Video Thursday - Rainbow Conspiracy

Michael Jackson

OK, WE GET IT, he is dead.... LETS MOVE ON!!!

I think there are more press worthy items then the death of Michael Jackson, and who gets to pay his debts, and exploit his children. Lets move on, and talk about things that actually have an impact on the economy and the nation.

Enough is enough....

Plinking - Ruger 10 22 - Death of a Hard Drive

Today was the fist time I was able to take my Ruger 10 22 out for a little fun. We also took a pink cricket out as well, but I forgot the gun lock for the cricket, so the girls were unable to shot it.

This is what a .22 can do to a hard drive. A couple of these shots were done by my 9 year old daughter (Punk #2). I thought that maybe the .22 would not be able to penetrate the steel, but as you can see it made the drives unusable. (This is the first of a series of posts, I will do in the future called "Death of a Hard Drive"


This is Punk #3 shooting the Ruger 10 22. She had a hard time lifting it by herself for more than a few shots, so I helped her some.

This is a picture of me helping Punk #3 (our 7 year old) shoot the Ruger 10 22.

This is Punk #2 (my nine year old daughter) shooting the Ruger 10 22. She is actually a pretty good hit, and from watching me was able to handle the gun well. She really enjoyed shooting. Notice the pink cricket in the gun case.

And of course, we picked up all of our spent shells, and a bunch of other ones we found laying around. We like to leave our shooting area clean after we leave it.

We go shooting just behind our house a ways. Keep coming back to the blog to see other ways we are going to Kill Hard Drives. I have a whole pile of them that are waiting for destruction. I am hoping to see what a larger caliber will do.

American Clean Energy and Security Act - Already killed trees...

Cap and Trade (American Clean Energy and Security Act) passed the house on Jun 26th, 2009 at 7:17PM with a vote of 219 to 212, with 3 representatives not voting. You can see the voting record by going to house.gov.

The bill itself is (HR2454) is a total of 1092 pages. Lets assume that all the 431 representatives that voted on the bill actually printed the bill out. That is a total of 470,652 pages of paper that were printed on the 26th for the passage of this one bill (sounds environmentally friendly to me). That is a total of 942 REAMS of paper. If I were to go down to Office Max and buy that much paper, I could by it for $2.99 per ream of paper (a REAM is 500 sheets). And that is on sale, and is the cheap paper. That comes to a total of $2,817 just in paper costs. It is also estimated that it costs $.015 to print one page of paper. So it cost a total of $7,060 just in toner and printer costs. That brings the grand total to $9,877 just to print the documents for the house to review. This total is also assuming that only one copy was printed per representative. Remember, there were two version of the bill, so it was probably printed more than once. $9,877 may not sound like a big number, but just imagine what you could do with $9,877 additional income every day. That then puts it in prospective.

I think it is funny that the name of the bill was American Clean Energy and Security Act which is suppose to help use save the environment, and they used at least 470,000 pieces of paper in the process of passing it. Now that the bill has passed, there will probably be a lot more copies printed, bound and published.

This is just something to think about.

James Madison Quote

The house of representatives...can make no law which will not have its full operation on themselves and their friends, as well as the great mass of society. This has always been deemed one of the strongest bonds by which human policy can connect the rulers and the people together. It creates between them that communion of interest, and sympathy of sentiments, of which few governments have furnished examples; but without which every government degenerates into tyranny.

James Madison
Federalist No. 57, February 19, 1788

From James Madison Quote from FoundingFatherQuotes.com

After watching the House pass the Cap and Trade bill (which will increase all our expenses considerably), I thought of this quote by James Madison. I believe that this has happened, and that we are now in a state of tyranny. If you need examples of how the laws passed by our representatives do not also apply to the ones representing us, just look at he news headlines. How many of Obama's cabinet members either were not appointed, or dropped out because of tax evasion issues. How many senators and representatives are in trouble for bribery and extortion charges? But what happens to them? They get out of the charges, or are given a small fine. If a normal citizen of the United States did some of the stuff they get away with, we would be spending time in jail, and have our assets taken from us.

How many of them do you actually will have to pay for the tax that was just passed on energy? Will federal buildings also have to abide by the Cap and Trade policies? Only time well tell, but if it is like any other law, they will either be exempt, or will not be held liable when they fail to enforce it on themselves.

Metal Storm - Future Weapons.

Check out this video.... Video is 3:23 in length.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLNuBq0NQJE

I would of embeded it, but Discovery Channel does not allow that through YouTube.

Rantifications - Is God a Capitalist?

A neighbor/friend of mine has posted a entry on how capitalism fits into his view of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I think that it is worth a read, so I am posting a link to it from here (he probably gets a lot more readers on his BLOG that I do, but wanted my readers to find his BLOG for sure).

http://rantifications.blogspot.com/2009/06/is-god-capitalist.html

Jake, thanks for the post. I enjoy reading them.

Benjamin Franklin - On the Constitution

Before the Constitution of the United States was signed, Benjamin Franklin made one final speech on the subject. In his speech, he encourages all of the delegates to sign. Stating that there are some points he does not agree with but that it is the most correct form of government, and should be put into effect. Here are a few other quotes from the speech he made to the Convention on September 17, 1787. [Full Text Here]

...there is no Form of Government but what may be a Blessing to the People if well administred; and I believe farther that this is likely to be well adminstred for a Course of Years, and can only end in Despotism as other Forms have done before it, when the People shall become so corrupted as to need Despotic Government, being incapable of any other.

For when you assemble a Number of Men to have the Advantage of their joint Wisdom, you inevitably assemble with those Men all their Prejudices, their Passions, their Errors of Opinion, their local Interests, and their selfish Views. From such an Assembly can a perfect Production be expected? It therefore astonishes me, Sir, to find this System approaching so near to Perfection as it does; and I think it will astonish our Enemies, who are waiting with Confidence to hear that our Councils are confounded, like those of the Builders of Babel, and that our States are on the Point of Separation, only to meet hereafter for the Purpose of cutting one anothers Throats.

Much of the Strength and Efficiency of any Government in procuring and securing Happiness to the People depends on Opinion, on the general Opinion of the Goodness of that Government as well as of the Wisdom and Integrity of its Governors. I hope therefore that for our own Sakes, as a Part of the People, and for the sake of our Posterity we shall act heartity and unanimously in recommending this Constitution, wherever our Influence may extend, and turn our future Thoughts and Endeavours to the Means of having it well administred.

You can read more quotes from Benjamin Franklin on foundingfatherquotes.com

Benjamin Franklin - Role of God in Constitution

In a speech given to the Continental Convention on Jun 28, 1787, Benjamin Franklin lets everyone know what he thinks the role of GOD was and needs to be in congress. [Full Text of speech]

He first talks about how they are getting no where because they "are producing as many Noes as Ayes, methinks a melancholy Proof of the Imperfection of the Human Understanding." He then goes on to say, that "In the beginning of the Contest with Britain, when we were sensible of Danger, we had daily Prayers in this Room for the Divine Protection! Our Prayers, Sir, were heard; and they were graciously answered. All of us, who were engag'd in the Struggle, must have observ'd frequent Instances of a Superintending Providence in our Favor."

He then goes on to say that God governs the Affairs of Men! "And if a Sparrow cannot fall to the Ground without his Notice, is it probable that an Empire can rise without his Aid? We have been assured, Sir, in the Sacred Writings, that “except the Lord build the House, they labor in vain that build it.” I firmly believe this; and I also believe that without his concurring Aid, we shall succeed in this political Building no better than the Builders of Babel:..". Notice he is quoting scripture as well.

He then makes the following comment in closing: "That henceforth Prayers, imploring the Assistance of Heaven, and its Blessing on our Deliberations, be held in this Assembly every Morning before we proceed to Business; and that one or more of the Clergy of this City be requested to officiate in that Service. "

They did not start saying Prayers at this point (but sometime later they did start the practice, and it is continued to this day). And the reason was because they did not have the money to pay a Clergy of the city to officiate.

WARNING... RANT BELOW....

Did you catch that? The reason they did not was because they could not find someone to officiate the payer without being PAID to do so. That is one of the major problems that I have with paid clergy. Shouldn't it be enough to serve your fellowmen and help move the work of GOD? Why is it required that someone be paid to offer a prayer on a daily basis? Does not receiving payment change the reason why you are being a clergy. It makes it no longer about serving God and helping your fellowmen, it is all about MONEY. This is the same reason why I agree with Franklin with not paying public officials. It should be a service to the public, not a way to profit from the hard labor of the public or your congregation.

END OF RANT.....

Here are some other quotes by Benjamin Franklin that show his views on God.

God helps them that help themselves
Poor Richard's Almanack

GOD: I conceive for many reasons that he is a good being; as I should be happy to have so wise, good, and powerful a being my friend, let me consider in what manner I shall make myself most acceptable to him.
"Articles of Belief and Acts of Religion" (20 Nov. 1728)

Let me, then, not fail to praise my God continually, for it is his due, and it is all I can return for his many favors and great goodness to me; and let me resolve to be virtuous, that I may be happy, that I may please him who is delighted to see me happy.
"Articles of belief and Acts of Religion" (20 Nov. 1728)

Rebellion to tyrants is obedience to God
Pennsylvania Evening Post (14 Dec. 1775)

I hope our people will keep up their courage. i have not doubt of their finally succeeding by the blessing of GOD, nor have I any doubt that so good a cause will fail of that blessing
Letter to an unknown correspondent (25 Oct. 1776)

You can find more quotes at foundingfatherquotes.com

Video Thursday - Fathers Day

Happy fathers day, told in true fashion by Acmed and Jeff Dunham

Benjamin Franklin - Silence Dogood No. 6

Ben starts out in his 6th Silence Dogood letter saying, "Pride. It is acknowledg’d by all to be a Vice the most hateful to God and Man. Even those who nourish it in themselves, hate to see it in others. The proud Man aspires after Nothing less than an unlimited Superiority over his Fellow-Creatures." The full text of the letter can be found on franklinpapers.org.

He talks about pride and how evil it is and what problems is causes. But he also talks about how Pride of Apparel has this effect, "By striving to appear rich they become really poor, and deprive themselves of that Pity and Charity which is due to the humble poor Man, who is made so more immediately by Providence."

But then he starts talking about hoop-petticoats. Which is the real reason for the letter. In conclusion he writes that they should "consider, Whether they, who pay no Rates or Taxes, ought to take up more Room in the King’s High-Way, than the Men, who yearly contribute to the Support of the Government."

I think he was just ticked off that he got stuck behind some women while walking down the street and could not get around them because of their hoop-petticoats. That is just my opinion, but his warning on Pride should also be taken to heart.

Benjamin Franklin - Salaries and Public Office

I have been toying with the idea of getting involved in local government. And I keep getting asked why I want to donate my time and energy in public office. I think that this speech given by Benjamin Franklin expresses one of the main reasons why. I am going to give a summary of his speech, and then explain why it illustrates one of the reasons I want to get involved in local government. He speech was given on June 2, 1787, and the full text of the speech can be found here: franklinpapers.org.

Ben starts of by identifying the two main motivators that influence the affairs of Men. They are "Ambition and avarice; the Love of Power, and the Love of Money." And he says that if you give a man both, then they will "move Heaven and Earth to obtain it".

He then discusses why this is a bad idea. Instead of having "wise and moderate, the lovers of Peace and good Order, the men fittest for the Trust", you will attract the "Men of strong Passions and indefatigable Activity in their selfish Pursuits". Not only will you attracted the type of people you don't want as public servants, but you will then also create competitors that will "perpetually be endeavoring to distress their Administration, thwart their Measures, and render them odious to the People."

Have we not seen this. We now have politicians that are not considered patriots, but they bash each other as much as possible, and try to move themselves up the ladder above their fellow public officers. Instead of building the country, they are trying to build their Wealth and Power.

He then talks about how once these people are in power (for the lust of money and power), they will not want to leave. And in the process, they will never be "satisfied, but always in want of more." He states, "we may set out in the Beginning with moderate Salaries, we shall find that such will not be of long Continuance." (Look into the packages that government have given themselves. They can retire as kings after serving one term in congress. They have a very generous retirement plan, and medial plan. Just look at it, they are saying that the CEOs are greedy, but they do have some nice golden parachutes.) Then to get more, they will then have to tax the people heavily. And in turn the people will become "discontented with the Oppression of Taxes", and will then start to resist. And to keep their power, they will then need to raise more money to "pay the Troops that are to suppress all Resistance." These may not be physical troops, but money spent to keep people in stations that require them to give them their basic needs (we now call them entitlement programs).

Now this is the part that I think hits home the most with me and my desire to serve in local government. If you take away the salaries, and limit the power, then why do people want to serve in public offices? Ben answers this question with this statement: "that the Pleasure of doing Good and Serving their Country, and the Respect such Conduct entitles them to, are sufficient Motives with some Minds to give up a great Portion of their Time to the Public, without the mean Inducement of pecuniary Satisfaction."

He gives several examples of offices that do not get salaries, or that cost the office holder money. And he then concludes talking about the recent revolutionary war. He states that the "General of our Armies, executed for Eight Years together, without the smallest Salary, by a Patriot whom I will not now offend by any other Praise." He then goes on to say "I have a better Opinion of our Country. I think we shall never be without a sufficient Number of wise and good Men to undertake and execute well and faithfully the Office in question."

To answer the question I posed at the first of this post. I want to be one of those men that find Pleasure in doing Good and Serving my Country and Community.

Benjamin Franklin - Silence Dogood, No. 5

In the 5th of the Silence Dogood letters, Ben hits a topic head on. The topic of this letter is the difference between the Male and Female Vices. An individual sends a letter to the Courant telling Mrs. Dogood to "begin with your own sex first; let the first volley of your resentments be directed against Female Vice". I don't know if the letter he is responding to is also fictitious like the pen name he is using, or if someone really did write to the Courant. But for him to attack the equality of sexes in 1722 is pretty bold.

There are a couple of points that he makes as Silence Dogood that I would like to point out. He claims that most of the vices that females have are because of males or perpetuated by males. He says this about Idleness of Women.

"Men are commonly complaining how hard they are forc’d to labour, only to maintain their Wives in Pomp and Idleness, yet if you go among the Women, you will learn, that they have always more Work upon their Hands than they are able to do; and that a Woman’s Work is never done, &c."

He then concludes the letter with the following statement:

"Upon the whole, I conclude, that it will be impossible to lash any Vice, of which the Men are not equally guilty with the Women, and consequently deserve an equal (if not a greater) Share in the Censure. However, I exhort both to amend, where both are culpable, otherwise they may expect to be severely handled"

I believe his main point is that Men and Women are equal and that it is impossible to blame one or the other for any vice. And that if you are to say they are not equal, then the Men are responsible for causing the division.

Benjamin Franklin - Silence Dogood, No 4.

After talking to her Reverend Boarder about Educating her Son William (BTW, Benjamin Franklin later did have a son named William). Silence takes a walk and sits by an apple tree (not the same one George Washington supposedly cuts down) and dreams a dream. This letter is about the dream she dreamed.

After the dream, Benjamin then summarizes what the dream meant.

I reflected in my Mind on the extream Folly of those Parents, who, blind to their Childrens Dulness, and insensible of the Solidity of their Skulls, because they think their Purses can afford it, will needs send them to the Temple of Learning, where, for want of a suitable Genius, they learn little more than how to carry themselves handsomely, and enter a Room genteely, (which might as well be acquir’d at a Dancing-School,) and from whence they return, after Abundance of Trouble and Charge, as great Blockheads as ever, only more proud and self-conceited.

While I was in the midst of these unpleasant Reflections, Clericus (who with a Book in his Hand was walking under the Trees) accidentally awak’d me; to him I related my Dream with all its Particulars, and he, without much Study, presently interpreted it, assuring me, That it was a lively Representation of Harvard College, Etcetera. [Source: franklinpapers.org]

During the course of his dream, you learn that poverty, idleness and ignorance are the main reasons why people never make it to sit with Learning.

Study in socialism

An economics professor at Texas Tech said he had failed very few students, but had once failed an entire class. That class had insisted that socialism worked and that no one would be poor and no one would be rich, a great equalizer.

The professor then said, "Ok, we will have an experiment in this class on socialism. All grades will be averaged and everyone will receive the same grade meaning, obviously, no one will receive an A." They all agreed to this.

After the first test the grades were averaged, everyone got a C. The students who studied hard were upset and the students who studied little were happy.

But, as the second test rolled around, the students who studied little studied even less; and the ones who studied hard decided they wanted a free ride too, so they studied little. The second test average was a D! No one was happy.

When the 3rd test rolled around the average was an F. The scores never increased as bickering, blame and name calling all resulted in hard feelings and no one would study for the benefit of anyone else.

To their great dismay the professor failed them all. Then he sent all of them this note: "A socialistic government will also ultimately fail -- because when the reward is great, the effort to succeed is great, but when government takes all reward away, no one will try to succeed."