Saratoga Springs Mayor Race - QUESTIONS????

I am a little confused... There are two articles that have been recently published about Francom loosing his job because he is running for mayor. The first one was in the Daily Herald, titled, "Saratoga mayor candidate: ‘Campaign cost me my job’".

The Daily Herald article talks about how Francom lost his job because of a letter that was sent to his employer. He then tells the Daily Herald about a rumor that he heard about the letter from a friend. "Before he had told anyone details of his conversations with his employers, Francom says was contacted by a friend, whom he declined to identify, who was calling with concerns after hearing third-hand from someone else that Francom's job could be in jeopardy. According to that person, the information came from a friend assisting the campaign of the city's only other mayoral candidate, Mia Love."

In ths same article it states that "Love vehemently denies any knowledge of the letter, or any action against Francom. She says that Francom did call her to discuss his concern about what he had heard, but she is confident no one assisting her had anything to do with the letter. She did not know until contacted by the Daily Herald that Francom was no longer employed."

Today, there is now another article published by ABC4 news, titled, "Saratoga Springs mayoral candidate says campaign cost him his job", that states, "Edward Jones released this statement to ABC4 saying, 'We received no information about his candidacy from outside sources. There were reasons beyond his mayoral candidacy that led to his departure from the firm.'"

The article also states, "Francom does however say, he does not suspect foul play from his opposition. Something the city's only other mayoral candidate, Mia Love, says she too wants to make known. Love says, 'My campaign nor anyone who is helping me with my campaign had anything to do with any correspondence with Edward Jones.'"

So, after reading these articles, here are the questions I have.

1. If there was not a letter (which Edward Jones says there was not), why would the HR department tell Francom there was one, and give that letter as the reason for his termination?
2. Why would Francom tell one newspaper that he suspects that Mia and her campaign was behind him getting fired, and then tell the other news agency that he does not suspect foul play by Love's campaign?
3. If Francom is elected mayor, will he continue to make decisions based on "a friend, whom he declined to identify, who was calling with concerns after hearing third-hand from someone else that..."?

The only thing that is a constant in both of these articles is that Mia Love's statements that she had nothing to do with a supposed letter to his employer, and that it is unfortunate that Francom lost his job.

Bottom line, people need to do research on a topic before they make a strong opinion. This does not just apply to the candidates, but to the residents of Saratoga Springs as well. Research the Bridge across the lake, chickens, bees, etc before you come out in support or defense of them. Lets quit making decisions based on hear-say and what a friend heard from a friend of a friend, and go to the source and do our own research.

Obama - Manliness Tax

Obama has proposed a "Manliness Tax". Because it has been shown that stronger men have un-fair advantages over those that are less Manly.

President Obama stated, "It is unfair that some of the population has advantages that others do not. Because men that are more manly have un-fair advantages over the less manly in the population, we need to CHANGE the current way of thinking, and level the playing field for all males." President Obama continues, "This un-fair advantage needs to be eliminated to help those that are less manly feel good about themselves and allow them to compete in a more manly manner. This plan will help secure our financial future, by generating revenue from the next generation of manly males."

Because a Manly man has advantages over a non-manly man. Here are some of the un-fair advantages that this tax eliminates or helps eliminate to even the playing field.

1. A man with rippling muscles has an easier time attracting a mate.
2. Everyone knows that first impressions are everything, so the more manly man has an easier time finding employment.
3. Manly men have less health issues, so they are able to enjoy more working days than the sickly non-manly man.
4. Manly men have more endurance, allowing them to work extra hours, taking over-time pay away from the less ripped.
5. Manly men also enjoy activities that the less-manly can't enjoy (Mountain climbing, Ironman competitions, etc.)
6. Manly men can grow facial hair at a faster and denser rate than non-manly men. This gives the the advantage of being able to withstand lower temperatures without facial discomfort.

Therefore, the Obama administration proposes that if any of the following are true, you will be required by law to pay the Manliness Tax.

1. If your biceps are larger than the average size. A national database will be setup to track these type of statistics.
2. If your Mass Body Index is below the national average.
3. If you can bench press more than the average person your age.
4. If you can run the 100 Meters faster than the average person.
5. If you can grow facial hair that is denser than the average man.

The President will be using the The Presidential Fitness program to help make sure that the next generation of Men will meet one of the 4 requirements. This is estimate to generate 500 billion annually in tax revenue by 2020.

The tax is a progressive tax. The more manly you are, the higher the tax. The less manly will also be able to apply for a income tax credit. This credit is then expected to be used to buy gym memberships, diet plans, etc.

It is projected that this tax credit will eventually make someone more manly, therefore putting them into the manliness category in later years. This will then in turn increase the tax revenue in future years.

Obama also stated, "This tax is not to penalize those who are manly. The goal of this tax is to eventually make everyone manly. It will CHANGE the less manly into manly men. Eventually this tax will be applied to all males in the US. Over the next 10 years, non-manly men will be a thing of the past. This is CHANGE we can all believe in."

Note: This a work of satire, or fiction to illistrate a point.

Now that we are back in school

Now that we are back in school, let's review this:

After being interviewed by the school administration, the prospective teacher said: 'Let me see if I've got this right.

'You want me to go into that room with all those kids, correct their disruptive behavior, observe them for signs of abuse, monitor their dress habits, censor their T-shirt messages, and instill in them a love for learning. You want me to check their backpacks for weapons, wage war on drugs and sexually transmitted diseases, and raise their sense of self esteem and personal pride.


'You want me to teach them patriotism and good citizenship, sportsmanship and fair play, and how to register to vote, balance a checkbook, and apply for a job.


'You want me to check their heads for lice, recognize signs of antisocial behavior, and make sure that they all pass the final exams.


'You also want me to provide them with an equal education regardless of their handicaps, and communicate regularly with their parents in English, Spanish or any other language, by letter, telephone, newsletter, and report card.


'You want me to do all this with a piece of chalk, a blackboard,a bulletin board, a few books, a big smile, and a starting salary that qualifies me for food stamps.


'You want me to do all this and then you tell me......


" I can't pray"?

LOST DOG

I HAVE LOST MY DOG "LIBERTY"



Last seen on Jefferson Avenue heading towards Marx Lane. Liberty is a boxer that has been around for a lot of years. She has recently had her teeth and claws removed so she is not able to protect herself. They were removed by her previous owner, he felt it was the best thing for her. She kept helping other dogs in the neighborhood free themselves from their bonds. She was born on July 4th along with two other sisters, "Life" and "Happiness".


If you find her, please protect her at all costs. Once she is lost, she is very hard to find again.

Czar or not to Czar

DISCLAIMER: Notice this post was made by a Right-Wing Fanatic, Fear-Mongering, Conservative, Religious Zealot that sometimes worships at the Church of Glenn Beck. This post could contain anti-liberal, non-progressive content that may be classified as conservative drivel. You may also find references to the United States Constitution, God, and the US Founding Fathers. This post may also contain FACTS that may incite action, either in support, or in opposition. You have been warned.

In a recent (today) post by the White House, they denounce the use of CZARS by the Obama Administration....

This is, of course, ridiculous. Just to be clear, the job title "czar" doesn’t exist in the Obama Administration. Many of the officials cited by conservative commentators have been confirmed by the Senate. Many hold policy jobs that have existed in previous Administrations. And some hold jobs that involved coordinating the work of agencies on President Obama’s key policy priorities: health insurance reform, energy and green jobs, and building a new foundation for long-lasting economic growth.

Lets look at the truth of this statement. From whitehouse.gov, if you do a search on czar, you find the following quotes.

Press Secretary Robert GIBBS says on 3/11/2009:

"But let me address the czar question for a minute, because I think I've been asked in this room any number of times if the czars in our White House to deal with energy and health care had too much power. We've added now a director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, assuming the same title and access that many of the people that I've been questioned by whether they were too powerful. I think just as the drug czar will, and most people do, have full access to the President of the United States to make important decisions." [Source]

Drug czar according to Mr. Gibbs has FULL access to the President of the United States.

President Obama on 4/16/2009 stated:

THE PRESIDENT: Well, the goal of the border czar is to help coordinate all the various agencies that fall under the Department of Homeland Security, and so that we are confident that the border patrols are working effectively with ICE, working effectively with our law enforcement agencies. So he's really a coordinator that can be directly responsible to Secretary Napolitano and ultimately directly accountable to me. [Source]

Border czar according to the president will be directly accocuntable to me (not congress)

President Obama on 6/13/2009 stated:

I just want you to know, as well as our new director of our office of -- I always forget the full name of this -- I call it the Drug Czar, but -- [Source]

Once again, he uses the term Drug Czar

The Vice President on 3/11/2009 stated:

So please join me in joining the Chief who's going to be our new drug czar, a man you all know well and a man I'm confident is going to be tapping all of you for help. Chief, the floor is yours. Congratulations. (Applause.) [Source]

Funny, I thought that the Obama Administration did not have any Czars.

The President on 7/7/2009 stated:

I know that this future can seem distant. Change is hard. In the words of that NES student back in 1993, the real world is not so rational as on paper. But think of the change that has unfolded with the passing of time. One hundred years ago, a czar ruled Russia, and Europe was a place of empire. When I was born, segregation was still the law of the land in parts of America, and my father's Kenya was still a colony. When you were born, a school like this would have been impossible, and the Internet was only known to a privileged few. [Source]

Ok, sorry, that is the corret way to use the title of czar. So he does really know what a czar is.

Maybe the white house should check their own site before they say they don't use czars. Funny, but the president, vice president, and Press Secretary have all talked about the czars in the administration.

Do we really trust what comes from the White House?

Indifference

Indifference: absence of compulsion to or toward one thing or another
Lazy: disinclined to activity or exertion : not energetic or vigorous

Ephesians 6:12
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

How can we be indifferent and lazy when we are in a battle for our lives, liberty, and happiness?

Ehpisians 6:13-18
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;


Compulsion: an irresistible persistent impulse to perform an act
Vigorous: done with vigor : carried out forcefully and energetically

We should be have a compulsion and vigor to protect our life, liberty and happiness.

Ephesians 6:20
For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak

Mormon 2:23
23 And it came to pass that I did speak unto my people, and did urge them with great energy, that they would stand boldly before the Lamanites and fight for their wives, and their children, and their houses, and their homes.

24 And my words did arouse them somewhat to vigor, insomuch that they did not flee from before the Lamanites, but did stand with boldness against them.

If you believe in something, you should not hold your tongue but speak with boldness and vigor.

How many observe Christ's birth-day! How few, his precepts! O! 'tis easier to keep Holidays than Commandments. Benjamin Franklin: Poor Richard's Almanack

Religion and Freedom

DISCLAIMER: Notice this post was made by a Right-Wing Fanatic, Fear-Mongering, Conservative, Religious Zealot that sometimes worships at the Church of Glenn Beck. This post could contain anti-liberal, non-progressive content that may be classified as conservative drivel. You may also find references to the United States Constitution, God, and the US Founding Fathers. This post may also contain FACTS that may incite action, either in support, or in opposition. You have been warned.

Like I have mentioned before, I am reading a book called "The Five Thousand Year Leap" by W. Cleon Skousen. Principle 4 is "Without religion the government of a free people cannot be maintained." In that chapter he quotes Alexis de Tocqueville, Alexis wrote a book called "Democracy in America". In this book he discusses the differences between culture/religion/politics between France and America.

AMONG the novel objects that attracted my attention during my stay in the United States, nothing struck me more forcibly than the general equality of condition among the people. I readily discovered the prodigious influence that this primary fact exercises on the whole course of society; it gives a peculiar direction to public opinion and a peculiar tenor to the laws; it imparts new maxims to the governing authorities and peculiar habits to the governed.
...
Hence I conceived the idea of the book that is now before the reader.

In Chapter V "How Religion in the United States avails itself of Democratic Tendencies", he discusses why he feels religion is necessary for the republic in the United States to prosper. I would like to share a few of his points here. He first talks about how every man is drawn to religion. Then he makes this statement:

This is especially true of men living in free countries. When the religion of a people is destroyed, doubt gets hold of the higher powers of the intellect and half paralyzes all the others. Every man accustoms himself to having only confused and changing notions on the subjects most interesting to his fellow creatures and himself. His opinions are ill-defended and easily abandoned; and, in despair of ever solving by himself the hard problems respecting the destiny of man, he ignobly submits to think no more about them.

Such a condition cannot but enervate the soul, relax the springs of the will, and prepare a people for servitude. Not only does it happen in such a case that they allow their freedom to be taken from them; they frequently surrender it themselves. When there is no longer any principle of authority in religion any more than in politics, men are speedily frightened at the aspect of this unbounded independence. The constant agitation of all surrounding things alarms and exhausts them. As everything is at sea in the sphere of the mind, they determine at least that the mechanism of society shall be firm and fixed; and as they cannot resume their ancient belief, they assume a master.

For my own part, I doubt whether man can ever support at the same time complete religious independence and entire political freedom. And I am inclined to think that if faith be wanting in him, he must be subject; and if he be free, he must believe.

He continues by saying:

I have seen no country in which Christianity is clothed with fewer forms, figures, and observances than in the United States, or where it presents more distinct, simple, and general notions to the mind. Although the Christians of America are divided into a multitude of sects, they all look upon their religion in the same light.

Just something to think about. Do you believe that if religion is removed from a society that they turn to something higher, and will move to wards enslaving themselves to that power?

Dell Schanze out of Jail

I have Dell Schanze's blog in my outlook RSS feeds, so every morning it checks to see if he has made a new blog entry. I look forward to his posts, and find them more entertaining that any Joke of the Day blog.

He has done it again (making me laugh out-loud at work) with his latest post. In his latest post "Dell Schanze, The Hero Once Again" he lives true to his color. Here is my favorite quotes from this post.

He first talks about the secret combination that everyone was involved in, including Jeff Francom (because he was in the court room).

"the worst did I ever encounter an evil countenance such the judge, prosecutor, and Jeff Francom, a competing Mayoral candidate who was in the court room during the fake trial who was likely in on the secret combination, displayed."

He then implies that his jail sentance was also mentioned in the Book of Revelations.

"My release came all too quickly, even faster than my appeal was processed. My 10 day sentence, which are interestingly enough mentioned in Revelations, was cut to only 7.5 days for good behavior. "

I believe he is talking about Revelations 2:10 which states: "Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. "

As always, please go read his blog, and then you decide who is the best person to vote for.

Remain Virtuous and Morally Strong

DISCLAIMER: Notice this post was made by a Fear-Mongering, Conservative, Religious Zealot that sometimes worships at the Church of Glenn Beck. This post could contain anti-liberal, non-progressive content that may be classified as conservative drivel. You may also find references to the United States Constitution, God, and the US Founding Fathers. This post may also contain FACTS that may incite action, either in support, or in opposition. You have been warned.

I have been recently reading a book called "The Five Thousand Year Leap" by W. Cleon Skousen. And in the front of the book, we are encouraged to share what we learn with other people, so I am going to share a little bit from the book. The book talks about 28 Principles. I want to talk about the 2nd principle in this post. The 2nd Principle is "A free people cannot survive under a republican constitution unless they remain virtuous and morally strong." This section has a number of quotes from the founding fathers. I wish to share those quotes.

"Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom. As nations become corrupt and vicious, they have more need for matters" - Benjamin Franklin.

"a spirit of liberty and patriotism animates all degrees and denominations of men" - James Madison

"Is there no virtue among us? If there be not, we are in a wretched situation. No theoretical checks, no form of government, can render us secure. To suppose that any form of government will secure liberty or happiness without any virtue in the people, is chimerical [imaginary] idea. If there be sufficient virtue and intelligence in the community, it will be exercised in the selection of these men; so that we do not depend upon their virtue, or put confidence in our rulers, but in the people who are to choose them." - James Madison

"Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism, who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens... Let it simply be asked, where is the security for property, for reputation, for live, in the sense of religious obligations desert and oaths which are the instruments of investigation in courts of Justice? And let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion. Whatever may be conceded to the influence of refined education ... reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle." - George Washington

"I think with you , that nothing is more important for the public weal, than to form and train up youth in wisdom and virtue. Wise and good men are in my opinion, the strength of the state; more so than riches or arms..." - Benjamin Franklin

"I think also, that general virtue is more probably to be expected and obtained from the education of youth, than from exhortations of adult persons; bad habits and vices of the mind being, like diseases of the body, more easily prevented than cured. I think moreover, that talents for the education of youth are the gift of God; and that he on whom they are bestowed, whenever a way is opened for use of them, is as strongly called as if he heard a voice from heaven...." - Benjamin Franklin

"I thank God that I have lived to see my country independent and free. She may long enjoy her independence and freedom if she will. It depends on her virtue." - Samuel Adams

"Our constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other." - John Adams

"The sum of all is, if we would most truly enjoy the gift of Heave, let us become a virtuous people; then shall we both deserve to enjoy it. While, on the other hand, if we are universally vicious and debauched in our manners, through the form of our Constitution carries the face of the most exalted freedom, we shall in reality be the most abject slaves." - Samuel Adams

State of Emergency????

DISCLAIMER: Notice this post was made by a Fear-Mongering, Conservative, Religious Zealot that sometimes worships at the Church of Glenn Beck. This post could contain anti-liberal, non-progressive content that may be classified as conservative drivel. You may also find references to the United States Constitution, God, and the US Founding Fathers. This post may also contain FACTS that may incite action, either in support, or in opposition. You have been warned.

First, I want to bring up a couple of bills that are currently being looked at by our legislators. I will be quoting the actual bills, and request that you read the bills (something I have said a thousand times). I will include links to the full text off all the bills.

First Bill - H.R. 645 - National Emergency Centers Establishment Act

To direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish national emergency centers on military installations. This bill basically gives the Secretary of Homeland Security (Janet Napolitano) the right to establish "not fewer than 6 national emergency centers". These centers are used for for the following 4 reasons:

(1) to provide temporary housing, medical, and humanitarian assistance to individuals and families dislocated due to an emergency or major disaster;

(2) to provide centralized locations for the purposes of training and ensuring the coordination of Federal, State, and local first responders;

(3) to provide centralized locations to improve the coordination of preparedness, response, and recovery efforts of government, private, and not-for-profit entities and faith-based organizations; and

(4) to meet other appropriate needs, as determined by the Secretary of Homeland Security.

Notice number 4. This bill basically lets them use these for any "other appropriate needs, as determined by the Secretary of Homeland Security." Each one is given $180 MILLION dollars for each year. These facilities are to be used when the US is considered in a State of Emergency.

"The term `emergency' has the meaning given such term in section 102 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5122)"

“Emergency” means any occasion or instance for which, in the determination of the President, Federal assistance is needed to supplement State and local efforts and capabilities to save lives and to protect property and public health and safety, or to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe in any part of the United States." [Source]

So basically, an emergency is any occasion or instance determined by the President.


Second Bill - S.773: Cybersecrutiy Act of 2009

"To ensure the continued free flow of commerce within the United States and with its global trading partners through secure cyber communications, to provide for the continued development and exploitation of the Internet and intranet communications for such purposes, to provide for the development of a cadre of information technology specialists to improve and maintain effective cyber security defenses against disruption, and for other purposes"


Here are the powers the bill gives to the President

(2) may declare a cybersecurity emergency and order the limitation or shutdown of Internet traffic to and from any compromised Federal Government or United States critical infrastructure information system or network;

So, what is a United States critical infrastructure information system or network? The bill defines those as:

The term ‘Federal Government and United States critical infrastructure information systems and networks’ includes--

(A) Federal Government information systems and networks; and

(B) State, local, and nongovernmental information systems and networks in the United States designated by the President as critical infrastructure information systems and networks.

So basically ANY nongovernmental information systems and networks designated by the President as critical infrastructure

Does that include your computer or your network if the president says it does?

Ok, so now you are probably saying. That the President needs these powers to help control, contain, and deal with emergencies. He will never declare an emergency unless it get really bad. And I hope you are right. BUT....

Have you looked at The White House statements and releases? There is one titled "Letter from the President to the Speaker of the House." This is basically "... an alternative plan for pay increases for civilian Federal employees covered by the General Schedule (GS) and certain other pay systems in January 2010." The President is giving advice on salaries for all federal employees, including "(1) a 2.4 percent across-the-board adjustment" and "(2) locality pay adjustments averaging 16.5 percent". With an estimated cost "... total Federal employee pay increase would cost about $22.6 billion in fiscal year 2010 alone"

Sounds pretty good so far. He is giving the federal employees a well deserved raise. But what makes the President think he can give "an alternative plan"? Here is what he says gives him the right to make this alternative plan:

Title 5, United States Code, authorizes me to implement an alternative pay plan if I view the adjustments that would otherwise take effect as inappropriate due to "national emergency or serious economic conditions affecting the general welfare."

He continues:

"A national emergency, within the meaning of chapter 53 of title 5, has existed since September 11, 2001. Likewise, with unemployment at 9.5 percent in June to cite just one economic indicator, few would disagree that our country is facing serious economic conditions affecting the general welfare."

Here is just one example of the President declaring a NATIONAL EMERGENCY so he can enact policy and use government resources as he sees fit.

Now I ask you...

Do we really want to create "National Emergency Centers" that can be used for "other appropriate needs"?

Do we really want to give the President the rights to "order the limitation or shutdown of Internet traffic to and from any compromised Federal Government or United States critical infrastructure information system or network" which includes any computer or network he sees as a threat?

We have been told that he President does not want to control the internet, or create holding cells for citizens. But remember, the President has also said he will not raise taxes for anyone making less that $250,000, and he has already broken that promise. Why do we want to even risk giving him these powers? And I don't care who the President is, do we really want to give one man powers to stop free speech, and hold citizens in emergency camps?

I am just asking questions...

I personally think everyone should write to their Representatives and tell them NOT TO PASS H.R.645 and write their Senators and tell them NOT TO PASS S.733. Passing both would have the potential to jeopardize our right to freedom and speech.