Sorry it's been a couple of weeks since the last posting. I didn't want every posting to be political and the last few weeks most of my thoughts have revolved around politics. Not much new has happened for us. I'm still looking for a full-time job and have some applications out and in the meantime Alice and I are enjoying our time together and with the kids.
One quick semi-political thought, it's on the economy. When would you last say the economy was as bad as it is now? With the political campaigning of the last few months, especially from Obama, the economic condition was made out to be the worst since the Depression. Several claims have been made that Obama will inherit the worst economy since FDR was elected. A great effort to try to immediately link Obama to a good (not great) president of history (not to mention their recent efforts comparing him to Lincoln...that gave me a good laugh). Anyways, in our lifetimes a President has inherited an economy in much worse shape than this one. Guesses? Ronald Reagan inherited the Carter economy which had much higher unemployment, inflation, not to mention interest rates more than double what they are now. Mortgage rates in the late 70s skyrocketed to the low and middle teens. And what solved those problems? Reagonomics. Unfortunately, I don't think Obama will learn from that historical lesson. Especially since when during the early primaries he actually complimented Reagan, the Democrats jumped down his throat for it and he quickly "clarified" what he actually meant to say. Government IS the problem, not the solution to the problem (a sentiment 60% of Americans in the last election agree with according to exit polls across the nation). Enough of that.
In other news, the state of Utah is abuzz with excitement for the annual Holy War. This year has pretty high stakes, although it doesn't feel any different for me. Every year feels the same, and I get pretty maxed out on my hype for this game regardless of the stakes. I mean, it's BYU vs. Utah, can anything really make me want to beat them even more? I don't care if there are championships or millions of dollars in BCS bowl games on the line. Take all that away and I'll still want BYU to beat Utah just as much as I always do. The greatest reward in the game isn't a championship or money, but simple bragging rights, plain and simple. It's superiority and dominance over the Pukes up north. Nothing else really matters...at least for me.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Monday, November 3, 2008
Consider this when voting...
For anyone out there who is actually considering voting for Barack Hussein Obama whom the media has already anointed as the next king of our country, consider the following words from a prophet:
Howard W. Hunter taught said the following: "What is the real cause of this trend toward the welfare state, toward more socialism? In the last analysis, in my judgment, it is personal unrighteousness. When people do not use their freedoms responsibly and righteously, they will gradually lose their freedoms. . . . If man will not recognize the inequalities around him and voluntarily, through the gospel plan, come to the aid of his brother, he will find that through "a democratic process" he will be forced to come to the aid of his brother. The government will take from the "haves" and give to the "have nots." Both have lost their freedom. Those who "have," lost their freedom to give voluntarily of their own free will and in the way they desire. Those who "have not," lost their freedom because they did not earn what they received. They got "something for nothing," and they will neither appreciate the gift nor the giver of the gift.
Under this climate, people gradually become blind to what has happened and to the vital freedoms which they have lost." (The Teachings of Howard W. Hunter, p. 169; Bookcraft 1997).
Consider also that Barack Hussein Obama was even a member of the "New Party" in the 1990s, a party established by the Democratic Socialists of America. Of course, Obama vehemently denies this (blatantly lying. . . .what a strong moral fiber must make up the core of his character). This we know because their internet pages from the time clarify Senator Obama's membership while in Illinois, but the pages were later deleted. Fortunately, the membership pages had been archived by the non-profit Internet Archive Organization (for more on this, see http://www.powerlineblog.com/archives/2008/10/021724.php).
That's all for now. Just that is enough to get my blood boiling, yet there's so much more. I spent most of yesterday pouring through my Teachings of the Living Prophets book set, contianing the teachings of all Latter-day Prophets, and I read what they all had to say not only on socialism, but especially on welfare and the drastic differences between church welfare and government welfare. Some pretty pointed and direct warnings, that if heeded by all God-fearing Americans would clearly prevent the election of Barack Obama, who is apparently more inspired by Karl Marx than our own Founding Fathers. Anyways, get out and vote! At least if Obama wins, then when the country starts going to pot over the next four years you can at least have a conscience clear of any guilt for having brought on the calamity, but can actually say that you did your part in preventing the catastrophe.
Howard W. Hunter taught said the following: "What is the real cause of this trend toward the welfare state, toward more socialism? In the last analysis, in my judgment, it is personal unrighteousness. When people do not use their freedoms responsibly and righteously, they will gradually lose their freedoms. . . . If man will not recognize the inequalities around him and voluntarily, through the gospel plan, come to the aid of his brother, he will find that through "a democratic process" he will be forced to come to the aid of his brother. The government will take from the "haves" and give to the "have nots." Both have lost their freedom. Those who "have," lost their freedom to give voluntarily of their own free will and in the way they desire. Those who "have not," lost their freedom because they did not earn what they received. They got "something for nothing," and they will neither appreciate the gift nor the giver of the gift.
Under this climate, people gradually become blind to what has happened and to the vital freedoms which they have lost." (The Teachings of Howard W. Hunter, p. 169; Bookcraft 1997).
Consider also that Barack Hussein Obama was even a member of the "New Party" in the 1990s, a party established by the Democratic Socialists of America. Of course, Obama vehemently denies this (blatantly lying. . . .what a strong moral fiber must make up the core of his character). This we know because their internet pages from the time clarify Senator Obama's membership while in Illinois, but the pages were later deleted. Fortunately, the membership pages had been archived by the non-profit Internet Archive Organization (for more on this, see http://www.powerlineblog.com/archives/2008/10/021724.php).
That's all for now. Just that is enough to get my blood boiling, yet there's so much more. I spent most of yesterday pouring through my Teachings of the Living Prophets book set, contianing the teachings of all Latter-day Prophets, and I read what they all had to say not only on socialism, but especially on welfare and the drastic differences between church welfare and government welfare. Some pretty pointed and direct warnings, that if heeded by all God-fearing Americans would clearly prevent the election of Barack Obama, who is apparently more inspired by Karl Marx than our own Founding Fathers. Anyways, get out and vote! At least if Obama wins, then when the country starts going to pot over the next four years you can at least have a conscience clear of any guilt for having brought on the calamity, but can actually say that you did your part in preventing the catastrophe.
Friday, October 10, 2008
The FairTax....Simpler, Fairer, Richer
As promised, here's my entry on the FairTax. Honestly, after reading and researching about this, I don't see how ANY rational person could be against this. It replaces 60,000 pages of IRS rules and regulations with a 133 page tax reform bill (currently before Congress) that will abolish the unconstitutional IRS and income taxes and replace them with a simple consumption tax (NOT a flat tax or VAT tax as in Europe). In short, rather than piling over forms or paying somebody else to figure out our taxes for us each year, we would NEVER have another IRS worksheet to fill out...let alone simply paying somebody else to figure out something so complicated that we can't do it on our own (BTW, did you know in a sample of 25 professional tax preparation agents, all 25 were given the SAME data and produced 25 different results?). A consumption tax works by collecting a 23% tax when new goods and services are purchased (cars, houses, etc., everything is only taxed once). And NO, this is NOT a 23% tax increase as MOST politicians against this will try to tell you...it is a blatant lie or an honest admission of complete incompetence to understand simple principles. Research shows that prices currently contain a 23% EMBEDDED tax rate that we are paying in order to cover the cost of taxes for the manufacturer, shipper, seller, etc. of certain goods. We are, in essence, adding our money to the bottom line of several companies so that they can pay their taxes. The 23% rate for the FairTax is designed to off set this, so if you spend $100 for an iPod before the FairTax you will NOT be spending $123 after, you will still spend $100, maybe less. Oh, and since this is a consumption tax, guess what else that means? You keep every penny you earn, nothing is ever taken out of your paycheck. You're only taxed on what you buy--YOU are in the driver's seat about how to spend ALL your money. And since taxes are collected on purchased goods, EVERYONE that buys anything will be paying taxes. In other words, all those illegal immigrants, tax evaders, and even black market runners will ALL be paying taxes. They have to buy groceries and that new Mercedes, don't they? Even tourists will be helping us out! And the lower class will not suffer, as democrats will cry (this will actually help them FAR more than any good-intentioned democrat). Most obviously, they'll be getting MORE money. They won't be sharing their paycheck with Uncle Sam. Additionally, the government will issue prebates to ensure that nobody has to pay the consumption tax on on life's basic necessities (figured using annual poverty level data and calculations on how much sales tax a household would be paying on basic necessities). And think about how our economy will take off when all the money (some $11 trillion) in overseas Swiss and Cayman Island accounts can be brought back home because the IRS and all their wonderful taxes and regulations will no longer be driving money away from the country they're designed to help. Anyways, I must stop--I could go on much longer because I'm quite passionate about this opportunity to participate in a great tax reform that will HUGELY help out our ailing country. I don't expect this to pass soon, but with enough support from us regular citizens I think it will be a reality in time. Check out www.fairtax.org for more info or just email me! BTW, check out "The FairTax Book" by Neal Boortz (several examples here come from that book). I have some copies if you want to borrow them. Let's do this!
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Introducing...Jonas Paul Jensen!
The name game is over and the name that has emerged victorious is the only one that we had not thought of prior to going to the hospital. We were somewhat caught off guard since Alice was scheduled for a c-section next Monday and even that was a week early, so we thought we had more time on the name. Well, he came early and has been Moby ever since. Ironically, the whole Moby joke is what got us thinking of Jonas because, in keeping with the whale theme, we had some friends mention "how about Jonah?" We actually liked it, and then when considering Jonas it just seemed right. After researching the name and discovering it's meaning is similar to Jonah (dove; gift from god) it also means the doer of God's will and accomplishing. We really liked that and Jonas officially made our list of several names. After narrowing it down to two similar names (not Jonah and Jonas), we sat on it and ended up feeling like Jonas should be it. It really felt like it was right for him and not so much just to please us, the parents. We both really liked the other name, and it was hard to let go of, but only because WE liked it and WE wanted it whereas we feel naming a child should be about doing what is right for them. Of course we know very little about new children, so we prayed a lot that the Lord would help us out because He, of course, knows all about that child--what he will accomplish in life, what talents he brought with him, his personality traits--and so we look at the naming of children as more discernment than choice, trying to discern what name the Lord feels is most appropriate for him rather than simply choose what sounds best. That said, however, it will still at least be a name the parents like because, well, if you don't like it then it won't make the initial list in the first place! So grab some names you like and then begin discerning! Anyways, what was the other name we wanted, you may be wondering. I'll tell you, but only over a steak dinner as payment for that information. I'll give you a hint, we could use the same nicknames with both (J.J. and Joey) which is why it was easy to switch from the first to Jonas. And as for the middle name, Paul, that is Alice's dad and likewise her brother's name and we've known pretty much for a long time that Paul would be the middle name.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Baby Moby is here!
"Call me...Ishmael." Yesterday, October 5, at 11:36 PM, our little white whale left his mother's womb and entered this earthly domain to begin his mortal sojourn. Weighing in at 8 lbs. 4 oz., he is a healthy little boy who can now begin to gain strength as he prepares for his date with destiny and a man named Ahab. Little Moby, as he is fondly being called, looks pretty much like Tommy did but even more like his daddy than Tommy. Though Tommy weighed in a full pound heavier than little Moby, why, you may be wondering, are we so affectionately calling our smaller of the two babies what we are. Well, the answer is simply--when Alice's water broke last night, we were watching Moby Dick on TV. Since we haven't chosen a name yet, I took that as a sign that we should name our boy Moby. All the nurses agreed that was a wonderful idea and so he is named....actually, they laughed in sheer surprise and audacity at such a comment...I mean, come on, naming your son after a white whale? They kindly suggested Ishmael, Ahab, or perhaps the (finally) normal sounding Richard. All were soundly vetoed. So here we are, left with an adorable little boy without a name. He sure is cute. Tommy absolutely adores him....his first visit today was a huge success. Tommy kept giving his new baby brother kisses, hugs, and petting his fuzzy head. Tommy also practiced his words by repeatedly reminding everyone in the room that his baby brother does indeed have eyes, ears, a nose, and a mouth, as well as indicating to all present where those features are located. I'll give more info later, but just know that for now everything went well, Alice is recovering great, and we welcome any visitors who wish to drop by--come by anytime!
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
First Friends!
Tommy's first good friend is our neighbor's boy, Simon. They've actually become pretty good friends over the past several months and they both know and remember each other quite well. I love going outside and seeing Tommy immediately run for their door, which he promptly begins knocking on, and repeating "Bimon, Bimon!" When they're not home, he'll still stay on their patio area and play and keep knocking on the door every few minutes. It makes me so excited to see Tommy get so happy to play with his friend. Alice and I truly believe that friends are part of the foundation to leading a fulfilling and happy life. Faith, family, friends, and freedom are the four primary keystones of our life. As such, I guess it simply makes me feel kind of good inside to know that blessings that come from those keystones are beginning to play a key role in Tommy's life, too. Seeing him play with Simon and the excitement he displays is a physical manifestation of what I hope is the internal development of a core character trait--the recognition that people outside of your immediate family can still bring you joy and even guidance. Good friends are truly a God send. Alice and I absolutely love our friends and seeing Tommy show his love for his first true friend has been very heartwarming and exciting.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Some Thoughts on Politics.....(hopefully more clear than politicians)
Having been inspired by my brother's recent post on the political situation of our nation, I'm going to offer some of my thoughts.
First off, I agree that the political situation in Washington has become dire...extremely dire. Our politicians have indeed become bogged down in selfishness and pandering to people with votes and money while trying to please every voting block possible by slipping ear marked projects through that squander our tax dollars on pointless programs that are never debated but simply slipped through on the back un-read pages of other more prominent bills. While I am optimistic about our great nation, I am pessimistic about the current situation in Washington....at least for the short term (5-10 years). The mess back there is much to big for any one politician to come sweeping in from Mt. Olympus as a god sent from heaven and suddenly throw a bolt of lightning and have everything be restored to peace and harmony. I don't ask for peace and harmony, that hasn't existed in the days of Washington ever. However, is it too much to ask for politicians that have respect for each other and agree to disagree? I'm sick of partisan politics that has sunk to the level of actually accusing others of being un-patriotic or not having the best intentions for this country at hand. I, for one, refuse to believe there's an entire party of politicians hell bent on ruining our great nation. A select few, perhaps, but none that I know of. What happened to actually acknowledging that our end goals are all the same, but we simply differ in how to achieve them?
As for the current candidates, this election has often been called one of choosing between the lesser of two evils. I agree somewhat to that comment in principal, but trying to be an optimist, I choose to rephrase that into choosing between who can do the most good and who is most in harmony with my political views. If you remove the exremities and leave just the core of Obama and McCain, I'm definitely a McCain man by virtue of the fact that I'm adamantly opposed to big government which I equate to intrusive, controlling, and beauracratic government. Not to mention a government that only serves to strengthen the freeloading population who believe that it's the government's responsibility to put their dinner on the table. While I believe government's should help people who can't help themselves, I do not believe they should cater to the habitually lazy and unmotivated. Figure out a program that does that and I'll buy you a free dinner (but only once). McCain was not my candidate of choice, but I certainly don't think Obama's a better politician because McCain admitted to not knowing how to send an email (as used in Obama's newest ad that came out today, claiming McCain is too old to bring change to Washington because he's simply out of touch).
As for thoughts on certain issues, here's a few:
Illegal Immigration: One of my #1 issues. Why? Because you solve this and a plethora of other problems suddenly become solved. I'm sick of paying skyrocketing insurance because illegals think a benefit of living in America is FREE health insurance. Hospitals are obligated to offer certain care to patients in need, and while I am not advocating not offering services to those in need (by ANY means), there needs to be accountability and fairness in paying for those services. Health care certainly has grave ailments because of the strain of illegals. The face of our education system is being completely changed. Fairness is blown out the window by those who believe that they can enjoy American benefits simply because God placed them next door while those who wish to legally enjoy American benefits go through a painstaking, drawn out process to legally become an American citizen. Having lived in Korea for 2 years, I know that their desire isn't any less than those in Mexico. Their necessity to come to America isn't any less, either. Let anyone who wishes to become a citizen line up and do it legally. And even then, once they get here, help them actually become a citizen by offering language assistance training so I'm not suddenly being issued a spanish driver's license. As for those who are here, I think it's totally asinine to advocate removing them in any way. Not only is it uncompassionate, it's unfeasible. I do, however, advocate a STRONG border enforcement including building a wall or whatever it takes to keep others from coming in. You've got to stop the flow before dealing with what's already in the tub.
TAXES: Has anyone out there heard of the FAIR TAX proposal that is currently before Congress? It abolishes the unconstitutional IRS as well as income taxes and replaces it with a consumption tax, allowing Americans to actually keep all they earn and only pay taxes when they choose to purchase a product. It is NOT a 23% or 30% tax increase as critics claim--that is ignorance of how it actually works or a blatant lie. I'll probably devote a whole post just to this pretty soon to offer more details. In the meantime, read more at fairtax.org
EDUCATION: I support the idea of school vouchers (at least the kind introduced in Utah last year and oddly defeated in such a conservative state). I do not believe the best education is a government controlled education. I believe parents should have a choice in what education their children receive, not being forced to use public education because they can't afford anything else. Competition breeds greatness, and I believe fair competition in the school system will breed better education. Let private schools become options for more families, not just the rich. I am a product of public education and believe it works in many cases. I hate it when people turn this into a "You support vouchers and thus are destroying public education" argument. My sister teaches in public schools and yes, they do much good and are filled with genuine teachers who care. Unfortunately, genuine teachers who care can only do so much when their hands are tied behind their backs by inadequate funding and government control over a system they have essentially monopolized for the poor and middle class in America.
NATIONAL SECURITY: Was I a proponent of the Iraq war? Yes. Did I come to that conclusion quickly, or simply becuause in Fall 2003 it was popular (at least for 73% of Americans)? No. I studied and even prayed for a while and came to genuinely believe it was best for the security of our country and others. I still support it. Yes, it could have been planned better. I do not advocate a blanket policy of pre-emptive strikes, but I do not advocate a policy of blanket defense which involves waiting to be hit and then fighting back. I believe America has a moral responsibility in the preservation of freedom and liberty, but the manner in which that is done should not give us the authority to walk willy-nilly into any country and depose its government. I agree with Regan on this issue, be strong and hope that is enough to deter others. Let them know we have the military and strength to basically blow them off the map if they mess with us. Peace through strength. Diplomacy first. Always wave your gun before shooting.
Yikes, this is longer than I thought, so I'll stop for now. More later!
First off, I agree that the political situation in Washington has become dire...extremely dire. Our politicians have indeed become bogged down in selfishness and pandering to people with votes and money while trying to please every voting block possible by slipping ear marked projects through that squander our tax dollars on pointless programs that are never debated but simply slipped through on the back un-read pages of other more prominent bills. While I am optimistic about our great nation, I am pessimistic about the current situation in Washington....at least for the short term (5-10 years). The mess back there is much to big for any one politician to come sweeping in from Mt. Olympus as a god sent from heaven and suddenly throw a bolt of lightning and have everything be restored to peace and harmony. I don't ask for peace and harmony, that hasn't existed in the days of Washington ever. However, is it too much to ask for politicians that have respect for each other and agree to disagree? I'm sick of partisan politics that has sunk to the level of actually accusing others of being un-patriotic or not having the best intentions for this country at hand. I, for one, refuse to believe there's an entire party of politicians hell bent on ruining our great nation. A select few, perhaps, but none that I know of. What happened to actually acknowledging that our end goals are all the same, but we simply differ in how to achieve them?
As for the current candidates, this election has often been called one of choosing between the lesser of two evils. I agree somewhat to that comment in principal, but trying to be an optimist, I choose to rephrase that into choosing between who can do the most good and who is most in harmony with my political views. If you remove the exremities and leave just the core of Obama and McCain, I'm definitely a McCain man by virtue of the fact that I'm adamantly opposed to big government which I equate to intrusive, controlling, and beauracratic government. Not to mention a government that only serves to strengthen the freeloading population who believe that it's the government's responsibility to put their dinner on the table. While I believe government's should help people who can't help themselves, I do not believe they should cater to the habitually lazy and unmotivated. Figure out a program that does that and I'll buy you a free dinner (but only once). McCain was not my candidate of choice, but I certainly don't think Obama's a better politician because McCain admitted to not knowing how to send an email (as used in Obama's newest ad that came out today, claiming McCain is too old to bring change to Washington because he's simply out of touch).
As for thoughts on certain issues, here's a few:
Illegal Immigration: One of my #1 issues. Why? Because you solve this and a plethora of other problems suddenly become solved. I'm sick of paying skyrocketing insurance because illegals think a benefit of living in America is FREE health insurance. Hospitals are obligated to offer certain care to patients in need, and while I am not advocating not offering services to those in need (by ANY means), there needs to be accountability and fairness in paying for those services. Health care certainly has grave ailments because of the strain of illegals. The face of our education system is being completely changed. Fairness is blown out the window by those who believe that they can enjoy American benefits simply because God placed them next door while those who wish to legally enjoy American benefits go through a painstaking, drawn out process to legally become an American citizen. Having lived in Korea for 2 years, I know that their desire isn't any less than those in Mexico. Their necessity to come to America isn't any less, either. Let anyone who wishes to become a citizen line up and do it legally. And even then, once they get here, help them actually become a citizen by offering language assistance training so I'm not suddenly being issued a spanish driver's license. As for those who are here, I think it's totally asinine to advocate removing them in any way. Not only is it uncompassionate, it's unfeasible. I do, however, advocate a STRONG border enforcement including building a wall or whatever it takes to keep others from coming in. You've got to stop the flow before dealing with what's already in the tub.
TAXES: Has anyone out there heard of the FAIR TAX proposal that is currently before Congress? It abolishes the unconstitutional IRS as well as income taxes and replaces it with a consumption tax, allowing Americans to actually keep all they earn and only pay taxes when they choose to purchase a product. It is NOT a 23% or 30% tax increase as critics claim--that is ignorance of how it actually works or a blatant lie. I'll probably devote a whole post just to this pretty soon to offer more details. In the meantime, read more at fairtax.org
EDUCATION: I support the idea of school vouchers (at least the kind introduced in Utah last year and oddly defeated in such a conservative state). I do not believe the best education is a government controlled education. I believe parents should have a choice in what education their children receive, not being forced to use public education because they can't afford anything else. Competition breeds greatness, and I believe fair competition in the school system will breed better education. Let private schools become options for more families, not just the rich. I am a product of public education and believe it works in many cases. I hate it when people turn this into a "You support vouchers and thus are destroying public education" argument. My sister teaches in public schools and yes, they do much good and are filled with genuine teachers who care. Unfortunately, genuine teachers who care can only do so much when their hands are tied behind their backs by inadequate funding and government control over a system they have essentially monopolized for the poor and middle class in America.
NATIONAL SECURITY: Was I a proponent of the Iraq war? Yes. Did I come to that conclusion quickly, or simply becuause in Fall 2003 it was popular (at least for 73% of Americans)? No. I studied and even prayed for a while and came to genuinely believe it was best for the security of our country and others. I still support it. Yes, it could have been planned better. I do not advocate a blanket policy of pre-emptive strikes, but I do not advocate a policy of blanket defense which involves waiting to be hit and then fighting back. I believe America has a moral responsibility in the preservation of freedom and liberty, but the manner in which that is done should not give us the authority to walk willy-nilly into any country and depose its government. I agree with Regan on this issue, be strong and hope that is enough to deter others. Let them know we have the military and strength to basically blow them off the map if they mess with us. Peace through strength. Diplomacy first. Always wave your gun before shooting.
Yikes, this is longer than I thought, so I'll stop for now. More later!
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