tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18776365354460109292024-03-13T07:31:12.891-07:00oldhippiecomA Conservative Hippie? What a contradiction!
This site is dedicated to the Conservatives of World, though I would like to have Liberals visit so as to see the "Right" side of thinking.oldhippiecomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16287230585947743076noreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1877636535446010929.post-61155838366180198652015-02-17T18:19:00.000-08:002015-02-17T18:21:21.920-08:00Someone has to say something about what is going on in the middle east, and I guess its up to me..<br />
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Look what events have occurred lately:<br />
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<li>ISIS has MURDERED Americans, Europeans, Reporters, Humanitarians.</li>
<li>Now they are going after Jews, Christians and even other Muslims for what reason? Religion!</li>
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The Religious reasons are the most disturbing in my mind.</div>
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They just killed (Beheaded) a couple dozen Christians for no other reason than they were Christian! And what did BHO have to say? "They were Egyptian" Egyptian? Hey BHO, they were Christian and that's why they died! Why cant you say that? Why?</div>
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Now ISIS burned a group of poor people to death. BURNED THEM!! And what does BHO say? "If they had jobs..." JOBS! What kind of a FOOL do we have running this Country?</div>
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BHO has lost all touch with reality, no doubt about it, no doubt... He needs to get in touch with whats is going on outside of the golf course. He needs to actually read his daily security briefs. He needs to read a damn newspaper, anything that tells him the truth...</div>
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The last time this went on, Millions of Jews died! Now its Christians! And BHO plays his fiddle while the Middle East burns..</div>
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This is what I think, and believe me I don't want to say it, but will. </div>
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I believe, BHO isn't really a Christian. I don't believe hes a Muslim, but he has no desire to help Christians throughout the world. He has no desire to stop what is being done to them, and wont even say the word "Christian" when describing the atrocities being done to them.</div>
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I believe, BHO thinks the Muslim Extremists are justified in what they are doing, believing we have done them wrong all these years and what they are doing is Justifiable Revenge..</div>
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I believe, BHO does not want to stop Iran from getting the "Bomb" because Israel has it and it would only be fair for them to have it...</div>
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I believe, BHO believes Israel is the aggressor in the Middle East. He believes the West Bank, Gaza and Hezbollah is justified in their constant attacks on Israel...</div>
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These things i have just stated, are what really drives BHO's current "Strategy" in the Middle East... But what can we, as True Americans do? Unfortunately not much until the next election...</div>
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We could try a recall of the President, but it would fail. We could revolt, but that isn't the right course either, though some think so... Maybe we can follow what the Military Code of Conduct says, IGNORE his orders as being "Illegal Orders". maybe we can treat BHO as a non-entity and simply do whats right and just...<br />
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As for his friends in the Radical Muslim world? they are not true believers in Allah. They have bastardised the Koran and will never see the "So called" 73 Virgins when they die... </div>
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I say we go after them with everything we have, and kill them all, without mercy...<br />
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Will what I have just said put my ass in a sling, probably... </div>
oldhippiecomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16287230585947743076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1877636535446010929.post-70732409320899913422015-02-03T17:42:00.001-08:002015-02-03T17:42:29.082-08:00Message to America and ISIS...<div>
After watching the video of the Jordanian Pilot being burned alive by ISIS, I feel its time or us, the United States, do something to stop these un-Islamic ANIMALS..</div>
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Why is it we forget what happened 80 years ago? Why do we forget what the Nazis did to the Jews of Europe? not to count what was done to the disabled, physical and mental, those of color and the rest. 10 million or so just wiped out as tho the never existed! It seems everyone has forget the old saying:</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">“Those who don't know history are doomed to repeat it.” </span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">― </span><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17142.Edmund_Burke" style="background-color: white; color: #666600; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;">Edmund Burke</a><br />
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Obviously this country of ours, has! </div>
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We can't let this happen people! I know, everyone is tired of War, but sometimes what one wants and what one needs is not the same.</div>
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Like myself, and others like me, who have actually been in a war, know the horror of war. Its a dirty, bloody, destructive action to take, but perhaps it is time to actually declare War against ISIS. We as a Country, with or without support from the rest of the World, should go full hog and start Bombing the living S*** out of ISIS. We as a Country should, with or without support of the rest of the World, send in our Tanks, Planes, and Ground Troops and kill them all!!!</div>
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How can any People stand by and watch what is going on and not do something! </div>
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There are those here in the United States who say, "You cant fight a Religion", but this isn't Islam... Ive read the Koran and I haven't found anything in it about Burning People Alive! But the exact opposite, it is a Religion of Peace and Love of your fellow man. We are all the Children of Abraham... And for the record, I am a Christian and make no bones about it. But allowing people to practice their Religion is one of the Tenants, and First Amendment of this Country.</div>
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Now here is my personal message to ISIS...</div>
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Assalamu alaykum</div>
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Read your Koran. Practice your religion as Allah wants it to be done.. Love your fellow man and practice your religion as Allah wants. Show compassion and help those who need it.</div>
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But please remember this simple fact:</div>
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If you come to me and try to hurt my Family, my Friends, my Country, I WILL BLOW YOU INTO ANOTHER CELESTIAL PLANE!!!</div>
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Allahuakbar...</div>
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oldhippiecomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16287230585947743076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1877636535446010929.post-18707259749403287102015-02-02T15:31:00.002-08:002015-02-03T15:14:19.144-08:00<span id="goog_2038973198">That Socialist Media seems to have forgotten that "Terrorists" attacked Charlie Hebdo. They pretty much want it to disappear altogether for one simple reason, it would be "Inconvenient" to BHO... (For those of you from Beowawe that would be, Barack Hussein Obama. Pronounced, "Bee Hoe")</span><br />
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BHO seems not to admit that Terrorism is really happening in the world. It IS happening in the Middle East, it IS going on in Israel, it IS going on in Africa, it IS going on in Crimea, it IS going on in Southeast Asia, IT IS GOING ON IN THE UNITED STATES (Fort Hood)...<br />
But he won't say it!! Why not?? I think I know why...<br />
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He won't say it because it would detract from his Socialist agenda for America. Without Terrorism he wouldn't have to use the Military to fight it, thus CUT MILITARY FUNDING. If fighting ISIS, Taliban, Boko Haram or Al Qaeda means, he can't spend on Food Stamps for people that can earn their own way, he has to deny its happening.<br />
If fighting Radical Islam on our Military Bases means his Socialist Military Agendas don't work, he has to deny it.<br />
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What we need is a President to stand up to this Radical Islamic Terrorism, to fight it with words, and if necessary, with all the might and force this Country can muster...<br />
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What we need is a President that will stand up and shout "JE SUIS CHARLIE"<br />
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<span id="goog_659841235"></span><span id="goog_659841236"></span><br />oldhippiecomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16287230585947743076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1877636535446010929.post-63785318189092059042015-01-30T18:28:00.002-08:002015-01-31T11:49:54.513-08:00I know it's a mite bit early to be picking the candidate for the Republicans but, when you have a favorite you tend to speak up.<br />
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Gov. Mike Huckabee is my guy. His record while he was governor is one of Honor, Efficiency and he stands by his word. Which is something that can't be said about our current President.<br />
What we need in the Office of the Presidency is a man who,when he makes a statement of fact, will actually stand by what he says. Which would be really refreshing considering the nimrod we have now.<br />
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Huck also knows what a Terrorist is, and is willing to say it, not trying to use a bunch of gobbledygook so not as to offend his "love brothers" in the Arab World. Something we can't afford any longer, or we'll be hit again like 9-11.<br />
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He stands by or Military with all of his Heart. Rather than degrade and diminish, like the Socialists (Oops, I mean the Democrats). If we keep going the way we are with the Military like the Socialists are, the World will be a smoldering heap that can't be stopped.<br />
And I'm pretty sure he won't be trading Generals of the Taliban or ISIS, for Deserters and Traitors like the current Socialist we have in office.<br />
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What we need is a True Conservative like Huck, a man who truly stands by the values that built this country. A man who is trustworthy to a fault.<br />
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God help us all, the USA and the World if we get another Socialist in the Whitehouse, like Hillary (It takes a Collective) Clinton.<br />
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As the Campaign Season progresses I'll have more to say about Huck, so keep coming back. Oh ya, I'll have plenty to say about the Socialist Candidates and their love of Government, unlike Huck who believes in People, not Government.<br />
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Ta ta for now...oldhippiecomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16287230585947743076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1877636535446010929.post-56395650480606516432015-01-28T21:16:00.000-08:002015-01-31T11:51:37.541-08:00I haven't posted in a very long time, but there has been a reason for that. <br />
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First we had a change in where we live, due to a lack of employment. We got fired, bad economy and all that other stuff. But we really don't give a s*** about that.<br />
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Mainly I was pretty much fed up with what I saw on the news, the government, and the horse pucky that was being passed off as intelligence on the Internet.<br />
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But I'm back, because things are getting bad out there and someone with an IQ (Slightly higher than the average shoe size) needs to tell things like they are.<br />
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Where to start? How about this nonsense about using the word "Terrorist", regarding Islam. Sorry, but if you blow people up with a body bomb and say Allahuakbar, YOU ARE A TERRORIST! Though if prefacing your personal explosion with, " God Is Great" seems a little counter productive, know what I mean Mohammed? Terrorists run around killing Jews, Gentiles, other Muslims, small ponies etc. I know, I know, not all Muslims are terrorists, but if only 1% are, there would be about 1.5 million of them! Call a spade a spade (Not to be confused with a 1950's phrase) these people are Terrorists...Question is, what to do with, or to them? Best I can come up with, is to, KILL THEM ALL!!! (The terrorists that is). Sound like a plan, Stan?<br />
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Now don't misunderstand me, I really do believe in equality and make it a practice not to discriminate against anyone (Except for Stupid and Ugly people). But an Islamic Terrorist is an easy one to feel that way about. But giving them trials in US Courts, food stamps or bus passes is pushing it in my mind, know what I mean? If Barry is going do act with a lack of balls toward these people, he is, without a doubt, an Idiot, as well as anyone else that does.<br />
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Now this is very likely to p*** some off, GOOD! That is my main goal in life to do so...oldhippiecomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16287230585947743076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1877636535446010929.post-65522160036231735512010-09-11T17:22:00.000-07:002010-09-11T17:22:50.299-07:00Two Rights Don't Make A Wrong...Here we have a group wanting to put up a Mosque near Ground Zero. They have every right to do it, it's in the US Constitution that they can. I have sworn many times to defend their right to do this with my life.<br />
But is it the wrong decision to build it there? Probably... We Americans have a bad spot in our hearts about Ground Zero and it will be a long time getting over, if ever.<br />
Here we have some Nut Pastor wanting to burn the Koran. He has every right to do just that. It's his right under the same Constitution that protects the Mosque. This is another of those rights I have sworn to defend with my life.<br />
But is it the wrong decision to do this? Probably... Anyone who goes out of their way to upset a billion Muslims is just a little crazy.<br />
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But let there be no mistake, The Pastor and the Muslims have every right, and if they want to. they can build where they want, or burn what they want. We as Citizens of this Country have zero right to tell them otherwise, PERIOD!<br />
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Let's look at a little history:<br />
The 60's Civil Rights Act was opposed by the Majority Party, Democratic Party. But it was passed with the help of the Minority Party, Republican Party. The Majority of the Country didn't want it passed and fought it every step of the way, but it was the right thing to do so it was passed.<br />
A little further back, The majority of the country didn't want schools to be segregated and fought it all the way, One Governor even went so far as to send in the State National Guard to stop it. But it was wrong to stop it, everyone has a Right to an equal education and it happened. Now all schools are integrated (Unless it's a school for women only) and that's because All People Are Equal...<br />
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Do things go on in this Country that we object to? Hell Yes!!<br />
Do things go on in this Country that we flat don't like? Hell Yes!!<br />
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But this is the United States and we pride ourselves in our tolerance for what is different, let's face it, that's why this Country exists in the first place...<br />
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But let's remember, just because it's right, it doesn't mean you should do it, just think about how it effects others... But if you must, go ahead because I'll be here to defend your right to do it...oldhippiecomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16287230585947743076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1877636535446010929.post-23570826875138989502010-08-23T18:30:00.000-07:002010-08-23T18:41:53.091-07:00I Guess some have 1st Amendment Rights, and Some Don't...<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>I find it interesting the rhetoric coming from the supporters of the Muslim "Cultural Center". They claim they have 1st Amendment Rights to put their "Cultural Center" wherever they choose. And guess what? THAT IS EXACTLY CORRECT! And anyone who opposes it is a racist. You aren't allowed to object to where we want it!<br/>
What i find absolutely absurd is, if you oppose it you are immediately labeled a racist. A RACIST??? So when do our 1st Amendment Rights become wrong? Why is it whenever you say "I want your Cultural Center be put somewhere else" you are violating their rights?<br/>
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I look at it this way, you have a right to put it anywhere you want and I get to object. That is the fundamental basis of the Constitution. That does not make me a racist, it just makes me different...<br/>
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Now here is the hitch in this particular situation, Who Wins? No one really, not at this point...<br/>
When it comes to the 1st Amendment you have to realize that somewhere along the way a compromise has to be reached. Now, bad or not, those against it have no room to compromise, they want it moved and nothing else will satisfy. Where the compromise has to come in is with those who do want it near Ground Zero. Personally I wish there was another way around this problem, but there isn't. So here is what should be done:<br/>
Move the "Cultural Center" to another location further away from Ground Zero, and have the people of New York offer up some free land to put it on. That way everyone has to give something and that would be good... <br/>
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But I also feel that those who want it near Ground Zero have no reason to compromise, because the real reason for keeping it there is for the sole purpose causing controversy, plain and simple. They want to hear the protests against it because it bolsters support from the Arab World, a world that has no concept of "Human Rights" Women have no right to speak out, marry who they want, drive a car, etc. Look, they will stone to death any woman that "May" have had an affair with another man, without any punishment to him, I might add... They will kill Doctors that are there to help, because they might have a Bible? But if someone like me who, by the way has read the Koran, says it is an evil book written by the Devil, gets a Fatwa against him. Now I don't believe that, not at all, but because I said it in this Blog, I will probably have a Fatwa put on me. Well go for it... Don't forget the 1st Amendment...<br/>
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A little history: Years ago the Catholic Church put a Nuns building near a Holocaust Camp. The church received objections from Jewish groups and the church moved it. How hard was that???<br/>
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No, the supporters have no desire to compromise or even feel sympathy for how it makes us react. Unfortunately, we are reacting exactly the way they want, because that is the only reason for putting it there. That way, in the Arab World we are racist and deserve nothing less than total destruction.<br/>
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This isn't going to end well I think, to bad...
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</div>oldhippiecomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16287230585947743076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1877636535446010929.post-21530430912010083362009-08-23T12:07:00.001-07:002010-08-17T19:02:06.361-07:00Oliver Cromwell to Parliment April 20, 1653It is high time for me to put an end to your sitting in this place, which you have dishonored by your contempt of all virtue, and defiled by your practice of every vice; ye are a factious crew, and enemies to all good government; ye are a pack of mercenary wretches, and would like Esau sell your country for a mess of pottage, and like Judas betray your God for a few pieces of money.<br />
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Is there a single virtue now remaining amongst you? Is there one vice you do not possess? Ye have no more religion than my horse; gold is your God; which of you have not barter'd your conscience for bribes? Is there a man amongst you that has the least care for the good of the Commonwealth?<br />
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Ye sordid prostitutes have you not defil'd this sacred place, and turn'd the Lord's temple into a den of thieves, by your immoral principles and wicked practices? Ye are grown intolerably odious to the whole nation; you were deputed here by the people to get grievances redress'd, are yourselves gone! So! Take away that shining bauble there, and lock up the doors. In the name of God, go!oldhippiecomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16287230585947743076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1877636535446010929.post-64117264295746662952009-08-12T21:44:00.001-07:002010-08-17T19:02:53.735-07:00Thoughts on Government - by John Adams 1776Thoughts on Government - by John Adams<br />
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MY DEAR SIR,--If I was equal to the task of forming a plan for the government of a colony, I should be flattered with your request, and very happy to comply with it; because, as the divine science of politics is the science of social happiness, and the blessings of society depend entirely on the constitutions of government, which are generally institutions that last for many generations, there can be no employment more agreeable to a benevolent mind than a research after the best.<br />
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Pope flattered tyrants too much when he said,<br />
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"For forms of government let fools contest, That which is best administered is best."<br />
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Nothing can be more fallacious than this. But poets read his tory to collect flowers, not fruits; they attend to fanciful images, not the effects of social institutions. Nothing is more certain, from the history of nations and nature of man, than that some forms of government are better fitted for being well administered than others.<br />
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We ought to consider what is the end of government, before we determine which is the best form. Upon this point all speculative politicians will agree, that the happiness of society is the end of government, as all divines and moral philosophers will agree that the happiness of the individual is the end of man. From this principle it will follow, that the form of government which communicates ease, comfort, security, or, in one word, happiness, to the greatest number of persons, and in the greatest degree, is the best.<br />
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All sober inquirers after truth, ancient and modern, pagan and Christian, have declared that the happiness of man, as well as his dignity, consists in virtue. Confucius, Zo- roaster, Socrates, Mahomet, not to mention authorities really sacred, have agreed in this.<br />
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If there is a form of government, then, whose principle and foundation is virtue, will not every sober man acknowledge it better calculated to promote the general happiness than any other form?<br />
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Fear is the foundation of most governments; but it is so sordid and brutal a passion, and renders men in whose breasts it predominates so stupid and miserable, that Americans will not be likely to approve of any political institution which is founded on it.<br />
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Honor is truly sacred, but holds a lower rank in the scale of moral excellence than virtue. Indeed, the former is but a part of the latter, and consequently has not equal pretensions to support a frame of government productive of human happiness.<br />
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The foundation of every government is some principle or passion in the minds of the people. The noblest principles and most generous affections in our nature, then, have the fairest chance to support the noblest and most generous models of government.<br />
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A man must be indifferent to the sneers of modern English men, to mention in their company the names of Sidney, Harrington, Locke, Milton, Nedham, Neville, Burnet, and Hoadly. No small fortitude is necessary to confess that one has read them. The wretched condition of this country, however, for ten or fifteen years past, has frequently reminded me of their principles and reasonings. They will convince any candid mind, that there is no good government but what is republican. That the only valuable part of the British constitution is so; because the very definition of a republic is "an empire of laws, and not of men." That, as a republic is the best of governments, so that particular arrangement of the powers of society, or, in other words, that form of government which is best contrived to secure an impartial and exact execution of the laws, is the best of republics.<br />
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Of republics there is an inexhaustible variety, because the possible combinations of the powers of society are capable of innumerable variations.<br />
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As good government is an empire of laws, how shall your laws be made? In a large society, inhabiting an extensive country, it is impossible that the whole should assemble to make laws. The first necessary step, then, is to depute power from the many to a few of the most wise and good. But by what rules shall you choose your representatives? Agree upon the number and qualifications of persons who shall have the benefit of choosing, or annex this privilege to the inhabitants of a certain extent of ground.<br />
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The principal difficulty lies, and the greatest care should be employed, in constituting this representative assembly. It should be in miniature an exact portrait of the people at large. It should think, feel, reason, and act like them. That it may be the interest of this assembly to do strict justice at all times, it should be an equal representation, or, in other words, equal interests among the people should have equal interests in it. Great care should be taken to effect this, and to prevent unfair, partial, and corrupt elections. Such regulations, however, may be better made in times of greater tranquillity than the present; and they will spring up themselves naturally, when all the powers of government come to be in the hands of the people's friends. At present, it will be safest to proceed in all established modes, to which the people have been familiarized by habit.<br />
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A representation of the people in one assembly being obtained, a question arises, whether all the powers of government, legislative, executive, and judicial, shall be left in this body? I think a people cannot be long free, nor ever happy, whose government is in one assembly. My reasons for this opinion are as follow:--<br />
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1. A single assembly is liable to all the vices, follies, and frailties of an individual; subject to fits of humor, starts of passion, flights of enthusiasm, partialities, or prejudice, and consequently productive of hasty results and absurd judgments. And all these errors ought to be corrected and defects supplied by some controlling power.<br />
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3. A single assembly is apt to grow ambitious, and after a time will not hesitate to vote itself perpetual. This was one fault of the Long Parliament; but more remarkably of Holland, whose assembly first voted themselves from annual to septennial, then for life, and after a course of years, that all vacancies happening by death or otherwise, should be filled by themselves, without any application to constituents at all.<br />
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4. A representative assembly, although extremely well qualified, and absolutely necessary, as a branch of the legislative, is unfit to exercise the executive power, for want of two essential properties, secrecy and despatch.<br />
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5. A representative assembly is still less qualified for the judicial power, because it is too numerous, too slow, and too little skilled in the laws.<br />
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6. Because a single assembly, possessed of all the powers of government, would make arbitrary laws for their own interest, execute all laws arbitrarily for their own interest, and adjudge all controversies in their own favor.<br />
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But shall the whole power of legislation rest in one assembly? Most of the foregoing reasons apply equally to prove that the legislative power ought to be more complex; to which we may add, that if the legislative power is wholly in one assembly, and the executive in another, or in a single person, these two powers will oppose and encroach upon each other, until the contest shall end in war, and the whole power, legislative and executive, be usurped by the strongest.<br />
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The judicial power, in such case, could not mediate, or hold the balance between the two contending powers, because the legislative would undermine it. And this shows the necessity, too, of giving the executive power a negative upon the legislative, otherwise this will be continually encroaching upon that.<br />
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To avoid these dangers, let a distinct assembly be constituted, as a mediator between the two extreme branches of the legislature, that which represents the people, and that which is vested with the executive power.<br />
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Let the representative assembly then elect by ballot, from among themselves or their constituents, or both, a distinct assembly, which, for the sake of perspicuity, we will call a council. It may consist of any number you please, say twenty or thirty, and should have a free and independent exercise of its judgment, and consequently a negative voice in the legislature.<br />
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These two bodies, thus constituted, and made integral parts of the legislature, let them unite, and by joint ballot choose a governor, who, after being stripped of most of those badges of domination, called prerogatives, should have a free and independent exercise of his judgment, and be made also an integral part of the legislature. This, I know, is liable to objections; and, if you please, you may make him only president of the council, as in Connecticut. But as the governor is to be invested with the executive power, with consent of council, I think he ought to have a negative upon the legislative. If he is annually elective, as he ought to be, he will always have so much reverence and affection for the people, their representatives and counsellors, that, although you give him an independent exercise of his judgment, he will seldom use it in opposition to the two houses, except in cases the public utility of which would be conspicuous; and some such cases would happen.<br />
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In the present exigency of American affairs, when, by an act of Parliament, we are put out of the royal protection, and consequently discharged from our allegiance, and it has become necessary to assume government for our immediate security, the governor, lieutenant-governor, secretary, treasurer, commissary, attorney-general, should be chosen by joint ballot of both houses. And these and all other elections, especially of representatives and counsellors, should be annual, there not being in the whole circle of the sciences a maxim more infallible than this, "where annual elections end, there slavery begins."<br />
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These great men, in this respect, should be, once a year,<br />
<br />
"Like bubbles on the sea of matter borne,<br />
They rise, they break, and to that sea return."<br />
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This will teach them the great political virtues of humility, patience, and moderation, without which every man in power becomes a ravenous beast of prey.<br />
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This mode of constituting the great offices of state will answer very well for the present; but if by experiment it should be found inconvenient, the legislature may, at its leisure, devise other methods of creating them, by elections of the people at large, as in Connecticut, or it may enlarge the term for which they shall be chosen to seven years, or three years, or for life, or make any other alterations which the society shall find productive of its ease, its safety, its freedom, or, in one word, its happiness.<br />
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A rotation of all offices, as well as of representatives and counsellors, has many advocates, and is contended for with many plausible arguments. It would be attended, no doubt, with many advantages; and if the society has a sufficient number of suitable characters to supply the great number of vacancies which would be made by such a rotation, I can see no objection to it. These persons may be allowed to serve for three years, and then be excluded three years, or for any longer or shorter term.<br />
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Any seven or nine of the legislative council may be made a quorum, for doing business as a privy council, to advise the governor in the exercise of the executive branch of power, and in all acts of state.<br />
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The governor should have the command of the militia and of all your armies. The power of pardons should be with the governor and council.<br />
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Judges, justices, and all other officers, civil and military, should be nominated and appointed by the governor, with the advice and consent of council, unless you choose to have a government more popular; if you do, all officers, civil and military, may be chosen by joint ballot of both houses; or, in order to preserve the independence and importance of each house, by ballot of one house, concurred in by the other. Sheriffs should be chosen by the freeholders of counties; so should registers of deeds and clerks of counties.<br />
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All officers should have commissions, under the hand of the governor and seal of the colony.<br />
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The dignity and stability of government in all its branches, the morals of the people, and every blessing of society depend so much upon an upright and skillful administration of justice, that the judicial power ought to be distinct from both the legislative and executive, and independent upon both, that so it may be a check upon both, as both should be checks upon that. The judges, therefore, should be always men of learning and experience in the laws, of exemplary morals, great patience, calmness, coolness, and attention. Their minds should not be distracted with jarring interests; they should not be dependent upon any man, or body of men. To these ends, they should hold estates for life in their offices; or, in other words, their commissions should be during good behavior, and their salaries ascertained and established by law. For misbehavior, the grand inquest of the colony, the house of representatives, should impeach them before the governor and council, where they should have time and opportunity to make their defence; but, if convicted, should be removed from their offices, and subjected to such other punishment as shall be thought proper.<br />
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A militia law, requiring all men, or with very few exceptions besides cases of conscience, to be provided with arms and ammunition, to be trained at certain seasons; and requiring counties, towns, or other small districts, to be provided with public stocks of ammunition and entrenching utensils, and with some settled plans for transporting provisions after the militia, when marched to defend their country against sudden invasions; and requiring certain districts to be provided with field-pieces, companies of matrosses, and perhaps some regiments of light-horse, is always a wise institution, and, in the present circumstances of our country, indispensable.<br />
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Laws for the liberal education of youth, especially of the lower class of people, are so extremely wise and useful, that, to a humane and generous mind, no expense for this purpose would be thought extravagant.<br />
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The very mention of sumptuary laws will excite a smile. Whether our countrymen have wisdom and virtue enough to submit to them, I know not; but the happiness of the people might be greatly promoted by them, and a revenue saved sufficient to carry on this war forever. Frugality is a great revenue, besides curing us of vanities, levities, and fopperies, which are real antidotes to all great, manly, and warlike virtues.<br />
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But must not all commissions run in the name of a king? No. Why may they not as well run thus, "The colony of to A. B. greeting," and be tested by the governor?<br />
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Why may not writs, instead of running in the name of the king, run thus, "The colony of to the sheriff," &c., and be tested by the chief justice?<br />
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Why may not indictments conclude, "against the peace of the colony of and the dignity of the same?"<br />
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A constitution founded on these principles introduces know ledge among the people, and inspires them with a conscious dignity becoming freemen; a general emulation takes place, which causes good humor, sociability, good manners, and good morals to be general. That elevation of sentiment inspired by such a government, makes the common people brave and enterprising. That ambition which is inspired by it makes them sober, industrious, and frugal. You will find among them some elegance, perhaps, but more solidity; a little pleasure, but a great deal of business; some politeness, but more civility. If you compare such a country with the regions of domination, whether monarchical or aristocratical, you will fancy yourself in Arcadia or Elysium.<br />
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If the colonies should assume governments separately, they should be left entirely to their own choice of the forms; and if a continental constitution should be formed, it should be a congress, containing a fair and adequate representation of the colonies, and its authority should sacredly be confined to these cases, namely, war, trade, disputes between colony and colony, the post office, and the unappropriated lands of the crown, as they used to be called.<br />
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These colonies, under such forms of government, and in such a union, would be unconquerable by all the monarchies of Europe.<br />
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You and I, my dear friend, have been sent into life at a time when the greatest lawgivers of antiquity would have wished to live. How few of the human race have ever enjoyed an opportunity of making an election of government, more than of air, soil, or climate, for themselves or their children! When, before the present epocha, had three millions of people full power and a fair opportunity to form and establish the wisest and happiest government that human wisdom can contrive? I hope you will avail yourself and your country of that extensive learning and indefatigable industry which you possess, to assist her in the formation of the happiest governments and the best character of a great people. For myself, I must beg you to keep my name out of sight; for this feeble attempt, if it should be known to be mine, would oblige me to apply to myself those lines of the immortal John Milton, in one of his sonnets:--<br />
<br />
"I did but prompt the age to quit their clogs<br />
By the known rules of ancient liberty, <br />
When straight a barbarous noise environs me<br />
Of owls and cuckoos, asses, apes, and dogs."oldhippiecomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16287230585947743076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1877636535446010929.post-54881988398440807882009-08-11T19:16:00.001-07:002010-08-17T19:05:47.019-07:00Dangers of a Salaried Bureaucracy - by Benjamin FranklinHow could someone that long ago possibly know the struggles we have today...<br />
<br />
Dangers of a Salaried Bureaucracy - by Benjamin Franklin<br />
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IT is with reluctance that I rise to express a disapprobation of any one article of the plan for which we are so much obliged to the honorable gentlemen who laid it before us. From its first reading I have borne a good will to it, and, in general, wished it success. In this particular of salaries to the executive branch, I happen to differ; and, as my opinion may appear new and chimerical, it is only from a persuasion that it is right, and from a sense of duty, that I hazard it. The committee will judge of my reasons when they have heard them, and their judgment may possibly change mine. I think I see inconveniences in the appointment of salaries; I see none in refusing them, but, on the contrary, great advantages.<br />
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Sir, there are two passions which have a powerful influence in the affairs of men. These are ambition and avarice—the love of power and the love of money. Separately, each of these has great force in prompting men to action; but, when united in view of the same object, they have, in many minds, the most violent effects. Place before the eyes of such men a post of honor, that shall, at the same time, be a place of profit, and they will move heaven and earth to obtain it. The vast number of such places it is that renders the British government so tempestuous. The struggles for them are the true source of all those factions which are perpetually dividing the nation, distracting its councils, hurrying it sometimes into fruitless and mischievous wars, and often compelling a submission to dishonorable terms of peace.<br />
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And of what kind are the men that will strive for this profitable preeminence, through all the bustle of cabal, the heat of contention, the infinite mutual abuse of parties, tearing to pieces the best of characters? It will not be the wise and moderate, the lovers of peace and good order, the men fittest for the trust. It will be the bold and the violent, the men of strong passions and indefatigable activity in their selfish pursuits. These will thrust themselves into your government and be your rulers. And these, too, will be mistaken in the expected happiness of their situation, for their vanquished competitors, of the same spirit, and from the same motives, will perpetually be endeavoring to distress their administration, thwart their measures, and render them odious to the people.<br />
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Besides these evils, sir, tho we may set out in the beginning with moderate salaries, we shall find that such will not be of long continuance. Reasons will never be wanting for proposed augmentations; and there will always be a party for giving more to the rulers, that the rulers may be able, in return, to give more to them. Hence, as all history informs us, there has been in every state and kingdom a constant kind of warfare between the governing and the governed; the one striving to obtain more for its support, and the other to pay less. And this has alone occasioned great convulsions, actual civil wars, ending either in dethroning of the princes or enslaving of the people.<br />
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Generally, indeed, the ruling power carries its point, and we see the revenues of princes constantly increasing, and we see that they are never satisfied, but always in want of more. The more the people are discontented with the oppression of taxes, the greater need the prince has of money to distribute among his partizans, and pay the troops that are to suppress all resistance, and enable him to plunder at pleasure. There is scarce a king in a hundred who would not, if he could, follow the example of Pharaoh—get first all the people’s money, then all their lands, and then make them and their children servants for ever. It will be said that we do not propose to establish kings. I know it. But there is a natural inclination in mankind to kingly government. It sometimes relieves them from aristocratic domination. They would rather have one tyrant than five hundred. It gives more of the appearance of equality among citizens; and that they like.<br />
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I am apprehensive, therefore—perhaps too apprehensive—that the government of the States may, in future times, end in a monarchy. But this catastrophe, I think, may be long delayed, if in our proposed system we do not sow the seeds of contention, faction, and tumult, by making our posts of honor places of profit. If we do, I fear that, tho we employ at first a number and not a single person, the number will, in time, be set aside; it will only nourish the fetus of a king (as the honorable gentleman from Virginia very aptly expressed it), and a king will the sooner be set over us.<br />
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It may be imagined by some that this is a Utopian idea, and that we can never find men to serve us in the executive department without paying them well for their services. I conceive this to be a mistake. Some existing facts present themselves to me which incline me to a contrary opinion. The high sheriff of a county in England is an honorable office, but it is not a profitable one. It is rather expensive, and therefore not sought for. But yet it is executed, and well executed, and usually by some of the principal gentlemen of the county. In France the office of counselor, or member of their judiciary parliament, is more honorable. It is therefore purchased at a high price; there are, indeed, fees on the law proceedings, which are divided among them, but these fees do not amount to more than three per cent. on the sum paid for the place. Therefore, as legal interest is there at five per cent., they, in fact, pay two per cent. for being allowed to do the judiciary business of the nation, which is, at the same time, entirely exempt from the burden of paying them any salaries for their services.<br />
<br />
I do not, however, mean to recommend this as an eligible mode for our judiciary department. I only bring the instance to show that the pleasure of doing good and serving their country, and the respect such conduct entitles them to, are sufficient motives with some minds to give up a great portion of their time to the public, without the mean inducement of pecuniary satisfaction.<br />
<br />
Another instance is that of a respectable society who have made the experiment and practised it with success now more than a hundred years. I mean the Quakers. It is an established rule with them that they are not to go to law, but in their controversies they must apply to their monthly, quarterly, and yearly meetings. Committees of these sit with patience to hear the parties, and spend much time in composing their differences. In doing this they are supported by a sense of duty and the respect paid to usefulness. It is honorable to be so employed, but it was never made profitable by salaries, fees, or perquisites. And, indeed, in all cases of public service, the less the profit, the greater the honor.<br />
<br />
To bring the matter nearer home, have we not seen the greatest and most important of our offices, that of general of our armies, executed for eight years together, without the smallest salary, by a patriot whom I will not now offend by any other praise; and this, through fatigues and distresses, in common with the other brave men, his military friends and companions, and the constant anxieties peculiar to his station? And shall we doubt finding three or four men in all the United States with public spirit enough to bear sitting in peaceful council, for, perhaps, an equal term, merely to preside over our civil concerns, and see that our laws are duly executed? Sir, I have a better opinion of our country. I think we shall never be without a sufficient number of wise and good men to undertake and execute well and faithfully the office in question.<br />
<br />
Sir, the saving of the salaries, that may at first be proposed, is not an object with me. The subsequent mischiefs of proposing them are what I apprehend. And, therefore, it is that I move the amendment. If it be not seconded or accepted, I must be contented with the satisfaction of having delivered my opinion frankly and done my duty.oldhippiecomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16287230585947743076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1877636535446010929.post-10534294634648207752009-07-25T13:08:00.000-07:002009-07-25T13:53:17.766-07:00Thought I'd Throw A Little Humor Out...I figure with all the depressing things <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">coming</span> from the current Socialist Administration, I'd throw out a little humor to take the bite away. Question is, doe's anyone have a real <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">sense</span> of humor anymore?<br /><br /><div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QGXQEyj7EPs/SmtnEYL0-pI/AAAAAAAAADc/WnnyX9CXbv4/s1600-h/6173_1174047001145_1527163319_30447957_7091962_n.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 264px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362493106223905426" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QGXQEyj7EPs/SmtnEYL0-pI/AAAAAAAAADc/WnnyX9CXbv4/s320/6173_1174047001145_1527163319_30447957_7091962_n.jpg" /></a><br /></div><div>Bet there are some Bankers that can relate to this...</div><br /><div><br /></div><div></div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QGXQEyj7EPs/SmtncNKqK3I/AAAAAAAAADk/SQ4xX-TDi0g/s1600-h/6173_1174046921143_1527163319_30447955_1257816_n.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 182px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362493515583073138" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QGXQEyj7EPs/SmtncNKqK3I/AAAAAAAAADk/SQ4xX-TDi0g/s320/6173_1174046921143_1527163319_30447955_1257816_n.jpg" /></a></div><div></div><br /><div>Except I liked Bonnie and Clyde...</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QGXQEyj7EPs/Smto1Z2mBSI/AAAAAAAAADs/1BOT4AWTQN0/s1600-h/6173_1174047121148_1527163319_30447960_7713586_n.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 230px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362495047996933410" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QGXQEyj7EPs/Smto1Z2mBSI/AAAAAAAAADs/1BOT4AWTQN0/s320/6173_1174047121148_1527163319_30447960_7713586_n.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br />Kinda looks like my Ex...<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Now keep in mind, this was done in good humor. If we can't laugh at the things that are happening in our lives, we would probably cry or worse. So keep a smile and keep the good fight against the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">changes</span> that we don't need in the Country...<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QGXQEyj7EPs/SmtnEYL0-pI/AAAAAAAAADc/WnnyX9CXbv4/s1600-h/6173_1174047001145_1527163319_30447957_7091962_n.jpg"></a>oldhippiecomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16287230585947743076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1877636535446010929.post-16203291849636199682009-07-23T10:44:00.001-07:002009-07-24T00:21:34.153-07:001984 or 2009? You tell me!I thought I'd have some fun with a little comparison between what is going on in this Country today and one George Orwell speculated about in his book, 1984.<br /><br />(Doublethink: The acceptance of two contradictory ideas or beliefs at the same time)<br /><br />When you hear from BHO on one day that the "New and Improved" Health care will only cover about 33%, at only the "Low" cost of 1.3 Trillion. Now it seems it will cover 98% and only 400 Billion after the Savings from Medicare. Savings from Medicare? I believe Webster might define that as an OXYMORON<br /><br /><br />Then there's "Newspeak"<br />(Newspeak: An official or semiofficial style of writing or saying one thing in the guise of its opposite, esp. in order to serve a political or ideological cause while pretending to be objective, as in referring to “increased taxation” as “revenue enhancement.”)<br /><br />Boy, tell me this doesn't sound familiar?<br /><br /><br />Tell me "Crimethink" or "Thought Crime" isn't happening as we speak.<br />(Crimethink: the Government not only attempts to control the Speech and Actions but also the thoughts of it's subjects or populace)<br /><br />This could best be represented in the "Fairness Doctrine" that the Socialist Party wants. When Left Wing Radio fails at every try, then it is necessary block Right Wing Radio from being heard. Or you can force the people to pay and listen to Right Wing Radio to make it more Equal. (All Animals are equal, except some are more equal than others. Oops, that's from another of Orwell's books, Animal Farm)<br /><br /><br />Now we are on to the "Thought Police"<br />(Thought Police: The Secret Police whose job it is to uncover and punish violators of "Thought Crime" aka "Crimethink")<br />I think we are currently calling this one the F.C.C.<br /><br />Ministry of truth<br />(The "Ministry of Truth" is a misnomer because what it does is repeat all information that comes from the government, be it the truth or a lie, until the people believe it)<br /><br />Here is an area we can all relate to, Health care, the wars oversea, taxes etc.<br /><br />Now believe me when I tell you, I am not one of those nuts who sees conspiracies at every turn. And I won't even talk about those 911 conspiracy types. I just see things from every point of view, and that can be a curse I'll tell ya.<br />But it does cause you to think when someone who has need dead, for longer than most of you have been alive, can show us a world that is strangely similar to our own...oldhippiecomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16287230585947743076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1877636535446010929.post-62700168637709029692009-07-20T14:48:00.001-07:002009-07-24T00:21:02.759-07:00So Who is going To Pay For Healthcare?Let's start with the Evil Millionaires, those terrible people who built our industry, Cars & Houses & Computers & Hospitals Etc.<br /><br />We have to go after these Evil industrialists. Let's take away all the incentives to grow thier companies and the JOBS that creates. Why should we leave them any money to do these horrible things? Why should we care if they are forced out of business? It's all for the good of the poor and downtrodden isn't it? (By the way, it will only cover 1/3 of the uninsured) So let's just take 55% of thier income...<br /><br />Now, we can't forget the working types on this.<br />We are all going to have to sacrifice for the betterment of our fellow citizens. Those of you who are young and healthy, newly married without children, you to are going to help the downtrodden, how? Easy, you don't need insurance so you are going to "Donate" 2 1/2% of your income so others may have the "American Dream"! You won't need to put money in the bank, your IRA or 401 because you are Going to "Donate" for others...<br /><br />Think about this for just one minute:<br />DO YOU WORK FOR A RICH PERSON or A POOR PERSON?<br />Of you tax the to death, where do you plan to work? For the Obama Administration? And pigs fly...oldhippiecomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16287230585947743076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1877636535446010929.post-17640360090253585222009-07-20T11:03:00.001-07:002009-07-24T00:20:41.878-07:00Abortion is Healthcare?Now I don't have a Uteris so I usually keep my opinions about abortion to a close circle. But this is going to far.<br />Abortion is going to be part of Health Care Reform? What exactly does a woman who can't keep from getting pregnant have to do with this?<br />I'm sorry, but having sex is not an illness, babys are not a disease, so why am I going to pay for an abortion for some welfair type in upper NY, or southern Florida?<br />If this kind of stuff is passed, I fear for my Country!oldhippiecomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16287230585947743076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1877636535446010929.post-37473295513375296312009-07-19T16:48:00.000-07:002009-07-24T00:20:03.118-07:00This is Healthcare?Now, I have a better than average IQ, but what the hell is this? I have never, in my life, seen such a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">convoluted</span> mess being presented to the American Public. And they, the Socialist Party, want this passed before the August Recess.<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QGXQEyj7EPs/SmOxIpQexnI/AAAAAAAAADQ/RC57D-EYnNg/s1600-h/House-Democrats-Health-Plan.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 427px; HEIGHT: 279px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360322743573071474" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QGXQEyj7EPs/SmOxIpQexnI/AAAAAAAAADQ/RC57D-EYnNg/s320/House-Democrats-Health-Plan.jpg" /></a></p>I can see why they want this mess passed ASAP, if it isn't then maybe, just maybe someone will figure out that this will BANKRUPT the country.oldhippiecomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16287230585947743076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1877636535446010929.post-72791684708523867762009-07-18T17:23:00.000-07:002009-07-18T17:41:28.534-07:00Health Care CostsHave you read the New And Improved Health Care Bill? Me Neither...<br /><br />But what I have been able to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">glean</span> from the most <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">convoluted</span> bill in the history of the Republic is, according to page 16 if you don't have your own policy by the time the Bill is passed and signed, you will be prohibited from getting it. YES you read this right, you WILL NOT be allowed to buy your own policy.<br /><br />So what can you do then? Here is the catch... You can get the Government Health Policy under <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">their</span> rules and guidelines or get nothing... WRONG!<br />If you don't want to get the Government Health Care, you WILL have to PAY 2.5% TAX for the privilege of not having Health Coverage. Once again, you did hear correctly, you WILL BE TAXED 2.5% (Income that is) if you don't want coverage.<br />This is starting to come close to the line of: United Soviet States Of America<br />How long are we going to allow this to continue...oldhippiecomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16287230585947743076noreply@blogger.com0