Fourteen Defining Characteristics Of Fascism

These 14 characteristics are by Dr. Lawrence Britt.

1. Powerful and Continuing Nationalism - Fascist regimes tend to make constant use of patriotic mottoes, slogans, symbols, songs, and other paraphernalia. Flags are seen everywhere, as are flag symbols on clothing and in public displays.

2. Disdain for the Recognition of Human Rights - Because of fear of enemies and the need for security, the people in fascist regimes are persuaded that human rights can be ignored in certain cases because of "need." The people tend to look the other way or even approve of torture, summary executions, assassinations, long incarcerations of prisoners, etc.

3. Identification of Enemies/Scapegoats as a Unifying Cause - The people are rallied into a unifying patriotic frenzy over the need to eliminate a perceived common threat or foe: racial , ethnic or religious minorities; liberals; communists; socialists, terrorists, etc.

4. Supremacy of the Military - Even when there are widespread domestic problems, the military is given a disproportionate amount of government funding, and the domestic agenda is neglected. Soldiers and military service are glamorized.

5. Rampant Sexism - The governments of fascist nations tend to be almost exclusively male-dominated. Under fascist regimes, traditional gender roles are made more rigid. Divorce, abortion and homosexuality are suppressed and the state is represented as the ultimate guardian of the family institution.

6. Controlled Mass Media - Sometimes to media is directly controlled by the government, but in other cases, the media is indirectly controlled by government regulation, or sympathetic media spokespeople and executives. Censorship, especially in war time, is very common.

7. Obsession with National Security - Fear is used as a motivational tool by the government over the masses.

8. Religion and Government are Intertwined - Governments in fascist nations tend to use the most common religion in the nation as a tool to manipulate public opinion. Religious rhetoric and terminology is common from government leaders, even when the major tenets of the religion are diametrically opposed to the government's policies or actions.

9. Corporate Power is Protected - The industrial and business aristocracy of a fascist nation often are the ones who put the government leaders into power, creating a mutually beneficial business/government relationship and power elite.

10. Labor Power is Suppressed - Because the organizing power of labor is the only real threat to a fascist government, labor unions are either eliminated entirely, or are severely suppressed.

11. Disdain for Intellectuals and the Arts - Fascist nations tend to promote and tolerate open hostility to higher education, and academia. It is not uncommon for professors and other academics to be censored or even arrested. Free expression in the arts and letters is openly attacked.

12. Obsession with Crime and Punishment - Under fascist regimes, the police are given almost limitless power to enforce laws. The people are often willing to overlook police abuses and even forego civil liberties in the name of patriotism. There is often a national police force with virtually unlimited power in fascist nations.

13. Rampant Cronyism and Corruption - Fascist regimes almost always are governed by groups of friends and associates who appoint each other to government positions and use governmental power and authority to protect their friends from accountability. It is not uncommon in fascist regimes for national resources and even treasures to be appropriated or even outright stolen by government leaders.

14. Fraudulent Elections - Sometimes elections in fascist nations are a complete sham. Other times elections are manipulated by smear campaigns against or even assassination of opposition candidates, use of legislation to control voting numbers or political district boundaries, and manipulation of the media. Fascist nations also typically use their judiciaries to manipulate or control elections.

These fourteen characteristics are pretty good. I notice the doctor has left-leaning bent though. Notice characteristic three where he mentions scapegoating communists and socialists. This might be cause he never looked at countries like Cuba, China and other Marxists regimes. Oh, well. A dictator will always escape goat a group if he perceives a threat to him or his regime.

He also mentions continuing nationalism in characteristic one. China, Cuba, and Venezuela don't have nationalism? Almost every country has nationalism which is basically love of your country. Nothing wrong with that. I don't care if the Iranians love their country. That does not scare me. I crazy leader who wants to start WW III does. Hitler did not start WW II because he loved his country. He started WW II because he was power hungry megalomaniac.

Almost every one these fourteen characteristics can be applied to any communist/Marxist/socialist government. After all fascism, communism and Marxism limits liberty. As the econlib.org website put it for fascism:

The fascist leaders’ antagonism to communism has been misinterpreted as an affinity for capitalism. In fact, fascists’ anticommunism was motivated by a belief that in the collectivist milieu of early-twentieth-century Europe, communism was its closest rival for people's allegiance. As with communism, under fascism, every citizen was regarded as an employee and tenant of the totalitarian, party-dominated state. Consequently, it was the state's prerogative to use force, or the threat of it, to suppress even peaceful opposition.

Movement Action Plan

This action plan was created by Bill Moyer in 1987 for leftist radicals. As Glenn Beck has stated on his show the TEA Party may be in stage five of this plan. Click on the chart to see the words easier.

The Planks of the Nationalist Socialist (NAZI) Party of Germany

The following planks below were adopted by the Nazi Party in Munich on February 24, 1920. Ask yourself what ideology does this sound like the most?

We ask that the government undertake the obligation above all of providing citizens with adequate opportunity for employment and earning a living.

The activities of the individual must not be allowed to clash with the interests of the community, but must take place within its confines and be for the good of all. Therefore, we demand an end to the power of the financial interests.

We demand profit sharing in big business.

We demand a broad extension of care for the aged.

We demand... the greatest possible consideration of small business in the purchases of the national, state, and municipal governments.

In order to make possible to every capable and industrious (citizen) the attainment of higher education and thus the achievement of a post of leadership, the government must provide an all-around enlargement of our system of public education... We demand the education at government expense of gifted children of poor parents...

The government must undertake the improvement of public health by protecting mother and child, by prohibiting child labor - by the greatest possible support for all clubs concerned with the physical education of youth.

We combat the... materialistic spirit within and without us, and are convinced that a permanent recovery of our people can only proceed from within on the foundation of The Common Good Before the Individual Good.

If you said this sounds more like the Left--especially the far Left then you are right. Progressives say that conservatives are Nazi's in their ideology. Really? Name me one conservative that wants profit sharing in business. And after all the word "socialist" is in the word Nazi.

Whether it is fascism, socialism, communism, or statism they all have one thing in common: control and restricting liberty.

The Art of Compromise

In Ayn Rand's book Capitalism: The Unknown Ideal she lists three rules about comprising. Any conservative politician running for office (or anyone for that matter who has principles) should read these rules.

1. In any conflict between two men (or two groups) who hold the same basic principles, it is the more consistent one who wins.

2. In any collaboration between two men (or two groups) who hold different basic principles, it is the more evil or irrational one who wins.

3. When opposite basic principles are clearly and openly defined, it works to the advantage of the rational side; when they are not clearly defined, but are hidden or evaded, it works to the advantage of the irrational side.

She gives an example of the Republicans compromising with the Democrats about big gov't. I am paraphrasing her point, but if the Dems want big gov't and the GOP wants big gov't lite--it is the Dems that will win because they are more consistent about their big gov't principles.

Be Careful What You Want

In 1917, the Russian peasants were demanding: "Land and Freedom!" But Lenin and Stalin is what they got.
In 1933, the Germans were demanding: "Room to live!" But what they got was Hitler.
In 1793, the French were shouting: "Liberty, Equality, Fraternity!" What they got was Napoleon.
In 1776, the Americans were proclaiming "The Rights of Man" -- and, led by political philosophers, they achieved it.

No revolution, no matter how justified, and no movement, no matter how popular, has ever succeeded without a political philosophy to guide it, to set its direction and goal.

Source: Capitalism: The Unknown Ideal (1966) by Ayn Rand.

America's Ruling Class -- And the Perils of Revolution

An interesting article written by Angelo M. Codevilla in The American Spectator. This six page column is about how there are two classes in America (or at least this is how Washington sees the country): The Ruling Class and the Country Class. The Ruling Class thinks of itself as "the best and brightest while the rest of Americans are retrograde, racist, and dysfunctional unless properly constrained." The "rest of America" is of course by definition the Country Class. Think elitism.

Some people think term limits for Congress is a good idea. I don't know. But the real problem is the culture in Congress that this article alludes too. No matter who you put in power they will be exposed to that culture. Unless they have very good self-control or just maybe an individualist nature they will be drawn into the Ruling Class' trappings. They will want to be one of the "cool" people--not an outsider. Changing that culture especially the attitude in the culture will be almost impossible.

Hat tip to the Rush Limbaugh show for bringing this article to my attention.

One note. This article parallels my Stereotypes of The Left blog entry on October 2006. Mr. Codevilla article is more flushed out than mine though.

An Illegal Immigration Plan

Below is what I consider a good plan for illegal immigration.

First, put up a wall or a fence or even the National Guard on the border to help out the border control to stop any terrorists or criminals with felonies. We have to screen these risky people out.

Second, fine heavily any business that hires illegal aliens. This will help stop the flood of illegals and it might make the illegals here leave the country. At least will diminish the economic incentive for coming here.

Third, do away with the "anchor baby" law. This law says if an illegal alien gives birth to a baby here then that baby automatically becomes legal. This law was implemented when America had black slaves. Slavery is not illegal, and no other country has this outdated law.

Finally, if you want to become a citizen of this country you have to give at least five different reasons why you like or love America. I think that's fair. When you apply for a job the interviewer asks you why you want to work for the company. Besides we have enough people in this country that don't like this country like the POTUS.

That's the plan. The first two parts should be implemented concurrently if possible.

Salary and Private Property

What's the difference between capping salaries and limiting the number of products a person can own (like Jay Leno's cars)? It's a trick question. There is no difference--both are private property. So, why should the powers-that-be have the right to cap anyone's salary in the private sector? Think about it. Congress does not put any ceiling on their salary. It raises automatically. All they have to do is not to vote for the raise. Also, President Clinton raised the POTUS salary during his term.

Why Dictators Don't Like the Bill of Rights Part 2

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized. This would prevent any dictator from having an official enter a person's house without a warrant if the dictator thought a person or business was a threat to the regime ie wanted to overthrow it. The official could just barge into the residence and have a look around.

No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation. A dictator would laugh at all of this. And if the gov't is totalitarian then the concept of private property does not exist. Your life, liberty, and property is at the whim of the dictator. 

In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defense. Again a dictator wold laugh at this. A speedy trial? An accused gets a trial as long as the regime wants it to be. You are lucky if the regime gives you a defense attorney. 

In Suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise re-examined in any Court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law. Civil cases are trivial to a dictator.

Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted. No excessive fines? No cruel and unusual punishment? Where's the fun in that! And as for no excessive bail? What does bail mean? Actually, if the crime is a local matter and not related to the state a dictator probably wouldn't care either way.

The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people. Rights would be whatever the dictator says they are. 

States and People The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people. Again any rights are whatever the dictator says they are.

Why Dictators Don't Like the Bill of Rights Part 1

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. Dictators don't like this right because they want to control the dominant religion of the country they rule over or they want to outlaw the religion. Why? Because the religion might not support their plans for the country like the Catholic church in Poland not supporting Communism during the Cold War. China suppresses Christianity and other religions for this reason.  The only religion a dictator would allow is a religion he can control or that supports his regime. Germany does not have freedom of religion as a side note. I am not stating they are a dictatorship--just giving you a comparison.

...or abridging the freedom of speech,  or of the press. Dictators don't want no-one criticizing him or his regime. Dictators don't want outsiders knowing his plans for the country especially when they are not good plans. If people talked about his plans or criticize them or if the press reported what he was up to then the people could rebel. That's why dictators like to control the press and suppress speech. England by the way does not have freedom of speech. I am not saying they are a dictatorship--just stating an interesting side note.

...or the right of the people peaceably to assemble. If the people get together and form associations or clubs they can learn what each other thinks about the regime. This could lead to rebellion and a possible overthrow of the current regime. Anyway, this is what a dictator could think. They tend to be paranoid. 

...and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. Dictators don't care about any grievances from the people. Sort of like America's Congress especially those on the Left.

A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed. Dictators don't want rebellion, and they really don't want people rebelling with guns! That could be disastrous to the regime. England does not have the right to bear arms.

No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law. A dictator wouldn't care about this unless he used it as a way to prevent a rebellion. You have soldiers loyal to the regime in a house they can suppress any potential rebellion and also report back to the regime any activities in the house.

There is also a possible downside to this plan. The homeowners could persuade the soldiers to rebel against the regime. President Lincoln suspended this right temporarily during the Civil War.

 

Collectivized "Rights"

The following is an excerpt from Ayn Rand's article by the same name written in June 1963:

A group, as such, has no rights. A man can neither acquire new rights by joining a group nor lose the rights which he does possess. The principle of individual rights is the only moral base of all groups or associations. Any group that does not recognize this principle is not an association, but a gang or a mob. The notion of "collective rights" (the notion that rights belong to groups, not to individuals) means that "rights" belong to some men, but not to others---that some men have the "right" to dispose of others in any manner they please---and that the criterion of such privileged position consists of numerical superiority.

What she said back then is true today as it was back then. This passage was taken by the way from her book The Virtue of Selfishness.

Congressional Reform Part 2

One, pass a law that says a Congressperson has to read and comprehend a bill before voting on it. This just makes sense. None of this "we must pass the law so we know what's in it" bull crap.

Two, have the Congress work three to four months of the year. They can choose what months they want to work. The rest of the months they cannot pass any laws and they are not paid. This would help reduce the deficit. If a Congressperson cannot survive on three to four months pay well then they can get regular jobs like the people they represent. Maybe just then they'll think twice about passing a stupid bill if the bill affects them too. Also, it's good for them to interact with their constituents. The Founding Fathers never meant for Congress to be separated from the people they represent. They never meant them to be elitists.

Finally, how about this idea. Repeal the 17th amendment and go back to the first part of Article I Section 3. This will bring the Constitution closer to what the Founding fathers meant it to be.

Also, see my previous Congressional Reform blog entry for other suggestions.

Miscellaneous Thoughts Part 17

• The customer is always right unless you belong to Big Labor.
• Remember to never throw a lighted stick of dynamite in front of golden retriever.  
• If you're tired of life's ups, downs & crazy turns maybe it's time to get off of the roller coaster.
• I felt sorry for a man who had no hat. Then I met a man who had no head. 
• Given a choice between completeness & consistency in a formal system since you cannot have both according to Godel's Theorem. I choose consistency. Having an incomplete system won't drive you nuts.
• Life's a journey. Just don't take a wrong turn & get lost. 
• If everyone shows up late for a meeting then does that mean no-one showed up late?
• Change is not always good. There is such a thing as bad change. For instance, making a wrong turn and driving off a cliff while driving home is bad change. 
• Drinking and voting don't mix. You might vote for something or someone by accident you did not mean to vote for.
• On life's journey be sure to stop and smell the flowers. Just be sure to check for bumblebees on them before you smell.

Obama to be given the right to shut down the internet with 'kill switch'

From the Daily Mail (June 18):

President Obama will be given the power to shut down the Internet with a 'kill switch' in a new law being proposed in the US.

He would be able to order popular search engines such a Google and Yahoo to suspend access their websites in times of national emergency.

Other US based Internet service providers as well as broadband providers would also come under his control in times of a 'cybersecurity emergency.' Any company that failed to comply would be subject to huge fines.

Critics of the new law, which has been proposed by former presidential candidate Joe Liebermann, said it would be an abuse of power to let the White House control the internet. [read more]

This bill is over-kill. The Emperor would use this switch when the country is under a cyberattack like another country hacking into the US companies. But the question is who is going to determine how severe the emergency is for the 'kill switch' to be flipped? The gov't of course. Or maybe a gov't commission like the one created to handle the oil spill in the Gulf will determine when the kill switch is flipped. That really makes me feel better. Not!

Keep in mind this the same administration that said "never let a good crises go to waste." A cybersecurity emergency would of course be a crises.

Obama's Health Executive Order

From White House.gov Obama issued another executive order. Any highlights are by me. Below is condensed version of the order.

EXECUTIVE ORDER

ESTABLISHING THE NATIONAL PREVENTION, HEALTH PROMOTION, AND PUBLIC HEALTH COUNCIL

Section 1. Establishment. There is established within the Department of Health and Human Services, the National Prevention, Health Promotion, and Public Health Council (Council).

(a) The Surgeon General shall serve as the Chair of the Council, which shall be composed of:

(1) the Secretary of Agriculture;
(2) the Secretary of Labor;
(3) the Secretary of Health and Human Services;
(4) the Secretary of Transportation;
(5) the Secretary of Education;
(6) the Secretary of Homeland Security;
(7) the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency;
(8) the Chair of the Federal Trade Commission;
(9) the Director of National Drug Control Policy;
(10) the Assistant to the President and Director of the Domestic Policy Council;
(11) the Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Indian Affairs;
(12) the Chairman of the Corporation for National and Community Service; and
(13) the head of any other executive department or agency that the Chair may, from time to time, determine is appropriate.

Sec. 3. Purposes and Duties. The Council shall:

(c) provide recommendations to the President and the Congress concerning the most pressing health issues confronting the United States and changes in Federal policy to achieve national wellness, health promotion, and public health goals, including the reduction of tobacco use, sedentary behavior, and poor nutrition;

Sec. 4. Advisory Group.

(b) The Advisory Group shall be composed of not more than 25 members or representatives from outside the Federal Government appointed by the President and shall include a diverse group of licensed health professionals, including integrative health practitioners who are representative of or have expertise in:

(1) worksite health promotion;
(2) community services, including community health centers;
(3) preventive medicine;
(4) health coaching;
(5) public health education;
(6) geriatrics; and
(7) rehabilitation medicine.

Section 6.

(c) contains a list of national priorities on health promotion and disease prevention to address lifestyle behavior modification (including smoking cessation, proper nutrition, appropriate exercise, mental health, behavioral health, substance-use disorder, and domestic violence screenings) and the prevention measures for the five leading disease killers in the United States;

I am not sure why the Secretaries of Agriculture, Labor, Transportation, Education, and Homeland Security (this one is really odd) are there. And why is the EPA and FTC included in the membership? Only departments not included is the IRS, CIA and FBI. Notice the Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Indian Affairs. What is with the Left and the Indians? 

Not sure what "health coaching" entails. Hey fatso quit eating so much! Exercise more! Something like that?

Lifestyle behavior modification? Don't like the sound of that. Appropriate exercise? The gov't is going to decide how much exercise you should get? Shouldn't that be between your doctor and you? Oh, I am sorry. I forgot. Obama knows better than any doctor. 

Hat tip to WND.com for this information.

Bribing Candidates

Just because it's been done in the past or "that's the way Washington works" does not mean you can continue the tradition of bribing candidates from running for an elected office. It's wrong then and it's wrong now. And politicians wonder why the American public is fed up with Washington? There should be investigations when this happens. You can't bribe policemen and you definitely shouldn't bribe politicians.

The Left says the Right has done the same thing. That might be true, but if you get caught speeding or rolling through a stop sign and telling the policeman other people do it and don't get caught won't work for an excuse. He'll just tell you, you are the one that got caught this time. 

Political bribery should never be done. Period. 

The Power Triangle

On the Sociopathic Style website (sounds like a fun website doesn't it?) it talks about The Power Triangle. The triangle has the components: The Victim, The Rescuer, and The Villain. The relationship is in balance as long as The Victim is powerless and needs The Rescuer. 

Once The Victim stops being a victim, The Rescuer is not needed anymore. This is where the Rescuer becomes The Villain. The once rescuer starts to now shame, diminish, and blame The Victim for The Rescuer's woes. In other words, The Rescuer now perceives The Victim as The Villain and him/her as The Victim now. 

What's interesting is if you substitute Big Gov't politicians (Progressives) for The Rescuer the have a similar situation. Progressives try to convince the voters they cannot live without Big Gov't. For those voters who believe this are The Victims. All the rest who don't believe this are turned into villains. Independence is the enemy of the Progressives.

Doctors to be able to 'print' new organs for transplant patients

From the Daily Mail.co.uk (June 4):

Doctors might one day be able to 'print' living body parts they need for surgery, including blood vessels and entire organs.

The astonishing technique is known as bio-printing and it could make the transplant list a thing of the past.

Currently patients on the transplant list have to wait months or even years before a suitable organ becomes available.

But the 3D bio-printer, developed by US company Organovo, is already capable of growing arteries and its developers say arteries 'printed' by the device could be used in heart bypass surgery in five years.

More complex organs such as hearts, and teeth and bone should be possible within ten years. [read more]

Wow! Someone in the future could destroy his liver by being a chronic drunk and have a new one made. I am not suggesting that someone do this, but if you have the money hey why not.

Woman who walked onto highway sues Google Maps

A woman from Utah is suing Google because she says Google Maps directed her to walk onto a highway. Then a car hit her. Now, I am sorry that the woman got hurt, but is this really Google's fault? Somewhere during her walking I would think survival instincts if not common sense would kick in. 

Let's see now. Her thought processes should go like this: I am near a busy highway. Heavy automobiles can hurt me or even kill me if they run into me. Maybe I should not cross the highway. Yea, that's a good idea.  

No, her thought processes must have been this: I am near a busy highway. Automobiles can hurt me if they run into me. But Google Maps said I can cross the highway. I trust the Maps. Therefore, I am crossing the highway. 

Come on! I've seen the photos of the highway from the article. It's a four-lane highway and there are no sidewalks. When you cross a four-lane highway, you take your life in your own hands. Not a good idea if you don't have to do it. 

A World Government?

The question is does the Left want a one world government? I think they do. Below is the Humanist Manifesto II. Don't let the word "humanist" confuse you. Think "progressive" instead of "humanist." It's just a name game the Left always uses. There is a manifesto I and even a manifesto III. The first one was written in 1933. An extract of the manifesto below was written in 1973. Any highlights are done by me. My comments are in italic.

TWELFTH: We deplore the division of humankind on nationalistic grounds. We have reached a turning point in human history where the best option is to transcend the limits of national sovereignty and to move toward the building of a world community in which all sectors of the human family can participate. Thus we look to the development of a system of world law and a world order based upon transnational federal government. 

The Left thinks nationalism is bad. They think nationalism causes wars. All nationalism is, is patriotism. Love of country. Loving your country is as natural as loving your parents or children. It's not nationalism that causes wars. Its power and control of resources that causes wars. You think Hitler wanted to take over countries because he loved Germany? He might have used that as an excuse but that wasn't the only reason. Here is something to think about: If you don't love something you have less of a tendency to protect it. Because the Left in France before WW II thought France's nationalism was bad, they did not teach anything about or downplayed France's historical accomplishments. Hitler knew this so when he invaded France there was hardly no resistance until it was almost too late. 

The people of Iran and N. Korea loving their country does not bother me. Their crazy dictators on the other hand make me nervous. 

THIRTEENTH: This world community must renounce the resort to violence and force as a method of solving international disputes. We believe in the peaceful adjudication of differences by international courts and by the development of the arts of negotiation and compromise. War is obsolete. So is the use of nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons. It is a planetary imperative to reduce the level of military expenditures and turn these savings to peaceful and people-oriented uses.

War is obsolete? Really? War will only go away when tyrants around the world disappear. Good luck on that one. As Rush Limbaugh once said, the world is ruled by force. Man is imperfect and has free will. He chooses between good and evil. It's his nature that causes wars. Getting rid of nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons will not change the nature of man. The ancient Greeks and Romans did not have nuclear weapons and they still fought one another. And so did other ancient cultures. Heck even married couples have fights. 

FOURTEENTH: The world community must engage in cooperative planning concerning the use of rapidly depleting resources. The planet earth must be considered a single ecosystem. Ecological damage, resource depletion, and excessive population growth must be checked by international concord. The cultivation and conservation of nature is a moral value; we should perceive ourselves as integral to the sources of our being in nature. We must free our world from needless pollution and waste, responsibly guarding and creating wealth, both natural and human. Exploitation of natural resources, uncurbed by social conscience, must end.

Cap-and-tax anyone? 

FIFTEENTH: The problems of economic growth and development can no longer be resolved by one nation alone; they are worldwide in scope. It is the moral obligation of the developed nations to provide - through an international authority that safeguards human rights - massive technical, agricultural, medical, and economic assistance, including birth control techniques, to the developing portions of the globe. World poverty must cease. Hence extreme disproportions in wealth, income, and economic growth should be reduced on a worldwide basis.

This is what the Left calls "economic justice."

SIXTEENTH: Technology is a vital key to human progress and development. We deplore any neo-romantic efforts to condemn indiscriminately all technology and science or to counsel retreat from its further extension and use for the good of humankind. We would resist any moves to censor basic scientific research on moral, political, or social grounds. Technology must, however, be carefully judged by the consequences of its use; harmful and destructive changes should be avoided. We are particularly disturbed when technology and bureaucracy control, manipulate, or modify human beings without their consent. Technological feasibility does not imply social or cultural desirability.

Kind of confusing provision. First, it says scientific research should not be censored based on moral, political, or social grounds. So human cloning is okay? I get the political and social grounds though. Then the provision says harmful changes should be avoided. So, we should not clone people? I think what the provision is saying is that as long as technology does not harm the environment it is fine. That's okay, but the word "harm" is the key here. Is CO₂ harmful to the world? I don't believe it is. Grass and green plants need it.

SEVENTEENTH: We must expand communication and transportation across frontiers. Travel restrictions must cease. The world must be open to diverse political, ideological, and moral viewpoints and evolve a worldwide system of television and radio for information and education. We thus call for full international cooperation in culture, science, the arts, and technology across ideological borders. We must learn to live openly together or we shall perish together.

Read: Open borders.. In other words the world is just one happy family. Your country is my country. Come visit anytime without any kind of restrictions. I wonder if the Left will let any stranger set up a tent and live on their property without their permission. Probably not.

There is more to the manifesto than these provisions. The manifesto also talks about religion, ethics, the individual, and the democratic society. You can read the rest if you want. 

President Martin Van Buren and A Banking Crisis

During President Martin Van Buren's term the country experienced a major banking crises just two months into his term. Welcome to the presidency! Well, you know not all terms go smoothly. It's part of the job. Anyway, what happened was all but six of the nation's 800 or so banks had ceased redeeming their bank notes in gold or silver. Van Buren, a strong believer in Jefferson's dictum "that government is best which governs least," refused to suggest to Congress any specific plan for gov't intervention to attempt to alleviate the efforts of the depression. The big-gov't interventionists of the day denounced him, but he stuck to his principles. (Good for him!) Rather than intervening, Van Buren fought for financial deregulation, ushering in the Independent Treasury System, a new national banking system under which all bank notes were redeemable in gold and silver. This financial deregulation produced what was arguably the most stable monetary system the U. S. has ever had.

Thanks to Van Buren's laissez-faire policies, the depression of 1837 ended very quickly. 

By the way, all this history comes from the book How Capitalism Saved America (2004) by Thomas J. DiLorenzo. Interesting book.

Explaining the Riots in Greece

When an addict does not have his/her fix anymore, he/she gets anxious, agitated, mad and even violent. This is exactly what is happening in Greece. The addict is the people rioting in Greece, and the pusher is the government of Greece. Specifically, big gov't programs are the "fix." This is exactly what socialism does--it makes people addicts. People get used to receiving handouts and when the handouts stop or even decreases, they get anxious. 

Enter the enabling agitators--Communist, Marxists, etc.--who tell the addicts they deserve these fixes. The agitators stir the emotions of the addicts until they become violent. They tell the addicts to revolt--it's their right to have these gov't services. The addicts may become violent without the agitators actions--but the agitators don't help the situation. And they don't intend to help the situation. 

Socialists say they are only there to make life easier for people. "Social justice" is the term they use. But they are only in power to gain more power and control. That is their true purpose. 

If America is not careful they could become another Greece.

Miscellaneous Thoughts Part 16

• If according to the Left, labor unions are supposed to protect the working man from oppressive management then why does gov't need them then?
• The faster you go the harder you'll hit the wall.
• Many a men have died trying to lift a boulder.
• Randomness is the mother of complexity.
• Total randomness leads to paranoia. Total order leads to boredom. Complexity is in between which makes life interesting.
• There are a thousand smiles in one laugh.
• Life is full of randomness. You never know when a cow is going to wander off into your backyard.
• Fractals is the reason why Humpty Dumpty could not be put back together again.
• There is an insane corner in the mind of the sanest person.
• There are three sides to every story. Side A, side B & somewhere in between lies a very interesting plot for a movie.

The Plan of The Muslim Brotherhood

The following plan is from the book Muslim Mafia (2009) by P. David Gaubatz and Paul Sperry. The Muslim Brotherhood is a militant Islamic group. 

1. Establishment of an elite Muslim leadership, while raising taqwa, or Islamic consciousness, in the Muslim community.

2. Creation of Islamic institutions the leadership can control, along with the formation of autonomous Muslim enclaves.

3. Infiltration and Islamization of America's political, social, economic, and educational systems, forming a shadow state within the state. Escalation of religious conversions to Islam,. Manipulation of mass media, and sanitization of language offensive to Islam.

4. Openly hostile public confrontation over US policies, including rioting, and militant demands for special rights and accommodations for Muslims.

5. Final conflict and overthrow (jihad).

Actually, the Brotherhood (and let's admit other groups like them) wants this plan not only implemented in just America but all countries around the world. The most scary parts of the plan are phases three on up. 

What's interesting this plan is eerily similar to the progressives plan for world gov't. But both have different type of religions. So, there will be a conflict between the two ideologies. Who will win the conflict? Probably the fanatical Muslims. They are not afraid to die, while the Left are afraid of their own shadows. Plus, the Left will try to appease the Islamists and get killed in the process. Whoever wins freedom is the real loser. 

Hold fire, earn a medal

From Navy Times.com (May 12):

U.S. troops in Afghanistan could soon be awarded a medal for not doing something, a precedent-setting award that would be given for “courageous restraint” for holding fire to save civilian lives.

A spokesman for the 2.2 million-member Veterans of Foreign Wars, the nation's largest group of combat veterans, thinks the award would cause confusion among the ranks and send a bad signal.

“The self-protections built into the rules of engagement are clear, and the decision to return fire must be made instantly based on training and the threat,” said Joe Davis, a spokesman for the Veterans of Foreign Wars. “The enemy already hides among noncombatants, and targets them, too. The creation of such an award will only embolden their actions and put more American and noncombatant lives in jeopardy. Let's not rush to create something that no one wants to present posthumously.” [read more]

I can understand a police department having this policy, but the military? This is war the US is fighting and should be treated as such. The military really doesn't not want kill or would civilians that's for sure. But if a person is firing at you're not supposed to fire back? I just hope that rule of engagement does not get more of our fighting men killed. The enemy we are fighting (crazy Muslims--yea I said it) are not like the enemies of the past. They don't care about rules of engagement.

'Smart dust' aims to monitor everything

From CNN.com:

Palo Alto, California (CNN) -- In the 1990s, a researcher named Kris Pister dreamed up a wild future in which people would sprinkle the Earth with countless tiny sensors, no larger than grains of rice.

These "smart dust" particles, as he called them, would monitor everything, acting like electronic nerve endings for the planet. Fitted with computing power, sensing equipment, wireless radios and long battery life, the smart dust would make observations and relay mountains of real-time data about people, cities and the natural environment.

Now, a version of Pister's smart dust fantasy is starting to become reality.

The latest news comes from the computer and printing company Hewlett-Packard, which recently announced it's working on a project it calls the "Central Nervous System for the Earth." In coming years, the company plans to deploy a trillion sensors all over the planet.

The wireless devices would check to see if ecosystems are healthy, detect earthquakes more rapidly, predict traffic patterns and monitor energy use. The idea is that accidents could be prevented and energy could be saved if people knew more about the world in real time, instead of when workers check on these issues only occasionally. [read more]

A Racial Profiling Double-Standard

Bernard Goldberg made an interesting point on The O'Reilly Factor. He said that if Arizona's illegal immigration policy is racial profiling then what do you call affirmative action? Racial profiling right? Affirmative action is selecting one gender or race over another for a job. If you are trying to fill a quota by looking at someone's appearance for a job then you could claim that is profiling. And who created affirmative action--the gov't of course.  

Obama said that if a Latino takes his son to get ice cream he would be targeted by the police in Arizona under their illegal immigration policy. Not true. The law says there has to be "lawful contact" for that to happen. So, unless the father has just robbed a bank he has nothing to worry about. Besides in most states if you are stopped by the police because of a traffic violation you have to show your id. 

I wonder if North Dakota had the similar policy that Arizona has about illegal immigrants would that be racial profiling? I mean if people by the thousands were crossing over from Canada into N. Dakota would the Left be saying that Canadians could be potentially harassed? I don't think so, because most Canadians are white.  It would be basically the same situation.

I don't care what country you are from--respect America's laws--don't trespass. Ring our "door bell" and introduce yourself. That way we know who you are.

One last thought. Why was the Hispanic question separated from the rest of races on the census form? Isn't that some form of racial profiling? Why have that question separated anyway? Actually, questions about gender and race are not required by the Constitution. I am surprised the gov't didn't ask about religious and political orientation.

Brains, Worms and Computer Chips Have Striking Similarities

ScienceDaily (Apr. 23, 2010) —

An international team of scientists has discovered striking similarities between the human brain, the nervous system of a worm, and a computer chip. The finding is reported in the journal PLoS Computational Biology.

They found that all three shared two basic properties. First, the human brain, the nematode's nervous system, and the computer chip all have a Russian doll-like architecture, with the same patterns repeating over and over again at different scales.

Second, all three showed what is known as Rent's scaling, a rule used to describe the relationship between the number of elements in a given area and the number of links between them. [read more]

Interesting but weird. That self-similar repeating pattern the article mentioned is also known as a fractal. A lot of objects in nature has that pattern.

How Not to Be Conned

Here are some tips from Straight Shooter.net about how not to be taken in by con artists.  

First, beware of the person who says, "I'll never steal from you," when discussing the "plan." That's like saying, "I'll never throw food in your face." If they feel the need to bring this up, it means they are actually imaging the act of throwing food in your face - or stealing from you. Responsible, honest people wouldn't even think the thought.

 Or the person could say "I'll never con you." or "I'll never do you wrong," basically the same thing. Also, a person could say "I'll never spend you tax dollars foolishly." Or "I'll never raise anyone's taxes over $250,000." Or even "My administration will open and transparent." You get the point. 

Second, beware of the person who says, "We're almost there," over and over and over and over, or any variation of this concept, such as "Any day now," "We've got to get this show on the road," "Next month, I'm going to....", "My big check will be here any day"...The con artist will stretch this anticipation out as long as you will tolerate it. When the con man suspects you have finally had enough, he will spring his trap and disappear with your money. 

Or "Just give this government program a chance we just need more tax dollars to make it work." Or how about this one: "If you stick with our party you will get social justice. Just hang in there."

Third, the con artist will attempt to gain control of your thinking so that you won't use your common sense. He may even become belligerent at times in the hopes of intimidating you into compliance. He will never do this at the beginning of the scam before he gains your confidence. He will wait till the end when you are tiring of the excuses or procrastination. He will attempt to make you feel like a traitor to the "cause" or a fool who doesn't have the patience to wait just a little longer to make a lot of money.

Another example is when a president of a country is belligerent toward a TV news network or a group of  Americans protesting high taxes.

Fourth, the essence of a con or scam is that the con artist has nothing to lose and everything to gain and you, the victim, have everything to lose and only the promise of gain. There is no middle ground. Carefully analyze the proposal, "deal", relationship, plan, etc. that the con artist is offering you. What can you lose - your life savings, your job, your reputation, your house, your car, your credit. What can he gain? Possibly, all of the above, except your reputation and your job.

If you are a naive politician that voted for any bill that hurts the US economy you could lose your job too. Especially, if the president doesn't even care if he loses his next election as long as he gets the "change" he wanted. 

There is actually thirteen tips in all but I didn't want to reprint the whole article again. I just wanted to hit the points I thought were important. I hoped you learned something.

Molecular computer mimics human brain

From MSNBC.com (April 26):

A super thin computer just two molecules thick can solve complex problems and, somewhat like the human brain, can evolve to improve and perform many operations simultaneously.

This molecular processor can also heal itself if there is a defect, researchers added. [read more]

Interesting, but a little unnerving.

You Might Be a Marxist...

You might be a Marxist...

• If you have a picture of Karl Marx on your wall.
• If you think Fidel Castro and/or Hugo Chavez are cool.
• If you think Communism is a utopia.
• If you like to use the terms "dialectical materialism", "bourgeoisie", and "proletariat" around friends and family.
• If you believe people hang around each other on the basis of class.
• If you believe profit is legalized robbery.
• If you believe that religion is the "opiate of the masses."
• If you believe that Jesus advocated wealth redistribution or social justice.

If most of the above fits you then congrats. You probably are a Marxist. 

Miscellaneous Thoughts Part 15

• For a government conspiracy to be pulled off it would mean the gov't would actually have to be competent. Only in novels do you see that.
• He who hesitates will get run over by a car.
• Those virgins that homicide bombers get are either crazy, desperate, or inebriated (or maybe all three). I mean what normal woman is turned on by a guy who blows himself up?
• Light and matter cannot escape a black hole. Does that mean the soul or spirit of a person cannot escape either?
• Laughter is the best medicine for constipation.
• That "hunger" creature on the Weight Watchers commercials could be handy if you are stranded on a desert island. You would never go hungry. But I wonder if he can conjure up beverages?
• Is it me or does "planned parenthood" sound similar to "planned economy?"
• The original colonists wanted to crown George Washington king but he declined the offer. Obama would have probably have gladly accepted the offer.
• Socialized medicine is like killing a cockroach with a steamroller. The cockroach is dead, but you could have just easily killed it with your foot.
• Pure democracy without rule of law is like ten cannibals and five missionaries voting on what's for dinner.

Terrorists ban school bells in Somali town

From OneNewsNow.com (April 18):

MOGADISHU, SOMALIA - Residents and a school official say militants in Somalia have banned school bells in one southern town because they say they are un-Islamic.

One resident in the town of Jowhar, Mohamud Aw-Abdi, says the terrorist group al-Shabab told school principals the bells sound like church bells. No churches are known to operate openly in Somalia.

One school principal says teachers now beat tables and doors to signal the start or end of class. [read more]

Well, that's different. A school bell freaking out militant Jihahists. Although, it does sort of make sense. Christian churches use bells in steeples, so naturally they would think a bell from a school would be like a Christian church. Psychologists call that classical conditioning. I wonder if the terrorists would have the same reaction if they heard London's Big Ben?

That might be interesting test to see if a Muslim is a militant Jihadist or not. Ring a bell in front of them and see if they react negatively. If they do they might be a militant Jihadist. Since classical conditioning is more or less a reflex action it would be hard not to fake a reaction.

Surviving and Government Dependency

In his 2009 book The Survivors Club (which I read), Ben Sherwood says people fall into three different categories during a crisis: 10% of the people just go crazy or freak-out, 80% have a deer in the headlights reaction, and 10% pull themselves together, act decisively and survive. Those deer-in-the-headlights people are usually waiting for an authority figure to tell them what to do. Meanwhile, each minute or second their survival decreases. 

This 10-80-10 rule is exactly what happened during Katrina disaster. Ten percent of the people left the city, while the rest stayed put. Even some waited for the government to save them--the 80%. Guess what: the government, the police or any other authority figure may not get to you in time to save you. When it comes down to it you have to save yourself. Heck, the mayor of New Orleans did not help anyone by taking their guns away from them and not using empty school buses to help rescue people. What if the authority figures are part of that 80% or even the first 10%? After all they are people too. A crises is an event that separates leaders from true leaders. 

To survive a person has to be like the last 10%. In his 2003 book Deep Survival (I read this book too.), Laurence Gonzales talks about twelve rules of surviving a crises. One of which is to be a rescuer, not a victim. I worry that the more the Left instills the belief into people that Big Gov't can save them (the rescuer) and the everyday person does not have to think for himself (the victim) the worse off America will be. What will happen if some major crises happens all around America like a big solar storm that fries our power grid? It has happened before in the 1800's. It could happen again. I hope if that happens there will be more Americans in that last 10%. Or else the country might not survive.

One final thought. Isn't that 10-80-10 rule similar to the Bell Curve? Just an observation.

Did FDR End the Depression?

From WSJ.com (April 12):

It's a myth. FDR did not get us out of the Great Depression—not during the 1930s, and only in a limited sense during World War II.

Let's start with the New Deal. Its various alphabet-soup agencies—the WPA, AAA, NRA [the author might meant the NIRA] and even the TVA (Tennessee Valley Authority)—failed to create sustainable jobs. In May 1939, U.S. unemployment still exceeded 20%. European countries, according to a League of Nations survey, averaged only about 12% in 1938. The New Deal, by forcing taxes up and discouraging entrepreneurs from investing, probably did more harm than good.

What about World War II? We need to understand that the near-full employment during the conflict was temporary. Ten million to 12 million soldiers overseas and another 10 million to 15 million people making tanks, bullets and war materiel do not a lasting recovery make. The country essentially traded temporary jobs for a skyrocketing national debt. Many of those jobs had little or no value after the war. [read more]

Not stated in the article, right after FDR died the Congress passed a presidential term-limit law. Why? Because he accumulated way too much power.

Just think during his campaign Senator John McCain said this president he admired. Then he wonders why he lost the election. McCain still would have been better president than Obama.

The Economic Depression of 1920

What? Never heard of that depression? It only lasted one year. Certainly not a great depression. What more info? Read on. From Wikipedia.com:

The recession lasted from January 1920 to July 1921, or 18 months, according to the National Bureau of Economic Research. Estimates for the decline in Gross National Product also vary. The U.S. Department of Commerce estimates GNP declined 6.9%, Nathan Balke and Robert J. Gordon estimate a decline of 3.5%, and Christina Romer estimates a decline of 2.4%

The recession of 1920–21 was characterized by extreme deflation — the largest one-year percentage decline in around 140 years of data. The Department of Commerce estimates 18% deflation, Balke and Gordon estimate 13% deflation, and Romer estimates 14.8% deflation.

Unemployment rose sharply during the recession. Romer estimates a rise to 8.7% from 5.2% and an older estimate from Stanley Lebergott says unemployment rose from 5.2% to 11.7%. [read more]

Why was this depression so short? Because a Republican named Warren G. Harding was elected. As Cato writer Jim Powell says in his article:

Harding had a much better understanding of how an economy works than FDR. As historian Robert K. Murray wrote in The Harding Era, the man who would become our 29th president "always decried high taxes, government waste, and excessive governmental interference in the private sector of the economy. In February 1920, shortly after announcing his candidacy, he advocated a cut in government expenditures and stated that government ought to 'strike the shackles from industry. . . . We need vastly more freedom than we do regulation.'"

One of Harding's campaign slogans was "less government in business," and it served him well. Harding embraced the advice of Treasury Secretary Andrew Mellon and called for tax cuts in his first message to Congress on April 12, 1921. The highest taxes, on corporate revenues and "excess" profits, were to be cut. Personal income taxes were to be left as is, with a top rate of 8 percent of incomes above $4,000. Harding recognized the crucial importance of encouraging the investment that is essential for growth and jobs, something that FDR never did.

Wow! I like this guy. He sounds sort of like Ronald Reagan. But there is more from the same article:

In 1922, the House passed a veterans' bonus bill 333-70, without saying how the bonuses would be funded. The senate passed it 35-17. Despite intense lobbying from the American Legion, Harding vetoed the bill on September 19— just six weeks before congressional elections, when presidents generally throw goodies at voters. Harding said it was unfair to add to the burdens of 110 million taxpayers. [my emphasis]

I definitely like this guy. But Andy, you might say, what about the Teapot Dome scandal? Yea, that wasn't too good. But if the land was privatized this bribery wouldn't have happened. The scandal doesn't change how well President Harding's economic policy worked though.

The Left's Reality Model: Rules & Results

Rules- "if-then" statements that translate your beliefs into actions.

• If the gov't needs another agency, raises taxes on everyone.
• If a new corporation sprouts up, over-regulate it, and try to unionize it.
• If a corporation is going bankrupt then declare it "too big too fail" and nationalize it.
• If you think the working man is not making enough income, create a minimum wage & keep increasing it.
• If a new income comes into being, tax it.
• Make landlords not charge over a certain amount of rent.
• Make bankers lower their loan rates and engage in other practices that they would not ordinary do.
• If a new gov't program like Social Security is created, make it mandatory and infinite.
• If a new business you think is a monopoly, declare it as one forever.
• If a product is perceived as evil or bad, regulate it.
• If a Christian symbol appears on gov't property, remove it.
• If two grade school teams play a game--the loser gets a trophy too.
• Don't teach hard material to grade school students.
• If a part of history makes the Left look bad then remove it from text books and don't teach it.
• If a part of history makes Conservatives look good then remove it from text books and don't teach it.
• Apologize for America.
• Reduce America's nuclear arms.
• Read Miranda rights to any terrorist.
• When arguing with someone freeze him, personalize him, and polarize him.
• If a Mexican comes across America's border illegally, don't stop him and don't send him back.

Results:

• Higher unemployment and more businesses going bankrupt.
• Inflation.
• Nationalization of big business.
• World gov't.
• Bigger government.
• Potential renters paying actual renters for their apartments. 
• More people dependent on the gov't.
• More stupid kids graduating high school.
• Young people out-of-touch with the real world.
• Homeowners defaulting on their loans.
• America's national security in jeopardy.
• Amnesty for illegal aliens.
• Angry, frustrated, confused, resentful, depressed people who are not on the Left.
• Less freedom.

This model I borrowed from Hyrum W. Smith's 1994 book called The 10 Natural Laws of Successful Time and Life Management. Except he had a Behavior Patterns element in the model.

The Left's Reality Model: Belief Window & Needs

Your behavior is a reflection of what you truly believe. Below is a reality model of the Left:

Needs --> Belief Window --> Rules --> Results

The --> means flows or feeds into.

Needs:

• Power.
• Complete unquestioning faith in the Left.
• Blind obedience.
• Complete trust.
• To feel important.

Belief window- what you believe to be true about the world, yourself, and other people.

• Gov't can solve economic problems better than the free market.
• America is the main source of international problems in the world.
• Traditional religions have no place in society.
• Morals are relative.
• Truth is optional.
• Global warming is mainly caused by man.
• Health care is a right.
• Society causes sin.
• The wealthy steal from the poor.
• Corporations always oppress their workers.
• Bankers take advantage of loaners.
• Landlords charge too high a rent.
• Inequality is a sin and not natural.
• Rights of man come from the gov't not God.
• Animals rights are more important than human rights.
• The Constitution is a living document.
• Fetuses are not human.
• Religion increases people's self-esteem.
• School children's self-esteem is more important learning.
• Self-interest and personal responsibility are sins.
• Traditional values are passé.
• Guns are evil.
• The United Nations can solve all the world's problems.
• Any income not taxed is a cost to the gov't.
• Competition is bad.
• Terrorists are just common criminals.
• Water boarding is torture.
• Countries should have open borders.

These beliefs may not be complete but they are the main ones. The next blog entry will cover the Rules and Results of their Reality Model.

Is Obama a Socialist? Part 3: Family, Friends, Advisors & Administration

• Wife Michelle Obama said “The truth is, in order to get things like universal health care and a revamped education system, then someone is going to have to give up a piece of their pie so that someone else can have more.”
• Jim Wallis, Obama's spiritual advisor & forced redistribution of wealth advocate
• Van Jones, disgraced Green Jobs Czar & Communist
• Ron Bloom, Manufacturing Czar & anti-free market
• John Holdren, pro-redistribution of wealth
• Andy Stern, SEIU President & redistribution of wealth fan
• Anita Dunn, fan of Chairman Mao
• Mark Lloyd, FCC 'Diversity Czar'
• Carol Browner, socialist
• Robert Creamer, socialist

Yea, I think the Emperor is a socialist. Even, possibly a Marxist.

Is Obama a Socialist? Part 2: College, Church & Career

College & Church:

• Admittedly sought out 'Marxist' professors
• Admittedly attended 'socialist conferences'
• Began attending a Marxist church - led by pastor Jeremiah Wright (attended for 20 years)

Career:

• Tragedy of the Warren Court: No redistributive change
• Voted for TARP
• $787 billion stimulus redistribution bill
• Healthcare bill admittedly about 'redistributing the wealth'
• Single Payer Healthcare proponent
• President Obama now also President of GM & Chrysler
• President Obama seizes control of insurance giant AIG
• President Obama is leading America to single payer healthcare
• President Obama seized control of Student Loan industry in order to 'cut out middle man'
• President Obama seizes control in massive land grabs
• Repeatedly vilifies 'the rich'
• Obama believes race problems can be solved through redistribution of wealth... he said "race is still an enormous factor in our society. But economics can overcome a lot of racial division."
• Trying to regulate the Internet via FCC
• Forces mortgage co's to cover people who aren't paying mortgage
• Extends unemployment benefits to 99 weeks
• Told Joe the plumber 'it's better when you spread things around'

Is Obama a Socialist? Part 1: His Parents & Mentor

The following facts below are from Glenn Beck's website. He also mentioned these on his TV show.

Barack Obama Sr. (Dad)

• Communist who saw nothing wrong with government 'taxing 100%' so long as the people got benefits...
  • Obama Sr. on socialism
  • Overview of the paper
• Harvard educated economist
• Nairobi bureaucrat who advised government to 'redistribute' income through higher taxes
• Demonized corporations
• Abandoned Barack Obama Jr. when he was 2 years old to continue at Harvard (teaching son that ideology is more important than family)

Stanley Ann Dunham (Mom)

• Communist sympathizer
• Practiced 'critical theory' (aka Marxism)
• Influenced by Nietzsche and Freud
• Left Hawaii for Indonesia, Pakistan
• Attended a leftist church nicknamed the 'little red church' because of its Communist sympathies
• Left Barack Obama Jr.

Mentor

• Barack's grandparents introduced Barack Obama Jr. to poet and communist Frank Marshall Davis
• Davis becomes a mentor as young Barack struggled with abandonment by parents

Part 2 will be about his college, church, career and people in his regime.

Obama Curbs U.S. Nuclear Weapons Development, Usage Policy

From NTI.org (April 6):

The Obama administration today issued its Nuclear Posture Review, swearing off creation of new nuclear weapons and significantly limiting the circumstances under which such armaments could be used, according to news reports (see GSN, March 24).

The document pledges the United States not to conduct nuclear strikes on non-nuclear states, a change in policy from the Bush administration stance that allowed for an atomic response to a biological or chemical strike, Reuters reported (Stewart/Spetalnick, Reuters, April 6).

President Barack Obama told the New York Times that the new policy does not apply to "outliers like Iran and North Korea" that are in noncompliance with the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty or have withdrawn from the pact. [read more]

I like Bush's national security better. So, let me understand what Emperor Obama's policy is: If you attack America and don't have nuclear weapons and kill millions of people with another weapon he won't retaliate? Why does the method of attack matter? I mean if someone strangles you to death instead of stabbing you to death--you are still dead. That is like giving a murder a different sentence based on the weapon he used. Makes so sense to me.

Also, why is Obama announcing his national security policy to the world anyway. That's like a football coach telling his opponent his game plan. Jimmy Carter did that and it did not help him at all.

I know Obama wants the world to be nuclear free. It's noble, but naive. I heard on the news that countries are increasing the nuclear arsenal. I rather have countries have peaceful governments. After all it takes is a world leader to give the order to use the nuclear weapons.

The Loving Resistance Fighter

What do you think about these characteristics: Loving resistance fighters are people who

1. pay no attention to a poll unless they know what questions were asked, and why;

2. refuse to accept efficiency as the pre-eminent goal of human relations;

3. have freed themselves from the belief in the magical powers of numbers, do not regard calculation as an adequate substitute for judgment, or precision as a synonym for truth;

4. refuse to allow psychology or any 'social science' to pre-empt the language and thought of common sense;

5. are, at least, suspicious of the idea of progress, and who does not confuse information with understanding;

6. do not regard the aged as irrelevant;

7. take seriously the meaning of family loyalty and honor, and who, when they 'reach out and touch someone,' expect that person to be in the same room;

8. take the great narratives of religion seriously and who do not believe that science is the only system of thought capable of producing truth;

9. know the difference between the sacred and the profane, and who do not wink at tradition for modernity's sake;

10. admire technological ingenuity but do not think it represents the highest possible form of human achievement.

These characteristics come from Neal Postman's 1993 book Technopoly. What's interesting is that characteristics four on up, the Left does not believe in especially the secularists. The old Soviet Union definitely did not believe in these principles. Their whole society was based on science completely--religion was not allowed. If you notice this is not so much an attack on science but a healthy skepticism of it. Science is just a human methodology like any other.

Final thoughts from the author:

A resistance fighter understands that technology must never be accepted as part of the natural order of things, that every technology--from an IQ test to an automobile to a television set to a computer--is a product of a particular economic and political context and carries with it a program, an agenda, and a philosophy that may or may not be life-enhancing and that therefore require scrutiny, criticism, and control.

In short, a technological resistance fighter maintains a epistemological and psychic distance from any technology, so that it always appears somewhat strange, never inevitable, never natural."

Obama Medicare pick urges 'radical transfer of power'

From WND.com (March 29):

President Obama's reported pick to run Medicare and Medicaid, Donald Berwick, has argued for a "radical transfer of power" in the health industry and claimed patients' quality of care in the U.S. medical system is currently measured by the "color of their skin," WND has learned.

The blog [Health Beat] points out Berwick noted, "There's a myth that American healthcare is the best in the world."

"It's not," he continued. "It's not even close."

A 2004 extensive Boston Globe profile of Berwick, meanwhile, labeled the physician and activist a health-care "revolutionary" who wants to "blow up" the system. [read more]

What's this?! Emperor Obama has appointed another radical to a gov't position? Stop the presses! This is news! (Not!) How can this be? Oh, yea, right, now I remember. He's a radical himself.

Alinsky trainer developed 1st Obama volunteers

From Wmd.com (March 25):

The executive director of an activist organization modeled after Marxist community organizer Saul Alinsky and described as teaching tactics of direct action, confrontation and intimidation was part of the team that developed and delivered a group of volunteers for President Obama's 2008 campaign, WND has learned.

Jackie Kendall, executive director of the Midwest Academy, was on the team that developed and delivered the first Camp Obama training for volunteers aiding Obama's campaign through the 2008 Iowa Caucuses.

Also, in 1998, Obama participated on a panel discussion alongside Midwest Academy founder Heather Booth, an extremist organizer and dedicated disciple of Alinsky. [read more]

Obama not a Marxist huh? He sure hangs around people who are.

How to Recognize a Bad Bill

Here is how to recognize bad legislature:

1. When Congress has to bribe, coerce, and threaten to get a bill passed. If it is good for the country then you can just use good old persuasion and logical arguments to convince someone to vote for it. If you can't use logical arguments then you are ignorant of the bill or you are stupid, or both.

2. When Congress exempts themselves from the bill. If they believe the bill is good for the country then there is no reason for them to do this, right?

3. When Congress makes the bill mandatory. If they believe the bill is good for the country then make it optional. If the constituents believe the bill is good then they will voluntary comply with it. If Congress believes in the bill then they can convince the people why they think it is a good bill if they think no-one will comply with it.

4. When no-one not even Washington knows what is in the bill except the person who wrote it. If that person does not know what is in it then we are all in trouble. If you can't explain to me what the details of the bill or give me a reasonable chance to read it then it is way too complex and too big. Sorry, but saying "just trust me, everything will be okay in the end" will not do.

These clues if you think about it are just common sense. ObamaCare definitely fits all these characteristics. So, does Social Security to a certain extent. For a while Congress exempted themselves from the Social Security tax.

The POTUS and Character

This is what Bertram S. Brown, M.D., a psychiatrist who formerly headed the National Institute of Mental Health and was an aide to President Kennedy said about character and the presidency:

The White House is a character crucible. It either creates or distorts character. Few decent people want to subject themselves to the kind of grueling abuse candidates take when they run in the first place. Many of those who run crave superficial celebrity. They are hollow people who have no principles and simply want to be elected. Even if an individual is balanced, once someone becomes president, how does one solve the conundrum of staying real and somewhat humble when one is surrounded by the most powerful office in the land, and from becoming overwhelmed by an at times pathological environment that treats you every day as an emperor? Here is where the truth strength of the character of the person, not his past accomplishments, will determine whether his presidency ends in accomplishment or failure.

In other words, you want to elect someone that has good character. For that to happen you have to know about his or her character. And that takes research on the voter's part if the press does not do their job.

The JFK, Lincoln and Garfield Assassinations

Here are some interesting facts I learned about both assaassinations from the book In The President's Secret Service (2009) by Ronald Kessler. 

First Abe Lincoln's assassination: Patrolman John F. Parker of the Washington police was on duty guarding President Lincoln while he was watching the play. Instead of remaining on guard outside the president's box, Parker wandered off to watch the play, then went to a nearby saloon for a drink. That was smart. Can you say derelict of duty? 

The assassination of President James A. Garfield: Alexander Graham Bell, inventor of the telephone, tried to find the bullet in the president's back with an induction-balance electrical device he had invented. While the device worked in tests, it failed to find the bullet. Sounds like Bell could have been the first crime scene investigator of America. 

Finally, JFK's assassination: Kennedy was warned about possible violence in Dallas by then the UN ambassador and a senator. It was the president's choice to ride in an open convertible. JFK told secret service agents he did not want them to ride on the small running boards at the rear of the car. If they had rid on the running boards that day they could have protected him from the fatal shot. 

The Way Science Should Be Done

Or at least to sociologist of science Robert K. Merton and me:

1. Originality. Scientific results should always be original, i.e., novel.

2. Detachment. Scientists undertake their work with no motive other than the advancement of knowledge. They should have no personal axis to grind insofar as the results of their work go, and they should have no psychological commitment to a particular point of view.

3. Universality. Claims and arguments should be given weight according to their intrinsic merits alone, and should not depend upon religion, social, ethnic, or personal factors surrounding the individuals who make them.

4. Skepticism. No scientific statements of fact should be taken on faith. All claims should be carefully scrutinized for invalid arguments and errors of fact, and any such mistakes should be made public immediately.

5. Public accessibility. All scientific knowledge should be freely available to anyone.

Good set of standards. A six standard could be "do not do an experiment that is immoral." I don't think when he mentioned the "religious" aspect of the the Universality norm he meant disregard morals. Just don't let your own biases interfere with the results.

Too bad the global warming scientists don't follow these especially the last four norms which are the most important I think.

Al-Qaeda Still Pursuing WMD, FBI Chief Says

From NTI.org (March 18):

The terrorist organization al-Qaeda has not ceased its efforts to acquire a nuclear bomb or other unconventional weapons to use in a strike against the United States, FBI Director Robert Mueller told lawmakers yesterday (see GSN, Feb. 16).

"Al-Qaeda remains committed to its goal of conducting attacks inside the United States," Mueller warned a House Appropriations subcommittee, according to Newsmax. "Further, al-Qaeda’s continued efforts to access chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear material pose a serious threat to the United States." [read more]

Hacker Disables More Than 100 Cars Remotely

From Wired.com (March 17):

More than 100 drivers in Austin, Texas found their cars disabled or the horns honking out of control, after an intruder ran amok in a web-based vehicle-immobilization system normally used to get the attention of consumers delinquent in their auto payments.

Police with Austin’s High Tech Crime Unit on Wednesday arrested 20-year-old Omar Ramos-Lopez, a former Texas Auto Center employee who was laid off last month, and allegedly sought revenge by bricking the cars sold from the dealership’s four Austin-area lots.

The dealership used a system called Webtech Plus as an alternative to repossessing vehicles that haven’t been paid for. Operated by Cleveland-based Pay Technologies, the system lets car dealers install a small black box under vehicle dashboards that responds to commands issued through a central website, and relayed over a wireless pager network. The dealer can disable a car’s ignition system, or trigger the horn to begin honking, as a reminder that a payment is due. The system will not stop a running vehicle. [read more]

The auto center manager said the hacker "was pretty good with computers." No kidding. If he had hacked into an OnStar computer system he could not only make the horn honk, but make the lights flash and unlock the doors with cars that have the service.

You’re Leaving a Bacterial Fingerprint on Your Keyboard

From Wired.com (March 15):

The bacterial communities that live on human skin may form a bacterial fingerprint on the items that you touch.

In a new study led by microbiologists Rob Knight and Noah Fierer of the University of Colorado, Boulder, researchers swabbed three different keyboards and nine mice for bacteria, then compared the genomic variation between the communities to deduce whose hands had been touching what. The people were clearly identifiable from the bacterial communities they’d transferred to their computer input devices.

“The results demonstrate that bacterial DNA can be recovered from relatively small surfaces, that the composition of the keyboard-associated communities are distinct across the three keyboards, and that individuals leave unique bacterial ‘fingerprints’ on their keyboards,” wrote Knight and his colleagues at the University of Colorado, Boulder in a new paper in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. [read more]

Isn't that nice to know! Ha! I expect to see this technology used in a upcoming CSI episode.

You Might Be a Communist

If you believe any of the following:

1. Inheritance should be abolished.
2. Credit should be controlled completely by the federal gov't by means of a central bank.
3. Communication and transport should be completely controlled by the gov't.
4. From each according to ability to each according to need.
5. The free market system is just a collection of greedy individuals.
6. A right to work
7. A right to rest and leisure.
8. A right to health care. 
9. A right to housing.

Actually if you believe most of the following you are most definitely a Communist. Beliefs 5, 8, and maybe 9 resonates with the far-Left. The Left may believe #1. They definitely don't want to reduce the inheritance tax. The rights 6 through 9 by the way are taken directly from the Soviet constitution.  

As for belief #2, we do have the Federal Reserve in America. That is like a central bank. It does control different kinds of banking rates. 

The right to work sounds like a nice idea doesn't it? But the USSR made you work. I mean if you did not work you were considered a parasite to the mother land and were punished. The gov't gave you tests to find out the best job for you in society and then assigned you to that job. Your personal needs or wants did not matter. That's where "from each according to ability to each according to need" is all about. Still think it sounds neat? 

One final note, Karl Marx the father of the Soviet constitution, wanted a heavy graduated income tax (does that sound familiar?) and free education for school children. Of course the free education was more like brainwashing.

The Desirable Characteristics of Any Health Care System

First, a health care system should be consistent. That is the procedures for treatments, billing, etc. should be more or less the same. If there is very little consistency then you will have confusion.

Second, a health care system should be accurate. You want the surgeon to do an accurate job at surgery, you want your billings to be accurate, any diagnoses should be accurate as humanly possible. The scanners (CTs, MRIs, etc.) should be state of the art so any scanning will yield the best results. Under socialized medicine you may or may not get state of the art medical tools and medicine. I just read that the Secret Service is still using old computers from the 1980's. 

A health care system should also be timely. If you are sick you want your diagnoses and treatment (if any) to be quick as possible. Otherwise you could get sicker and die. Or you could just be in a lot of pain and want relief. In 2008 in Canada the wait times for neurosurgery is almost 32 weeks. Notice that is in weeks not days. That's a really long wait time.

Next a health care system should be economically feasible. In other words it should not make the country go into debt any further. Let's see you have to pay the salaries and training for the health care specialists. Not too mention there are drug and medical equipment costs too. It all adds up. ObamaCare will costs billions to implement. And with the country in debt, and the economy as it is, it will hurt the economy even more if Obama raises taxes on everyone. 

Finally, a health care system should be relevant.  

Actually, any man-made system should have these characteristics.   

Odds are, it's wrong

From Science News.com:

For better or for worse, science has long been married to mathematics. Generally it has been for the better. Especially since the days of Galileo and Newton, math has nurtured science. Rigorous mathematical methods have secured science’s fidelity to fact and conferred a timeless reliability to its findings.

During the past century, though, a mutant form of math has deflected science’s heart from the modes of calculation that had long served so faithfully. Science was seduced by statistics, the math rooted in the same principles that guarantee profits for Las Vegas casinos. Supposedly, the proper use of statistics makes relying on scientific results a safe bet. But in practice, widespread misuse of statistical methods makes science more like a crapshoot.

Replicating a result helps establish its validity more securely, but the common tactic of combining numerous studies into one analysis, while sound in principle, is seldom conducted properly in practice. [read more]

Combining studies is just plain laziness. Chalk it up to human nature I guess. But what if one of the studies is wrong? A scientist can just make up results (see Jan Hendrick Schön and Woo Suk Hwang for instance) or miscalculate or mismeasure for whatever reason. Maybe they got sloppy because of a deadline. Or maybe they get a lot of money if they produce a certain result. Who knows. Whatever the reason, wrong experimental results could skew your results. It is better to test the results yourself. Yea, I know this takes time and effort but you know personally if the results fit the experiment.

Democracy Denied

This chart pretty much sums up of how Emperor Obama runs the country.

How The Undecided Dems Will Vote for ObamaCare

This is how the "undecided" Democrats I think will vote for the ObamaCare. I put the undecided word in quotations because I think they already have made up their mind but are too chicken to say how they will vote. The names in red are the Dems who voted NO for the House version of ObamaCare.

Vote for ObamaCare: 

1. Arcuri (NY).  His American Conservative Union (ACU) score for 2009 is 16 out of 100. A true Lefty.
2. Baird (WA). ACU score is 12. 
3. Barrow (GA).  ACU rating is 17. Life rating of 36.20.
4. Berry (AR) ACU rating is 22. 
5. Boyd (FL). ACU rating is 13. Life rating of 33.79.
6. Connolly (VA). ACU rating of 1. 
7. Dahlkemper (PA). ACU rating is 13.
8. Davis (TN). ACU rating is 29. Life rating of 49.17.
9. Ellsworth (IN). ACU rating 32.
10. Kanjorski (PA). ACU rating of 8.
11. Markey (CO). ACU rating of 8.
12. Matheson (UT). ACU rating of 24. Life rating of 40.67.
13. McMahon (NY). ACU rating of 16.
14. Nye (VA). ACU rating of 32.
15. Perriello (VA). ACU rating of 18.
16. Pomeroy (AL). ACU rating of 8.
17. Rahall (WV). ACU rating of 12.
18. Schrader (OR). ACU rating of 8.
19. Space (OH). ACU rating of 20.
20. Sutton (OH). ACU rating of 0.
21. Tanner (TN). ACU rating of 20. Life rating of 40.47.
22. Teague (NM). ACU rating of 29.
23. Titus (NV). ACU rating of 4.
24. Wilson (OH). ACU rating of 13.

A possible vote for ObamaCare:

• Childers (MS). ACU rating is 40. 
• Mitchell (AZ). ACU rating of 40. 

My logic for the predictions is simple. The more progressive or liberal you are the more you will tend to vote for the Senate version of ObamaCare. The two "possible votes" could switch to no. They are more moderate than the rest. Childers even voted no for the House version. The likely voters for ObamaCare who voted against the House version with life ratings close to 40 could swing there vote to no. Even some Dems who say they are voting for Senate version that voted against the House version could be persuaded by their constituents to vote no. It is interesting to note that their ratings of last year are a lot lower than their life ratings. ACU only shows scores for the last year and the year before so I am not sure why the major difference between the two.

According to the Code Red website where I got the "undecided" Dems, the Yes count is 19. The No count is 27. So, 19 declared yes + 24 predicted yes = 43.  I hope I am wrong about my predictions. I was hoping that there would be "undecided" Dems with ACU ratings of at least 50 or higher. I was disappointed but not surprised.

205 House members are voting no on the bill, or at least they are saying no. All the Republicans say they are going to vote no. 198 are voting yes. 28 are "undecided." Only 216 no votes can kill the bill. The "undecided" are they key here. So, it does not look too good by my calculations, but it only takes eleven "undecided" to switch to the no side to kill the bill.  And maybe some people who are voting yes to switch too. 

The ACU ratings by the way are from ACU's Congress ratings website. 

 

Mobile phone allows boss to snoop

From BBC News (March 10):

Researchers have produced a mobile phone that could be a boon for prying bosses wanting to keep tabs on the movements of their staff.

Japanese phone giant KDDI Corporation has developed technology that tracks even the tiniest movement of the user and beams the information back to HQ.

It works by analysing the movement of accelerometers, found in many handsets.

Activities such as walking, climbing stairs or even cleaning can be identified, the researchers say.

The company plans to sell the service to clients such as managers, foremen and employment agencies. [read more]

Does Obama know about this phone? Maybe he can get people to use it so he could possibly know how they vote in elections. Just joking! Although he wants to track people's phone's whereabouts as I mentioned in an earlier blog.

North Korea Vows to Continue Nuclear Weapons Buildup

From NTI.org (March 10):

North Korea announced yesterday that it would continue to build up its nuclear forces and accused the United States of doing everything in its power to "bring down" the Stalinist regime, Reuters reported (see GSN, March 8).

An unidentified Foreign Ministry spokesman said that "the U.S. is leaving no means untried to bring down the D.P.R.K. including military threat, economic sanctions and ideological and cultural poisoning."

"(The North) will continue bolstering up its nuclear deterrent as long as the U.S. military threats and provocations go on," the spokesman said. [read more]

I thought once Obama was elected all the dangerous nations would like the US and not cause trouble anymore. I'm so shocked. Sarcasm aside, this little pip-squeak of a dictator would probably not like the US no matter who is in power.

I am not sure who is more dangerous. This nut job or the nut job leader of Iran. At least Kim Jong-il doesn't want to start another world war. I don't think anyway he does.