Posts
I couldn't believe that our legislature, here in Utah, wanted to force the insurance companies to provide insurance, especially if the insurance companies see them as "high risk"... but they are going to at least consider forcing this very thing in Utah.
What ever happened to common sense? If these companies give insurance, and the risk is high, then they take a hit. On the other hand, while these individuals are in the system, we all take a hit as this kind of thing is paid for by our taxes... so we either pay in higher premiums or in higher taxes...
Utah House committee OKs inmate insurance bill - January 27th, 2010 @ 6:47pm
And just one day later, it seems that the sanity has returned with a measure to prevent or limit the number of appeals that an inmate can have.
Utah House panel approves limiting inmate appeals - January 28th, 2010 @ 7:22am
What is it with law makers that cause them to be so insane and sane all at the same time?
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Wake Up America
Prolly one of the best things about the Internet is that you can find information about anything. Some of it won't be useful, while other information can be extremely useful.
For instance, if you are called to Jury Duty, and you want to do your best, you should be acquainted with the facts of what it is you are supposed to do, so you should go to http://fija.org/ , or the Fully Informed Jury Association.
Or if you want to know what is wrong with America, and don't know if you can trust Liberals or Conservatives, you could go to http://www.wakeupamerica.com/ .
Or if you aren't sure if that email you just received is a scam or real, you can head over to http://www.snopes.com/ and search on the title or subject.
Don't let the internet get you down. Don't let the information it does offer go to waste.
For instance, if you are called to Jury Duty, and you want to do your best, you should be acquainted with the facts of what it is you are supposed to do, so you should go to http://fija.org/ , or the Fully Informed Jury Association.
Or if you want to know what is wrong with America, and don't know if you can trust Liberals or Conservatives, you could go to http://www.wakeupamerica.com/ .
Or if you aren't sure if that email you just received is a scam or real, you can head over to http://www.snopes.com/ and search on the title or subject.
Don't let the internet get you down. Don't let the information it does offer go to waste.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
It is already LEGAL to "Open Carry"...
There is no law in Utah that prohibits a person from Open Carry. There is no need to have a license, no need for special training, nothing more than 2 simple rules...
1- You cannot have a round in the chamber (i.e. for a revolver, it cannot have one "in-line")
2- It must take 2 actions to fire the gun (i.e. cock it, or cycle it and then pull the rigger)
The requirements for Concealed carry, on the other hand, are a bit more strict.
1- Take a class
2- Pay your fee
3- Pass Background
4- Locked and Loaded
5- Open Carry on College Campuses (State Owned, not private) require CWP
Why Utah has such strange laws, I don't know...however, maybe there is hope as they look to clarify the law and (I hope) make some changes...
Lawmaker Wants Changes To Concealed Weapon Law
Proposal aims to clarify brandishing of guns
Other information can be found at these sites:
http://www.opencarry.org/ut.html
http://www.goutahorg.org/
1- You cannot have a round in the chamber (i.e. for a revolver, it cannot have one "in-line")
2- It must take 2 actions to fire the gun (i.e. cock it, or cycle it and then pull the rigger)
The requirements for Concealed carry, on the other hand, are a bit more strict.
1- Take a class
2- Pay your fee
3- Pass Background
4- Locked and Loaded
5- Open Carry on College Campuses (State Owned, not private) require CWP
Why Utah has such strange laws, I don't know...however, maybe there is hope as they look to clarify the law and (I hope) make some changes...
Lawmaker Wants Changes To Concealed Weapon Law
Proposal aims to clarify brandishing of guns
Other information can be found at these sites:
http://www.opencarry.org/ut.html
http://www.goutahorg.org/
From the Round-File
Another listing of interesting items in the news...
Science project prompts SD school evacuation
WOW, talk about over-reactions. After they interviewed the student, it should have been over. This school is, after all, "The school ... emphasizes technology skills"...
Then we read, "Both the student and his parents were 'very cooperative'", and "the device was determined to be harmless", and "the project was intended to be a type of motion-detector device"... so why do they "recommend... that he and his parents get counseling"? If this was a science project, in a school that emphasizes technology skills, and the student had "no criminal intent", but had "violated school policies", what good would counseling do for this student?
What a bunch or morons! If you ask me, the Vice Principal should be fired for wasting city resources.
This next bit is not about the content of the story, but about a comment by the SlashDot "editor" who includes the comment, "It's funny that the APS wants to charge non-subscribers $25 to download what is available for free on the arXiv."
Note the difference in the links provided by SlashDot...
The Weird Science of Tossing Stones Into a Lake
FBI Violated Electronic Communications Privacy Act
It figures... you give them an inch, they will take the whole mile.
FBI Obtains Phone Records With a Post-it Note
Now that is truly a classic...
The Fourth Amendment and the Cloud
The easier way to deal with this question is to look at it in the "bigger sense"...
I live in the United States (the Cloud), yet, I occupy my own little space which I like to call my house and yard, (my data in the cloud)... within my house and yard, I am protected by the 4th amendment, the same should apply to the cloud and my data. The 4th also applies to my and my car, while I am traveling (uploading or downloading data)...
So why is there such a big question about if we are protected by the 4th amendment, when it appears so very obvious?
Reid: 'I am at war with your country'
If you ask me, this Reid guy is insane. He tried to kill himself, and a bunch of other people, to make a point... wouldn't it be more effective to LIVE and make a point? One that you can make over and over and over, getting more people's attention and building a "movement"?
According to my psychologist, only crazy people want to kill themselves.
Changes Causing Backup At The DMV
I remember blogging about how Utah, among other states, decided to not participate in the whole Real ID act?
So why are we making trouble in our state, especially at the DMV (which is already PITIFULLY SLOW)? I guess politicians have to tick us off at every turn this year...
Demand for charter schools surges
And we wonder why?
My son attended a Charter School, called Davinci Academy, in Ogden, Ut. They focus on Art and Science, which exercise both sides of the brain.
They have classes of only 20-25 students and ALL classes are "practical application" type classes... they learn by DOING (gee, what a novel concept).
I have blogged before about indoctrination vs. education, and I guess people are tired of having their "Eagles" come off the assembly line as Pigeons.
ANd here I though that my exercise was going to help save my life... Dang I hate it when we are told things that just aren't true...
Sitting Down Too Long Is Bad Even If You Exercise
Science project prompts SD school evacuation
WOW, talk about over-reactions. After they interviewed the student, it should have been over. This school is, after all, "The school ... emphasizes technology skills"...
Then we read, "Both the student and his parents were 'very cooperative'", and "the device was determined to be harmless", and "the project was intended to be a type of motion-detector device"... so why do they "recommend... that he and his parents get counseling"? If this was a science project, in a school that emphasizes technology skills, and the student had "no criminal intent", but had "violated school policies", what good would counseling do for this student?
What a bunch or morons! If you ask me, the Vice Principal should be fired for wasting city resources.
This next bit is not about the content of the story, but about a comment by the SlashDot "editor" who includes the comment, "It's funny that the APS wants to charge non-subscribers $25 to download what is available for free on the arXiv."
Note the difference in the links provided by SlashDot...
The Weird Science of Tossing Stones Into a Lake
FBI Violated Electronic Communications Privacy Act
It figures... you give them an inch, they will take the whole mile.
FBI Obtains Phone Records With a Post-it Note
Now that is truly a classic...
The Fourth Amendment and the Cloud
The easier way to deal with this question is to look at it in the "bigger sense"...
I live in the United States (the Cloud), yet, I occupy my own little space which I like to call my house and yard, (my data in the cloud)... within my house and yard, I am protected by the 4th amendment, the same should apply to the cloud and my data. The 4th also applies to my and my car, while I am traveling (uploading or downloading data)...
So why is there such a big question about if we are protected by the 4th amendment, when it appears so very obvious?
Reid: 'I am at war with your country'
If you ask me, this Reid guy is insane. He tried to kill himself, and a bunch of other people, to make a point... wouldn't it be more effective to LIVE and make a point? One that you can make over and over and over, getting more people's attention and building a "movement"?
According to my psychologist, only crazy people want to kill themselves.
Changes Causing Backup At The DMV
I remember blogging about how Utah, among other states, decided to not participate in the whole Real ID act?
So why are we making trouble in our state, especially at the DMV (which is already PITIFULLY SLOW)? I guess politicians have to tick us off at every turn this year...
Demand for charter schools surges
And we wonder why?
My son attended a Charter School, called Davinci Academy, in Ogden, Ut. They focus on Art and Science, which exercise both sides of the brain.
They have classes of only 20-25 students and ALL classes are "practical application" type classes... they learn by DOING (gee, what a novel concept).
I have blogged before about indoctrination vs. education, and I guess people are tired of having their "Eagles" come off the assembly line as Pigeons.
ANd here I though that my exercise was going to help save my life... Dang I hate it when we are told things that just aren't true...
Sitting Down Too Long Is Bad Even If You Exercise
The US now becoming the World's Bully...
When the whole thing started about this "Healthcare Reform" thing, I advised against it... not just a little, but in a very aggressive way. Why? Because it isn't "American" for the government to force something upon its peoples at "gun point".
If you fail to get health insurance, the IRS can send you to jail for up to a year, and you can get a $1200 dollar fine.
Well, in the same feeling of bullying its people, the USA has decided to start bullying other countries as well...
US Blocking Costa Rican Sugar Trade To Force IP Laws
Now, if you or I tried to do something like this, it would be called extortion, and we would be put in jail.
If you fail to get health insurance, the IRS can send you to jail for up to a year, and you can get a $1200 dollar fine.
Well, in the same feeling of bullying its people, the USA has decided to start bullying other countries as well...
US Blocking Costa Rican Sugar Trade To Force IP Laws
Now, if you or I tried to do something like this, it would be called extortion, and we would be put in jail.
Microsoft at it again...
First off, we have a wonderful story about how Microsoft is actually becoming the "bad guy" and doing things they either "don't mean to" or maybe it is an "accident", or maybe they should spend more time testing their product and less time scamming us all out of our money...
Microsoft Bots Effectively DDoSing Perl CPAN Testers
Next up, I have been writing for months about the Vulnerabilities of Microsoft, and how you should switch to Linux or other products that give you REAL security, not the "Warm and Fuzzy feelings" they give you while they talk about security...
Microsoft Says Upgrade To IE8, Even Though It's Vulnerable
At least we do have some good news. It appears that some world governments see the light and are advising their peoples to protect themselves...
France Tells Its Citizens To Abandon IE, Others Disagree
And we hear from "people in the know" that microsoft is just "dangerous"...
Jeremy Allison Calls Microsoft Dangerous Elephant
Now, if you are worried about how your computer might work with something else (besides Microsoft) you could "upgrade" to one of these,
100% Free Software Compatible PC Launches
You shouldn't worry, as Linux usually "just works"...
Which is more than we can say about Microsoft.
Here is one last proof that Microsoft does not care about you... some bugs have been in the system since the "early days" and they just don't see the need to fix them...leaving you and your data vulnerable...
Newly-Found Windows Bug Affects All Versions Since NT
Microsoft doesn't care, 'cause, "That's how they roll..." ;)
Microsoft Bots Effectively DDoSing Perl CPAN Testers
Next up, I have been writing for months about the Vulnerabilities of Microsoft, and how you should switch to Linux or other products that give you REAL security, not the "Warm and Fuzzy feelings" they give you while they talk about security...
Microsoft Says Upgrade To IE8, Even Though It's Vulnerable
At least we do have some good news. It appears that some world governments see the light and are advising their peoples to protect themselves...
France Tells Its Citizens To Abandon IE, Others Disagree
And we hear from "people in the know" that microsoft is just "dangerous"...
Jeremy Allison Calls Microsoft Dangerous Elephant
Now, if you are worried about how your computer might work with something else (besides Microsoft) you could "upgrade" to one of these,
100% Free Software Compatible PC Launches
You shouldn't worry, as Linux usually "just works"...
Which is more than we can say about Microsoft.
Here is one last proof that Microsoft does not care about you... some bugs have been in the system since the "early days" and they just don't see the need to fix them...leaving you and your data vulnerable...
Newly-Found Windows Bug Affects All Versions Since NT
Microsoft doesn't care, 'cause, "That's how they roll..." ;)
I want a new phone and a new plan...
I have been looking for a new "smart phone" the past little while. I have found many that I thing would be good and give me what I want in a phone.
I like the idea of having a single device for everything:
For Phone Service, either via the regular Cell Channels, or via VoIP and Vonage or one of the other providers that have mobile platforms.
For a camera, so something with 5 or more Mega Pixles.
For a GPS Device.
For a Day Planer.
For something to do quick checks on important emails, etc...
And something that will give me the ability to play around a little...
I found several phones that might be up to the task...
First, we have the Saygus V-Phone. Not only do I know one of the designers, this phone is just plain AWESOME. Two-Way Video Calling? Hackable by design... YES!
Then we have the Google Nexus 1. I like the look and feel, kind of like the IPhone, but there are issues with customer service...
Next is the Samsung Omnia. This is one awesome phone. A definite IPhone killer, if they would get true multi-touch working on the screen...
Then we have the Motorola Driod. I don't like the look of the phone so much, but it does have a Keyboard, like the VPhone, but it isn't as defined.
Last, we have the Apple IPhone. I don't like to buy into the whole "corporate" thing, as I hate hype... but I know lots of people with one of these, and they seem to like them.
They all have about the same offerings, some with multi-touch, others may have it later, or don't support it as well. But with cameras and gps, it seems they would all do what I want.
The problem comes in the selection of the carrier. AT&T, Verizon? It seems that they all require you to have a data plan, and I don't want a Data Plan... or maybe I do, and not a regular calling plan... I can use VoIP if needed.
They also charge a lot for their service, which I don't really understand. Most of the tech they use is 20 years old and paid for. the big thing is what they have done to the phones. AT&T for instance, is fond of disabling WiFi, but I want WiFi...
I also have to decide if I want to buy the phone and put it on my existing service, or if I want to go on contract...
Anyway... I guess I will wait a little longer and decide at some future point... I still have some time to research it.
I like the idea of having a single device for everything:
For Phone Service, either via the regular Cell Channels, or via VoIP and Vonage or one of the other providers that have mobile platforms.
For a camera, so something with 5 or more Mega Pixles.
For a GPS Device.
For a Day Planer.
For something to do quick checks on important emails, etc...
And something that will give me the ability to play around a little...
I found several phones that might be up to the task...
First, we have the Saygus V-Phone. Not only do I know one of the designers, this phone is just plain AWESOME. Two-Way Video Calling? Hackable by design... YES!
Then we have the Google Nexus 1. I like the look and feel, kind of like the IPhone, but there are issues with customer service...
Next is the Samsung Omnia. This is one awesome phone. A definite IPhone killer, if they would get true multi-touch working on the screen...
Then we have the Motorola Driod. I don't like the look of the phone so much, but it does have a Keyboard, like the VPhone, but it isn't as defined.
Last, we have the Apple IPhone. I don't like to buy into the whole "corporate" thing, as I hate hype... but I know lots of people with one of these, and they seem to like them.
They all have about the same offerings, some with multi-touch, others may have it later, or don't support it as well. But with cameras and gps, it seems they would all do what I want.
The problem comes in the selection of the carrier. AT&T, Verizon? It seems that they all require you to have a data plan, and I don't want a Data Plan... or maybe I do, and not a regular calling plan... I can use VoIP if needed.
They also charge a lot for their service, which I don't really understand. Most of the tech they use is 20 years old and paid for. the big thing is what they have done to the phones. AT&T for instance, is fond of disabling WiFi, but I want WiFi...
I also have to decide if I want to buy the phone and put it on my existing service, or if I want to go on contract...
Anyway... I guess I will wait a little longer and decide at some future point... I still have some time to research it.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Taxes go up, income goes down; where does it stop?
I wrote about this in a RoundFile posting, but it came up again...
It seems that the SL County Unified Police thing is underfunded by current Sales Tax, so the County is now going to charge people directly. They are calling it a fee, but in reality, you MUST pay it or get a lien on your property.
Isn't a direct tax like this illegal?
County To Charge Fees For Policing - Reported by: Cristina Flores - Thursday, Jan 7, 2010 @12:05am CST
My favorite line, when the County said it isn't a tax...
It seems that the SL County Unified Police thing is underfunded by current Sales Tax, so the County is now going to charge people directly. They are calling it a fee, but in reality, you MUST pay it or get a lien on your property.
Isn't a direct tax like this illegal?
County To Charge Fees For Policing - Reported by: Cristina Flores - Thursday, Jan 7, 2010 @12:05am CST
My favorite line, when the County said it isn't a tax...
"If it looks like a turd and smells like a turd…it is a turd"
Anyone having Flashbacks to WWII and the Cold War??
Back in Nazi Germany the Government (German Government) was using all kinds of methods to gather information on people...
During the same basic time, we had rampant McCarthyism rolling around in America.
None of that has changed, I guess, as our Government moves to become more Fascist (or Socialist, or Totalitarian)
I am not sure if this guy is for real, or what, but he hits several things dead on, especially in light of this news article that I found over on SlashDot.org...
The FBI Wants To Know About Your IT Skills
People, it is time to WAKE UP!
During the same basic time, we had rampant McCarthyism rolling around in America.
None of that has changed, I guess, as our Government moves to become more Fascist (or Socialist, or Totalitarian)
I am not sure if this guy is for real, or what, but he hits several things dead on, especially in light of this news article that I found over on SlashDot.org...
The FBI Wants To Know About Your IT Skills
People, it is time to WAKE UP!
Not only are the New Scanners (at Airports) bad for you, they also break the law...
New scanners break child porn laws - Alan Travis, home affairs editor - guardian.co.uk, Monday 4 January 2010 22.14 GMT
Well, isn't that interesting? So we can get mutations in our DNA and we can violate people's privacy, their morality, and their sense of safety and security (not just their freedom) in one place... the Airport.
Earlier I wrote about how these machines can cause DNA Mutations...
Why do we continue to support a government who cannot protect its citizens?
You might also be interested in how these technologies really don't even work for the purposes they were created.
Can Imaging Technologies Save Us From Terrorists?
Then you should ask yourself, do you really want one of your images to end up out on the internet?
Airport Scanners Can Store and Transmit Images
Well, isn't that interesting? So we can get mutations in our DNA and we can violate people's privacy, their morality, and their sense of safety and security (not just their freedom) in one place... the Airport.
Earlier I wrote about how these machines can cause DNA Mutations...
Why do we continue to support a government who cannot protect its citizens?
You might also be interested in how these technologies really don't even work for the purposes they were created.
Can Imaging Technologies Save Us From Terrorists?
Then you should ask yourself, do you really want one of your images to end up out on the internet?
Airport Scanners Can Store and Transmit Images
Friday, January 08, 2010
Robots Battle...or compete...either way, I WANT IN!
I love the old show "Battle Droids" and the other ones like it... it was a lot of fun to watch these guys and their remote controlled killing machines go at each other...
Now I hear these ideas are being resurrected as a teaching tool for High Schoolers... I want in!
Take me back to High School, so I can build one of these and I will die happy...
Robots will battle in Utah competition, January 7th, 2010 @ 7:25am, By Paul Nelson
"... the University of Utah will host the Regional FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics Competition, where high school kids will build robots to battle it out."
"... 16 teams of 20 to 25 people will get $35,000 worth of hardware to build robots the size of refrigerators."
;)
I might have what it takes, but in reality, I don't have the time... but I will keep this blog posted...
Students gear up for robot competition - January 9th, 2010 @ 10:06pm
Now I hear these ideas are being resurrected as a teaching tool for High Schoolers... I want in!
Take me back to High School, so I can build one of these and I will die happy...
Robots will battle in Utah competition, January 7th, 2010 @ 7:25am, By Paul Nelson
"... the University of Utah will host the Regional FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics Competition, where high school kids will build robots to battle it out."
"... 16 teams of 20 to 25 people will get $35,000 worth of hardware to build robots the size of refrigerators."
;)
I might have what it takes, but in reality, I don't have the time... but I will keep this blog posted...
Students gear up for robot competition - January 9th, 2010 @ 10:06pm
Monday, December 21, 2009
Microsoft at it again...
Today we read "Microsoft Sued Over Bing Trademark".
While this is nothing new, after all, Microsoft is in the news a lot for some kind of Copyright infringement, but what is new it the following statement by Kevin Kutz, "[Microsoft] always respect[s] trademarks and other people's intellectual property, and look[s] forward to the next steps in the judicial process."... Really?
Lets Review:
Microsoft settles Paltalk copyright infringement suit
Microsoft's copyright infringement
Microsoft Found Guilty Of Character Input Copyright Infringement In China
Microsoft Ordered To Pay $290M, Stop Selling Word
And these are just some of the most recent cases...
Microsoft doesn't even respect it's customers and the users of it's operating systems, WHY would it respect someone's copyright or trademark?
While this is nothing new, after all, Microsoft is in the news a lot for some kind of Copyright infringement, but what is new it the following statement by Kevin Kutz, "[Microsoft] always respect[s] trademarks and other people's intellectual property, and look[s] forward to the next steps in the judicial process."... Really?
Lets Review:
Microsoft settles Paltalk copyright infringement suit
Microsoft's copyright infringement
Microsoft Found Guilty Of Character Input Copyright Infringement In China
Microsoft Ordered To Pay $290M, Stop Selling Word
And these are just some of the most recent cases...
Microsoft doesn't even respect it's customers and the users of it's operating systems, WHY would it respect someone's copyright or trademark?
Saturday, December 19, 2009
From the Round File
Man shot in Bluffdale last summer now accused of sexual abuse
If you remember, this guy got into an altercation with a neighbor as he was supposedly "doing his rounds" as a neighborhood watch captain... he stopped to talk to a couple teen girls, and the neighbor intervened, thinking this dude was picking up on the girls... a gun fight ensued, and this guy got shot... the other guy got in trouble, but that might all change now, as we find out that there WAS CONCERN... the neighborhood watch captain now stands accused of sexual abuse... so maybe he was picking up on the teen girls?
Digital Abuse
Well, I guess it had to happen some time... when you carry around something that allows access to you 24/7/365 (your cell phone) that someone would just figure they could stalk you, follow you around electronically...
Lawsuit against Intermountain Healthcare draws calls for change
This is one of those points that should be covered in the Healthcare Reform... a way for Hospitals AND insurance companies to make sure they milk us for every last penny that they can...
But it prolly won't be covered, and that means more "reform" to try and fix a broken system... why don't they just fix what is broken and leave the rest alone?
Charities Upset Over Chase Facebook Contest
I have a hard time feeling sorry for the likes of, "Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP)" or "Marijuana Policy Project"... I don't think their cause deserves $25000 nor do they deserve the chance at $1000000...
But to be fair, I don't think Chase should be rigging the results of a contest either...
Mitt Romney: President's stimulus package has failed
Well, no kidding. It was a failed policy under Bush, so it could only be a failed policy under Obama... But try telling the Democrats that... they think Obama's stimulus is better than Bush's... interesting, isn't it?
Syracuse man's arrest serves as wakeup call for parents
THis should be filed in the "what the hell are my kids doing" file...
When your child comes home from a friend's house on a new or different bicycle, you, as the parent, should ask, "hay, where'd that new bike come from?" You aren't supposed to say, "hay, nice bike!"
We should be more responsible as parents, so our children can grow up responsible.
A&E focuses on teenage Utah psychic
I love these kinds of stories... not that I believe in psychics or anything, but I like to hear about people getting some recognition for some special talent or ability. It isn't main-stream, but it is still kind of cool. Unless you ride a uni-cycle... (just kidding)...
Some Salt Lake County residents to pay fee for police force
I am confused by this. When we pay our city and county taxes, we pay for the services of Police and Emergency Services (fire, etc)... so why are they able to charge people in the Unincorporated areas an extra fee for the same service they are already paying for?
I will be writing a letter to someone on the Hill to get answers to that question... it seems like a penalty for living out of the incorporated areas...that isn't right and maybe not even legal.
KSL 5 News investigates major medical billing lawsuit
This is one of the things I have been talking about for a while now. These are the practices that need to be fixed, not everything else. If we could solve the issues with over-billing, insurance fraud, kick-back deals, etc, we could save a ton of money, and healthcare services would become cheaper.
If you remember, this guy got into an altercation with a neighbor as he was supposedly "doing his rounds" as a neighborhood watch captain... he stopped to talk to a couple teen girls, and the neighbor intervened, thinking this dude was picking up on the girls... a gun fight ensued, and this guy got shot... the other guy got in trouble, but that might all change now, as we find out that there WAS CONCERN... the neighborhood watch captain now stands accused of sexual abuse... so maybe he was picking up on the teen girls?
Digital Abuse
Well, I guess it had to happen some time... when you carry around something that allows access to you 24/7/365 (your cell phone) that someone would just figure they could stalk you, follow you around electronically...
Lawsuit against Intermountain Healthcare draws calls for change
This is one of those points that should be covered in the Healthcare Reform... a way for Hospitals AND insurance companies to make sure they milk us for every last penny that they can...
But it prolly won't be covered, and that means more "reform" to try and fix a broken system... why don't they just fix what is broken and leave the rest alone?
Charities Upset Over Chase Facebook Contest
I have a hard time feeling sorry for the likes of, "Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP)" or "Marijuana Policy Project"... I don't think their cause deserves $25000 nor do they deserve the chance at $1000000...
But to be fair, I don't think Chase should be rigging the results of a contest either...
Mitt Romney: President's stimulus package has failed
Well, no kidding. It was a failed policy under Bush, so it could only be a failed policy under Obama... But try telling the Democrats that... they think Obama's stimulus is better than Bush's... interesting, isn't it?
Syracuse man's arrest serves as wakeup call for parents
THis should be filed in the "what the hell are my kids doing" file...
When your child comes home from a friend's house on a new or different bicycle, you, as the parent, should ask, "hay, where'd that new bike come from?" You aren't supposed to say, "hay, nice bike!"
We should be more responsible as parents, so our children can grow up responsible.
A&E focuses on teenage Utah psychic
I love these kinds of stories... not that I believe in psychics or anything, but I like to hear about people getting some recognition for some special talent or ability. It isn't main-stream, but it is still kind of cool. Unless you ride a uni-cycle... (just kidding)...
Some Salt Lake County residents to pay fee for police force
I am confused by this. When we pay our city and county taxes, we pay for the services of Police and Emergency Services (fire, etc)... so why are they able to charge people in the Unincorporated areas an extra fee for the same service they are already paying for?
I will be writing a letter to someone on the Hill to get answers to that question... it seems like a penalty for living out of the incorporated areas...that isn't right and maybe not even legal.
KSL 5 News investigates major medical billing lawsuit
This is one of the things I have been talking about for a while now. These are the practices that need to be fixed, not everything else. If we could solve the issues with over-billing, insurance fraud, kick-back deals, etc, we could save a ton of money, and healthcare services would become cheaper.
Wednesday, December 09, 2009
The Myth and Mystery surrounding Guns
I am not from the Old West, I am not a "nut case" (although there are those that might argue with that)... I just happen to believe that we have a right to protect ourselves, our property, our families, and our friends.
Our Founding Fathers also felt this way, and often said so:
We have a problem in our country today...we have organizations and government representatives that would like to take our rights away, including our right to self defence, leaving us vulnerable and at the mercy of those who would harm us.
It all started in the 1830s, when Georgia tried to ban handguns, but the ban was struck down. This is the same situation we find in Washington DC, with the Heller Decision. We do have the right to own guns.
This trend has continued through the years and is still an issue today:
I have posted other blog entries regarding gun safety and responsibility, so I won't rehash those, but I would also like to point you to some other resources for more information to help clear up any misconceptions you might have regarding guns and gun ownership.
Gun Control is kind of a misconception. It only controls those people who follow and honor the laws. A criminal, by definition, does not follow or honor the law. So who is affected in Gun Control? Certainly not what they were hoping. There are hundreds of quotes regarding "protecting our children" and "stopping crime", but if criminals are the ones causing crime, and they don't follow the law, then why would Gun Control protect our children and reduce crime?
The Logic is flawed.
Another thing to point out is the utter ridiculousness of our gun laws... First off, lets take the MOST DANGEROUS AND DEADLY consumer product made in the world -- no, it isn't a gun, it is an automobile. Now, lets look at the Licensing and Registration requirement for this, most dangerous, product...
Driving Test, written and in practice.
Photo ID, with identifying information.
Is good in all 50 states.
Does not limit size, shape, brand, model, or color of vehicle.
I can buy or sell it without keeping records.
I don't need Government Approval to buy or own one.
The government does not track how many I have, or how fast they go.
Now, what about Guns?
Some states require classes and a range test.
Some states have a photo, some have other identifying info.
Some states recognize an out-of-state permit.
In some states I cannot own one.
In some states I cannot carry it openly.
In some states I cannot carry it concealed.
I have to have special permission to own automatic weapons.
Some states ban scary-looking weapons.
Some states limit the number of bullets I can have.
Some states require paperwork when sold.
Feds require tracking and background checks.
A friend wrote this article that takes a look at how we could change the existing gun laws to make them simple and effective.
Part of the problem we face with Gun Laws is that they are just ineffective. We should streamline them to make them more effective, and enforce the existing gun laws with recommended punishments for abuses of those laws. That would reduce most of the problem right there.
Now, if that doesn't clear it up, or at least give you some idea that all the "Myth and Mystery" regarding Guns is simple "HYPE", then I don't know what will.
Our Founding Fathers also felt this way, and often said so:
"Firearms stand next in importance to the Constitution itself. They are the people's liberty teeth (and) keystone... the rifle and the pistol are equally indispensable... more than 99% of them [guns] by their silence indicate that they are in safe and sane hands. The very atmosphere of firearms everywhere restrains evil interference [crime]. When firearms go, all goes, we need them every hour." (George Washington addressing the 1st Congress)They intended the Constitution as a guide to protecting our Liberties, Freedoms, and Rights, and to outline Citizen's Responsibilities and the Government's Limitations. The Second Amendment protects our Right to Self Defense: not just to defend the country, but to defend our person; and not just from foreign enemies, but from domestic ones as well.
We have a problem in our country today...we have organizations and government representatives that would like to take our rights away, including our right to self defence, leaving us vulnerable and at the mercy of those who would harm us.
It all started in the 1830s, when Georgia tried to ban handguns, but the ban was struck down. This is the same situation we find in Washington DC, with the Heller Decision. We do have the right to own guns.
This trend has continued through the years and is still an issue today:
"If I could have banned them all- 'Mr. and Mrs. America turn inSo, to help eliminate the MYTH and MYSTERY regarding guns, I would point you to a small book called "Gun Facts", its free, and it is an easy read.
your guns' -I would have!" (Diane Feinstein, US Senator, in a Statement on the TV program 60 Minutes, Feb 5 1995)
I have posted other blog entries regarding gun safety and responsibility, so I won't rehash those, but I would also like to point you to some other resources for more information to help clear up any misconceptions you might have regarding guns and gun ownership.
Gun Control is kind of a misconception. It only controls those people who follow and honor the laws. A criminal, by definition, does not follow or honor the law. So who is affected in Gun Control? Certainly not what they were hoping. There are hundreds of quotes regarding "protecting our children" and "stopping crime", but if criminals are the ones causing crime, and they don't follow the law, then why would Gun Control protect our children and reduce crime?
The Logic is flawed.
Another thing to point out is the utter ridiculousness of our gun laws... First off, lets take the MOST DANGEROUS AND DEADLY consumer product made in the world -- no, it isn't a gun, it is an automobile. Now, lets look at the Licensing and Registration requirement for this, most dangerous, product...
Driving Test, written and in practice.
Photo ID, with identifying information.
Is good in all 50 states.
Does not limit size, shape, brand, model, or color of vehicle.
I can buy or sell it without keeping records.
I don't need Government Approval to buy or own one.
The government does not track how many I have, or how fast they go.
Now, what about Guns?
Some states require classes and a range test.
Some states have a photo, some have other identifying info.
Some states recognize an out-of-state permit.
In some states I cannot own one.
In some states I cannot carry it openly.
In some states I cannot carry it concealed.
I have to have special permission to own automatic weapons.
Some states ban scary-looking weapons.
Some states limit the number of bullets I can have.
Some states require paperwork when sold.
Feds require tracking and background checks.
A friend wrote this article that takes a look at how we could change the existing gun laws to make them simple and effective.
Part of the problem we face with Gun Laws is that they are just ineffective. We should streamline them to make them more effective, and enforce the existing gun laws with recommended punishments for abuses of those laws. That would reduce most of the problem right there.
Now, if that doesn't clear it up, or at least give you some idea that all the "Myth and Mystery" regarding Guns is simple "HYPE", then I don't know what will.
Monday, December 07, 2009
Cancer, no Cancer, Cancer, no Cancer...huh?
I recently read an article that says there is a link between cellphone usage and brain cancer:
Study: Cell phone cancer link
This study states:
In another study:
No tumour link to mobile phones, says study
We see a different conclusion:
Hmmm. So who is right? a $30 million study to ask 12,800 people or a study over 30 years with 16,000,000 million people? Which one do you think is more statistically relevant? (and this is true even if we look only at the 60,000 cancer patients, not the full population).
So, this argument has been passed back and forth, back and forth, for years...and there still is no concensus on it.
Do cellphones cause cancer? I dunno...
But many really don't think so, "Cell Phones Don't Increase Chances of Brain Cancer"...
Well, one thing I do know for sure is, anything could cause cancer in the State of California... at least, that is what the label says...
UPDATE:
I found another study, but I don't know how it fits in this little battle...
Studies Find Harm From Cellular and Wi-Fi Signals
YMMV
Study: Cell phone cancer link
This study states:
A groundbreaking, $30 million study into cell phones has found a link between long term use and brain tumors.and
The project carried out studies in 13 countries, talking to tumor sufferers as well as healthy cell phone users, It interviewed 12,800 people.This study was conducted by the WHO (World Health Organization) which is funded by the UN.
In another study:
No tumour link to mobile phones, says study
We see a different conclusion:
Deltour's team analysed annual incidence rates of two types of brain tumour -- glioma and meningioma -- among adults aged 20 to 79 from Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden from 1974 to 2003. These countries all have good cancer registries that keep a tally of known cancer cases.This represents about 30 years of data and 16 MILLION people, with a result of:
We did not detect any clear change in the long-term time trends in the incidence of brain tumours from 1998 to 2003 in any subgroup," Isabelle Deltour of the Danish Cancer Society and colleagues wrote.
Hmmm. So who is right? a $30 million study to ask 12,800 people or a study over 30 years with 16,000,000 million people? Which one do you think is more statistically relevant? (and this is true even if we look only at the 60,000 cancer patients, not the full population).
So, this argument has been passed back and forth, back and forth, for years...and there still is no concensus on it.
Do cellphones cause cancer? I dunno...
But many really don't think so, "Cell Phones Don't Increase Chances of Brain Cancer"...
Well, one thing I do know for sure is, anything could cause cancer in the State of California... at least, that is what the label says...
UPDATE:
I found another study, but I don't know how it fits in this little battle...
Studies Find Harm From Cellular and Wi-Fi Signals
YMMV
Thursday, December 03, 2009
Christians and Socialism
I have heard it time and again, people saying that the Church as established by Christ is rooted in Socialism. I disagree. Not to be contrary, but to clarify.
Yes, there are some things in the scriptures that can be interpreted as being socialist in nature, but Christ also taught about Stewardship, Responsibility, and Accountability.
To take what isn't yours is stealing:
The Church in the time of Christ supported helping the weak, but for those that could work, work was required:
This is essentially the Golden Rule, "do unto others as you would have done unto you", would you like someone leaching off your labor, and would you leach off someone else's labor?
I think the message here covers many that are using/abusing social services, it is among these people that we have the highest crime rate in the nation:
And in Thessaloniki, the saints were taught to "love one another" and to "work with [their] own hands" so that they would be "honest" and "lack nothing":
So, did Christ support socialism in the early Church? Well, one thing is for sure, He DID NOT support what we commonly call Socialism today. The LDS Church has social welfare programs, but they don't just give; they also require. If you can work, in any capacity, they require you DO something for your support. They have programs where you can make quilts, crochet, help stock shelves, work in the cannery, clean the churches, etc, etc, etc... and for things like making quilts, the Church will provide all the materials you need, but you provide the labor.
The Federal Government has been looking into an overhaul of our government's social services for many years, and they look to the LDS Church for ideas on how to fix things. Unfortunately, they are unable to create a program that requires something of the people using the services. I am not sure of all the details, but people are, basically, unwilling to do anything. They might suffer from the "entitlement" mentality - that somehow, they are entitled to or deserve something for nothing. Or it might be something else.
The one thing I do know for sure is, if we continue to support the modern day socialistic trend, we will fail, we will fall into a very dark place. If crime follows those that use/abuse social services, then the more people using/abusing services the more crime. And it doesn't help to have the government taking our money and giving it to those that don't deserve it.
Support Social Welfare reform, but not the current plans being touted by this adminstration. There are better solutions.
Yes, there are some things in the scriptures that can be interpreted as being socialist in nature, but Christ also taught about Stewardship, Responsibility, and Accountability.
“Thou shalt not be idle; for he that is idle shall not eat the bread nor wear the garments of the laborer.(D&C 42:42)” Let us hope that that spirit of independence that was with our pioneer fathers may be re-awakened in us, and that none who are Latter-day Saints holding the Priesthood of God will be guilty of being idle.”In Genesis, the LORD tells us how life should be:
(Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Heber J. Grant)
Genesis 3:19Psalms remids us why we should work:
In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.
Psalms 128:2No person who has "made their way" ever got their wealth because they were afraid of work:
For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee.
Proverbs 13:11, 19:15, and 21:25Here is one of the "socialist" scriptures, only, it isn't what you think...
Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.
Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger.
The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour.
Acts 20:35There are 2 parts here, we should labour to support the weak... not those that won't work or don't work... and we should GIVE our support, not have that support TAKEN from us.
I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
To take what isn't yours is stealing:
Ephesians 4:28So when the Government takes my money and gives it to someone who could earn their own, that is stealing.
Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.
The Church in the time of Christ supported helping the weak, but for those that could work, work was required:
2 Thessalonians 3:8, 10Whether or not you believe in the Book of Mormon, it contains many good words of wisdom.
Neither did we eat any man’s bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you:
For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.
This is essentially the Golden Rule, "do unto others as you would have done unto you", would you like someone leaching off your labor, and would you leach off someone else's labor?
Mosiah 27:4In this verse, we get the same feeling as from 2 Thessalonians 3:8 and 10 and 27:4, that we should all labor and help those that are weak, sick, or otherwise afflicted.
That they should let no pride nor haughtiness disturb their peace; that every man should esteem his neighbor as himself, laboring with their own hands for their support.
Alma 1:26-27We are reminded to not be idle. Why? Well, we have all heard the phrase, "Idle hands are the Devil's workshop" - this might also explain why there is so much crime among those that use/abuse social services.
And when the priests left their labor to impart the word of God unto the people, the people also left their labors to hear the word of God. And when the priest had imparted unto them the word of God they all returned again diligently unto their labors; and the priest, not esteeming himself above his hearers, for the preacher was no better than the hearer, neither was the teacher any better than the learner; and thus they were all equal, and they did all labor, every man according to his strength.
And they did impart of their substance, every man according to that which he had, to the poor, and the needy, and the sick, and the afflicted; and they did not wear costly apparel, yet they were neat and comely.
Alma 38:12and
Use boldness, but not overbearance; and also see that ye bridle all your passions, that ye may be filled with love; see that ye refrain from idleness.
D&C 52:39Even in the Doctrine and Covenants (another LDS Scripture), we get some good advice.
Let the residue of the elders watch over the churches, and declare the word in the regions round about them; and let them labor with their own hands that there be no idolatry nor wickedness practised.
I think the message here covers many that are using/abusing social services, it is among these people that we have the highest crime rate in the nation:
D&C 56:17Some might say this scripture supports socialism, but in reality, we are told to do as the gospel requires, and that is described above:
Wo unto you poor men, whose hearts are not broken, whose spirits are not contrite, and whose bellies are not satisfied, and whose hands are not stayed from laying hold upon other men’s goods, whose eyes are full of greediness, and who will not labor with your own hands!
D&C 88:123-125Charity...the act of giving selflessly. Note: we should GIVE support not have our support TAKEN...
See that ye love one another; cease to be covetous; learn to impart one to another as the gospel requires.
Cease to be idle; cease to be unclean; cease to find fault one with another; cease to sleep longer than is needful; retire to thy bed early, that ye may not be weary; arise early, that your bodies and your minds may be einvigorated.
And above all things, clothe yourselves with the bond of charity, as with a mantle, which is the bond of perfectness and peace.
And in Thessaloniki, the saints were taught to "love one another" and to "work with [their] own hands" so that they would be "honest" and "lack nothing":
1 Thessalonians 4:9-12
But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another. And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more; And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.
So, did Christ support socialism in the early Church? Well, one thing is for sure, He DID NOT support what we commonly call Socialism today. The LDS Church has social welfare programs, but they don't just give; they also require. If you can work, in any capacity, they require you DO something for your support. They have programs where you can make quilts, crochet, help stock shelves, work in the cannery, clean the churches, etc, etc, etc... and for things like making quilts, the Church will provide all the materials you need, but you provide the labor.
The Federal Government has been looking into an overhaul of our government's social services for many years, and they look to the LDS Church for ideas on how to fix things. Unfortunately, they are unable to create a program that requires something of the people using the services. I am not sure of all the details, but people are, basically, unwilling to do anything. They might suffer from the "entitlement" mentality - that somehow, they are entitled to or deserve something for nothing. Or it might be something else.
The one thing I do know for sure is, if we continue to support the modern day socialistic trend, we will fail, we will fall into a very dark place. If crime follows those that use/abuse social services, then the more people using/abusing services the more crime. And it doesn't help to have the government taking our money and giving it to those that don't deserve it.
Support Social Welfare reform, but not the current plans being touted by this adminstration. There are better solutions.
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
From the Round File
'Warrior Gene' Linked To Gang Membership, Weapon Use
While I think they have found something, "Warrior" is NOT equal to "Criminal". We should be careful about our conclusions on this kind of research, or people will come to the wrong conclusions. Cops most likely have the "Warrior Gene", violent criminals prolly do too, but anyone who has a desire to compete in sports (including fencing, archery, rifle or pistol shooting, or any of the martial arts) prolly has this gene.
Scientists Say a Dirty Child Is a Healthy Child
This actually makes sense to me. That is why we didn't get the Swine Flu vaccine. My kids all got the Swine Flu, and now they won't have to worry about it ever again.
We also teach good hygiene, and we have snakes, so we use hand sanitiser, but we aren't so "clean" as to deprive them of the necessary health benefits... or so this article leads me to believe.
Changes Coming to Credit Card Rates
So why has it taken them this long to respond to this problem? I got a credit card for emergencies... it had a 10% rate on it when I got it (and it even had a smaller introductory rate)... now it is as 29%... OUCH! needless to say, I don't use it.
Now, if we can just get the banks to understand... charging bounced check fees or overdraft fees is a bad idea.......
If my account is empty and a charge won't clear, how can I pay the extra fees too?
Environmental Chemicals Are Feminizing Boys
I am actually surprised that I haven't heard anything about this from the Homosexual groups...
I know "gender confusion" is something that tends to lead some people to homosexuality, but maybe there is another reason, one that is biological, but not natural...?
Air Cannon Ties Pirates In Knots
I have heard that some boats are using some of the military "active denial" systems for this, including HIGH PRESSURE WATER CANNONS, MICROWAVE PAIN MACHINES, SOUND CANNONS, and EMP CANNONS...this is the first time I have seen something this clever...and cheep!
Dell Defect Turning 2.2GHz CPU Into 100MHz CPU?
Oops. This shouldn't have gotten into the wild. I test software and hardware and I find many bugs in architecture as well as implementation. This one is serious, and I hope they make it right with their customers.
New device aims to make teens safer drivers
It wouldn't take any of my kids very long to figure out how to disable it, or simply ignore it. But it is an interesting idea. I believe there are some GPS units that already have similar functions -- wasn't it Avis who had one of their cars taken and the user took it across state lines...so they charged him for an out of state fee... by using the GPS onboard?
You can also track most cellphones by the GPS in them. Combined with mapping software, you should know just how fast they were going, and where they were.
Stay tuned for more randomness from the Round File!
While I think they have found something, "Warrior" is NOT equal to "Criminal". We should be careful about our conclusions on this kind of research, or people will come to the wrong conclusions. Cops most likely have the "Warrior Gene", violent criminals prolly do too, but anyone who has a desire to compete in sports (including fencing, archery, rifle or pistol shooting, or any of the martial arts) prolly has this gene.
Scientists Say a Dirty Child Is a Healthy Child
This actually makes sense to me. That is why we didn't get the Swine Flu vaccine. My kids all got the Swine Flu, and now they won't have to worry about it ever again.
We also teach good hygiene, and we have snakes, so we use hand sanitiser, but we aren't so "clean" as to deprive them of the necessary health benefits... or so this article leads me to believe.
Changes Coming to Credit Card Rates
So why has it taken them this long to respond to this problem? I got a credit card for emergencies... it had a 10% rate on it when I got it (and it even had a smaller introductory rate)... now it is as 29%... OUCH! needless to say, I don't use it.
Now, if we can just get the banks to understand... charging bounced check fees or overdraft fees is a bad idea.......
If my account is empty and a charge won't clear, how can I pay the extra fees too?
Environmental Chemicals Are Feminizing Boys
I am actually surprised that I haven't heard anything about this from the Homosexual groups...
I know "gender confusion" is something that tends to lead some people to homosexuality, but maybe there is another reason, one that is biological, but not natural...?
Air Cannon Ties Pirates In Knots
I have heard that some boats are using some of the military "active denial" systems for this, including HIGH PRESSURE WATER CANNONS, MICROWAVE PAIN MACHINES, SOUND CANNONS, and EMP CANNONS...this is the first time I have seen something this clever...and cheep!
Dell Defect Turning 2.2GHz CPU Into 100MHz CPU?
Oops. This shouldn't have gotten into the wild. I test software and hardware and I find many bugs in architecture as well as implementation. This one is serious, and I hope they make it right with their customers.
New device aims to make teens safer drivers
It wouldn't take any of my kids very long to figure out how to disable it, or simply ignore it. But it is an interesting idea. I believe there are some GPS units that already have similar functions -- wasn't it Avis who had one of their cars taken and the user took it across state lines...so they charged him for an out of state fee... by using the GPS onboard?
You can also track most cellphones by the GPS in them. Combined with mapping software, you should know just how fast they were going, and where they were.
Stay tuned for more randomness from the Round File!
The "Entitlement" Mentality as Fostered by the Government
It wasn't that long ago that people worked for their money. They would go out and earn a living. The world didn't owe them anything, nor did they expect anything for free.
Now, we fast forward to today. People feel they are "entitled" to a job. They feel they are owed something by society. They have no problems taking something that doesn't belong to them.
Part of the problem is Socialism. Socialism is a Governmental philosophy of "distribution of wealth". In other words, if I make $100,000 and you make $50,000, then they would take $25,000 from me and give $25,000 to you. Now we both have $75,000.
While this works in theory, the entitlement mentality spreads... after all, why should I do $100,000 worth of work when I can do $50,000 worth and get paid $75,000?
Once this process breaks down, we end up in the hurt-locker. No one is making $100,000, everyone still wants $75,000, but there is no one to pay us the extra $25,000...
Essentially, this is what is happening with the Healthcare debates. I would pay X number in taxes and that money would buy someone healthcare, and I would be required to have my own healthcare ...
Only, who will pay for my healthcare? Now, as the people realize they can get free healthcare, will they support the program with money of their own? Where is the incentive? It is the same as the scenario above.
And, if I am a big business, the Free Market says that if I am an idiot and I don't have a good product, or I don't do my marketing right, or if I have a failing business plan...then my business fails, and I go under. The Socialist plan is that they throw money at your business to save jobs and consume products from other companies... but it doesn't require that you be intelligent with your business.
The Government recently did this with the likes of AIG, Sally May and Ferdie Mac...and many other businesses...mostly banks, who made bad business choices and really stupid mistakes. Instead of letting them go under and reaping the rewards of their labor, the Government gives them money... now, where is the incentive to do better?
So now, instead of making good business decisions, the Telcos are asking for bail-out money. They have learned that you don't have to have a good business strategy, you just have to ask for Government support. Where is their incentive to succeed, to provide a great product or service? They don't have to market or sell to the customer any more, they just have to get the Government to give them money for them to succeed.
Telcos Want Big Subsidies, Not Line-Sharing
We are doing this to ourselves. We should be standing up and shouting, STOP! But where is our incentive?
Now, we fast forward to today. People feel they are "entitled" to a job. They feel they are owed something by society. They have no problems taking something that doesn't belong to them.
Part of the problem is Socialism. Socialism is a Governmental philosophy of "distribution of wealth". In other words, if I make $100,000 and you make $50,000, then they would take $25,000 from me and give $25,000 to you. Now we both have $75,000.
While this works in theory, the entitlement mentality spreads... after all, why should I do $100,000 worth of work when I can do $50,000 worth and get paid $75,000?
Once this process breaks down, we end up in the hurt-locker. No one is making $100,000, everyone still wants $75,000, but there is no one to pay us the extra $25,000...
Essentially, this is what is happening with the Healthcare debates. I would pay X number in taxes and that money would buy someone healthcare, and I would be required to have my own healthcare ...
Only, who will pay for my healthcare? Now, as the people realize they can get free healthcare, will they support the program with money of their own? Where is the incentive? It is the same as the scenario above.
And, if I am a big business, the Free Market says that if I am an idiot and I don't have a good product, or I don't do my marketing right, or if I have a failing business plan...then my business fails, and I go under. The Socialist plan is that they throw money at your business to save jobs and consume products from other companies... but it doesn't require that you be intelligent with your business.
The Government recently did this with the likes of AIG, Sally May and Ferdie Mac...and many other businesses...mostly banks, who made bad business choices and really stupid mistakes. Instead of letting them go under and reaping the rewards of their labor, the Government gives them money... now, where is the incentive to do better?
So now, instead of making good business decisions, the Telcos are asking for bail-out money. They have learned that you don't have to have a good business strategy, you just have to ask for Government support. Where is their incentive to succeed, to provide a great product or service? They don't have to market or sell to the customer any more, they just have to get the Government to give them money for them to succeed.
Telcos Want Big Subsidies, Not Line-Sharing
We are doing this to ourselves. We should be standing up and shouting, STOP! But where is our incentive?
The More You Buy, The More You Save
This is marketing hype... we hear it every day. And yet, it isn't even possible for the statement to be true. It is what we lovingly call an Oxymoron.
If you spend $50 to save 10%, you actually still spent $45. If you spend $100 to save 25%, you have still spent $75. $75 is still MORE than $50, so you have spent more... however, it is also true that 25% is more than 10%, so actually did "save more"...
This is how they get away with this marketing ploy...
As we read this, we think that somehow spending more keeps more money in our pockets...or saving money... But for this to be true, it would have to be like this:
If you spend $50 to save 10%, you still spend $45. if you spend $100, you should save 65% (or more) so you spend a total of $45... that way, the more you buy, the more you save...
Well, ok, so my logic is a little flaky, but the point I want to make isn't even about sales, but about Marketing...
Democrats: Health care bill saves money and jobs
Tell me... How does spending $1.2 TRILLION save money? Don't be fooled, the news media (or the Democrats) is (are) putting the marketing spin on this issue. It is the same Marketing ploy as the one described above.
What would really save money?
Working on how to solve the Graft, Greet, Corruption, Waste and Fraud that plagues the current systems, and find ways to prevent it from happening in the future.
But you won't see that advertised... it suffers the same fate as my slogan, "the more you buy, the more you spend"... truth isn't usually a big component of cheep marketing ploys.
If you spend $50 to save 10%, you actually still spent $45. If you spend $100 to save 25%, you have still spent $75. $75 is still MORE than $50, so you have spent more... however, it is also true that 25% is more than 10%, so actually did "save more"...
This is how they get away with this marketing ploy...
As we read this, we think that somehow spending more keeps more money in our pockets...or saving money... But for this to be true, it would have to be like this:
If you spend $50 to save 10%, you still spend $45. if you spend $100, you should save 65% (or more) so you spend a total of $45... that way, the more you buy, the more you save...
Well, ok, so my logic is a little flaky, but the point I want to make isn't even about sales, but about Marketing...
Democrats: Health care bill saves money and jobs
Tell me... How does spending $1.2 TRILLION save money? Don't be fooled, the news media (or the Democrats) is (are) putting the marketing spin on this issue. It is the same Marketing ploy as the one described above.
What would really save money?
Working on how to solve the Graft, Greet, Corruption, Waste and Fraud that plagues the current systems, and find ways to prevent it from happening in the future.
But you won't see that advertised... it suffers the same fate as my slogan, "the more you buy, the more you spend"... truth isn't usually a big component of cheep marketing ploys.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Separation of State from Church
There has, I think, been a misunderstanding when it comes to the Separation of Church and State. I contend that it is the phraseology of these words that is the root and cause of the problem. We use the metaphor of, "The Separation of Church and State", but the evidence supports the more aptly worded phrase, "The Separation of State from Church".
First off, there is no such thing as a complete two-way separation: a separation of Church from State and a separation of State from Church.
The First Amendment of our Constitution states, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof...". This, in essence, prohibits the Congress from establishing a National Religion.
Further support of the separation of the State from Religion can be found in the writings of John Locke, "According to his principle of the social contract, Locke argued that the government lacked authority in the realm of individual conscience, as this was something rational people could not cede to the government for it or others to control. For Locke, this created a natural right in the liberty of conscience, which he argued must therefore remain protected from any government authority."
And again in the Danbury Baptist letters, where Thomas Jefferson replies, "Believing with you that religion is a matter which lies solely between Man & his God, that he owes account to none other for his faith or his worship, that the legitimate powers of government reach actions only, & not opinions, I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should 'make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof,' thus building a wall of separation between Church & State."
Further on August 15, 1789, James Madison, the principal drafter of the Constitution said, in reference to the First Amendment, "Mr. [Peter] Sylvester [of New York] had some doubts...He feared it [the First Amendment] might be thought to have a tendency to abolish religion altogether...Mr. [Elbridge] Gerry [of Massachusetts] said it would read better if it was that 'no religious doctrine shall be established by law.'...Mr. [James] Madison [of Virginia] said he apprehended the meaning of the words to be, that 'Congress should not establish a religion, and enforce the legal observation of it by law.'...[T]he State[s]...seemed to entertain an opinion that under the clause of the Constitution...it enabled them [Congress] to make laws of such a nature as might...establish a national religion; to prevent these effects he presumed the amendment was intended...Mr. Madison thought if the word 'National' was inserted before religion, it would satisfy the minds of honorable gentlemen...He thought if the word 'national' was introduced, it would point the amendment directly to the object it was intended to prevent."
And later, in a letter to Edward Livingston, Madison further expanded, "We are teaching the world the great truth that Govts. do better without Kings & Nobles than with them. The merit will be doubled by the other lesson that Religion flourishes in greater purity, without than with the aid of Govt."
Then in the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, originally authored by Thomas Jefferson, but championed by Madison, we read, "... no man shall be compelled to frequent or support any religious worship, place, or ministry whatsoever, nor shall be enforced, restrained, molested, or burthened in his body or goods, nor shall otherwise suffer on account of his religious opinions or belief; but that all men shall be free to profess, and by argument to maintain, their opinion in matters of religion, and that the same shall in no wise diminish enlarge, or affect their civil capacities."
John Tyler, Jr., the tenth President of the United States is quoted in William and Mary College Quarterly Historical Magazine of July, 1904, as having said, "The United States have adventured upon a great and noble experiment, which is believed to have been hazarded in the absence of all previous precedent-that of total separation of Church and State. No religious establishment by law exists among us. The conscience is left free from all restraint and each is permitted to worship his Maker after his own judgement. The offices of the Government are open alike to all. No tithes are levied to support an established Hierarchy, nor is the fallible judgement of man set up as the sure and infallible creed of faith. The Mahommedan, if he will to come among us would have the privilege guaranteed to him by the constitution to worship according to the Koran; and the East Indian might erect a shrine to Brahma if it so pleased him. Such is the spirit of toleration inculcated by our political Institutions . . . . The Hebrew persecuted and down trodden in other regions cakes up his abode among us with none to make him afraid . . . . and the Aegis of the Government is over him to defend and protect him. Such is the great experiment which we have cried, and such are the happy fruits which have resulted from it; our system of free government would be imperfect without it." (also referenced in Bernard Lewis', "THE ROOTS OF MUSLIM RAGE" and in The Cooper Union and or The Atlantic Monthly, September 1990.)
And while the SCotUS references the "separation" about 25 times, it is not unanimously held. Justice Rehnquist presented the view that the establishment clause was intended to protect local establishments of religion from federal interference and Justice Scalia criticized the metaphor as a bulldozer removing religion from American public life.
Not surprisingly absent from any source and resource on this topic is the idea or understanding that Religion must be separated from the State, only that the State must be separated from Religion. In other words, as a religious entity, I can have influence in the Government, up to but not including, the establishment of a State or National Religion.
(all references maintained at Wikipedia)
First off, there is no such thing as a complete two-way separation: a separation of Church from State and a separation of State from Church.
The First Amendment of our Constitution states, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof...". This, in essence, prohibits the Congress from establishing a National Religion.
Further support of the separation of the State from Religion can be found in the writings of John Locke, "According to his principle of the social contract, Locke argued that the government lacked authority in the realm of individual conscience, as this was something rational people could not cede to the government for it or others to control. For Locke, this created a natural right in the liberty of conscience, which he argued must therefore remain protected from any government authority."
And again in the Danbury Baptist letters, where Thomas Jefferson replies, "Believing with you that religion is a matter which lies solely between Man & his God, that he owes account to none other for his faith or his worship, that the legitimate powers of government reach actions only, & not opinions, I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should 'make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof,' thus building a wall of separation between Church & State."
Further on August 15, 1789, James Madison, the principal drafter of the Constitution said, in reference to the First Amendment, "Mr. [Peter] Sylvester [of New York] had some doubts...He feared it [the First Amendment] might be thought to have a tendency to abolish religion altogether...Mr. [Elbridge] Gerry [of Massachusetts] said it would read better if it was that 'no religious doctrine shall be established by law.'...Mr. [James] Madison [of Virginia] said he apprehended the meaning of the words to be, that 'Congress should not establish a religion, and enforce the legal observation of it by law.'...[T]he State[s]...seemed to entertain an opinion that under the clause of the Constitution...it enabled them [Congress] to make laws of such a nature as might...establish a national religion; to prevent these effects he presumed the amendment was intended...Mr. Madison thought if the word 'National' was inserted before religion, it would satisfy the minds of honorable gentlemen...He thought if the word 'national' was introduced, it would point the amendment directly to the object it was intended to prevent."
And later, in a letter to Edward Livingston, Madison further expanded, "We are teaching the world the great truth that Govts. do better without Kings & Nobles than with them. The merit will be doubled by the other lesson that Religion flourishes in greater purity, without than with the aid of Govt."
Then in the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, originally authored by Thomas Jefferson, but championed by Madison, we read, "... no man shall be compelled to frequent or support any religious worship, place, or ministry whatsoever, nor shall be enforced, restrained, molested, or burthened in his body or goods, nor shall otherwise suffer on account of his religious opinions or belief; but that all men shall be free to profess, and by argument to maintain, their opinion in matters of religion, and that the same shall in no wise diminish enlarge, or affect their civil capacities."
John Tyler, Jr., the tenth President of the United States is quoted in William and Mary College Quarterly Historical Magazine of July, 1904, as having said, "The United States have adventured upon a great and noble experiment, which is believed to have been hazarded in the absence of all previous precedent-that of total separation of Church and State. No religious establishment by law exists among us. The conscience is left free from all restraint and each is permitted to worship his Maker after his own judgement. The offices of the Government are open alike to all. No tithes are levied to support an established Hierarchy, nor is the fallible judgement of man set up as the sure and infallible creed of faith. The Mahommedan, if he will to come among us would have the privilege guaranteed to him by the constitution to worship according to the Koran; and the East Indian might erect a shrine to Brahma if it so pleased him. Such is the spirit of toleration inculcated by our political Institutions . . . . The Hebrew persecuted and down trodden in other regions cakes up his abode among us with none to make him afraid . . . . and the Aegis of the Government is over him to defend and protect him. Such is the great experiment which we have cried, and such are the happy fruits which have resulted from it; our system of free government would be imperfect without it." (also referenced in Bernard Lewis', "THE ROOTS OF MUSLIM RAGE" and in The Cooper Union and or The Atlantic Monthly, September 1990.)
And while the SCotUS references the "separation" about 25 times, it is not unanimously held. Justice Rehnquist presented the view that the establishment clause was intended to protect local establishments of religion from federal interference and Justice Scalia criticized the metaphor as a bulldozer removing religion from American public life.
Not surprisingly absent from any source and resource on this topic is the idea or understanding that Religion must be separated from the State, only that the State must be separated from Religion. In other words, as a religious entity, I can have influence in the Government, up to but not including, the establishment of a State or National Religion.
(all references maintained at Wikipedia)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)