Despite clamoring by the American press for a more modern candidate, the conclave of cardinals has selected German Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger to be the next leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
My Way News Article
Ratzinger, who will take the name Pope Benedict XVI, is renowned for his staunch conservatism. The new pope will not rewrite catholic opinion on sexuality, as some had hoped and others feared.
I wish to offer my congratulations to the conclave for choosing a holy man to lead the church. May the prayers of the faithful be with Pope Benedict XVI as he takes on this important role.
The nomination of Ratzinger is an excellent choice. He will continue to make sure the church stands for all it did under Pope John Paul II. It is good that the Church sees the folly of giving up what she stands for to gain popularity.
The Roman Catholic Church has taken the correct position on sexuality, reaffirmed by the Bible countless times. If she changes to a more modern view, she will have lost what she stood for.
What good for a man to gain the whole world if he forfeit his soul? - Matthew 16:26
Tuesday, April 19, 2005
Friday, April 15, 2005
Tax Code
Reagan is credited with joking about the tax code, as line one asked how much money you made, and line two told you to send it in. If only it was that simple.
Americans spent 6.6 billion hours doing their taxes this year. MyWayNews Article That's a long time.
The tax code is needlessly complicated and needs to be reformed. While I am in favor of scrapping the whole IRS and instituting a more equitable national sales tax, any move to simplify the current tax code should be embraced.
Each year, the tax code is complicated further as more and more exemptions are added to the long list. The exorbitantly wealthy can spend the time neccessary to take the shortcuts to avoid paying all their taxes. The middle class has no such luxury, and is left with the bill.
If we are going to stick with our progressive tax system, let's at least make it simple enough that the government gets the tax dollars it is due, and those evading taxes can be prosecuted under the law. As it is now, fraud goes by all the time as no one understands the code, even the IRS.
As an example, last year this time, thousands of Americans claimed a slavery exemption. No such thing exists. Similar things happen every year.
It's high time we simplified the tax code, a measure that should have bipartisan support.
Maybe next year it will only take us 5 billion hours.
Americans spent 6.6 billion hours doing their taxes this year. MyWayNews Article That's a long time.
The tax code is needlessly complicated and needs to be reformed. While I am in favor of scrapping the whole IRS and instituting a more equitable national sales tax, any move to simplify the current tax code should be embraced.
Each year, the tax code is complicated further as more and more exemptions are added to the long list. The exorbitantly wealthy can spend the time neccessary to take the shortcuts to avoid paying all their taxes. The middle class has no such luxury, and is left with the bill.
If we are going to stick with our progressive tax system, let's at least make it simple enough that the government gets the tax dollars it is due, and those evading taxes can be prosecuted under the law. As it is now, fraud goes by all the time as no one understands the code, even the IRS.
As an example, last year this time, thousands of Americans claimed a slavery exemption. No such thing exists. Similar things happen every year.
It's high time we simplified the tax code, a measure that should have bipartisan support.
Maybe next year it will only take us 5 billion hours.
Thursday, April 14, 2005
Capitalism and Consumerism
Saving Aeneas had an interesting post recently, which is not to say that most of his posts aren't interesting. He took an Article which delved into that most elusive of human emotions: happiness.
From his post:
"The political implications of this are obvious. There’s far greater merit in helping those at the bottom than giving more to the ones who already have so much.
Basic healthcare for everyone is better than the best healthcare for a few.
Public education for all does more good than private education for those who can afford it.
The guy who works at MacDonald’s gets a lot more joy from a $2 increase in the minimum wage than your average CEO would get from a new Ferrari."
Capitalism leads to, or perhaps is inseperable from consumerism. Though I am a free-marketer, I despise rampant consumerism. The article was interesting, but not necessarily surprising. Things do not make us as happy as we think they will, and most things don't make us happy at all.
This doesn't mean we are allowed to prevent people from drowning in their unhappiness. Humans are to remain as free as possible, which is why the capitalism system works best. They should be free to pursue this happiness in any ways they see fit--without inflicting harm on another of course. If they cannot attain this happiness, this is not the fault of the government, but rather a basic and incorrectable flaw in human nature.
As noble as it may seem to let the government make us happy, this is neither practial, nor proper. Providing services for some, eliminates the means for others to pursue their happiness.
What right do we have to determine when someone's capital is not necessary for them to keep? Put another way: how can we allow the taxing of one man, to pay for another's happiness? Does the end: making the first man happy, justify the means: preventing the second man from becoming happy?
These are not easy questions of course. Happiness is something mankind will always wrestle with. Yet, without a doubt, we have the knowledge of the system which best allows for happiness.
Jefferson had it right all along, "we are endowed by our creater with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."
From his post:
"The political implications of this are obvious. There’s far greater merit in helping those at the bottom than giving more to the ones who already have so much.
Basic healthcare for everyone is better than the best healthcare for a few.
Public education for all does more good than private education for those who can afford it.
The guy who works at MacDonald’s gets a lot more joy from a $2 increase in the minimum wage than your average CEO would get from a new Ferrari."
Capitalism leads to, or perhaps is inseperable from consumerism. Though I am a free-marketer, I despise rampant consumerism. The article was interesting, but not necessarily surprising. Things do not make us as happy as we think they will, and most things don't make us happy at all.
This doesn't mean we are allowed to prevent people from drowning in their unhappiness. Humans are to remain as free as possible, which is why the capitalism system works best. They should be free to pursue this happiness in any ways they see fit--without inflicting harm on another of course. If they cannot attain this happiness, this is not the fault of the government, but rather a basic and incorrectable flaw in human nature.
As noble as it may seem to let the government make us happy, this is neither practial, nor proper. Providing services for some, eliminates the means for others to pursue their happiness.
What right do we have to determine when someone's capital is not necessary for them to keep? Put another way: how can we allow the taxing of one man, to pay for another's happiness? Does the end: making the first man happy, justify the means: preventing the second man from becoming happy?
These are not easy questions of course. Happiness is something mankind will always wrestle with. Yet, without a doubt, we have the knowledge of the system which best allows for happiness.
Jefferson had it right all along, "we are endowed by our creater with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."
China and the Marketplace of Ideas
"Ideas are more powerfu than guns. We do not let or enemies have guns. Why would we let them have ideas." - Joseph Stalin
The Chinese government has taken at least this Stalinist expression to heart. New York Times Article An estimated 50-60 thousand villagers protested the pollution coming from a nearby factory. It's tough to farm when the air is unbreathable.
The government's response? "There were conflicting reports of injuries, and Mr. Lu said two elderly female protesters were gravely injured after being run over by a police vehicle."
How nice.
In a related note, the Chinese government continues to prevent access to certain internet sites. My Way News Article "The government is effective at limiting discussions about Falun Gong, the Dalai Lama, Tianamen Square and other topics deemed sensitive."
Sensitive. That's a good one.
Still, it's nice to see the Chinese starting to rise up a little bit. Eventually they'll get sick of working for fifty cents an hour and we can count them among the fully industrialized.
Ideas are powerful things, and surpressing them doesn't make them go away.
The Chinese government has taken at least this Stalinist expression to heart. New York Times Article An estimated 50-60 thousand villagers protested the pollution coming from a nearby factory. It's tough to farm when the air is unbreathable.
The government's response? "There were conflicting reports of injuries, and Mr. Lu said two elderly female protesters were gravely injured after being run over by a police vehicle."
How nice.
In a related note, the Chinese government continues to prevent access to certain internet sites. My Way News Article "The government is effective at limiting discussions about Falun Gong, the Dalai Lama, Tianamen Square and other topics deemed sensitive."
Sensitive. That's a good one.
Still, it's nice to see the Chinese starting to rise up a little bit. Eventually they'll get sick of working for fifty cents an hour and we can count them among the fully industrialized.
Ideas are powerful things, and surpressing them doesn't make them go away.
Monday, April 11, 2005
Hillary Clinton
According to the Drudge Report, a new book about Hillary Clinton is expected to come out this fall. Ed Klein is supposed to give us all the dirty details on the former first lady.
Says Drudge: " ... the coming sales pitch for 'THE TRUTH ABOUT HILLARY What She Knew, When She Knew It, and How Far She'll Go to Become President' reads: 'Just as the swift boat veterans convinced millions of voters that John Keryy lacked the character to be president, Klein's book will influence everyone who is sizing up the character of Hillary Clinton..."
As a conservative, I dislike Hillary because she espouses a socialist mentality--remember her healthcare plan?--but most conservatives seem to think that if Hillary gets into the White House the world will end.
Please. She can't be that bad. We survived Bill just fine.
I don't know enough about the book yet to determine if it will be a brilliant expose or a partisan hack-job, though Klein is decribed as "liberal". My bet is it will fall somewhere in-between, sell millions of copies and have very little influence.
These kind of books tend to preach to the choir. Hillary is enough of a polarizing character that most Americans, especially the ones who vote, have their minds made up on her already.
In timing with the book, according to World Net Daily, a national campaign has been started to STOP HILLARY NOW. Mrs. Clinton is up for re-election for her Senate seat in 2006.
Like I said, these people really don't like her. Here are some revealing quotes:
"This is not merely a race for New York. It's a race for America"
"Stopping Hillary Rodham Clinton is the most important thing you and I can do as Republicans in the next two years. You could say it's our duty as Republicans."
Uh huh.
The duty of Republicans is to start fielding candidates who actually stand up for conservative ideals. George Bush is doing just fine losing this "race for America" with the help of a complacent Republican Congress.
Looks like 2008 is going to be the most important election of our lifetimes... again.
I can't wait.
Says Drudge: " ... the coming sales pitch for 'THE TRUTH ABOUT HILLARY What She Knew, When She Knew It, and How Far She'll Go to Become President' reads: 'Just as the swift boat veterans convinced millions of voters that John Keryy lacked the character to be president, Klein's book will influence everyone who is sizing up the character of Hillary Clinton..."
As a conservative, I dislike Hillary because she espouses a socialist mentality--remember her healthcare plan?--but most conservatives seem to think that if Hillary gets into the White House the world will end.
Please. She can't be that bad. We survived Bill just fine.
I don't know enough about the book yet to determine if it will be a brilliant expose or a partisan hack-job, though Klein is decribed as "liberal". My bet is it will fall somewhere in-between, sell millions of copies and have very little influence.
These kind of books tend to preach to the choir. Hillary is enough of a polarizing character that most Americans, especially the ones who vote, have their minds made up on her already.
In timing with the book, according to World Net Daily, a national campaign has been started to STOP HILLARY NOW. Mrs. Clinton is up for re-election for her Senate seat in 2006.
Like I said, these people really don't like her. Here are some revealing quotes:
"This is not merely a race for New York. It's a race for America"
"Stopping Hillary Rodham Clinton is the most important thing you and I can do as Republicans in the next two years. You could say it's our duty as Republicans."
Uh huh.
The duty of Republicans is to start fielding candidates who actually stand up for conservative ideals. George Bush is doing just fine losing this "race for America" with the help of a complacent Republican Congress.
Looks like 2008 is going to be the most important election of our lifetimes... again.
I can't wait.
Monday, April 04, 2005
Talking About My Generation
I usually avoid commenting on social issues, but this one got to me. My Way News Article
"One in five U.S. teenagers say they have engaged in oral sex, an activity that some adolescents view as not sex at all and certainly less risky than intercourse, a report released Monday said.
The survet of 580 children with a mean age of 14-1/2 found 20 percent said they had engaged in oral sex, compared with 14 percent who said they had engaged in sexual intercourse.
In addition, one thirs of the multi-ethnic 9th graders surveyed said they intended to have oral sex within the next six months and nearly one-fourth planned to have intercourse during the period."
"One in five U.S. teenagers say they have engaged in oral sex, an activity that some adolescents view as not sex at all and certainly less risky than intercourse, a report released Monday said.
The survet of 580 children with a mean age of 14-1/2 found 20 percent said they had engaged in oral sex, compared with 14 percent who said they had engaged in sexual intercourse.
In addition, one thirs of the multi-ethnic 9th graders surveyed said they intended to have oral sex within the next six months and nearly one-fourth planned to have intercourse during the period."
Three cheers for the sexual revolution. We are now so liberated, it's just wonderful. In a day and age when 7 out of 10 blacks and 4 out of 10 whites are conceived out of wedlock here in America, I'd say we we need to re-evaluate our take on human sexuality.
In a related note, the Pope has been criticized for his controversial stance on birth control. See, the Pope encourages abstinence as a foolproof method of birth control. Silly old man, we can't practice self-control anymore. This is the new millenium. Get with it.
Plain and simple, ninth graders should not be having sex. If I'm old-fashioned for saying this, so be it. I am disgusted at the culture we live in, and especially at the members of my generation who seem to have boughten into the "if it feels good, do it" lie.
It would be nice if people would act responsibly once in awhile, but such things are naively idealistic.
The death of the West approaches.
Minuteman Project's "Success"
The Minuteman Project is under way. For those who haven't heard, the Minuteman Project is a group of Americans who are taking time to guard parts of the Arizona/Mexico border in an effort to curb illegal immigration. They feel, as do I, that our government has been complacent in border security.
The Minutemen have reported eighteen arrests. World Net Daily Article
Please hold your applause.
I don't want to seem like the eternal pessimist, but we should take this with a grain of salt. A big grain of salt, as big as the holes left in our southern border. Estimates put the number of illegals in this country between 8 and 10.5 million, with between .5 to 1 million more entering in recent years.
Let's see, detaining 18 per day, 365 days a year, carry the one... I'd say the effect is negligible.
I am whole-heartedly in favor of the Minuteman Project. They are operating under the scope of the law, and are trying to do what the United States military should be doing.
It's just that they're trying to hold back the sea with a broom.
The Minutemen have reported eighteen arrests. World Net Daily Article
Please hold your applause.
I don't want to seem like the eternal pessimist, but we should take this with a grain of salt. A big grain of salt, as big as the holes left in our southern border. Estimates put the number of illegals in this country between 8 and 10.5 million, with between .5 to 1 million more entering in recent years.
Let's see, detaining 18 per day, 365 days a year, carry the one... I'd say the effect is negligible.
I am whole-heartedly in favor of the Minuteman Project. They are operating under the scope of the law, and are trying to do what the United States military should be doing.
It's just that they're trying to hold back the sea with a broom.
Friday, April 01, 2005
Follow-Up to a Follow-Up
For whatever reason, I failed to read the comments to my Liberal Tolerance post. Thanks to Saving Aeneas for pointing my attention to some "conservative tolerance".
Progressive.org Article
Pandagon.net Article
Daily Kos Article
Then I was told to quit whining, which was not what I was trying to do.
All I ask, is that we try to keep colleges and universities forums for discussion. Whether conservative or liberal, people should be given the respect they deserve. If what someone has to say is invalid, civilly state why this is so. If civil discourse is impossible, simply ignore the closed-minded speaker. Shouting and salad dressing make poor alternatives for tactful discourse.
Which is one of the few things we should all be able to agree on.
Progressive.org Article
Pandagon.net Article
Daily Kos Article
Then I was told to quit whining, which was not what I was trying to do.
All I ask, is that we try to keep colleges and universities forums for discussion. Whether conservative or liberal, people should be given the respect they deserve. If what someone has to say is invalid, civilly state why this is so. If civil discourse is impossible, simply ignore the closed-minded speaker. Shouting and salad dressing make poor alternatives for tactful discourse.
Which is one of the few things we should all be able to agree on.
Amnesty for Illegals, Brought to You By... Republicans?
Amnesty for illegals is advocated frequently enough, but rarely by Republicans. Bush caught a lot of flack, at least in some conservative circles, for a push for amnesty during his first term. It appears the Republicans have done it again. Washington Times Article
Senator Larry E. Craig, and Idaho Republican, wants to grant amnesty to the estimated 500,000-1,000,000 illegals working in the agricultural industry.
Wake up Republicans! Quit worshipping at the throne of capitalism and look our for our nation's well-being. If we continue to allow whoever gets in to stay, our Republic will collapse. Don't let big businesses demand for cheap labor cause us to cease to exist.
One would think that after September 11th, we'd be a little more leary about who we let in. Apparently not. Despite outcries for border control, such as the Minuteman Project (Fox News Article), the Republican Party has shown where at least some of her members stand.
Hopefully, there are still enough Republicans who will vote against this nonsense.
Senator Larry E. Craig, and Idaho Republican, wants to grant amnesty to the estimated 500,000-1,000,000 illegals working in the agricultural industry.
Wake up Republicans! Quit worshipping at the throne of capitalism and look our for our nation's well-being. If we continue to allow whoever gets in to stay, our Republic will collapse. Don't let big businesses demand for cheap labor cause us to cease to exist.
One would think that after September 11th, we'd be a little more leary about who we let in. Apparently not. Despite outcries for border control, such as the Minuteman Project (Fox News Article), the Republican Party has shown where at least some of her members stand.
Hopefully, there are still enough Republicans who will vote against this nonsense.
Liberal Tolerance (A Follow-Up)
First it was Coulter and Kristol. Now it's Pat Buchanan. Netscape Article
This is simply an update on liberal intolerance at American University's. I'm still waiting for a liberal to be showed this lack of respect by conservatives in a similar incident.
This is simply an update on liberal intolerance at American University's. I'm still waiting for a liberal to be showed this lack of respect by conservatives in a similar incident.
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