A Glorious Cause: The Return of The True Conservative

By:  Barry Secrest

Conservative Refocus

The Case for Capitalism III

 

As the Liberals, who have been in charge of our Government, drunkenly guzzle down the last few remaining drops of their debauched and radical “Statist binge,” I suppose we all now get to see who eats the worm.

The Mainstream Media’s disavowment of our “Non-Event” Tea Parties appears to have been “slightly off” in their faulty (as usual) analysis.

The predicted backlash against the extreme Left-Leaning Anti-Free Market policies of the current Administration and the Legislature is making itself starkly manifest within the current round of elections.  In addition, we have seen the sole remaining “Independent” American auto manufacturer, Ford Motor Company,  declare a profit this last quarter of nearly $1 Billion dollars. On the one hand, we have Big Government in command and control in true Fascist form (hey! Look the word up!) of (2) of the big (3) auto makers, and on the other hand, we have Ford Motor Company still in control of its own Free Market destiny.  Now, I need not point out which one of these, with regard to “The Case for Capitalism,” is sizzling along.  The Democrats, not surprisingly, seem dejected as a result– offering various “tepid excuses” as to why Government is failing and Private Industry is surpassing with regard to Obama’s “Union giveaways” of GM and Chrysler (which continue to struggle under “The Motor City Messiah’s” iron-fisted leadership).

Purple Rino Secret Agents ?

This week we have also seen a true Conservative candidate’s moral triumph over a “Republican in Name Only” or “Rino” after the race became heavily publicized as a result of former Sen. Fred Thompson and his politically astute wife Jeri Thompson–who had reported the events to Sean Hannity.  The Conservative Media, and later (of course) the Mainstream Media, then began focusing attention on the New York 23rd district race.  Rush Limbaugh, who is inarguably the most prolific Conservative Analyst/Newsfeed out there, in concert with Fox Network icons Hannity and Glenn Beck, then repeatedly weighed in on the facts surrounding  Independent Doug Hoffman (who is the actual  Conservative Republican candidate) who then figuratively took  Dede Scozzafava to the woodshed–this despite Scozzafava’s rather clueless backing by other heavyweight Conservative well-knowns.

Scozzafava is certainly entitled to her beliefs and positions as well as which party she identifies with–one must argue. However, the “automatic Conservative pass” that candidates have been afforded by (say so) in previous contests has most likely come to an end.  The core Conservative values that have been co-opted out of the Conservative identity are, many believe, what has actually led to the seeming confusion within the electoral recognition of Republicans. Not to mention the lack of  “objectively disinterested” vetting that our Media now leaves up to local political Bloggers unless the subject runs counter to Big Media’s wishes. Nevertheless–Republicans have been automatically assumed to be Conservatives despite all of the evidence to the contrary with regard to events of the past several years.  This might partially explain the heavy pummeling we Conservatives have taken in the election results of the last few cycles.

Scozzafava later, in an apparent “feces sling” at her Conservative supporters,  promptly endorsed the Democratic candidate running against Hoffman after she found herself a distant third in the polls and then dropped out of the running.   After a tight race, Hoffman predictably lost to the Democrat Bill Owens since the actual Republican vote was–at this point– hopelessly confused (to be nice).  There have been reports that Obama–in the latter part of these events–weighed into the mix and “ingratiated” an endorsement from Scozzafava in favor of the opposition Liberal candidate (The Spy Who Came in from The Cold…perhaps?)

Statist Gymnastics & Dante’s Inferno

In the Governor’s race in Virginia, the true Conservative, Bob McDowell, also has won against his Democratic opposition despite the “Messianic Rainmaker’s” insistent support of Creigh Deeds who seemed to be scrambling away from Obama’s endorsement as fast as he could (unfortunately for Deeds–the Prez was faster).  The entire Virginia ticket was dominatingly won by Conservatives from the top down.  New Jersey’s Governor’s race was also (amazingly) won by the Conservative there, Chris Christie; in addition, there were plenteous Conservative victories speckled profusely all throughout the political landscape as well.

Thus the Return of The True Conservative begins.

The Democrats, as with their opposites, always willing to parlay current elective victory into future abysmal defeat, have seen fit to install a seemingly anti-constitutional and “radical” left wing Triumvirate of President and House Speaker and Senate Majority Leader.  The Unholy Trinity of these three has essentially used the constitution as a trampoline, damnably bouncing up and down on the thing  as if trying to sunder the cloth of the venerated and celebrated document  in a seeming attempt to bring the entire assembly crashing down on itself.

As a result of a little talked of  ideological schizm within the Democratic Party, the “more Statesmen-like Democrats” or “Blue Dogs” have now found themselves heavily exposed, as if caught in a liberal blizzard without any visible means of staying warm enough to survive.  They can figuratively shake hands with the Devil, join up and thereby remove themselves from the harsh Democratic campaign defunding (the Left-Wing leaders are threatening) or they can huddle up together in the frigid party “exterior landscape” thereby avoiding the “hellishly hot and miserable Trio’s anti-constitutional pathos” in its radical demeanor, which only promises more of the same but the campaign funds will be there–less the votes of course (eenie-meenie-minie mo anyone?).

I think I might personally prefer to remain in the harsh exterior climate, gather lots of firewood and wait for the “Liberal Storm” to pass were I one of many of these “Ideological Democratic Party Orphans” (so how did you guys end up voting on your leadership again?)

Blizzards, Brevity, Trees & Bushes

The blizzard indicated above, however, was not limited to the elements.  A Paperwork Blizzard has meanwhile been artificially induced by our Democratic Congress in its ongoing battle against “pulp trees” when Pelosi came up with, yet again, a new House bill that was no less than 1,900 pages long.  Then Harry “The Lumberjack” Reid, not to be outdone, produced a 3 foot high 2,400 +page Healthscare bill (straight from Halloween to Christmas, eh Mr. Reid?). The only things missing are the bulbs and the twinkling lights (and We took care of that).

Incidentally, there are, on average, around 1,300 pages in the King James Version of the Christian Holy Bible ( just saying…)  If indeed brevity is the soul of wit then the  budget is not the only area where the Democrats are consistently deficient.

One can just imagine Greenpeace attacking our Legislative body for its obvious war on trees. Apparently this massive paper churning effort might be a part of the stimulus plan. Our Legislature, in its seeming attempt to protect the paper companies, has taken the bull by the horns and is single-handedly stimulating the paper producing industry by virtue of the constant downpour of new,  if not ill-fitting, bills coming out which must then be distributed to each member (so that they can then not read it). I should point out only that Obama will be very grumpy if he finds his White House Christmas tree delivered in the form of a massive cone of confetti since all of the other American paper trees have been shredded and pulped by Congress.   However, President Bush will most likely be blamed for this–also–on the strong evidence that he dislikes trees (since he is a Republican) and is, most obviously indeed a Bush…alas.

Media Finally loses Fascination with Navel?

The Mainstream Media, meanwhile continues in its state of semi-denial as indicated in an earlier article, but did pull together somewhat when confronted by the Administration’s attempts to stifle the First Amendment and oust Fox News from impending press conferences.   The New York Times, which most Conservatives love to hate (including this one) due to its extreme left-leaning agenda, pulled a surprise rabbit from its hat and stepped into the fray blocking the White House’s attempt at censure of Fox News.

Now, perhaps this was a self-interested move, but most of us Conservatives could only respond in wide-eyed, jaw-dropping wonder and confusion at this spectacle.  Can anyone actually imagine what might have happened had former President Bush tried to block and censure The New York Times?

The interesting part of all of this is that the Liberal Democrats, after installing changes within the system designed to make their policy leadership easier, have forgotten the one true constant within our American system.  Whatever the one dominating party instills within its time of leadership becomes the replacing party’s advantage.  This is not to mention the old axiom which states that “revenge is a dish best served cold.”  In this particular case, after having been constantly denied true input within these Democratic policy remake decisions– the Republicans have a freezer the size of the Arctic that they would like the Democrats to explore, and I expect that they have selected an appropriate expeditionary tour guide in the form of  Republican Sen. Olympia Snow (she should blend right in with the Democrats–as usual).

The Case For Capitalism & The Republic

Within this Three Part Series in “The Case for Capitalism,” we have taken a good look at our Capitalist system and how it’s being threatened by those who think they know better.   We have in Part One pointed out the extreme hypocrisy on exhibit by the Statist Liberals in their love-hate relationship with profit and their veiled threat against the Constitution.  In Part Two, we looked at the various government systems and how they compare in concert with the heated attacks on our liberties in the form of a forced passage of the Healthcare Bill, among other incursions.  In this, Part Three, we have seen the response of the American People in the form of reasserting their Conservatism–although we have much further to go.  I must point out that the election results of this week, in concert with, this, our Return of the Conservative title, was no accident in its playful and yet apt allusion to a very popular movie series. You see–I have a great and boldly enduring faith in both the will and the wisdom of the American People.

Many people come to me and they say –Hey — are those Liberal Democrats up there insane ?  Are they trying to get booted out of office?  Do they actually despise normal Americans?  It genuinely seems that way at times, but in retrospect,  I have often thought that the Liberals are, in actuality, the “OCDs” of the political world.   Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is for the most part a harmless condition  in which the “victim” is constantly trying to keep complete order of all the myriad and varied items within their immediate perusal.  I suppose we all have a touch of this, but there are more extreme cases–you know the ones, they sit down at a table in order to dine and you cannot help but notice them constantly striving to keep every knife and fork on the table –along with the napkins, bowls, etc., in perfect alignment and order down to the tassels on the place settings–in some extreme cases.  I will often find myself while in the presence of such a person, disheveling things on purpose just to watch,  in secret amusement, how they respond.  In some instances, it seems almost a relief for them to find something not in perfect alignment with its “fellows” in a given setting, and then be able to correct the item.  This seems to give them a sense of great satisfaction at having been able to place ” the universe” back into strict order.

And so it is with the Liberal Statists–Control is their singular goal, and they will seemingly stop at nothing to attain it, and yet the very thing that they grasp for–in the end–becomes, in essence, the very thing that they lose.  One cannot exercise control in one’s life when such control has been forever ceded to a higher and more dominant power.

“Those whom would sacrifice their Liberties in the interest of  security deserve neither and are doomed to lose both.”

~Benjamin Franklin

Mainstream Media’s Mythos: How Well Does U.S. Healthcare Quality Actually Compare?

By:  Barry Secrest

Conservative Refocus

With regard to the ongoing contentious battle over Healthcare and the efforts by the opposing political factions to either illegitimately control it or to allow “the remaining non-social” (natural marketplace forces) to determine the “authentic direction” of medicine’s flow–we thought it might prove interesting to look at a number of facts that seem to be missing in the debate.

On its own, the debut Conservative Refocus article ,”Mainstream Media’s Holographic Reality,” has generated a readership of nearly staggering proportions.  We have been amazed–not only by the interest generated but also by what the information covered in the article implies (which is in direct contradiction to both our Fearless Leaders in the Government and our Media–such as it is).

The initial report, as detailed below, shows how far ahead the US is with regard to Healthcare Quality in comparison to any other population of similar size:

 

 

Somewhat surprising, wouldn’t you say?  So it’s not as bad as one might have been led to believe by both the Government and the Mainstream Media; in fact, it is quite the opposite.  For our complete analysis, please click on the linked article above.

In addition to the facts we initially covered, there are a few other interesting data comparisons that the Socialist Eggheads just seem to “simply overlook”–most likely due to the fact that the truth tends to massively foul-up their arguments in support of government-controlled Healthcare.

The first element of our comparison should, of course, initially setup the scale in which we are observing all of the data.  So let’s look at what our total respective Healthcare Comparison Economies produce while we are all “still” Capitalists:

 

 

Wow!  Did you notice? It’s enough to make even the most ardent Capitalist blush with regard to those stunning comparative numbers.  But those US numbers appear to be dropping fast–just to be fair and to make all the Socialists and left-wingers feel better…(Gee…wonder why?)

Ok, so I know what you’re wondering, and here is the answer to your naturally competitive/inquisitive mind outside of the medical system comparison:

 

 

Wow, again!  When the Government and the Media keep insisting on how horrible our Country is and how we squander the world’s resources, they invariably seem to leave out just how productive “We the People”–living in our Free Market Economy–are and that we are producing a better-than-substantial proportion of the world’s economy.

Now, since that’s been settled, let’s look at how much we spend per person on our Healthcare coverage, as well as our per capita income:

 

 

It would seem that–with higher life expectancies and world best-of-class Healthcare–an individual’s costs within the higher paradigm of per capita income should logically be a bit higher since the individual is in control of their own Healthcare.  In addition, our system pays what could be considered a very comfortable living to some of the best and the brightest in the world, and by doing so attracts a great many doctors from all over the planet.  This can be attested to by the number of foreign doctors who have migrated to the US in order to seek a higher income and better lives.  You know,the fabulous doctors that we all run into in our daily lives who are still a bit sketchy on their command of the English language.  I expect–with the rationing which is involved with any Government healthplan–the number and quality of our doctors would most likely decline over time; this would also incur the byproduct of  “waiting periods” for necessary but non-emergency care.

Now, let’s look at total number of all Physicians and Healthcare Providers–including Dentistry–a valid inclusion (I should point out that Dental speaks to overall Healthcare quality far more than the Eggheads might suggest)–ask any Cardiologist:

 

 

Now these are simply staggering comparative numbers when you consider that we are comparing our many and varied available facilities and personnel to countries that have populations easily (3) or even (4) times the size of our population.  This particular comparison simply begs the question:  “Why does a competitive marketplace medical system absolutely dwarf socialized medical countries with regard to the available number of facilities and personnel?”  Once again: Government care must naturally involve rationing in order to control costs.

Next we look at the number of hospital beds per capita, because this speaks to patient availability within a given country:

 

 

Now there is one particular wildcard when one looks at the number of hospital beds, and it is in regard to Outpatient Surgery Centers.  The fact is simply that the US has progressed so far within the medical arts that doctors here can perform far fewer invasive surgical procedures, thereby far lessening the negative effects on patients.  Now a particular procedure in the US can be completed and the patient sent on their way in (3) hours–which when done 10 years ago might have required a three day bed stay.  Thus this would equate a need for far fewer hospital beds.

Outpatient Centers currently number approximately 5,000 spread throughout the US and are rapidly increasing as a measure to control costs as well as to serve patients more readily.  This type of center was started in the US back in the 70′s and is now catching on in other countries.  With Free Market principles in place, new types of treatments in the art of medicine continue to rapidly increase.  But with socialized medicine, we can say goodbye to rapid innovations–which are initially too costly and offer no profit incentive.

Finally, as we all can see, the US is like an oasis within a desert when compared to other countries that have socialized medicine.  Our quick study did not even look into the sterling cleanliness of most US facilites, nor did it look at treatment mortality rates–perhaps fodder for another in-depth look at the US’ medical system in comparison to others.

The Final Budgetary Solution (until thats gone too)?

One final point that I find interesting, if not perplexing, is the ratio differences when we compare the Canadian system with the US system.  Many have asked the question (including me) why are the Liberal Democrats and President so insistent on taking over the system aside from the obvious answers indicated in my previous work?  If one notices the total per capita income of the US as opposed to the total per capita income of Canada–and then subtracts the amount that we spend on OUR medical treatments–we find that the per capita income becomes nearly equal.  Then, when we look at the total amount the Canadian government spends on its citizens’ medical care, which is about half of what Americans spend, the possible answer to this question becomes clearer.

The total Canadian expenditure for Healthcare is approximately $3,000 per capita per year, as opposed to the United States, which spends approximately $6,000 per capita per year.  When one looks at the US’ total budgetary income for 2009 the total is $2.1 Trillion.  While the latest figures available show the total expenditure in the US for Healthcare is approximately $2.3 Trillion per year. If the US Government could hypothetically gain control over Healthcare and then essentially halve the amount that it pays on Healthcare–as in Canada–the Government then could have an extra $1 Trillion to put towards wealth redistribution and/or whatever else it desires, including shortfalls. This would assume that we would all be paying into the government essentially what we pay into our entire Healthcare system (and the like) currently.

In Benjamin Franklin’s day, as the Minister Plenipotentiary for the American Revolutionary Government, Franklin’s chief job was to facilitate diplomacy with regard to the French, but, in particular his focus was the procuring of loans from the French Government in order to finance America’s war effort against the British.  A fact that is often lost in the history books is simply that– without the French’s help–our independence may have never actually happened.  Historically speaking –D-day, then was in essence figurative payback.

Must Be Something in the Water Up There….

The problem–in our current context–was simply as follows:  Even in Franklin’s day, the Continental Congress of the existing body of states was so ravenous in its incessant spending that Franklin actually became embarrassed at his having to beg the French for more war funds on behalf of his country on a wearily continuous basis.  If not for his singular celebrity-like popularity with the French peoples, he might not have been able to obtain the funds at all.

On this basis, one must suppose, whatever is in the water of the Potomac has most obviously been there for at least 250 years, for Heaven’s sake.

Always follow the money…..especially when Congress is involved.  We are all aware of the studies that have come out indicating that the US pays far too much for its Healthcare.

Has anyone considered the possibility that perhaps all the other socialized medicine countries are paying too little?

 

*All statistics presented were gathered from The World Health Organization, Nationmaster.com, CIA Factbook, United Nations 2009 Census, and The CBO. Historical excerpts are from the book The Americanization of Benjamin Franklin.

The Fourth Estate: The Administration Broadsides Fox News & The Constitution

By:  Barry Secrest

Conservative Refocus

This week we have had the distinct displeasure of hearing the President coming out and attacking yet another US Industry–this one being –those dastardly “Vampirish” Health Insurance Carriers (no surprise there).  Why?  He claimed that they “used smoke and mirrors” in that they have the unmitigated gall to actually defend themselves from the repeated attacks of our Government, and in actuality, who can blame them?  However, attacking insurance companies was just the beginning.  (I wonder if smoke and mirrors were commonly used before teleprompters with regard to the President’s expert use of both?)

Mao Say Who?

The President’s staff came out in a full phalanx attack against the only one true remaining member of the Fourth Estate–Fox News–for “reporting the news with a certain perspective.”  That perspective being one that differs from the President’s,  which is  apparently  unacceptable, one might suppose.  It is indeed unfortunate that the President and his staff fail to place such diligent efforts on the war in Afghanistan or the malaise in the economy.  Also in the news, we have Presidential Staffer, Anita Dunn, announcing in a graduation ceremony that Mao Tse Tung was one of her favorite political philosophers.  In addition, we have Ron Bloom, who is the “Manufacturing Czar,” indicating that he agreed with Mao that “political power comes largely from the barrel of a gun.”   The former Premier of China being a mass murderer of more than anywhere from 34 million to 71 million people whom dissented with him.  Here at Conservative Refocus, We truly hope that this is not the future desire and imperative of these particular staffers; I can only speak for myself in particular.

The fact that the Prez has elected to surround himself with questionable ideologues from the extreme left should apparently give us no pause, though we have evidence of relationships that stream back beyond 20 years, which, in fact, seem to represent the principles of Marxist Russia rather than the US.  The mainstream media, that being nearly any outlet other than Fox News, chose not to vet these individuals within the President’s past–this despite their job, as members of the Fourth Estate, to report objectively any matter which weighs in on a certain newsworthy political event no matter what that event might be.  We are then summarily tasked (by our feckless leaders) as discerning members of society, to blink and wave off the obvious disparity between our sentiments and those of radical left wingers.

I Will Fight For the President’s Rights..But Will He Mine?

Please, don’t get me wrong.  This is, in truth, America, and I will fight for the President’s right to have an extreme viewpoint despite the fact that it flies in the face of my beliefs.  But the problem I see here is simply that neither the Press nor the President could, in actuality, be truthful about the views that Obama held in abeyance until such time as his position had been fully realized.  The President’s stance on any Capitalist tradition has been one of disdain at best.  He has played to the Unions and his members of Chicago’s Politico favorably; however, I have yet to see or hear him come out in praise and defense of the Constitution or any other mainstream AMERICAN tradition or set of beliefs–beyond the Trade Unions.

With the President’s repeated attack on virtually every major US industry– but now the Press itself, also– we must note a most disturbing trend unprecedented in Presidential history taking place.  This is, indeed, the most unpresidential President we have ever had.

The unassailable fact is that the President took an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States when he accepted his office.  The Constitution’s First Amendment states unambiguously that the Press shall have unencumbered freedom to report as it sees fit.  By attacking Fox News, the President has now imperiled the First Ammendment that he swore to uphold.  The other members of the “sycophantic Axis Press” continue to carry the Administration’s water, no doubt in a cloud of cowardice which must be nothing more nor less than “fear” at upsetting the “Messianic Magi,” in addition to their obvious approval of him with regard to their lack of true vetting during the campaign–which is the principle job of the Fourth Estate.

Ok…Cowards or Racists …Please Make up Your Minds

Actually the fact is that due to the artful architecture built within our system–the Prez has no more nor less rights than me or you or even perhaps the beloved Illegal Aliens that the Democrats seem to coddle at every opportunity–despite their being ILLEGAL.  Now, some might see that last remark as an attack on Hispanics when in fact it is a simple statement of truth with regard to the law of the land.  If a disproportionate sector of the populace finds a particular statement to be injurious to their current position then shall those of us who make the observations be harangued for enabling their culpability?  Or is it the old “Kill the Messenger” fall-back position?

We also have race being brought to the forefront of the news due to Rush Limbaugh’s ejection from his bid to be an owner in the NFL.  Attorney General Eric Holder, back in early 2009 described Americans as being “cowards” when it comes to discussing issues of race.  However, when any White person attempts to address race in an honest way within the media, he is both assailed and reviled and then automatically referred to as a racist.

Now, that being not enough, we also have Juan Williams, a Black Democrat who is a Contributor with Fox News, and who I greatly respect despite political differences, as being told to “go back to the porch” by Black Radio Jock, Warren Ballentine, who disagreed with Williams as it concerns  the racists label being applied to Limbaugh. Williams was defending a particular position of Limbaugh’s.  I actually felt bad for Williams due to the fact that–as a Black Commentator–if he is forced to take a view with respect to his conscience that most other Blacks might find disagreeable to their own “cultural view,” then he is denigrated and despised for thinking outside of –what is admittedly–the self-damaging  maelstrom of current Black culture.

Hormonal Racist Paperclips

The simple fact is that by the current party’s Demagogic and tireless use of the words racist and racism as being applied to anyone whom disagrees with the President (on the basis that he is Black) are, in essence, diluting the impact of the word to the point of inanity.  The word will soon take on the gravity of a paperclip in its constant misusage as a tool by the extreme left to discredit those whom disagree within the political process.  Indeed, we are not surprised.  It has been our experience in viewing the typical political stance of most Liberals as being simplistic and easily defeated by common sense without even a semblance of knowledgeable political “back support.”  Common sense is, however, not enough when dealing with the haphazard emotional histrionics of most Liberals when defeated by their own faulty logic.

We have seen what happens when an industry embraces the current government’s direction of attack.  When Bank Of America, one of the most recent beneficiaries of the Government’s unending gratitude, was strong-armed (during the financial melt-down) to complete its purchase of an ailing Merrill Lynch, the government then–after the fact–burned the bank at the stake for contractually living up to Merrill Lynch’s Employee Bonus Programs in a classic damned-if-you do-damned-if -you-don’t scenario.  The simple fact is, the bank had no choice–but that’s beside the point–I suppose.  Contracts be damned!  Merrill’s employees did not deserve the bonuses according to the government, so that’s it.  One has to wonder if the outcome would have been different had the previous administration been in charge (still).  As a result of all this, the Chairman of the Bank, Ken Lewis, recently resigned and then had his yearly pay unceremoniously cancelled–adding insult to injury, no doubt.

Of Clowns And Donkeys And Bears…Oh My!

The government has, in addition, cancelled a large portion of dealerships for both Chrysler and GM on the basis that there were too many dealerships.  Um… excuse us, but getting supply to customers is, easily, one of the basic foundations of marketing and product delivery.  The administration, in an apparent miasma of Capitalist confusion, was under the indistinct misimpression that too many dealerships would drive down the price of cars?  Hate to break it to you clowns, but we also have foreign dealerships as plentiful as fire ant hills in and about most areas of the US, so guess what Brainiacs ?

This is our new government in full “Capitalist Kicking” mode.  The signal that this sends to US Industry and Business promises to keep the Stock Market in a semblance of shock for some time to come–ergo–the recent disposition of virtually every economic indicator and analyst that we are living in a Bear Economy (or should that be bare?) for some time to come.

When next you open your 401-K statement or your Social Security check or even your unemployment check, why not then contact your local Congressperson and Senator, and ask them what it is that they are doing to help you?  The highly touted stimulus IS NOT WORKING.  The stimulus needs to be repealed and a true second stimulus in the form of temporary tax relaxations across the board–including a temporary cessation of FICA– will easily catch this economy on fire and into surge mode.  Will they do it? doubtful (yet again).  The Liberals are nothing if not predictable and require the mountains of pork for their pet projects–the populace be damned.

The largesse of Corporate America and Small Business and Individuals is what supplies jobs and government funds as a result of fair taxation.  It is certainly not the treasury of the government.  Now, if we can just get Obama and the Democrats in the legislature to understand this before it’s too late….but would it, in truth, matter to them?

“Experience has shown that even under the best forms of Government, those entrusted with power have over time and by slow operations, perverted it into Tyranny”

~Thomas Jefferson

Part Two: The Case for Capitalism: Attack of the Authoritarians

By:  Barry Secrest

Conservative Refocus

It's Alive!  The Stein - Pelosi Healthcare Monster

As we all meander about in our lives within the crispness of autumn, we find that we are perpetually transfixed by the massive government focus on our healthcare system while our economy continues to tank. Many are still asking: “Why is healthcare almost exclusively at the center of the legislators’ attention while we have more pressing problems to deal with?”

This both preceding, and also coming upon the heels of, yet ANOTHER wondrous and awe-inspiring event where the President “magically” received a Nobel Peace Prize based upon what he is “fixing-to-do,” which is a “Nobel first” as far as we can tell.

My young son was all for this novel reward plan with regard to his grades, based upon the premise that he has every intent to make straight A’s, therefore they should be granted on this self-same basis.

At any rate, I wonder if perhaps this is a “giveback” by the Nordic Peoples for their failure to grant the Olympics to the President.

In addition to all of this, we now have the Senate dubiously approving the “idea of a bill” for the go-ahead to a new round of legislative healthcare meddling, rather than an “actual” bill.

October 31st Just Can’t Come Fast Enough…..

The “Mad Scientist Senator,” Harry Reid, in keeping with the Legislative Halloween Theme (The Case for Capitalism: The Statist Menace) has devised a nefarious scheme in which the current construct–having been accepted and which will go to committee–will be enjoined by the Houses’ several miscreant healthcare ideas and then coupled to the TARP legislation–additional funding which will all be then voted upon. In other words, the current plan (America’s Healthy Future Act of 2009) as devised will involve hobbling together a bunch of mismatched parts and pieces and then stealthily sewed all together for the ultimate outcome, which will be government controlled healthcare,( i.e.: the current legislative body’s equivalent of a Frankenstein’s Monster). The jolt from the ensuing vote will then bring the Beast to life, and we shall all then quake at the power and wonderful ugliness of this artificial monster! All the while, there’s Harry Reid–standing back, howling and cackling: “It’s alive!! It’s alive!!! In the name of Obama, We Have Done It!! It’s alive” (Note: Perhaps Reid needs to read the rest of the story. Just saying…)

Going back to this question of “why is healthcare so important all of a sudden?”—the answer seems simple enough to anyone whom has studied the Constitution in an historical context. Once again, this is a power-grab by the democratically controlled Government that would be key in centralizing power and authority by the liberty-eviscerating Authoritarians, because “they know better than the founders” (naturally).

The current healthcare system, for the most part, is privately owned and is, therefore, a “property” belonging to the civil society or peoples of the United States. Private property rights are the keystone in a Democratic Republic, and this will be the first “major” incursion of (already) many into that domain. Once there, the ability to control lives by the government will be dramatically magnified in the interests of “cost savings” (among many others). A recent report from John Stossel outlined what the United States can expect, were She to adopt a healthcare plan predicated on the former and existing legislative attempts at passage of this Bill.

Profit Is the Lubricating OIL of Any Venture and Any Healthy Economy

Waiting periods that are currently non-existent will become commonplace the longer the system is in place, along with the eventual shortage of facilities and physicians, which always accompanies this “Socialization” of medical care. Both the President’s and the democratic Legislators’ rationale for this incursion seems to always fall back on attacking “profit.” The Authoritarians define profit as something dirty, which, they think, should never enter into our healthcare system; however, the true definition is something any human being would recognize. Profit is defined as “the making of gain in Business” and comes from the Latin word “to make progress.” So, if we fall back on the true definition–and do a little sewing job of our own—it is apparent that the Democrats simply do not wish to make progress within Healthcare–based on their actions–which negate the making of progress [or profit] in Healthcare.

The Stossel report clearly shows why profit is such an important component within this venture. Speaking to profit as it applies to individuals, anything left over after we pay off all our bills is profit. We take vacations and go out to eat, etc.–on our own profit. (Liberal Democrats love profit only to the extent that it is their own.)

Profit speaks to improvement of lives.

In the Healthcare business, profit speaks to finding new cures and new treatments, in addition to the wealth that sometimes comes with such ventures. The Authoritarians wish to remove this component from our Healthcare. They blame their counterpart detractors as having “no plan.” Well, I should point out that this whole charade of effecting legislation that will emasculate our current world-class Healthcare system deserves nothing but derision and rejection and should be laughed out of Washington at the first opportunity.

How Can We Fix the Existing Problems within Healthcare?

There are a number of problems which exist outside of the government’s purview, simply because it has not yet endeavored to deal with those whom are making a decent income but cannot obtain insurance for various health reasons. There is already a model government insurance plan in place under Property and Casualty Insurance Coverage that could be emulated on the health insurance side as a government funded (but still private insurance) outlet that could remedy this problem without costing $900 billion–in addition to raising health insurance and various other taxes and ruining the best system in the world. The Government Flood Insurance Program is that model.

By allowing the existing 1700 private health insurers (Yeah, that many! Bet lots of ya’ didn’t know that!) to underwrite the health plans based upon existing popular models (that could only be gotten by those whom have been turned down by traditional carriers) the government could remedy this problem while not breaking all of our banks. The individuals would still have to pay for their coverage, but the pricing would be based on existing rate-established models. This would involve extra cost to be funded by tax payers, but anything would be better than the Authoritarians’ power-grab. Many of the people currently reading this column know exactly what I am referring to and can attest to the effectiveness of their flood insurance coverage–especially those in the Midwest. Many ask, why does the government need to be involved in the issue of flood or Healthcare insurance? Well, the answer when boiled down is this: “Adverse Selection.”

This basically means that only the people whom actually need flood insurance will buy it. This adverse selection creates a rating disparity and would cause many private insurers to simply go out of business because a disproportionate number of folks with ailments/flood problems will always need the coverage. This same problem also would apply to health insurance. The premise of insurance coverage is always based on the spreading out of risks throughout as large a number of individuals as possible.

Doubtful Happenings and the Real Target

The above idea could be put into play quite easily with the help of our insurance carriers, whom wish to remain in business rather than being replaced by government bureaucrats (such greedy guys!). But is this going to happen? Doubtful, because this would endanger the seizure of additional power by those already IN power (though always ignorant of how these rules would be applied to them if they undergo an ejection from their post within their seemingly Socialist leaning Construct). They would have us drop a proven and beneficial system to all in order to take up a system that has been shown to fail time after time. I believe Congressman Thaddeus McCotter (R-MI-11) said it best: “As a progressive party, Democrats will bring you change by using government to enhance revenues from the rich to invest in the production of energy and green collar jobs, and by using diplomacy to engage America’s enemies and end the Iraq War.”

Translation: “As a regressive party, Democrats will bring you the 1970s by using Socialism to raise taxes from you to waste in the production of lethargy and unemployment, and by using magic to appease America’s enemies and lose the Iraq War.”

As we can all see–the Democrats are doing a MARVELOUS job with the economy so far.

Since When did Free Market Capitalism (which is the engine along with our Individual Liberties) that powered the United States into a Super-Economic Powerhouse (the likes of which the world has never seen) become an Illness that needs to be corrected, I ask once again? Socialism and socialist leaning policies have been gaining ground, most likely from within our liberal education system and from, apparently, too much luxury for some.

Define It and the Truth Shall Set You Free!

According to the World Heritage dictionary -our form of government and economic system is not a virus in need of eradication nor is it a disease which one must continually live in misery with.( This may amaze some of you Liberals out there while you sip your latte’s). Please see the below definitions to verify with your own eyes:

cap·i·tal·ism (kâp’ĭ-tl-ĭz’əm)

n. An economic system in which the means of production and distribution are privately or corporately owned and development is proportionate to the accumulation and reinvestment of profits gained in a free market.

Capitalism allows the free flow of market forces to supply needs to all consumers at all times and is a natural counterpart to a Democratic Republic in that any controls which are in place are there to regulate and mitigate excess rather than interfere in the natural order. Now let’s look at Socialism:

So·cial·ism (sô’shə-lĭz’əm)

n. 1. Any of various theories or systems of social organization in which the means of producing and distributing goods is owned collectively or by a centralized government that often plans and controls the economy. 2.The stage in Marxist-Leninist theory intermediate between capitalism and communism, in which collective ownership of the economy under the dictatorship of the proletariat has not yet been successfully achieved.

Hmm…did you all catch the second part of the Socialism definition? Socialism –according to The American Heritage Dictionary is, in essence, a means to Marxism. While we are at it-since socialism seems to lead to Marxism let’s just check Marxism out also:

Marx·ism (märk’sĭz’əm)

n. The political and economic philosophy of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels in which the concept of class struggle plays a central role in understanding society’s allegedly inevitable development from bourgeois oppression under capitalism to a socialist and ultimately classless society.

Class struggle? No just money struggles for us all, right now!

Wonder, if out of each of these definitions, anyone may have noticed where the word “FREE” was deposited? Freedom is in no way associated with either Socialism or Marxism. I would be remiss if I did not throw in the most important definition: (I wonder if perhaps Marx or Engels had anything on Jefferson and Washington by way of either Grey Matter or character?) Now, our “current” form of Government defined:

Re·pub·lic (rĭ-pŭb’lĭk)

n. 1. A political order whose head of state is not a monarch and in modern times is usually a president.A nation that has such a political order.A political order in which the supreme power lies in a body of citizens who are entitled to vote for officers and representatives responsible to them.A nation that has such a political order.

2. A political order in which the supreme power lies in a body of citizens who are entitled to vote for officers and representatives responsible to them.A nation that has such a political order.

3. Often Republic, a specific republican government of a nation: the Fourth Republic of France, an autonomous or partially autonomous political and territorial unit belonging to a sovereign federation, a group of people working as equals in the same sphere or field: the republic of letters.

Here one can see, at a glance, the differences between the three systems. I would ask: Which one of these would you prefer?

In 1787, as Benjamin Franklin was departing the historic convention that determined the course of the Nation, a woman asked him, “Do we have a monarchy or a democracy?” He replied, “A Republic, if you can keep it.” Prophetic words, those.

The Authoritarians Dual Attack on Form of Government and Form of Economic System

The assaults on our form of government in the form of bank takeovers, student loan programs, mortgage lending, two of the top three US based vehicle manufacturers, and now the effort at Government Healthcare (among a host of many other items) should leave only the most grandest of imbecilic idiots to wonder if their freedoms are being endangered. In our history these events are unprecedented. It is also a fact that virtually every fascist, dictator, emperor and what not were left-leaning Authoritarians or, in other words, Democrats on steroids (think Barney Frank as the Incredible Hulk) and you will be on the right path to understanding my point. No right-leaning Republican has ever grabbed for Authoritarian power because the Repubs are “individuals rights junkies.”

Normally, within a political period, issues are brought forth and corrected–sometimes big, sometimes small. But in this case never have we had so many political issues over so many ranges brought forth and thrust into votes where the American people would be sorely, if not harmfully affected and forced to endure changes that they neither need nor want. This is how one can tell that his normal government of the past has been starkly altered into something invasive and overbearing — something that does not allow change to occur through means that are positive but rather by forcing the changes upon the people. If change is attained in this manner it is not for the sake of democracy but rather something…else.

We have seen American flags being altered with Obama’s image, we have the president indirectly involved in a name list for dissenters, we have the Prez involved in actuating change through his office and in support of his programs; we have a Prez that disavows funding of ACORN during and after making them a huge part of his campaign; we have a Prez that gets the final votes on a Nobel 14 days after entering office–he was barely in the White House for Heavens sake……on and on and on. All of this seems to be in the interest of furthering the Presidents’ now waning popularity.

We Can Beat ‘Em with One Arm Tied Behind Our Backs(Uh…….Maybe?)

In addition to all of this we have a Commander in Chief that seems to be sorely at odds with his Generals in the Afghanistan Campaign to wipe out Terrorist strongholds. The problem being, to use an apt analogy, the Prez seems to want to conduct the war with a force that is inadequate to the task. Since war is a contest decided by two teams or opposing forces, we can draw an analogy for the president that he should easily be able to identify with – since he’s a big sports fan.

Take basketball or even football for instance–or any team sport. In the big play, most often the other team will always score when a defender is out of place or has been misassigned or there are too few men on the field. Further this type of mistake is one in which the opposing team will nearly always capitalize upon (it ain’t rocket science). This often happens due to poor coaching (hint-hint) or poor preparation; however, in this case, we have a president whom is publicly agonizing over making a decision which finally proved historically instrumental approximately 18 months ago–that decision being–the troop surge in Iraq which decided the victory of Iraq over its insurgency problem.

If the president does not wish to utilize a large portion of the forces which should be and are departing IRAQ and get a sufficient number into Afghanistan, then he should simply pull all of our men off the field before they are overcome and decimated by the enemy. We, the American People, will then be able to aid our brave troops by fighting along side them on our Homeground where the enemy will most likely end up once again—and make no mistake, he will try at some point. You may scoff at that—perhaps–but had any one of us ever assumed that we would be attacked by our own fleet of civilian aircraft as on 9/11?

One should finally take note–enumerable powers being granted to the government can be likened to a Beast whose growth knows no limitation beyond what it is being fed. The more sustenance the creature is given the larger and more demanding of such morsels the Beast becomes. Before long, the Beast desires to take his own food rather than wait for the generosity of his master in that he will now become the master and the former master now becomes the supplicant. This is the form of government that the Authoritarian or Statist Democrats seem to find most appealing.

And Atlas shrugged……

*Authors note: The next and final segment–Part Three:  The Case for Capitalism–will look at how economies of various governmental systems compare and offer closing analogies and arguments.

The Dynamic Duo Rides Again: Rebutting Liberal Columnists in Defense of The Constitution

By:  Barry Secrest

Conservative Refocus

The liberal Dynamic Duo of Nick Kristof and Paul Krugman ride off on yet another liberty-busting adventure against their longtime archrival, the powerful yet vulnerable Bill of Rights.

Here we go again.

I read with interest (2) Liberal Opinion articles that appeared within the Charlotte Observer (“The Politics of Spite” and “Dad’s Life or Yours: Insurance Access Forces Choice”) on October the 6th which were brimming over with Statist Dementia. *To be fair, I will remind all that the Observer edits a great deal (to save paper since pine trees are so scarce in NC?), so our links should be your source if you should wish to read the articles referenced here.

Apparently, The New York Times has dusted off their Liberal Heavyweights in Krugman and Kristof (sounds like a Barnum and Bailey circus act) and fired them yet again towards Rush Limbaugh (and anyone else on the right) in addition to any sort of private industry (other than the leftist media) that is not in lock-step with their outdated and Titanically left-leaning agenda.

This dynamic duo has come out in a dual pronged attack against anyone who dares question the President and anyone who dares question Universal (Imperialist) Healthcare.

Thou Shalt not Criticize the President

Krugman, clearly smarting because those big, mean constitutional bullies actually had the gall to laugh at the “Messianic Monolith” in his failed attempt to secure the Olympics for his home team of Chicago. Kristof, in his column, calls our health insurance system dysfunctional and drags out several truly unfortunate individuals–one who has–and then another who may have–a genetic disorder that imperils the continuance of their own respective insurance. The column then points up how things would be so much better if the government were in charge so that this sort of thing can no longer happen. While at the same time today, a report was released that clearly indicates that one of the largest US Government run healthcare systems has a “denial of claims rate” that is twice that of ANY PRIVATE INSURER (“Report Card”). So Nick, where does one go when the government says NO?

Then, Krugman states (under one of many of his illusions) that “the modern conservative movement dominates the Republican Party” and ”has the emotional maturity of a bratty 13 year old.” This from the guy who still throws staplers at the wall in a rage because President Reagan got elected back in 1980. He then goes on to call the celebration of America losing the Olympics “puerile,” but never mind Krugman’s “constant whining” about the war on Terrorism and the war in Iraq over the past number of years, while our brave and determined (and at this point demoralized) soldiers are making huge sacrifices in the interest of liberty. So let me see if I have this straight, it’s “Bad-Bad Boys” to poke fun at the President’s arrogance in what are ultimately just ” games ” – but  THEN the war that can and does decide the safety and lives of Americans everywhere is free game and should be denigrated and lambasted at every opportunity (until it becomes the Democrats’ responsibility)?

Just Tear It Down and Start Over-Government Is Always Better

Meanwhile, Kristof points up the legislation that is the “Genetic Information Nondiscrimination act of 2008,” that actually passed in order to correct this looming problem, and even states that it should eventually help this (admittedly valid problem), but then also states that insurance companies will still be able to discriminate against people who show symptoms…Huh?

Not according to Rep. Sue Myrick who just put forth a bill to finally close this vexing problem (source) that they are likely to never pass. I will agree with Kristof that these problems should have been tackled some time ago (and have in some areas), but I find it interesting that rather than our Congress taking steps to close up these problematic issues long ago, they seem to have left the way open for their final solution. Our health care system has been lauded all over the planet as the absolute best in the world. The Statist Democrats–as represented by their actions of the past–would prefer to abolish the current system and remake it into something “better.” This is akin to taking the largest and finest mansion on the planet (think Al Gore’s home) and demolishing it simply because the plumbing leaks and the shingles are getting a little old for Heaven’s sake.

Semantically Harmful to the Cause

Back over to Krugman, who is now at the point where he acknowledges ideological differences within the parties but then states the Republicans (laughably) have shown no consistency. Sorry there Paul but the Republicans along with the American people have been very consistent. Let’s see, what was it? Oh! …NO_NO_NO_NO_NO.

I must point out, that does seem  invariably consistent, Sir -unless you view everything through the jaundiced eye of a Statist Liberal who believes that anything the private enterprise can do would better done by the government, despite all the mountains of evidence to the contrary. Then Krugman endeavors to sound like the authority on Medicare and states that the Republicans are basing their resistance on lies about death panels and such. Okay, I understand his argument. He wishes to call them ”End of Life Counselors” and the Republicans wish to call them “Death Panels.” I suppose this is just an issue of semantics, but I wonder if, like Congressman John Conyer, Mr. Krugman has actually read any of these Draconian bills? (Probably just taking the Democrats’ word for it yet again) Unless, of course, Big Brother is a Republican–then—Katie, bar the door!

But Where Will the Canadians Go Now?

Back over to Kristof, now–who actually has the unmitigated gall to call out ”members of Congress who oppose the plan (meaning Republicans) due to the fact that–get this–”they have first-rate healthcare [umm...it's a private plan, so no argument there] and so perhaps don’t appreciate how their posturing forces people into impossible situations.”  Ok, impossible situations? Do you mean like the one under Democrat Senator Max Baucus’s initial plan that would force individuals to buy health care, and if they don’t, they will pay a huge fine, and if they can’t afford the fine they will be incarcerated and imprisoned? Now that is a truly impossible situation, Sir! But being the Authoritarian Apologist that he is, I can understand Kristof’s precarious position. Kristof then ends his column (thankfully) with a final comment that hopes that “the Legislators find it in their hearts to overhaul an existing insurance system that is the disgrace of the industrialized world. Yes sir, this is why a bunch of folks up in Canada are now vying for legislation that will allow them to outsource procedures (that cannot be done in time by the government run system) to private providers within the US where there is no waiting period and therefore no immediate death sentence (source). This is due to deathly waiting periods of up to 24 months and even longer (if ever) because of a shortage of the self-same necessary providers and -always -”the costs involved.”

Krugman Still Argues with the Shadows of the Past

Back to Krugman, who now lambasts Newt Gingrich–reaching all the way, way back into the 1990′s (can’t you get any fresh material dude?) for trying to cut Medicare benefits while, ironically, the various Democratic bills in play plan to slash Medicare spending by 30%, not to mention the suspended COLA increases for our Seniors.

Then, laughably, he speaks to the President’s plan to reduce Medicare expenditures when the only way to do that is to deny services and procedures or “ration” the care. He then, even more hilariously, describes the Republican Party ever since Reagan (yet again) of being full of apparatchiks–thanks new word–and being dominated by radicals and ideologues that do not accept anyone else’s right to govern. Mr. Krugman, Sir, in your world, Thomas Jefferson and every one of the Founders would be considered rabid right-wingers. I would point out only that there is a huge, gaping difference between Democratic governance and Fascism.

Hey!  Let go of My Club!

Finally, Krugman goes after Rush Limbaugh–one more time–and accuses him of suggesting that Hillary Clinton was a party to murder. Rush does tend to have a very sarcastic sense of humor that could be misinterpreted, but as a good friend of mine always says “sarcasm is what separates us from the other primates,” so it does not surprise me that Krugman would throw that one out there. Fascinatingly, one must again notice that Krugman seems to have a chip on his shoulder about events that have happened long, long ago and have no real bearing on current happenings. In addition, I am rather cautiously concerned that Krugman might actually leap frog back all the way into the Republican Lincoln’s Day and vilify the Emancipation Proclamation while he’s about it. At any rate, Krugman now accuses the Republicans of “seizing any club at hand with which to beat the current administration,” which–I must point out–is precisely what Krugman has been doing all of these years before the Statists took over. I know that Mr. Krugman has won a Nobel Prize for his “overflowing body” of Statist economic propaganda; however, I should point out that I, too, have a rather formidable cadre of awards.

Just to name a few, I was a proud recipient of a really cool basketball trophy when I was in the fourth grade (admittedly we only won 2 of 5 games), but in addition I was awarded one of the highest honors that can be bestowed in North Carolina. I won a 10lb. frozen turkey in the Chadbourne NC Local Turkey Shoot when I was in the 7th grade! Such was my popularity that I was a able to trade the very tightly choked, but highly lauded, 4 by 10 gauge shotgun for a really snazzy 20 gauge double barrel. (Oh, and I won the NC Leadership Award in the year 2000–probably along with 770 others).

So take that, Mr. Nobel Prize Winning Liberal! Would you like fries with that, Sir?

*Authors Note:  Next Week, The Case for Capitalism Part II- where we delve into political histories and   look at various governmental systems in play.

The Case for Capitalism: The Statist Menace

By:  Barry Secrest

Conservative Refocus

The United States as Seen from Space at Night

The President has–in yet another example of his disdain for victory with regard to anything beyond his personal ambitions–failed rather miserably in his attempt to gain the 2016 Olympics for his political and business “Associates” in Chicago. The President had a truly compelling and original argument that those at the IOC had, no doubt, never heard before: “There is nothing I would like more than to step just a few blocks from my family’s home with Michelle and our two girls and welcome the world back into our neighborhood.” One supposes this might be the Mother of all “Multi-Billion Dollar International Emotional Business Deal Appeals.” The Mainstream Media reacted to the first round elimination of Chicago predictably–that being hysterically.

One particular CNN (Rubber Boat) Anchor blubbered in disbelief to such a degree that viewers, one must imagine, waited for him to let out a staccato, ululating wail of grief –then melt to the floor (after the cameras cut away) in a despaired and breathless effeminate faint of disbelief (and he was their Iron Man).

Can this “Messianic Misanthrope” actually accomplish anything which is TRULY good for his country for Heaven’s sake? Mr. President…one should point out that the Chief Executive’s traditional homage to his “Domestic Town of Origin” (to replace birthplace) normally comes after the term in office has concluded and is typically in the form of a Presidential Library….not an Olympic Village ….Good Grief!

Capitalism under Attack (or is it just Halloween?)

The valid concern of virtually anyone (whose head is not firmly supplanted up his posterior) is that it would appear that Capitalism and our Free Market System have come under Extreme Attack since the advent of the newly elected Obama Administration and the unwieldy and democratically haphazard leadership of Speaker Pelosi and Harry Reid. The Senate, which has been described as the “cooling saucer” for the “hot teacup” that is the House, has been “barely functioning” in that the new Health Bill, which was recently introduced by Max Baucus, has so many laughable (yet eerily spooky) provisions in it -that one might think that it has been designed to commemorate the upcoming Halloween season. Reid recently also indicated that they would, yet again, try to brute-force the measure through in true “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” form (in keeping it seasonally thematic…oh and don’t forget the Yes We Can campaign theme played backward…eeeww…Goosebumps!)

One thing the Legislative folk need to bear in mind in their upcoming Healthcare deliberations this week: You will vote your conscience and The People will then vote theirs. THE PEOPLE can repeal what you pass (and you yourselves) within the elected post that you occupy. You have temporary power but THE PEOPLE have the ultimate power and their memories will be as sound as Deep Blues.

Having said that, We all find this “so really cool and exciting” that our “New Government” cares so much for its Citizenry it’s even merrily willing to scare the bejesus out of “most” of us with these Free-Market /Liberty eviscerating provisions just to get us all in the mood for All-Hallows Day. What next? Haunted “ScarroWhite House” or “House and Senate Chamber of Horrors?” (Oh…wait…forget Christmas…..now we have Legislative Halloween all year!)

Granted it was indeed an early Christmas for the Democrats and their interwoven pet lobbyists with the “Stimulus Bill,’” and its Santa’s bag full of economically useless “shovel ready” projects. But what many did not realize was that the “shovel ready” referred more to what one might find on the floor of a stable rather than a true economic shock treatment for US industry.

This attack on capitalism has come on the heels of what the Presidential Chief of Staff has referred to as “A crisis to be taken advantage of” (he was referring to the economic meltdown). Well, at least HE got something useful out of it -one might suppose. Former Fed Chairman Greenspan has also come out with a rather dour outlook on the US economy in 2010, while the Media has just reported that unemployment claims have gone up this past month of September. This is beginning to become a recurring theme under our Statist controlled government. The Statist portion of the Democrats seem to be operating under the underachieving premise that even if they actually accomplish something that is mildly good for the economy, the populace (still waiting) will look upon the “comparatively pathetic” feat as a crowning achievement in legislative jurisprudence. The truly “sarcasm inducing” explanation that they habitually tout being “this administration has increased jobs by 2-3 million (while actually losing 3-4 million jobs) is simply propagandistic hyperbole.

This particular rationale could only make logical sense to a brain-addled maniac; however, the White House Press Secretary has a way of explaining it that leaves everyone in the press room feeling all schmaltzy since they now understand it (for a few minutes at least.). But then when the few inquiring minds that we have left in journalism start asking the tangential questions, the Administration’s economic plausibility factor falls in on itself like a house of cards.

Why is the Economy Continuing to Sputter?

With Regard to this ongoing Capitalism Attack, one of the reasons this recession has been so long and so deep is due simply to the “imputed future” government philosophy of the current Congress and Administration to investors and business executives. Historically, the lows that we descend to (in our economy) during difficult times are accompanied by a corresponding high not too far later on. However, in this case we seem to be sputtering along lethargically while being criticized for our over-spending and anti-capitalist rhetoric/policy efforts from, amazingly, Socialist-Communist US Trading Countries for Pete’s sake! (And who can blame them?) The world economy is invested in the economic powerhouse that is the US. (As we go, so go they.) But does anyone not find it absurd that the world’s shining example of “Free Market Economics” seems to be altering course into more of a regressive socialist path?

This path of alteration has given virtually every business executive and investor in the US and abroad a severe case of the jitters–which translates into an economy that seems stuck in the mud. The drivers of the economy keep spinning the threadbare wheels in a vain effort to get the consarned thing out of the mud and moving again (the Chinese, by the way, are getting tired of pushing). But this is probably why the numbers coming out are so mixed. When the “economic vehicle” is stuck, one engages and disengages the wheels in a rocking effort. These mixed results coming out seem to equate quite aptly with the back and forth rocking effect. Were the administration to actually utter something even vaguely promising to the business world, I expect our mud-marooned economy would quickly lurch back into motion.

All the while, both predominantly Democratic (branches) of our government and much of the “Celebrity Illuminati” have been decrying the terrible Illness that is capitalism at every possible opportunity while hypocritically raking in cash and wealth at a gleeful pace.

Cause de Célèbre

WE ALL KNOW what celebrities earn, while many, if not most, decry the profits of corporate executives and insurance companies–not to leave out energy companies–while we all must choke down the costs of theaters, concert tickets and over-priced music CDs and videos, since it is purely a diversion and not truly needed for quality of life. If this is, indeed, the case then why does the government support and endow ventures such as the National Endowment for the Arts and various other “non-profit” organizations as numerous as the stars in the nighttime North Carolina sky?

We are offered disparate arguments in this regard, but can you just imagine the howls of protests from Hollywood, the non-stop commercials and Dixie “Chicken ” regalements that we would have to endure were the government to reach into the celebrities’ pockets the way they have auto dealerships and manufacturers and many other industries too numerous to mention? We would not submit that the entertainers’ or athletes’ salaries are too high, despite the temptation, simply because as an avid free market participant, I understand that one individual’s too high is another’s too low and that it is all very subjective and relativistic to the point that only a Messiah could figure it all out and make it fair (not!).

Michael Moore who is valued at a net worth in excess of $50 million would be the Chief Co-Conspirator of all the celebs–releasing a movie that decries and despises Capitalism as a scourge to the world while suckling from one of Capitalism’s grandest teats which would be akin to strangling the mother with one hand while consuming her nourishment with the other. Yet none of the imbeciles who will worship/view this movie will see the wretched hypocrisy of his actions (that we should celebrate such disingenuous fools).

Hypocrisy on Parade

But Nancy Pelosi–who never misses an opportunity to trash-talk any form of corporate profit or free enterprise–has an investment package of wealth that would turn even Warren Buffet’s head. Her net worth has been estimated in the approximate range of $18.71 million, while Barack Obama, no net worth slouch, has wealth which is approaching $1.5-3 million (his book deal is a mystery). Harry Reid, whose rhetoric also falls on the anti-capitalist side, is a millionaire several times over. These are the same folks who trash talk “exorbitant employee salaries” and wish to “spread the wealth” of We Americans (or at least what we have left) while stealthily imparting a Socialistic agenda that would force a sympathetic tear even from Karl Marx. They have their fortunes, I suppose, so screw everyone else!

I suggest we start with their wealth (Pelosi, Obama and Reid) and work our way down. Hey! If you’re gonna talk the talk, ya gotta walk the walk–leaders take the arrows and all. Has any cognitively activated liberal (oxymoron?) out there even stopped and considered what truths have just been communicated and documented ?

Conservative Refocus has endeavored to thoughtfully provide the fact–supporting details of our research below. I truly don’t know which viral infection is worse “progressive/liberal Ostrichitus or the H1N1?

Barack Obama Net Worth: $1.5-3 Million 2007 (Source One, Source Two)

Nancy Pelosi Net Worth: $18.71 Million 2008 (Source)

Harry Reid Net Worth: $1.5 Million 2003 (Source)

(Most likely each of these figures is underestimated due to singular Congressional veracity.)

During all of this conflictive logic, the Media seems to plod along much like a blind and sickened Beast of Burden that cares not to see what is actually going on and even less to report it since the “emperor of all ills” has taken his Arthurian throne. When did Free Market Capitalism (which is the engine along with our Individual Liberties that powered the United States into a Super-Economic Powerhouse) become an illness that needs to be corrected?

The recurring theme throughout man’s recorded history, whether it be money-grubbing Televangelists, proselytizing Talk Show Hosts, or even trash-talking Politicians is that whatever the subject being lambasted and burned at the stake is, that same persecuting individual or group of individuals is often simply trying to overcompensate for their own shortcomings or excesses by demonizing the very subject that they “secretly” hold so dear.

*Author’s note: We will be delving into political pasts of certain individuals and into the varying governmental forms that seem to be at play (along with) how these forms compare historically and economically with our current Democratic Republic in detail in Part II of “The Case for Capitalism.”

A Natural Intensity Unfolding: We the People, Politics, and the Press

By:  Barry Secrest

Conservative Refocus

The Mainstream Media most recently has been in a “self-contemplative mode,” questioning their own coverage intensity over these past few days as demonstrated in a number of columns, as well as a particularly nauseating sequence of verbal give-and-take between several journalists on National Public Radio. Finally!  One might think they are regaining their collective journalistic sanity?

Alas…Not this time, I am afraid.

No …The manifestation of this apparent “mind-linked Borg-like questioning” of the Media’s role was not about the particular angle of their views or their own objectivity as most might think. Rather these journalists were wondering if they might be the cause of the proliferation of over-flowing town hall meetings all over the country against The HealthScare Bill (HR3220). Their reasoning was that by covering these “not-really events” (their terminology), they actually caused an avalanche of anti-government sentiment against the pending legislation. In other words, the Media, in its own immodest summation of its role, has resorted to a form of “self-absorbed narcissistic navel-gazing” for heaven’s sake.

Their main inward-looking question being: “Did WE, the Mainstream Press, CAUSE all of this?”

When considering their current mind-set in conjunction with the long held theory concerning the symbiotic relationship between the Mainstream Media and “The Statist’s Agenda,” this relationship certainly seems to have been played out for all to see when looked at from a certain point of view (see Liberty and Tyranny by Mark Levin).

This led me to wonder if perhaps the White House in a “strongly worded talking point” has purposefully sent an entire sector of the journalistic community into a spiraling tail-spin of guilt for actually reporting events as they unfolded. Unquestionably, a majority of Americans would be happy to relieve these “Navel Gazing Pundits” of their neurotic guilt by loudly proclaiming “NO”! You had very little–if –anything—to do with all of this.”  Rather bizarrely, the Media’s guilt seems to lie in the fact that they unwittingly exposed in their coverage of these events the outrage of the Citizenry (to itself) which ultimately was a detriment to the Administration’s agenda.

These journalists can honestly then be heard trying to deceive themselves and/or someone outside of the “Beltway Loop” that the continued gathered voices of an America Populace, which is still Conservative at its core and beyond, is not gathering up en mass and speaking out in force against the Radical Liberal leanings of a President (whom was not nearly as vetted as his opposing Vice-Presidential Counterpart).  They then proceed to blame “corporate interests,” as if the entire Citizenry were paid to attend? Now that would indeed be a stimulus! Despite all evidence submitted to those “trained-to-observe” journalists, they do not wish to see the meaning in these events unfolding.

The simple truth is that the Media’s reporting of an event does not necessarily strengthen the natural intensity of the event. The intensification thereof will always belong to the event itself. Journalists can no more impact an event’s outcome than they can the strength of a hurricane–both a populace and a hurricane being natural forces.

Please. “Get real.”

We Can help You with that…

To wit, the “Civil Society” of the United States has lost so much confidence in this particular government that they have “awakened” and become actively involved in their own governance. This came about through a conflagration of diverse items: From a nearly rammed-through HealthScare Bill, which belongs more in a “B-Grade” horror movie than in the Law Books of the United States, to criminalizing our Foreign Intelligence Services, such as the CIA, while sending self-proclaimed terrorists to an unlimited vacation in the Caribbean Islands (among many other things too numerous to recount in this article).

Sen. Sue Myrick (R) NC, put forth an amendment to HR 3200 requiring the White House, its staff and the President himself to automatically enroll in the public option created by America’s Affordable Health Choice Act. Myrick’s initiative was tabled by a vote of 36-22 (see Myrick press release dated 7/31/2009,”Myrick Healthcare Amendment Fails in Committee”). Another earlier, but similar, bill from Sen. John Fleming (R) LA, put forth a measure to require that both legislative branches of the government could not pass the Healthcare Bill without being subject to it. Fleming’s measure was tabled in a Senate Committee without as much as a vote (see Congressman Fleming’s website, http://fleming.house.gov). The Senators in effect could be heard saying, “You want us to do WHAT with OUR Healthcare?”

This congressional rejection told the American People all that they needed to know about this Bill. Let me point out that being born and raised in a “Let the Buyer Beware” Free Market Society does, indeed, have its advantages. How ignorant must those in power think We are?

It should also be pointed out that any Senator(s) with the integrity and courage to put forth such measures as this redirected Bill Addendum indeed have “We The People’s” best interests at heart and should be celebrated and remembered at re-election time as to what is good in our government. The Lofty Legislative Folk whom tabled the measure should also take note that their legislative time in the “would be-Oligarchic Government” might be short-lived with regard to the next election. The political memories of your Constituents-Dear Congress Folk- will not be as short-lived as in years past—especially after this most intense of all rounds of political upheaval.

Dangers of Diversity Czar to the Media

Ranging deeper into the mystifying aspect of much of the Mainstream Media, and with regard to the Obama Administration, the latest installment of Deferential Governance, which involves a “Diversity Czar,” has (strangely enough) been left out of most editorial pages. We have seen several Op-Eds addressing this most concerning of items; however, the Mainstream Press has been “strangely silent” about the whole affair.

The Diversity Czars’ main focus is to monitor and fine local radio stations due to a perceived “disparity” in the amount of Liberal or Progressive or Statist (take your pick) commentary as opposed to Conservative Commentary. Due to this disparity, the White House intends to make corrections for the good of all.

Now, if I might weigh in for a moment. The fact that there is a considerable lack of conservative “viewpoint” covered among Network News and at least 80% of newspapers in circulation apparently does not mix into this particular equation. Why? Well, in a nutshell it is because the aforementioned outlets carry the Administration’s’ water quite well (remember the Health Bill’s network debut?). In “Local Radio” we have a medium which is difficult to control in that it is “We the People’s” medium. The Agenda is to silence this Medium. In addition, the United States’ leading voice, like it or not, against the White Houses’ agenda is well known to be Rush Limbaugh.

Does anyone see the connection here?

Rush Limbaugh’s listenership has been estimated at anywhere from 35 to 50 Million voters at varying times, but Rush is not the only catalyst here. We also have Hannity, Beck, Lewis, O’Reilly and Levin among many others weighing into this mix–all with a solid listenership.

The White House states that the free-speech squelching “Fairness Doctrine” that was put into play a number of years ago and later shelved is not being re-mandated.

No, this over-reaching play is an end-run around the Constitution in the form of, once again, “The Czar Initiative.

Make an “Executive Branch Draconian Post,” and then trample all over the US Constitution by setting rules that play into your own favor.

The simple fact is that this practice is extra-Constitutional and should be challenged by every means at our disposal. Please refresh your memory with the following:

US Constitution, First Amendment:

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

It is simply not the Executive Branch’s job to make law. This function belongs to the Legislative Branch. It is not the Executive Branch’s job to “judge fairness”; this function belongs to the Judicial Branch. Both Congressional and Judicial Branches, I should think, would be very sensitive to the Executive branch’s seeming usurpation of powers that do not belong to it.

Therefore, if they cannot make law (and politically monitoring radio stations is not within the purview of the law), then they cannot “legally censure” any broadcast for political content.

The rationale for this action, as put forth by the Executive Branch, is to insure fairness for the good of The People. Were I a member of any of the other outlets, I would be screaming bloody murder about the first incremental step into abridging the Media’s fundamental right of Free Speech. Simply put: Any logical person knows that the first step in censure is just that. The next step may well come into their own fold; or perhaps they are simply too giddy to see it just yet.

“Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive. It would be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron’s cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated; but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience.”

~C. S. Lewis
English Essayist and Juvenile Novelist (1898 – 1963)

A Perfect Liberal Storm: When the Executive, the Legislative, and the Media Enjoin

By:  Barry Secrest

Conservative Refocus

I suppose it is a good thing that the President has become so inclined to appear on television day-in-and-day-out ad-nauseum. He is even more profligate than a rock star promoting a new tour.

His oh-so-frequent appearances have become, in many ways “nostalgic,” much like my childhood days of coming home from a long day at school, playing outdoors for a time and then settling down to enjoy another rousing rerun of “Gilligan’s Island” or—perhaps in this case—“Lost in Space” would prove more apt. Though one may have seen the reruns hundreds of times, they must be watched again in order to catch some subtle nuance that may have been missed or, in Obama’s case, some monumental unintended policy redirection.

The President’s constant child-like revelations of possible new and revolting consequences to the proposed legislation—when challenged—and then his dismissive wave of a hand that the ultimate outcome of the Healthscare Bill will be “just absolutely fantastic for all involved” (see Stephanoupolis interview) reminds me of author Charles Frazier’s great quote: “The words fell from his mouth much as manure from a horse, but the manure being of greater value since it can be used at least as a fertilizer for one’s garden” (13 Moons).

The “Mystifying Messianic Megalomaniac” has become so engrossed in appearing on whoever’s show at whichever time that it leads me to wonder how he can possibly get any of “The State’s” work done at all. Hmmm…in retrospect, a just-now epiphany: I hope that the President will make an even greater effort at appearing on more shows as often as he possibly can. There may even be a few Hollywood-types who would jump at the chance to place the Prez within his own sitcom so that we all might emit peals of laughter at his antics on a weekly basis during primetime (oh…wait…).

On Letterman’s show, the President pointed out that, to date, the Obama administration had done more to lower carbon emissions than any other administration. INDEED!

Allow the economy to remain wrecked without any sort of prodding by way of de-taxation instead of the threat of huge increases—Sir—and there will be far fewer people driving to work. Factories have closed or are operating at substantially reduced capacity, shipping is down markedly, and construction is at a near standstill. The actual question should be “how could we not produce less carbon emissions for Pete’s sake?” Your stimulus, Sir, has only kicked in 5% of the funds to-date; that is a mere drop in the bucket that will have virtually no tangible effect on the economy, so let us not even go there! (But the wild horses out west are still very appreciative.)

If this “Green” outcome the President is touting was actually part of his agenda, then ultimately it would appear that the current “emissions reducing plan” is working like gang-busters; however, it is neither what economists nor the American people would consider “sustainable and realistic” with regard to long-term economic plans.

“Duh.”

The Statist Posse rides to the rescue of…..decorum?

It has been truly Illuminating to read and hear the plethora of Mainstream Media Opinion Columnists and Reporters indicating to all of us just how OUTBURSTS IN A JOINT SESSION are unheard of, have never been done in history, and that it is now, according to Maureen Dowd, a “racist” act. Kathleen Parker says, “It just isn’t done—period” and that “in the old days Wilson would have been challenged to a duel” (talk about great television). “I don’t think that this would have happened” to a White president, said Rep. William Lacy Clay, D-Mo (dare I point out?…).

“I’m a big believer that we all make mistakes,” Obama said, “a lawmaker shall conduct himself at all times in a manner which shall reflect credibly on the House of Representatives,” said House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., “The other party has been stoking the flames of disrespect among the people,” and “I guess we’ll have people putting on white hoods and uniforms,” said Henry Johnson, D-Ga.

If I might weigh in with a suggestion to the “Messianic Authoritarians”: Perhaps Congress should also consider employing facial recognition software in order to verify that none of the sitting members are exhibiting expressions that could be construed as “disdainful” or “hate-filled” whilst the President is on one of his “Oral Expeditions.”

Regardless of all of this “caterwauling,” Conservative Refocus has gone to some length and found a plethora of these so-called “Racists Incidents” throughout our country’s 233 year history. We can only admonish these “constantly-getting-it-wrong” Liberal Columnists and Congress Folk to, perhaps either conduct a little more research in order to establish some semblance of veracity or to actually read up on your employers’ history( be you a congressman) so that you do not embarrass yourselves by employing the Race Card after a preponderance of the American People have voted in a Black Man for President and—not to mention—the Congressional Folk themselves whom are leveling these grossly misaligning accusations (this was predicted by the way). Here is a list of just a few of these shocking events that have never happened before:

Who/What	Where/When
On the House floor, a representative from Vermont attacked a colleague from Connecticut with a cane – only to be attacked himself with a pair of fireplace tongs.	The House floor Early 1800s
William Graves of Kentucky shot and killed fellow congressman Jonathan Cilley of Maine during a pistol duel over words spoken on the House floor. (Graves wasn’t even expelled.)	The House floor 1838
A congressman from South Carolina, angered by a speech on slavery, entered the Senate chamber and beat a senator from Massachusetts into unconsciousness with a metal-topped wooden cane.	The Senate chamber 1859
President Woodrow Wilson heckled by a group of female protesters who unfurled a yellow and black banner over the railing in the House galleries that read, “President Wilson, What Will You Do For Woman Suffrage?” Although the women sat silently, their banner heckled the president. The president kept on reading his speech, but the banner diverted public attention and captured the headlines.	The House chamber Dec.5, 1916
Republican presidential nominee George H. W. Bush sought to step up his criticism of Michael S. Dukakis, saying that the Democratic nominee is a “feel-nothing candidate” and “believe-nothing candidate” because of his recent criticism of foreign ownership of American companies. But Dukakis, informed in advance of Bush’s planned attack, retaliated even before Bush had uttered the words. And by the time the vice president was delivering his speech, his planned attack lines were stepped on by protesters.	October 12, 1988
Bill Clinton was heckled by a group of Republicans during an address to Congress.	1993
Anti-war protesters heckled the US Secretary of State, Donald Rumsfeld as he made a statement to a Congressional committee. Mr. Rumsfeld paused during a testimony outlining the Bush administration’s view of the threat posed by Saddam Hussein as the protesters unfurled banners behind him.	Congress September 18, 2002
President George W. Bush: Democrats delivered a “Chorus Of Boos” during Bush’s State Of The Union when he called for renewal of the Patriot Act., according to the Washington Times.	2004
President George W. Bush: Dems howled, hissed and shouted “No!” when Bush pushed for Social Security reform in the State of the Union: “Foreshadowing the contentiousness of the coming debate, Democrats broke decorum and booed twice,” according to the National Journal.	2005

Is there really a healthcare crisis?

Washington Post National columnist, Michael Gerson, very astutely points out in his 9/10 article, that there is no true crisis. Polls have shown that 80% of Americans are satisfied with their health care coverage–90% of those Americans with serious Illnesses are satisfied with their coverage. Conservative Refocuses’ take on all of this is that We do need to address those whom have coverage issues due to illness etc.; however, Obama’s impetus does not offer any true solution. We have medical care already for the poor in the form of Medicaid. Medicare covers our seniors. The sub-section of mis-insured individuals in between are the ones that we should be focusing on; however, Obama and a preponderance of Democrats in Congress and the Senate propose to throw out the baby with the bathwater and remake our entire system for the benefit of a comparative minority. Why are we not surprised?

The Soft-Attack via Healthcare

Ownership of property by individuals was at the heart of The Framer’s efforts in establishing a system of Liberty for the individual rather than the State. To some Americans, this concept may seem alien since it is such a cornerstone of both our Nation and our economy in the present day. But over 200 years ago The Founders made this provision primary when initially framing our system because of the gravity-like magnitude that it conveyed in the form of individual rights. Now, the government’s efforts at invading –if not taking over control of the Healthcare industry by way of its funding–is, in many ways, a foray into unconstitutionally seizing property that belongs to the Civil Society rather than the government. The seeming reason for these constant attacks on the Healthcare Industry by Authoritarians is no accident. Heathcare Industry control by a single entity encompasses so many possible portals for invasion of individual rights that it is a constant target for true Statists. The Statist needs to control a single powerful sub-section before extending his reach into the individual’s realm and grabbing control there.

How did all of this happen, again?

A) The populace’s dissatisfaction with the costly war effort led by a Republican president over these many years, coupled with a Democratic takeover of Congress in January 2007.

B) The loss of control by conservatives on the spending purse strings, coupled with a Democratic push many years ago, as well as last year’s Government relaxation of safety nets in lending procedures.

C) Corporate “off balance book” transparent mortgage derivatives going bad as a result of declining mortgage performance, coupled with a lack of regulatory foresight.

D) Unprecedented over-purchase of bad mortgages by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac which caused both entities to go in receivership and control by the Federal Government–all of which resulted in the 2008 meltdown.

E) The illusion that this was all Republican-based, which caused the populace to shift to the Democrats in subsequent elections.

F) The Mainstream Media’s natural disdain for all things “not Liberal,” refusing to properly vet candidates on their true positions.

Thus “The Perfect Storm”

There are many in our civil society whom have become despondent in these trying times for the attacks on our liberties that seem not to be rooted in any sort of paradigm that makes sense. The normal defenses that have customarily come to the aid of our free society have, in many ways, become absent. This is due in large part to the seeming complacency of many and their jaded view of politics as a whole, which must be coupled with the Mainstreams Media’s inability to report or not report events without any political bias. The events of the past five years, however, seem to have taught us a very hard but important lesson that none will soon forget. History is, at times, a cruel teacher.

Many have now learned what a smaller but more concentrated segment has always known. American Exceptionalism is not a myth. It is the culmination of thousands of years of tyranny at the hands of those whom would abuse their power over others as if it were a hobby to be enjoyed.

When Thomas Jefferson laid down the foundations of our government in concert with some of the most brilliant and capable men of theirs or any time, virtually every culture and historical system of government had been reviewed and debated in earnest before The Founders settled upon a Democratic Republic that could stand the test of time and tyranny. The rule of law, rather than of individuals’ or groups of individuals, had been determined to be the most enduring and foolproof of any system of government in theoretical existence. Thus was this nation born and then prospered to be the leader of all free men and an economic Eden that would become a beacon to all Peoples. There is a price for our fortune, however, and it involves an eternal vigilance that must be instilled within our progeny and maintained in earnest.

To those whom are fearful and despondent at what the future may bring, I will say this with great confidence:

Fear not.

This country has navigated far more difficulties too numerous to mention than this concentrated but ill-constructed attack by those whom feel certain that their oft-tried but ill-conceived way is the best way for all.

There are simply no people on this earth whom are more relentless, nor more courageous than the individuals whom believe in the ideals that God created Man with certain inalienable rights–that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.

We will peacefully persevere in regaining our governance in the way it was originally intended; however, now is the time for each of us that has true understanding of our Nation to begin if they have not done so already.

“For the sentiments of men are known not only by what they receive but by what they reject also.” ~Thomas Jefferson

Of Cars and Czars and Credit Cards: Dodging the Wrecking Ball of Debt, Diversity, and Doubt

By:  Barry Secrest

Conservative Refocus

Lately we have actually been hearing a smattering of “Lunatic Politicos” talking about the possibility of another “Stimulus”…Indeed. Is the first one not doing enough damage for these folks?

The reason for the initial “Behemoth Economic Stimulus” according to the “Messianic Monty Python Accounting Troupe” in the Executive and Legislative Branches of Our Government was to jumpstart the US Economy, which has been in a depressed mode to put it lightly. As a result of outlaying an estimated 10% of the total $787 Billion for 2009, our economy has now, according to virtually every Mainstream Media outlet, jerked forward again. Truthfully, none of us knew that a Skateboard Park in Pawtucket or the Wild Horses sauntering around out West had anything to do with our economic vitality, but this just illustrates how the US Economy is intricate beyond any plausible reason …I suppose.

I can hear everyone clapping and whistling and jumping around out there right now. It’s over, right?

Well, maybe/maybe not. According to a Senior VP at a large Charlotte bank whom I recently met and befriended, the “Back Pain” from all of this upheaval is soon to start. According to this gentleman, no amount of stimulus from any quarter is going to erase the continued pain that alternate industrial sectors will be feeling.  After a frequently heated argument over “whom or what” actually started all of this economic mess, I came away at least enlightened that it was not “all government’s fault,” although I was still able to successfully maintain that “government meddling” was more culpable than any one other single impudence brought to bear by the guilty parties.

To get to the point, the US is looking at massive deficits that stretch off into the hinterland as a result of the TARP Payments, auto bailouts, bank, and AIG bailouts.  In fact, the stimulus has been like a hyper-wrecking ball when it comes to these deficits.  In leafing thru the CBO’s estimated impacts on our budget, the one thing that an individual can take away from it is “GOVCO is spending our nation into oblivion.”

Can’t you guys just burn your credit cards, too?  Or perhaps the US flag is your parchment of choice.

Hypothetically, what would happen if “We the People” decided that the remaining economic stimulus plan was unworkable?  The total payout for the Bill as passed was set at $787 Billion dollars. Interestingly, the total deficit for 2009 will be $1.587 Trillion, and then the deficits will supposedly stabilize at roughly $700 Billion thru 2019. Instead of talking of another Stimulus we should be talking about a REPEAL.

At any rate the wildcard in all of this is inflation!

The CBO’s estimates do not take into account a wild and uncontrollable ramping up in inflation as a result of our poor economic showing, because it is only hypothetical. But the true risk we are taking in these “seemingly controllable” deficits may take on a life of their own in the not-too-distant future. If this happens, our “little wish list” spending spree could become the US economic version of “Godzilla” rampaging through our cities, but in this case, he will not just stick to the coastline.

In other great news, the President has now appointed a “Diversity Czar” in order to make sure that our local radio stations are “fair.”  If they are not “fair” as judged by a hand-picked but extremely impartial panel appointed by the (extremely impartial) President himself (thank goodness), a penalty will be assessed that may equal the entire yearly gross of the station in question (thereby effectively putting it out of business ).  Then an impartial FCC will allocate the license to a station that is fair. Oh, and by the way, the penalties that are assessed will go to “National Public Radio” long known as a………. bastion for fair thinking?

The main thing to remember about our current Executive and Legislative Branches of Government is that the determination of Fair seems to belong only to those who have a Majority of Legislative votes and in the past “fairness” has normally been decided by our Justice System.  It is indeed unfortunate that a “Diversity Czar” is not being appointed to monitor this current Administration.  I feel certain that the assessed penalty levied for “Fairness Transgressions” would cause even China massive deficits.

The President should be mindful of the fact that He is the President of this entire country rather than just his democratic constituents.  Since the early days of the defining Constitution, each President has been tasked to understand that his responsibilities go way beyond his own ideologies and that few men can successfully navigate thru these difficult introspective waters.  But this was why a majority of Americans voted this particular man into the office.  It is the nature of how we vote for our presidents.

This would also seem to imply that ”abrupt changes” in the course of this country could cause upheavals that are destabilizing across all economic and social sectors but to the Democrats this could be simply part of the plan. I have often thought in looking back over the last several years that other countries probably view our extreme political weaving from left to right over time to be much like a “drunk” speeding down the highway of political ideologies.

Appointing “Czars,” a practice left over from the Bush administration, should best be left up to the Russians since they garnered centuries of experience at it, notwithstanding the fact that this practice more appropriately belongs in an Oligarchy than a Democratic Republic.  If, indeed, we still are one.

Mainstream Media’s Holographic Reality: What Happened to “Trust but Verify”?

Over these waning days of Summer and heading into Autumn the press has been beside itself- what with all of the Town Hall Meetings, talk radio “viciousness,” Ted Kennedy’s demise and so on, not to mention the report that the budget deficit promises to be in the Nine Trillion range next year—causing a flurry of stories addressing this issue and many others connected to the Current Administration.

The questions being asked by the Media in this MIASMA of often conflicting information seem to commonly revert to what appears to be “Liberal talking points.”

One has to wonder if what the press accused the Bush Administration of doing is actually being done unabashedly by this White House in sending out to the “Axis Networks” specific agenda items which need to be focused on and massaged into “Holographic Being.”

Over this entire period and with regard to the Healthscare debate- the Statists’ constant overall agenda seems to be continually focusing on convincing “We the People” that our medical care (i.e. doctors and hospitals and the like) is not as good as the world seems to think that it is. We have read story after story trying to convince us in editorial form and otherwise that We do not have it as good as We think we do when it comes to quality. One can only thank the Star-Spangled Press for delivering this “excellent” if not subjective “news” whilst We are all currently dealing with an America which has had nothing but bad news followed by worse over the last 12 months. An individual need not look far when trying to comprehend what is going on.

Chiefly, the story which had been designed to sink us further into suicidal depression revolved around a United Nations report that The United States ranks 35th in the world when it comes to our actual health care quality, using their own equally applied rating system. Accompanying this revelation is the conflicting news that the average American’s Life Expectancy has now been increased to 78 Years old. Interestingly, in looking at population samples with regard to this report, some very compelling facts come to mind. When Average Life Expectancy is ranked by population size, which seems to make a lot more of an “actuarial sense” on a host of illustrative fronts, the following facts come into focus:

Comparison in Healthcare Quality of the Top (5) Most Populated Countries

Quality Rank	Country	Population	Life Expectancy	Total Population Rank
#1	The United States	303,825,000	78.2	#3
#2	China	1,330,040,000	73.18	#1
#3	Brazil	196,343,000	72.4	#5
#4	Indonesia	237,512,000	70.7	#4
#5	India	1,148,000,000	64.7	#2

Comparison Inserts:

Country	Population	Life Expectancy
European Union	499,794,855	77.32
United Kingdom	51,100,000	79.4

**Date sources: Cia Factbook 2009; 2009 United Nations Healthcare Census

As one can see, The United States ranks Head and Shoulders above any comparatively ranked population size with regard to healthcare quality. This data was quite surprising when the urge came over us to look at Health care Quality from an actuarial sense. It would appear that in all of this Data one fact becomes apparent. The larger the population size is- within a given country – the more the “Law of Decreasing Returns” applies.

There were several other fascinating things that came both to mind and into stark analysis when reviewing this data. The most amusing was the fact that the European Union, which seems to me to be the “Ideal Model” for our Social Media’s self-esteem problems, scores below the United States in overall rankings, although their population is higher. This appears to score an overall point in the analysis’ favor when looking at my argument “holistically.”  The other point which “glares” to this individual is the relatively small population slice of the United Kingdom in comparison to these other countries when noting the almost negligible increase in Life Expectancy over the United States. We all have heard of the problems with their system, but it only serves a population of 51 million. The US is (6) times larger than Great Britain for Heaven’s sake. Canada’s population is even less at roughly 33 million but they have no problems—right?

It is indeed amazing how the press will throw out numbers, and we all must then “bow down” without applying any logical principles to the data we are being given.There are some whom might argue that the Healthcare comparison to the Top five Countries is unfair due to the fact that, Industrially speaking, the US is far ahead of its Population counterparts. To these people We would rebut that this simply speaks to the exceptionalism of America and it’s “Capitalist System.”

I hope that at least some few will look at this analysis and come away with the knowledge that simple data is not enough. The data needs to be couched in a commonsensical progression in order to be able to actually see what is happening. I will leave it to the Pros or the Pundits to argue the merit of all of this, however, this particular data seems to be in absence within the continuing debate.

“Trust but verify” seems not to be enough these days, does it?

Barry Secrest

Conservative Refocus