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A vehicle for venting on philosophy, religion, and the general state of things. Proprietor: C. W. Powell

Saturday, November 01, 2003

This is some of the best news yet from Iraq. Praise God.
Excite News: "The top American official in Iraq, L. Paul Bremer, said Saddam's ousted party had failed to rally Iraqis behind their calls for resistance to the U.S.-led occupation and the launch of a three-day strike, circulated in leaflets in Baghdad."

Friday, October 31, 2003

The year is 1903, one hundred years ago; what a difference a century makes. Here are the US statistics for 1903:

* The average life expectancy in the US was forty-seven (47).
* Only 14 Percent of the homes in the US had a bathtub.
* Only 8 percent of the homes had a telephone.
* A three-minute call from Denver to New York City cost eleven dollars.
* There were only 8,000 cars in the US and only 144 miles of paved roads.
* The maximum speed limit in most cities was 10 mph.
* Alabama, Mississippi, Iowa, and Tennessee were each more heavily
populated than California. With a mere 1.4 million residents,
California was only the 21st most populous state in the Union.
* The average US worker made between $200 and $400 per year.
* A competent accountant could expect to earn $2000 per year, a dentist
$2,500 per year, a veterinarian between $1,500 and $4,000.
* More than 95 percent of all births in the US took place at home.
* Sugar cost four cents a pound. Eggs were fourteen cents a dozen. Coffee
cost fifteen cents a pound.
* Most women only washed their hair once a month and used borax or egg
yolks for shampoo.
* Canada passed a law prohibiting poor people from entering the country
for any reason.
* The five leading causes of death in the US were:
1. Pneumonia and influenza; 2. Tuberculosis; 3. Diarrhea; 4. Heart
disease; 5. Stroke
* The American flag had 45 stars. Arizona, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Hawaii
and Alaska hadn't been admitted to the Union yet.
* The population of Las Vegas, Nevada was 30.
* Canned beer, and iced tea hadn't been invented.
* There were no Mother's Day or Father's Day.
* One in ten US adults couldn't read or write.
* Only 6 percent of all Americans had graduated from high school.
* Marijuana, heroin, and morphine were all available over the counter at
corner drugstores. According to one pharmacist, "Heroin clears the
complexion, gives buoyancy to the mind, regulates the stomach and the
bowels, and is, in fact, a perfect guardian of health."
* Eighteen percent of households in the US had at least one full-time
servant or domestic.
* There were only about 230 reported murders in the entire US.
NewsMax.com: Inside Cover Story: "Nancy Reagan is in anguish over CBS's miniseries 'The Reagans,' says close friend Merv Griffin.
'I talk to her quite often. She's hurt,' Griffin said Tuesday on MSNBC, Media Research Center and the New York Post reported today.
'It�s a cowardly act. Is that what the 'C� stands for in CBS?�
'Here is a man who is on his deathbed. He's in the last stages of Alzheimer's, and a woman who has been sitting by the bedside there holding his hand for nine years,' said the TV big.
'They can't fight back."
The U.N. Is Dead!: "The Iraqi war may be over, but the movement for the U.N. to remain as a major player on the world stage is over.
...
In the the June issue, NewsMax magazine exposes the sickening history of the U.N.’s abuses – the story the liberal media won’t report."
The French want us to turn Iraq over to these people?

Excite - News: "The United Nations, victim of a devastating suicide bombing in August, was pulling its remaining foreign staff out to Cyprus to assess security following another wave of similar attacks this week that targeted the Red Cross and the Iraqi police."

Thursday, October 30, 2003

Bigotry: The obstinate and unreasoning attachment of one's own belief and opinions, with narrow-minded intolerance of beliefs opposed to them. --From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)

Hence, I now declare that I am also opposed to the bigotry of those who obstinately and intolerantly insist on the following:

Those who ordain women and sodomites
Some Episcopalians click on link
Those who think that American culture is inferior to the French
Those who think that the French are superior
Those who call mainstream America "fly over country.'
Liberals who think that blacks should stay in their place on the liberal plantation
Evolutionary scientists
Feminists and sissy men who would send girls to war
Democratic senators who refuse to confirm conservative judicial appointments
Those who insist that the voters of Florida and California are too dumb to know how to vote with punch cards.

I have spent my whole life opposing most of these bigots, and expect to do so for what remains.

Wednesday, October 29, 2003

Bigotry: The obstinate and unreasoning attachment of one's own belief and opinions, with narrow-minded intolerance of beliefs opposed to them. --From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)

Hence, I now declare that I am opposed to the bigotry of those who obstinately and intolerantly insist on the following:

Sodomite marriage.
Feminism
The wisdom of Smoky Bear
Universal socialized medicine
Affirmative Action
That all religions worship the same God
That religion has no place in public life.
That America is always wrong
Gun control
Raising Taxes
Not lowering taxes
That the Ten Commandments are not binding on all men
That dolphins are not good to eat.
The more government is good
That more money will fix public education
That character doesn't matter
That Islam is a sweet and loving religion
Why not just dump the whole idea. It is bad, bad, bad. See blog below.
More Taxpayer Subsidies Will Not Correct Congress’ Medicare Drug Miscalculation: "The bottom line: Congress is considering paying companies to continue to cover something they already cover in order to deflect political heat from seniors who face the loss of trusted benefits. In other words, Congress made a mistake, and the taxpayers are now expected to pay for that mistake."
Twice in my life I had jobs that required me to join unions. One was in Pennsylvania working on a road crew one summer when I was still in college. I don’t count that one because the union was run by the Mafia, and we got no benefits. We worked for their benefit, not for ours.

But the other time was in northern California when I worked at a sawmill. I was shortly out of college, young and filled with energy. After about the third day, one of the older union men came to me and said, “Powell, you better slow down. You are making the other men look bad.” I got the message. Thankfully, it was only a summer job, and I never had another union job. I hate the union mentality that hinders excellence. Men sell their souls for comfortable mediocrity.

I refused to live my life that way. Philippians 1:9,10: “And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; that ye may approve things that are excellent….”

Christians are to live for the glory of God and in terms of the commandments and nature of God. I am supposed to prove the things that are excellent. I am not to settle for what’s “good enough.” The only thing that is “good enough” for me is the very best I can do.

The Bible does not teach that men are equal. In fact, some have one talent, some have two, some have five. They are equal in their responsibility to use what they have to the best of their ability, but there is not to be equal outcomes. Radical democracy that seeks to bring all to the same level is antithetical to Christianity.

Tuesday, October 28, 2003

When does it become theft?
Because I am well into my "seasoned" years, and my own drug expenses are getting more each year, it would, on paper, seem to be much to my advantage to support prescription coverage under medicare. But I don't. For one thing, it would entangle government even more in drug research and development. How are the drug companies to recoup their research dollars? Can't you just hear, "They are ripping off the taxpayer!!"? So there will be price controls on drugs, which would logically lead to lids on the amount of salaries researchers can get, which will lead to drug shortages and the drying up of new and more effective drugs.

It is a continuing mystery to me why people think they can get it cheaper if the government pays for it. It costs what it costs, people. Pay it, or do without. The only way for something to pass in to your possession morally is if they give it to you of if you exchange something you own for it. Ain't no other way. Robbing Hood don't count. It's not a gift if he robs someone else to give it to you. Who is paying your drug bill if you aren't? Huh?? Same person that pays your rent, your school, your welfare check, your walking around money, etc. Anyway, I am glad someone is doing something about the stampede toward Hillary/Teddy Care.

National Taxpayers Union - Press Release - Taxpayer Groups Oppose Medicare Drug Benefit, 2003-10-28: "As lawmakers face renewed White House pressure to finalize legislation that would create a prescription drug benefit in the Medicare system, a joint statement by 38 citizen groups representing millions of Americans warned Congress today that taxpayers will be trampled in the rush to create a new entitlement program. The non-partisan National Taxpayers Union (NTU) organized the coalition effort."
When does it become theft?
Because I am well into my "seasoned" years, and my own drug expenses are getting more each year, it would, on paper, seem to be much to my advantage to support prescription coverage under medicare. But I don't. For one thing, it would entangle government even more in drug research and development. How are the drug companies to recoup their research dollars. Can't you just hear, "They are ripping off the taxpayer!!" It is a continuing mystery to me why people think they can get it cheaper if the government pays for it. It costs what it costs, people. Pay it, or do without. The only way for something to pass in to your possession morally is if they give it to you of if you exchange something you own for it. Ain't no other way. Robbing Hood don't count. It's not a gift if he robs someone else to give it to you. Who is paying your drug bill if you aren't? Huh?? Same person that pays your rent, your school, your welfare check, your walking around money, etc.

National Taxpayers Union - Press Release - Taxpayer Groups Oppose Medicare Drug Benefit, 2003-10-28: "As lawmakers face renewed White House pressure to finalize legislation that would create a prescription drug benefit in the Medicare system, a joint statement by 38 citizen groups representing millions of Americans warned Congress today that taxpayers will be trampled in the rush to create a new entitlement program. The non-partisan National Taxpayers Union (NTU) organized the coalition effort."
I can understand why a liberal would support the junk sicience connected with the "global warming" hysteria [thirty years ago it was the "new ice age"] because they want excuses to take people's freedom away, but President Bush? Read this article on the scam called the National Assessment.

Christopher C. Horner on regulatory Reform on National Review Online: "For whatever reason, the Bush administration is defending Al Gore's climate alarmism, at a minimum stirring doubts about its resolve to fight oppressive climate-change policies. Adding insult to injury, the administration is willing to destroy the FDQA in the process. It is this sort of approach to environmental policy that led Rush Limbaugh to excoriate White House attempts at Green appeasement. Mr. Limbaugh, get well soon, and please pick up where you left off."
Ain't it just ducky!! But at least they are not spending the money on democratic campaigns!

David Lynch's Billion-Dollar Peace Plan

Film director David Lynch has a plan for world peace, and he wants to raise $1 billion to implement his idea.

Lynch says he would use the billion dollars to build "peace palaces" in 3,000 cities throughout the world.

He told the press: "There's this beautiful ocean of bliss and consciousness that is able to be reached by any human being by diving within, which is really peaceful and harmonious and can be enlivened by the group process. This group is a peace-creating group. It saturates the atmosphere. This is all about establishing peace. Right now, we gotta get peace back in the world. Peace is a real thing."

All the rhetoric doesn't necessarily mean that Lynch has been hanging out with Richard Gere.

No, the guy has actually been involved with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's Transcendental Meditation for about 30 years. The group's founding guru has had the desire to build places that will allow large groups of people to meditate.

Lynch has apparently spread the word about his T.M. ambitions to some big-name celebrities that he's worked with. Actresses Heather Graham, Laura Dern and Laura Harring have all jumped on Lynch's peace train and pledged their support for a peace palace in L.A.

Meditators plan to gather twice a day and send positive vibes out into the world.

The Left Coast Report takes solace in knowing that when Hollywood libs are busy meditating at least their jaws aren't flapping.

from NEWSMAX

Monday, October 27, 2003

Click here for a Valentine for Senator Feinstein [See clipart link on the right]

I will give credit where credit is due, and it is certainly due to Senator Diane Feinstein of California for her defense of the Patriot Act. I might not every write these words again, but here goes: Hurrah for Diane Feinstein!!!! [Treasure this moment!]

The Patriot Act's Surprising Defenders: "'I've tried to see what has happened in the complaints that have come in,' she said, 'and I've received to date 21,434 complaints about the Patriot Act.' Except these turned out to be unrelated civil liberties gripes, or complaints about a 'Patriot Act II' that doesn't yet exist. 'I have never had a single [verified] abuse of the Patriot Act reported to me. My staff emailed the ACLU and asked them for instances of actual abuses. They emailed back and said they had none.' "

Did you get that: THERE HAS BEEN NO ABUSE OF THE PATRIOT ACT, SO YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE STAR OUGHT TO SHUT UP
God bless you General Boykin. Don't let domestic infidels, agnostics, and assorted weirdos in the press dissuade you from your faith witness to the truth. Nor anyone else.

Onward, Christian Soldier!: "LIEUTENANT GENERAL William Boykin, deputy undersecretary of defense for intelligence and a highly decorated officer, has intimated that the United States is a Christian country and that he is, himself, a Christian. Journalists across the nation are shocked and horrified. Apparently the general has been traveling around the country speaking in churches, and has gone so far as to suggest that all religions are not equivalent and that, while he relies on his own God, the one bloody-minded terrorists praise and celebrate must be a different and a false one."
If you think that the Public School Teachers' Unions really care about "the children," then read this article. Power, Power, Power, is all that liberals care about. They think they are the only ones that can direct people's lives, for only they are good enough, wise enough, and know enough.

TIME - Joe Klein - How the Unions Killed a Dream: "In 1999, an unassuming Michigan road builder named Bob Thompson sold his construction company for $442 million, an amount he and his wife Ellen believed was far more than they needed for retirement. His first act, which received national attention, was to distribute $128 million to his employees; about 80 became instant millionaires. Then Thompson decided to donate most of the rest of his money to public education, preferably in Detroit. After doing some research, he offered $200 million to build 15 small, independent public high schools in the inner city. A few weeks ago, Thompson withdrew his offer after the Detroit Federation of Teachers (DFT) led a furious, and scurrilous, campaign against his generosity. The philanthropist is in seclusion now - friends say he is stunned and distressed - but his is a story that deserves telling. "
If you want to know what is wrong with Europe, read this article. Europe cannot be relied on to defend liberty, morality, and certainly not Christianity. Through the UN they will continue to obstruct those who do. We need to understand that reality. Click on the link.

PittsburghLIVE.com - The bane of 'Eurosclerosis': "Skarninga got the free money by impressing the central planners with a detailed business plan that showed how she could make a living by mixing elixirs and selling them door-to-door. An elixir is by definition an herbal extract. Mix that with some socialism and sorcery and what you get is a tax-paid witch on your porch with some witch's brew concoction that she says will knock out your bad karma and awaken your cells of joy, passion and self-love. "
Although I wrote a few days ago that it would be good to get the girls out of the military academies and my mind is very clear on what I think about women in the military in general, yet I do not think that girls should not go to the military academies. This is no contradiction.

My first choice would be military academies for men. I would advocate an older philosophy that would send men to combat, and I would like to see military academies training men to be warriors in a manly environment, where they would not be distracted by women, but I realize that is not the present political reality. I am sad about that, but that does not mean that I think that women should not take the opportunity to get the very excellent training that is offered by the academies. I do not believe in women in combat, and I will write on that soon, but there are many supporting roles that women can play and do it excellently. They always have in war, and they always will.

One of the human tragedies of the Islamic world is the loss of half their brains that is the result of the debasing of women in that culture. They will never catch up with the West as long as they keep half their population in intellectual and spiritual bondage. This also shows the hypocrisy of the liberal left and feminism in our own country. Why should they not rejoice in a President that will take the political risks necessary to free the women of Afghanistan and Iraq? It puzzles me. Well, not really, for these people don't really believe in anything except their right to hold power. They will say anything, do anything, charge anything, and refrain from saying anything in order to gain what they think is rightfully theirs: the wheels of power.
While searching for something else today, I ran across a web site [which I will not name, for obvious reasons] which offers "war essays" and 100,000 essays on other topics. I grew up in a day when you had to write your own essays. At least the teacher knew that you had at least read it. Even if you copied it mostly from books, you at least had read the material. I was not a great student in high school--I was bored with the teachers and afflicted with almost terminal sloth. I did get excited about math and I had a great math teacher in high school. He had the personality of a pirana, but I think he got that from his students. The lower levels of math--algebra I--which "ordinary" students took were basically a zoo, but as we got into the more rarified atmosphere of advanced math, analytical geometry [as it was called then], and calculus, the classes got smaller and smaller and more fun.

Back to the web site. I was no saint in high school, but I had too much confidence in my own ideas to ever have stooped to borrow and essay from someone or to copy one. For better or worse, the ideas I wrote were my own. That is still true.

Sunday, October 26, 2003

Is "Under God" going to go into the trash heap with the Ten Commandments and public references to the Bible?

Paul Greenberg: Why judges should be seen and not heard: "Soon enough adults in suits and ties will be asserting that the mention of 'under God' in the pledge is unconstitutional - right after the high court begins its deliberations with the traditional incantation, 'God save this honorable court.'"
Is this a just war or not?

"But the country did not rise to the occasion, and our enemies know that we
fought them on the cheap. They know that we did not, would not, and will not
tolerate the disruption of our normal way of life. They know that they did
not seize our full attention. They know that we have hardly stirred. And as
long as they have these things to know, they will neither stand down nor
shrink back, and, for us, the sorrows that will come will be greater than
the sorrows that have been."

War in the Absence of Strategic Clarity
More than merely winning the war in Iraq, we needed to stun the Arab World.

An article by Mark Helprin




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