues...CNN focuses on what it calls a tea party fall out. This is not the first time it's been predicted the tea party would implode. It's actually grown since then, which makes me wonder if some of the people polled who claim they are associated with it, are just doing so because it appears to be the popular anti-establishment stance to take, as opposed to really understanding what it is that the group believes/supports.
Part of the CNN story focuses on the whole witchcraft thing referenced below:
O'Donnell added to such concerns by canceling previously agreed-to interviews on "FOX News Sunday" and the CBS program "Face the Nation," deciding instead to make appearances in Delaware.
Bob Schieffer, the host of the CBS program, said on air that O'Donnell's representatives denied she withdrew because of videotape released over the weekend showing her talking about dabbling in witchcraft.
Whatever the reason, O'Donnell continued to serve as a lightning rod for analysis of the influence of the Tea Party movement. She was given little chance of defeating Castle, but received late support from former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as well as Tea Party money, and pulled off the upset.
Now the 11-year-old "witchcraft" video and others becoming public are reinforcing the image preferred by Democrats of O'Donnell as an unknown, untested and risky candidate.
Proof of the silly season...
I'm not a fan of Christine O’Donnell but the way she's being focused on demonstrates how far things will go into the land of attempted personal destruction. Where the goal is to find out anything in a person's past and capitalize on it to create the highest possible negative reaction and to increase ratings....
Example:
Politically Incorrect clip that supposedly never aired from Oct. 29, 1999 which has now been "aired":
Example:
Politically Incorrect clip that supposedly never aired from Oct. 29, 1999 which has now been "aired":
O’DONNELL: I dabbled into witchcraft — I never joined a coven. But I did, I did. … I dabbled into witchcraft. I hung around people who were doing these things. I’m not making this stuff up. I know what they told me they do. [...]
How to's on the net
You can find suggestions on how to do just about anything on the internet. From how to fix a certain issue with your car, to how to reduce belly fat -- all from the comfort of your home. If one tip or how to page doesn't provide exactly what you are looking for? You can easily search some more to find just the right information for your particular situation.
Ken Matesz says America has lost it's way
Article from a paper just a bit to the north east of where I live, focusing on Ohio Libertarian gubernatorial candidate Ken Matesz LINK. He faces quite a challenge since he's been excluded from appearing with the Democratic governor -- Ted Strickland and the Republican candidate -- John Kasich. Which unfortunately has become all too common place to not include third party candidates. The two party candidates don't want them included and most times they are allowed to dictate the process.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
To pill or not to pill...
An often asked question when it comes to the whole diet industry is are diet pills safe? It's a question that really doesn't have a yes or no answer. It really depends on the actual diet pill you are considering taking. It's why I always advise doing research and making sure you have discussed it with your health care professional. Even pills that may be deemed safe could interact with other medications you are taking...
Peasants with pitchforks...
While some believe the Libertarian party should remove itself from the Tea Party - clearly Root does not. A release sent out by his staff:
The Peasants With Pitchforks are Coming.
By Wayne Allyn Root, Chairman of the Libertarian National Congressional Committee and 2008 Libertarian Vice Presidential Nominee
Obama continues to name Czars without any vetting or confirmation from Congress. His latest Czar – appointed only days ago — was the “Asian Carp Czar.” I’m not kidding (I wish I were). Well if Obama thinks his unaccountable executives are “czars,” then King Obama and Queen Michelle must consider the rest of us serfs and peasants. But there’s a hitch in this scenario. When peasants with pitchforks decide to revolt, it usually doesn’t end well for the ruling class.
When I wrote my book, “The Conscience of a Libertarian: Empowering the Citizen Revolution with God, Guns, Gambling & Tax Cuts,” I predicted that Obama’s radical Marxist agenda would lead to a citizen revolution, the likes of which had not been seen in this country since 1776. I predicted that this revolution to take back our country would be led by a coalition of Libertarians, conservatives, disgruntled Republicans, independents, taxpayers, small business owners, gun owners, patriots, and Christians. That revolution now has a name: The Tea Party.
And who are these new revolutionaries? Many of them are reenacting the ‘60’s revolution. They have evolved from peace and pot to pitchforks…from tie die to torches…from denim to deficit and debt…and from communes to condos. Today the Holy Grail isn’t Woodstock, it’s Washington. Why the change? It’s called financial responsibility. The “me generation” is now all about THE GRANDCHILDREN. And the same people who changed the world in the ‘60’s with their passion and enthusiasm are about to change the world again.
The remarkable Tea Party victories on Tuesday night are yet more proof this is not business as usual. Entrenched incumbents and establishment D.C. insiders are being swept away like debris in a tsunami. Most importantly, it isn’t only liberal Democrat scalps the Tea Party is taking. At the top of the list are the enablers- big government RINOS (Republicans in name only). Exhibit A is Michael Castle. The longtime Delaware Republican Congressman is normally the kind of GOP insider that survives times of voter unrest. Political insiders like Castle have always known how to turn on the charm, raise lots of money, and use that money on advertising campaigns to convince voters that “next time” they’ll vote with the people. It’s always “next time.” Except for Castle there will be no more next times. This citizen revolution sent Castle to the unemployment line. Don’t let the door hit you on the way out Mike.
Castle is a RINO who votes gave bi-partisan cover to big government expansion and an ever-expanding welfare state. Castle was the exact type of Republican fraud who through his compromise and “bi-partisanship” (see SELLOUT) made fiscal conservatives and free-market Libertarians fighting for the survival of our children and grandchildren appear as “extremists, radicals and nutcases.” The reality is the extremists are those who have bankrupted our once great country and left us with over $100 Trillion in debt and unfunded liabilities.
It is the so-called “bi-partisan moderates” that have sold out our children’s future- saddling them with unsustainable deficit and debt for decades to come, in order to bring home the bacon to their districts today. GOP Rinos such as Castle and “blue dog Democrats” such as Nebraska’s Ben Nelson are the problem, not the solution. How can you be a “blue dog” when you vote for bigger government, universal healthcare, cap and trade, stimulus, bailouts, earmarks, and financial reform bills that demand banks give out small business loans based on affirmative action? How can you be a patriot and demand “Cornhusker kickbacks?”
In the end I’m rooting (excuse the pun) for V.E.T.O. — Vote Everyone of Them Out. Republicans, Democrats, lawyers, lobbyists, union bosses, D.C. political insiders and incumbents of all stripes — it’s time to clean house and throw all the bums out. If America is to be saved, it’s necessary to throw out both the socialist, entitlement-addicted Democrats and the establishment Republican enablers like Mike Castle, Charlie Crist, Rick Lazio, Lisa Murkowski, and Bob Bennett. The debt and deception stops here — with the Tea Party.
The Tea Party candidates have been successful in primaries because they have been singularly focused on the most important and pressing issues our country faces today: the economy, jobs, government spending, government employees, and the unchecked growth of the deficit and debt. These issues should have been Obama’s only priority. Instead, we got a healthcare bill that will ultimately bankrupt the country, more government employees, and a stimulus that only stimulated the ratings of Rush Limbaugh and Fox News. But wait, Obama isn’t done yet. He still has card check (unionize the entire nation) and cap and trade to ram through in the lame duck session of Congress after he’s lost in a landslide. And you wonder why the people are angry?
The peasants have awoken from a long slumber. The time for excuses and promises is over. All that is left is for the winners in November to deliver — shrink government, cut government employees and pensions (as Cuba is busy doing right now), dramatically lower the deficit and debt, and dramatically reduce spending, while lowering taxes (as Canada has done for the past decade). Deliver or the Tea Party promises to throw this class of bums out just like the last one … and they’ll be patriots for doing so. As Thomas Jefferson once wrote, “a little rebellion, now and then, is a good thing…It is a medicine necessary for the sound health of government.”
The Peasants With Pitchforks are Coming.
By Wayne Allyn Root, Chairman of the Libertarian National Congressional Committee and 2008 Libertarian Vice Presidential Nominee
Obama continues to name Czars without any vetting or confirmation from Congress. His latest Czar – appointed only days ago — was the “Asian Carp Czar.” I’m not kidding (I wish I were). Well if Obama thinks his unaccountable executives are “czars,” then King Obama and Queen Michelle must consider the rest of us serfs and peasants. But there’s a hitch in this scenario. When peasants with pitchforks decide to revolt, it usually doesn’t end well for the ruling class.
When I wrote my book, “The Conscience of a Libertarian: Empowering the Citizen Revolution with God, Guns, Gambling & Tax Cuts,” I predicted that Obama’s radical Marxist agenda would lead to a citizen revolution, the likes of which had not been seen in this country since 1776. I predicted that this revolution to take back our country would be led by a coalition of Libertarians, conservatives, disgruntled Republicans, independents, taxpayers, small business owners, gun owners, patriots, and Christians. That revolution now has a name: The Tea Party.
And who are these new revolutionaries? Many of them are reenacting the ‘60’s revolution. They have evolved from peace and pot to pitchforks…from tie die to torches…from denim to deficit and debt…and from communes to condos. Today the Holy Grail isn’t Woodstock, it’s Washington. Why the change? It’s called financial responsibility. The “me generation” is now all about THE GRANDCHILDREN. And the same people who changed the world in the ‘60’s with their passion and enthusiasm are about to change the world again.
The remarkable Tea Party victories on Tuesday night are yet more proof this is not business as usual. Entrenched incumbents and establishment D.C. insiders are being swept away like debris in a tsunami. Most importantly, it isn’t only liberal Democrat scalps the Tea Party is taking. At the top of the list are the enablers- big government RINOS (Republicans in name only). Exhibit A is Michael Castle. The longtime Delaware Republican Congressman is normally the kind of GOP insider that survives times of voter unrest. Political insiders like Castle have always known how to turn on the charm, raise lots of money, and use that money on advertising campaigns to convince voters that “next time” they’ll vote with the people. It’s always “next time.” Except for Castle there will be no more next times. This citizen revolution sent Castle to the unemployment line. Don’t let the door hit you on the way out Mike.
Castle is a RINO who votes gave bi-partisan cover to big government expansion and an ever-expanding welfare state. Castle was the exact type of Republican fraud who through his compromise and “bi-partisanship” (see SELLOUT) made fiscal conservatives and free-market Libertarians fighting for the survival of our children and grandchildren appear as “extremists, radicals and nutcases.” The reality is the extremists are those who have bankrupted our once great country and left us with over $100 Trillion in debt and unfunded liabilities.
It is the so-called “bi-partisan moderates” that have sold out our children’s future- saddling them with unsustainable deficit and debt for decades to come, in order to bring home the bacon to their districts today. GOP Rinos such as Castle and “blue dog Democrats” such as Nebraska’s Ben Nelson are the problem, not the solution. How can you be a “blue dog” when you vote for bigger government, universal healthcare, cap and trade, stimulus, bailouts, earmarks, and financial reform bills that demand banks give out small business loans based on affirmative action? How can you be a patriot and demand “Cornhusker kickbacks?”
In the end I’m rooting (excuse the pun) for V.E.T.O. — Vote Everyone of Them Out. Republicans, Democrats, lawyers, lobbyists, union bosses, D.C. political insiders and incumbents of all stripes — it’s time to clean house and throw all the bums out. If America is to be saved, it’s necessary to throw out both the socialist, entitlement-addicted Democrats and the establishment Republican enablers like Mike Castle, Charlie Crist, Rick Lazio, Lisa Murkowski, and Bob Bennett. The debt and deception stops here — with the Tea Party.
The Tea Party candidates have been successful in primaries because they have been singularly focused on the most important and pressing issues our country faces today: the economy, jobs, government spending, government employees, and the unchecked growth of the deficit and debt. These issues should have been Obama’s only priority. Instead, we got a healthcare bill that will ultimately bankrupt the country, more government employees, and a stimulus that only stimulated the ratings of Rush Limbaugh and Fox News. But wait, Obama isn’t done yet. He still has card check (unionize the entire nation) and cap and trade to ram through in the lame duck session of Congress after he’s lost in a landslide. And you wonder why the people are angry?
The peasants have awoken from a long slumber. The time for excuses and promises is over. All that is left is for the winners in November to deliver — shrink government, cut government employees and pensions (as Cuba is busy doing right now), dramatically lower the deficit and debt, and dramatically reduce spending, while lowering taxes (as Canada has done for the past decade). Deliver or the Tea Party promises to throw this class of bums out just like the last one … and they’ll be patriots for doing so. As Thomas Jefferson once wrote, “a little rebellion, now and then, is a good thing…It is a medicine necessary for the sound health of government.”
Libertarians should reject the Tea Party
That's the title of this Daily Caller piece. It's a discussion that has been taking place since the Tea Party was formed. What role Libertarians should play and do play has been much debated. Part of the recommended read:
But I part company with them on whether the Tea Party movement is a net plus for America. Steve and Dan maintain that it is a good thing on the grounds that “there is a growing mass of citizens who think it’s important to restrain government.” They are prepared to overlook the fact that like any mass movement it has a “few odd characters.” Steve admits in a recent column that his first impression of the movement was: “It’s a rabidly right-wing phenomenon with a shaky grasp of history, a strain of intolerance and xenophobia, a paranoia about Barack Obama, and an unhealthy reverence for Fox News. Any movement that doesn’t firmly exclude Birchers, birthers, and Islamaphobes is not a movement for me.”
But his second impression is that “we are lucky to have them.”
I am afraid I can’t overlook “the strain of intolerance and xenophobia.” I can’t overlook the “Birchers, birthers, and Islamaphobes.” And I think it highly dangerous for libertarians, economic conservatives and small-government Democrats (yes, there are some out there) to do so. You can be for restraining government and fiscal responsibility without aligning with the Tea Party — it isn’t an either/or proposition.
Libertarians create chaos?
Sometimes the misconceptions about what Libertarianism would really mean if there were enough in government to effect change are out there. In part it is caused by some who state they are Libertarian, logic dictates any political philosophy has people who take extreme positions. Unfortunately it's all to common to assume everyone has to feel the same way.
Good example of this is this Times Union piece.
Good example of this is this Times Union piece.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Golf as more than a sport...
Some play golf as a sport, both professionally and as amateurs, but what I find interesting is the other aspects of golf. The tee times can be used as business moments, charity events and even political fundraisers.
Here in Ohio it's common for residents to head for the warmer climes to play golf, it's why websites like www.48hourteetimes.com have been created. It gives the golfer, no matter their motivation to head to the greens the ability to book their tee time, many times before they have even arrived at their golf destination.
They have some great deals as far as prices, while I'm not a golfer, my father was so I have a basic understanding of the cost factor and remember horror stories of him wanting to play but not having made reservations. If he were alive, he'd most likely be one of those taking advantage of being able to book 48 hour tee times and then bragging to his friends how he paid less than they did...
Here in Ohio it's common for residents to head for the warmer climes to play golf, it's why websites like www.48hourteetimes.com have been created. It gives the golfer, no matter their motivation to head to the greens the ability to book their tee time, many times before they have even arrived at their golf destination.
They have some great deals as far as prices, while I'm not a golfer, my father was so I have a basic understanding of the cost factor and remember horror stories of him wanting to play but not having made reservations. If he were alive, he'd most likely be one of those taking advantage of being able to book 48 hour tee times and then bragging to his friends how he paid less than they did...
Jaimes Brown Colorado gubernatorial candidate kept off debate
Another example of candidates not being allowed to debate - this time in Colorado:
The Colorado Libertarian candidate for governor wasn't invited to a Channel 12 gubernatorial debate on September 10.
He says he found out about the debate in a Denver Post article after the event had been taped.
And he's not optimistic that he'll be invited to participate in a series of nine more debates scheduled to take place in the coming months between Democratic candidate John Hickenlooper and Republican candidate Dan Maes.
"A credible poll would list all the candidates who will appear on the ballot. A credible debate would invite all the candidates who will appear on the ballot," he wrote Friday to Channel 12 debate co-sponsors, Colorado Public Television and CBS.
"I shouldn't have to fight to be included in polls or debates. Americans are going to have to make some hard decisions about what we want and decide if we really want to solve our problems and get back on track toward prosperity."
Yarbrough gets endorsement from Ohio Tea Party PAC
OHIO TEA PARTY PAC ENDORSES BILL YARBROUGH IN OHIO'S THIRD SENATE DISTRICT
The Ohio Tea Party PAC announced its endorsement of Libertarian Bill Yarbrough in Ohio's 3rd Senate District race.
The Ohio Tea Party PAC represents the interests of independent grass-roots groups across the state - including tea party, 9-12, and other liberty-minded organizations.
Says Yarbrough, "I am honored to represent Ohio's liberty groups in the race for State Senate. The liberty movement in Ohio is diverse, but the issues of limited government, fiscal responsibility, and free markets unite us all."
Bill Yarbrough, a New Albany resident, is a lifelong Ohioan and graduate of both Otterbein College and Ohio State's Fisher College of Business. He works as an Organizational Development Consultant. "I'm simply a working man trying to do right by my family. Unfortunately, it's becoming harder and harder to raise a family in Ohio as the state economy has suffered under both Republican and Democrat administrations."
The Yarbrough endorsement represents the first Libertarian candidate endorsement for the non-partisan Ohio Tea Party PAC.
The Ohio Tea Party PAC was created to complement educational efforts by supporting issues and candidates, regardless of party, who favor a focus on the rule of law and the properly defined role of government.
Bill continues, "It's unfortunate that the Ohio Tea Party PAC is even necessary in a country that pioneered the concepts of freedom and limited government. But, here we are, and I am so glad to see such a strong force for liberty in Ohio."
The Ohio Tea Party PAC can be found at http://www.OhioTeaPartyPAC.com
Bill Yarbrough can be found at http://YarbroughForOhio.com
The Ohio Tea Party PAC announced its endorsement of Libertarian Bill Yarbrough in Ohio's 3rd Senate District race.
The Ohio Tea Party PAC represents the interests of independent grass-roots groups across the state - including tea party, 9-12, and other liberty-minded organizations.
Says Yarbrough, "I am honored to represent Ohio's liberty groups in the race for State Senate. The liberty movement in Ohio is diverse, but the issues of limited government, fiscal responsibility, and free markets unite us all."
Bill Yarbrough, a New Albany resident, is a lifelong Ohioan and graduate of both Otterbein College and Ohio State's Fisher College of Business. He works as an Organizational Development Consultant. "I'm simply a working man trying to do right by my family. Unfortunately, it's becoming harder and harder to raise a family in Ohio as the state economy has suffered under both Republican and Democrat administrations."
The Yarbrough endorsement represents the first Libertarian candidate endorsement for the non-partisan Ohio Tea Party PAC.
The Ohio Tea Party PAC was created to complement educational efforts by supporting issues and candidates, regardless of party, who favor a focus on the rule of law and the properly defined role of government.
Bill continues, "It's unfortunate that the Ohio Tea Party PAC is even necessary in a country that pioneered the concepts of freedom and limited government. But, here we are, and I am so glad to see such a strong force for liberty in Ohio."
The Ohio Tea Party PAC can be found at http://www.OhioTeaPartyPAC.com
Bill Yarbrough can be found at http://YarbroughForOhio.com
Lessons in finances
My youngest daughter's boyfriend recently entered the working world and bought his first car. He's had some quick lessons on financial survival, after getting his first check, thinking it was a large sum of money then watching how much of his check has to go to bills. He's also learned how to search for a cheap auto insurance quote or two since some of the initial quotes he got for car insurance were ridiculously high. It's a given a first time driver is going to pay more but some of the plans were more than our monthly rent payment...
Something sounds funny with this story
In reading this Libertarian candidate for governor off the ballot something doesn't seem right. It seems hard to believe that the Florida Division of Elections Office could not find a method to contact J.J. McCurry, the vice governor candidate.
He's reportedly the chairman of the Florida Libertarian Party...so how could he just "disappear" and not be able to be found for something as important as being able to be on the ballot.
He's reportedly the chairman of the Florida Libertarian Party...so how could he just "disappear" and not be able to be found for something as important as being able to be on the ballot.
New table...new lighting
Yesterday we were given a new dining room set, so I was finally able to get rid of my table that had become a favorite item for our cats to sharpen their claws on. The two worst culprits are now in kitty heaven so the chances of this newer table not being destroyed is good. The new look has made me start looking at new lighting, I like some of the offerings by Kichler lighting though, the current lighting includes a ceiling fan and that is a feature I'd like to keep since our home does not have air conditioning.
Another example of limiting voter information
It's almost the norm to exclude Libertarian or other third party candidates from debates. A variety of excuses are used, a good example is this recent story from North Carolina:
RALEIGH, N.C. — The Libertarian candidate for U.S. Senate in North Carolina hasn’t been invited to two television debates because event organizers say his poll numbers are too low.
North Carolina Association of Broadcasters President Tim Morrisey said Friday that Libertarian Michael Beitler had not been invited to the Oct. 11 and Oct. 21 debates because surveys fail to show him with at least 10 percent support. Morrisey said the threshold has been used before.
Republican incumbent Richard Burr and Democrat Elaine Marshall were invited and have agreed to participate.
Beitler spokesman Daniel Chang said the association’s threshold was arbitrary and limits discussion to the establishment parties.
All three candidates are slated to participate in a TV debate Oct. 13, sponsored by the League of Women Voters.
DC Tea Party events and Libertarian Party
WASHINGTON – Looking toward the 9/12 Tea Party events in Washington, DC, Libertarian Party executive director Wes Benedict issued the following warning to Tea Partiers: “Republicans are trying to fool you again.”
“There are two kinds of Tea Partiers,” said Benedict. “One kind is so blinded by its hatred of Obama and Democrats that it cannot see fault with Republicans. It’s the other kind the Libertarian Party is reaching out to.”
Libertarian Party staff and volunteers will participate in the Washington, DC Tea Party events on September 12. They will distribute flyers pointing out how the Top 10 Disasters of the 2009-2010 Obama administration mirror the Top 10 Disasters of the 2001-2008 Bush administration.
Benedict continued, “Libertarians have much in common with Tea Party goals of reducing government spending and taxes. While many Tea Party supporters will admit that George W. Bush’s administration grew government, Libertarians want to remind Tea Partiers about previous Republican administrations that loved big government.
“Republican Newt Gingrich and the Contract with America promised to eliminate the Departments of Education and Energy. Yet once Republicans took control of Congress, they failed even to reduce the spending on those departments.
“Republican President George Bush, Sr. remains famous for coining the phrase ‘Read my lips, no new taxes,’ and then raising taxes.
“Republican President Ronald Reagan grew federal government spending to the highest level it had reached since World War II. He also ‘saved Social Security’ by raising payroll taxes.
“Republican presidential candidate Bob Dole was a huge supporter of taxpayer subsidies for corn and ethanol.
“In 1971, Republican President Richard Nixon instituted wage and price controls. That made a group of free-market supporters so angry that they decided to form the Libertarian Party.
“Republicans seem to think we’re idiots. For decades they have paid lip-service to shrinking government, while consistently doing the opposite in office.
“Our fear is that Tea Partiers might say ‘This time it will be different.’ No it won’t. If you vote for Republicans this time, it will just reinforce the message that they can lie to you and grow government with impunity.
“Current Republicans are just as bad as past Republicans.
“This year, Libertarian Party co-founder David Nolan is running for U.S. Senate against Republican John McCain, who famously suspended his 2008 presidential campaign so he could rush back to Washington to bail out the banks.
“Republican leader John Boehner might end up as the next House Speaker, and he voted for George W. Bush’s huge 2003 Medicare expansion.
“John Cornyn, Republican senator from Texas, and current chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, voted for the TARP bailouts.
“Ron Paul is probably the only Republican congressman willing to point out the huge cost of America’s foreign wars and empire building. Other Republicans pretend that spending trillions on the military just doesn’t count as big government.
“With Social Security, Medicare, and military spending making up the vast majority of federal spending, you can’t cut significantly without cutting those. But Republicans refuse to touch them.
“Libertarians welcome the Tea Party movement’s focus on the problem of government growth. However, we are concerned that Tea Partiers might fall for the Republicans’ trickery.
“Republican leaders have brought up distractions like New York City mosques and gay marriage to distract voters from Republicans’ big-government track record. We hope that Tea Partiers will see through the smoke and mirrors.
“While our nation is declining dangerously right now, a turnaround could be straightforward and simple with Libertarian steps like these: 1. Bring our troops home from Iraq and Afghanistan; 2. Stop rewarding failed companies with bailouts; 3. Cut taxes and spending and let the free market work.
“The Libertarian Party is fielding 168 candidates for U.S. House, and 20 candidates for U.S. Senate this year. Win or lose, a vote for a Libertarian sends a clear message for smaller government and more freedom. What message does a vote for John McCain send?”
For more information, or to arrange an interview, call LP Executive Director Wes Benedict at 202-333-0008 ext. 222.
The LP is America’s third-largest political party, founded in 1971. The Libertarian Party stands for free markets and civil liberties. You can find more information on the Libertarian Party at our website.
“There are two kinds of Tea Partiers,” said Benedict. “One kind is so blinded by its hatred of Obama and Democrats that it cannot see fault with Republicans. It’s the other kind the Libertarian Party is reaching out to.”
Libertarian Party staff and volunteers will participate in the Washington, DC Tea Party events on September 12. They will distribute flyers pointing out how the Top 10 Disasters of the 2009-2010 Obama administration mirror the Top 10 Disasters of the 2001-2008 Bush administration.
Benedict continued, “Libertarians have much in common with Tea Party goals of reducing government spending and taxes. While many Tea Party supporters will admit that George W. Bush’s administration grew government, Libertarians want to remind Tea Partiers about previous Republican administrations that loved big government.
“Republican Newt Gingrich and the Contract with America promised to eliminate the Departments of Education and Energy. Yet once Republicans took control of Congress, they failed even to reduce the spending on those departments.
“Republican President George Bush, Sr. remains famous for coining the phrase ‘Read my lips, no new taxes,’ and then raising taxes.
“Republican President Ronald Reagan grew federal government spending to the highest level it had reached since World War II. He also ‘saved Social Security’ by raising payroll taxes.
“Republican presidential candidate Bob Dole was a huge supporter of taxpayer subsidies for corn and ethanol.
“In 1971, Republican President Richard Nixon instituted wage and price controls. That made a group of free-market supporters so angry that they decided to form the Libertarian Party.
“Republicans seem to think we’re idiots. For decades they have paid lip-service to shrinking government, while consistently doing the opposite in office.
“Our fear is that Tea Partiers might say ‘This time it will be different.’ No it won’t. If you vote for Republicans this time, it will just reinforce the message that they can lie to you and grow government with impunity.
“Current Republicans are just as bad as past Republicans.
“This year, Libertarian Party co-founder David Nolan is running for U.S. Senate against Republican John McCain, who famously suspended his 2008 presidential campaign so he could rush back to Washington to bail out the banks.
“Republican leader John Boehner might end up as the next House Speaker, and he voted for George W. Bush’s huge 2003 Medicare expansion.
“John Cornyn, Republican senator from Texas, and current chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, voted for the TARP bailouts.
“Ron Paul is probably the only Republican congressman willing to point out the huge cost of America’s foreign wars and empire building. Other Republicans pretend that spending trillions on the military just doesn’t count as big government.
“With Social Security, Medicare, and military spending making up the vast majority of federal spending, you can’t cut significantly without cutting those. But Republicans refuse to touch them.
“Libertarians welcome the Tea Party movement’s focus on the problem of government growth. However, we are concerned that Tea Partiers might fall for the Republicans’ trickery.
“Republican leaders have brought up distractions like New York City mosques and gay marriage to distract voters from Republicans’ big-government track record. We hope that Tea Partiers will see through the smoke and mirrors.
“While our nation is declining dangerously right now, a turnaround could be straightforward and simple with Libertarian steps like these: 1. Bring our troops home from Iraq and Afghanistan; 2. Stop rewarding failed companies with bailouts; 3. Cut taxes and spending and let the free market work.
“The Libertarian Party is fielding 168 candidates for U.S. House, and 20 candidates for U.S. Senate this year. Win or lose, a vote for a Libertarian sends a clear message for smaller government and more freedom. What message does a vote for John McCain send?”
For more information, or to arrange an interview, call LP Executive Director Wes Benedict at 202-333-0008 ext. 222.
The LP is America’s third-largest political party, founded in 1971. The Libertarian Party stands for free markets and civil liberties. You can find more information on the Libertarian Party at our website.
Saturday, September 04, 2010
Approaching the birthday season
Most of my families birthdays happen during the Fall and then in the Spring, which makes it a challenge at times to figure out what to buy for them without turning to the gift card solution. I like personalized gifts since it makes it more difficult for sibling A to "borrow" something from sibling B and then claim it was theirs to begin with. It's also handy in avoiding situations where you buy the same item for more than one child, mine were prone to breaking something then claiming it was the other child's item that was broken. I used to use a labeling gun, but they figured out how to get around that...
Elephant & Donkey put in hiding...
This Associated Press piece was interesting:
Ohio office hides elephant, donkey after complaint
NEWARK, Ohio — The elephant and the donkey are going into hiding at an Ohio voting board.
A Libertarian candidate saw ceramic figurines of the Republican and Democratic symbols on the counter at the Licking County Board of Elections when he filed paperwork to run for county commissioner.
James Snedden Jr. says the display showed bias toward candidates for the two major parties. He filed a complaint with the board on Aug. 4.
Board director Sue Penick says the panel has since heard from the Ohio Secretary of State's office. The state office recommended that the red, white and blue statuettes be kept out of sight, to avoid conflicts.
The animal figurines are now off the counter, but still in the office.
Ohio office hides elephant, donkey after complaint
NEWARK, Ohio — The elephant and the donkey are going into hiding at an Ohio voting board.
A Libertarian candidate saw ceramic figurines of the Republican and Democratic symbols on the counter at the Licking County Board of Elections when he filed paperwork to run for county commissioner.
James Snedden Jr. says the display showed bias toward candidates for the two major parties. He filed a complaint with the board on Aug. 4.
Board director Sue Penick says the panel has since heard from the Ohio Secretary of State's office. The state office recommended that the red, white and blue statuettes be kept out of sight, to avoid conflicts.
The animal figurines are now off the counter, but still in the office.
The Leave us alone coalition...
The Leave Us Alone vs. the Takings Coalition article from 2000 that might be of interest to some of you. Part of:
The "Leave us Alone" coalition includes taxpayers who want the government to reduce the tax burden, property owners, farmers, and homeowners who want their property rights respected, gunowners who want the government to leave them and their guns alone, homeschoolers who wish to educate their own children as they see fit, traditional values conservatives who don't want the government throwing condoms at their children and making fun of their religious values.
The Leave us Alone coalition also includes those Americans who serve in the military and police as they are the legitimate functions of government that protect Americans' right to be left alone by foreign agressors or domestic criminals.
The modern American left is a "Takings Coalition," a coalition of groups and individuals who view the proper role of government as taking things from one group and giving to another. This often is in the form of money. And the recipients of others money are usually the leaders of the "Takings Coalition."
Pudding versus fruit....
There are times when feeding this family of mine, I think I should get some type of a wholesaler discount when it comes to the volume of food they consume. I've also noticed though that things that are healthier cost more. Recent example? Pudding versus fruit. They are fans of individual serve portions, evidently the mere aspect of having to put something into a bowl is too much for them. Four pudding cups is a dollar, four cups of diced pears, $1.68 for the store brand, $2.00 for the name brand. I bought an equal number of pudding cups and selected fruit cups on Friday. Today? Three pudding cups remain, lots of fruit...Though the strawberry applesauce seemed to be a popular fruit selection.
Covert Operations article creating discussion
As pointed out by Frank Rich, in The Billionaires Bankrolling the Tea Party a recent New Yorker piece is stirring up discussion as to who's spending how much in the world of political funding.
Last week the Kochs were shoved unwillingly into the spotlight by the most comprehensive journalistic portrait of them yet, written by Jane Mayer of The New Yorker. Her article caused a stir among those in Manhattan’s liberal elite who didn’t know that David Koch, widely celebrated for his cultural philanthropy, is not merely another rich conservative Republican but the founder of the Americans for Prosperity Foundation, which, as Mayer writes with some understatement, “has worked closely with the Tea Party since the movement’s inception.” To New Yorkers who associate the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center with the New York City Ballet, it’s startling to learn that the Texas branch of that foundation’s political arm, known simply as Americans for Prosperity, gave its Blogger of the Year Award to an activist who had called President Obama “cokehead in chief.”
The New Yorker article stirred up the right, too. Some of Mayer’s blogging detractors unwittingly upheld the premise of her article (titled “Covert Operations”) by conceding that they have been Koch grantees. None of them found any factual errors in her 10,000 words. Many of them tried to change the subject to George Soros, the billionaire backer of liberal causes. But Soros is a publicity hound who is transparent about where he shovels his money. And like many liberals — selflessly or foolishly, depending on your point of view — he supports causes that are unrelated to his business interests and that, if anything, raise his taxes.
Lisa Murkowski could run as a Libertarian
Interesting piece on Big Government about the possibility of U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski running as a Libertarian. One recent poll shows she has a chance of winning a three way election and that appears to have some talking:
For Murkowski to run on the Libertarian ticket, Haase would have to step down and the party’s executive board would have to approve Murkowski. According to the party’s chairman, they are willing to sit down and listen to Murkowski.
“We are open to a sit-down chat with Lisa, anytime,” said Scott Kohlhaas, the party’s chairman and a candidate for House District 20 in Anchorage. Kohlhaas didn’t rule out the possibility of Murkowski running on the Libertarian’s ticket, but he did offer two reservations.
First, it is Haase’s decision on whether he wants to step down, he said, and second, the party’s executive board would have to decide whether they even wanted to give Murkowski the ticket.
The poll that shows Murkowski winning a three-way race between herself, Miller, and Democrat Scott McAdams was paid for by Andrew Halcro and four other Republicans. It cost $5,400 and was conducted by Dittman Research and Communication.
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