Obama Promised a Civilian Army And.......

During the campaign, Obama called for a civilian army as big as the military, and we were told that it was just retoric, nothing to be concerned about. "Nothing to see here. Move along please...." And lo and behold, buried in the middle of the Obamacare bill... is this little gem. I guess Nancy Pelosi was right....now that we passed it, we'll get to see what's in it.


Update...this MAY be a false alarm, and may be referring to the US Public Health Service. We'll see

Hope and Change

Well, in spite of the objection of 70%+ of the population, we now have a "health-care" bill. And this bill, we are told, will save everyone a scazillion dollars. Maybe someone should tell AT&T that, since they just announced a $1billion write-off caused by the health care bill, and maybe tell Caterpiller as well, since they just took a $100 million hit, or 3M who just announced a write-off of $85 to $90 million. And this is all before anyone gets a nickle out of it, since benefits don't even kick in for 4 more years. And just wait until the 14,000 IRS agents get hired and start to enforce this bill.

Just a simple point....there can be no rejection because of prior conditions. So, I can go along without collision insurance, and then when I have an accident, I can THEN call the insurance company to cover me and they have to give me the coverage? I don't think we have to be financial wizards to see that such a plan will quickly destroy every insurance company. And yet this is what will be required of the health insurance companies. So of course, they will fold, and we will then have to turn to the gummint to "save us" by covering us with their insurance.

But aside from the obvious financial hits that we ALL are going to take, there is something even more basic. Where does the government get the power to force us to buy something? Where?? This is such an onerous and oppressive law that it literally boggles the mind. This law is something we might expect to see in a socialist or communist country, not in a free country. We have never, NEVER had a law like this in our entire history. ( And before someone jumps up and says, "Car insurance", let me point out that you do not have to buy car insurance if you don't drive, and in some states you don't have to but it at all, but everyone will be forced to have this abomination of health insurance). And if the pols in DC can mandate that we buy health insurance, then what else can they mandate? After all, if they can justify 1 mandated purchase, they can mandate any and all others, right? After all, it's for our own good!!!

And just as a question.......if this program is so super wonderful, why did the legislators specifically exclude themselves and their staff from it? Is it possible, just possible, that they know deep in their cold, cold hearts, that this program is really a piece of crap, and that they are just too good to have to lower themselves down to a program that is designed for the rest of us? Just asking!


Update on the above $ figures:
The substance of the disclosures to date: ".. AT&T's announcement that Obamacare will force it to take a $1 billion dollar charge — the most alarming (but entirely predictable) bad news in a parade that, the Wall Street Journal's editors note, "includes Deere & Co., $150 million; Caterpillar, $100 million; AK Steel, $31 million; 3M, $90 million; and Valero Energy, up to $20 million."

Sometimes A Picture Says It Best (part 2)

With a tip of the hat again to Theo

Good Guys

From The Sniper.

Pretty much says it all, as far as I am concerned.

"It's Only a Parliamentary Procedure, Isn't It?"

This gentleman pretty much says it all.
The debate is over, the public has spoken and overwhelmingly does NOT want the Obama health care plan. So......they will simply ignore the public, those whom they are supposed to represent, and they will ignore the rule of law which specifically and clearly states in the Constitution that before a bill can become law, it has to pass in both houses of Congress. They will pass a bill which pretends that the health care bill was passed, and we are supposed to accept that because they say so.

NO FREAKING WAY!!!!

If they don't have the intestinal fortitude, the courage, to actually put their vote ON THE BILL, not a parliamentary substitute for the bill, then piddle on them. It simply confirms what I already knew about our supposed leaders in Washington. They are not our representatives, and they certainly are not leaders in any sense of that term. And if they do this illegal maneuvering to pretend to pass the bill, then I agree with the gentleman above. It was not legally passed; it is not legally binding. And once again, those who want to control us more and more show their true colors; if the laws of the land interfere with their plans, simply ignore it and do what they want to do. And next, the next time that the Constitution interferes with their grand plans, what other right of the public will be trampled into the mud, all in the name of progress. Remember that the Constitution and what it stands for, is the only protection that we have against a government and those who are in the government from becoming tyrants and despots. And do you really want Nancy Pelosi, or Harry Reid, or Mr Hinchey, or Mr Shumer, or any of the other professional politicians or innumerable bureaucrats in Washington, ruling your life? Do you really think that they are something special, somehow better than you at living your life? If you do, God bless you and I hope that you enjoy the life of servitude that will surely follow. If you don't, then recognize that that rule under which the government is supposed to function, the Constitution and Bill of Rights, is being ignored and sidestepped and trashed, and our very liberty is being endangered more and more every day.

It's Just Salt, For The Love Of Pete

The State is this close to going belly-up; we can't seem to find anyone who isn't up to here in corruption to lead in Albany, and we get this as a proposed law. Hey, if you want salt-free cooking, bless you...just ask for it or cook at home. Personally, I want some taste to my food and though I don't want it oversalted, I do want the cook (or chef) to be able to do his/her work without answering to some NY State Salt Policeman. As an aside, there is very little evidence that salt has any significant effect on health except for a very few salt-sensitive people. Please Mr Assemblyman, we really don't need a nanny to lead us around, and need even less another do-gooder who knows what is good for us better than we know ourselves. And you know what? If a restaurant makes food too salty, I have a very simple, non-governmental response to it. I don't eat there any more!!!!!

I Wish I Thought They Were Kidding

On the news this evening, our very own Senator Schumer (D)and Lindsey Graham (R)have presented a bill that would mandate a government employment card. Every, EVERY worker in the US must have this card to get a job. This would be a "high tech" card with microchip, stored data such as fingerprints or whatever. Of course, there is absolutely nothing that would prevent this card from being used for other things such as tracking, travel restrictions or whatever other purpose that the gov't might want to use it. And their justification? It would prevent illegal aliens from finding employment. Hey guys, here's a novel alternative instead....enforce the damn laws that we already have, and control the borders like we're supposed to. Try that approach before this hair-brained idea.

Even if yo have a warm and fuzzy feeling about our Washington politicians, consider this...we are talking here about a whole new system, which equates to a whole new bureaucracy to run it. additionally I am sure that this high tech cards would not be cheap. So in a time when we are going broke, we will spend a gazillion dollars on a whole new system.

And of course there is this little bitty problem, so minor as to hardly bear mentioning. This is a blatant invasion, or should I say ANOTHER invasion, of our privacy. In spite of what these two "leaders" in Washington may say, it is not the government's business to control my employment, nor to set up a system that could control my movement, my employment, my purchases, or anything else as long as what I do is lawful. And if you really believe that the use of such a card would not expand, I strongly suggest that you look at the history of the social security system, where that card was supposed to be used ONLY to track your ss info, and in fact it was specifically written that no one could force you to reveal that number for any other purpose. Now try not to use that number and see how far you get with any bank or other financial institution. It WILL expand!!

Another point to notice....this bill is an excellent example that in this day, it makes no difference whatsoever what political party our senators and representatives are connected to. Members and "leaders" of both parties are in the same boat, and both are working for the same goals. Those goals are bigger government, which gives them more power, and their continued occupation of their seats in Washington.

Completely different note here................I just got a letter telling me that I will be getting a letter with the census form. Who, except Washington, sends a letter telling someone that they are about to get a letter??? Maybe I am really stupid, but it seems to me that we just doubled the cost of this stage of the project, didn't we?

Observations on a Power Outage

The power has been out here at home for about 36 hrs so far, and I have to admit that it has been a learning experience. We were prepared, or at least as prepared as we could be, and the one blessing is that though we have no power, heat, or phone, we DO have water. That really makes things much easier all around.

Observation #1 We are without power for a brief time, and we know that very soon the power will be restored. It makes one appreciate much more clearly what it might be like to be in Haiti, or in northern NY during the ice storm years ago when the power was out for weeks or months at a time. And though it is dark and cold, we have a dry home to live in, and we know where our next meal is coming from, and that very soon life will return to normal for us, where those people had no idea at all what the future would hold. We must remember to count the innumerable blessings that we have and so often take for granted.

Observation #2 The line crews working for Central Hudson have my undying admiration. It is cold and slushing out (rain, sleet and snow all mixed together=slush), and they are out in that crud cutting limbs, tracing faults, and replacing lines and fuses. To each and every one of them, THANK YOU!!

Observation #3 Freeze-dried food isn't all that bad. It sure beats cold sandwiches when you are living in a cold, dark house.

Now posting as power is back on for us. Time out 60 hrs.

Haiti

We've all seen the pictures and the video clips. We have heard the number, the constantly climbing number, of dead. And it is almost so big, so horrible, that it loses its reality. It is literally almost beyond comprehension.

But sadly, it IS real. All the pain and suffering, the death and injury, is real. And once again, in spite of our problems, the USA is out in front in delivering aid and comfort. Not only is the gov't sending 100 million dollars, but its citizens will donate what is expected to be ANOTHER 100 million dollars. Even in this time of financial hardship for many of us, we once again do what is right and dig into our pockets to share with those who need our help.
And I can't help noting that the great spokesman of socialism, Mr Danny Glover, feels that we should follow the lead of Chavez and Cuba, those great demonstrators of giving......Chavez sent ONE planeload of aid, Cuba sent 20 tons. I guess in the grand scheme of things, Mr Glover really
doesn't count for a pile of doggy dung, and his stupid remarks only show how blind he is to reality. Hey Danny, it is that nasty, evil country that you so love to hate that is doing all the work for the unfortunate victims in Haiti, so how about you shut up and get out of the way, so the real humanitarians can do what needs to be done.
Cartoon from Theo..it sorta says what I was saying, only better.

Tax Law Change

In case you missed it in the mainstream media, there has been a bit of a change in the withholding tax tables this year.....and surprise, surprise, it is NOT a tax break. Rather, it is a mandatory "loan" to the government. Yup, more withheld from YOUR paycheck so our "leaders" in DC can get their fingers on it. Hey, Sen Shumer and Gillibrant and Rep Hinchey, thanks a freaking lot for looking out for us. The economy is going down the crapper, unemployment is up, so you will take MORE of our money. Great plan you have there.

And as you probably know, the "healthcare" bill will not follow the usual path of going to a joint conference committee, then reintroduction to the houses of Congress for approval. Rather a combined bill will be drawn up IN COMPLETE SECRECY then presented to both houses. If this sticks in your craw as much as it does in mine, there is a petition started up here. Since I signed it about 2 hrs ago, the number of signers has gone up by about 3,000 so people ARE responding.

Some Good Ideas, For Anytime

At the beginning of each year, we seem to feel the necessity of "resolutions" for the new year. And though I never got into that, I offer this as a pretty good list, not just for New Years, but for any time.

Happy New Year

For those who follow this sort of thing, my gift to you, care of Theo:

Back to The Real World

After a delightful 24 hour break on Christmas (I hope it was a good one for all!!), back to the grim world of reality.

Our great leader has just signed an executive order, which order gives Interpol complete immunity from the safeguards built into our police agencies' powers. They can operate in this country free of any Constitutional restraints. Why don't I feel safer now than I did previously??

And of course, all the news media is simply hysterical that it took the president almost 3 hrs to be notified about an "attempted terrorist act" on board a flight into Detroit. (As an aside, it was NOT an attempted terrorist act....it WAS a terrorist act, an unsuccessful one.) What? They weren't upset?? They didn't even mention the rediculously long delay?? How can that be?? They are such phenomenal and astute and impartial observers and reporters, aren't they?? And of course, they are equally upset with our leader, in this time of economic downturn and financial hard times, going on vacation and paying $4,000/day for lodging. Yea, they really are!

Christmas

"While they were there the days of her confinement were completed. She gave birth to her first-born son and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the place where travelers lodged.

There were shepherds in that region, living in the fields and keeping night watch by turns over their flocks. The angel of the Lord appeared to them as the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were very much afraid. The angel said to them:"You have nothing to fear! I come to proclaim good news to you-tidings of great joy to be shared by the whole people This day in David's city a savior has been born to you, the Messiah and Lord. Let this be a sign to you: in a manger you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes." Suddenly was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,"Glory to God in the high heaven, peace on earth to those on whom His favor rests.""

To all, friends, family, to those far from home protecting us, to those on duty in police, fire, medical and ems services working today to watch over and protect us, may the peace of God be with you all and with your families and loved ones. This day your Savior has been born in Bethlehem.

A Real Football Star

I don't know squat about pro football....just not an interest of mine. But I don't have to know jack about the sport to know a real star when I see one. It sure is nice to see someone who has "made it" remember where they came from, and take the time and effort to help others. Likewise a tip of the hat to the companies who also pitched in to help make a Christmas special for others.

Whither Now??

As I write this, the stage is set for the passage of the Senate version of the monstrosity called the Obama health-care plan. This bill has brought out all too clearly just how dysfunctional the government has become. Backroom deals with graft paid for with public monies, midnight sessions, a bill that absolutely no one reads or understands, over 100 new federal agencies created, a huge chunk of the economy under government control and a bigger chunk of our freedom taken from us.....all of this and more is there in the bill. And the fact that the vast majority of the public oppose the bill and all that it stands for is totally irrelevant to our so-called representatives.

What now? What do we do and where do we go? If you expect a magical answer here, you are going to be sorely disappointed. I don't have an answer, or at least an answer that I am willing to accept myself. All of the options that we have come to expect are rapidly disappearing, taken from us by those who want and seek limitless power over us.

Repeal the bill? No, there is a clause in there that makes it impossible to repeal it.

Ignore it? Fine, if you are willing to face the consequences, including fines and possible jail time. (Can you even imagine that......being put in jail because you don't want to buy health insurance from the government? To me, that is almost inconceivable, that in our once-free country, we risk jail time for failure to buy an “approved insurance!!)

Contact your representatives? Surely you are joking. If you dare to disagree with them, you are a teabagger, a redneck racist, a nazi or some other pejorative term. Civil discourse, to those in power, consists of saying “Yes” to any and all of their plans, otherwise you are to be ignored.

Vote them out? Well, yes if, and this is a BIG if, there are fair elections. With the ongoing scandal of ACORN and their political party, and the complete disregard by Justice Dept of rampant voter fraud, there is no guarantee that the election will be anything recognizable. And the way the people in DC are behaving, there is actually no guarantee that there will even BE a next election. Some “crisis” will come up and will be so severe that elections will have to be delayed, blah, blah, blah. Why not? All of our other rights and freedoms are disappearing already, so what is one more, for the “common good”, of course.

I try to imagine our Founding Fathers being here with us now. I'm no medium who can read the minds of the dead, but do know enough history to know that what pushed the founding fathers and their followers into revolt against England was much, much less than what we are experiencing in the current time. The freedoms that they fought and died for, freedoms that were never seen before anywhere in history, freedoms that led to this country being a true beacon of hope and freedom throughout the world, those same freedoms are now being stripped from us by a government made up of people like Senators Reid, Dodd, Baucus, Burris, Feinstein, Landrieu, Franken, and of course our own Gillbrand and Schumer and Congressmen like Polosi, Frank, Rangel, and our Hinchey. These people, all of whom seem to think that they are so much smarter than you and me, and know what is good for us more than we know about ourselves, had no difficulty in voting to strip away more of our freedoms and take over almost 1/6 of the US economy. May the Lord help our country!!! And when I think of our Founding Fathers living through these times, I am led to a conclusion that I try hard to avoid. This government would be totally unrecognizable to them, and I strongly suspect that they would weep over the current situation found in Washington, and having wept,would stand together once again, shoulder to shoulder, and respond with a resounding, “NO”.

Sen Nelson, another senator with buyable beliefs

Sen Ben Nelson has been a holdout on the health bill, reportedly because of his beliefs in a pro-life stand, and his desire to limit the continued deficit spending.

WRONG!!!!

Actually he just needed a bribe big enough to make it worthwhile to sell out. He got it, and he sold out. Once again, I have learned the hard way that there really are no upright politicians in Washington, simply ones with different price-tags attached. His price was met, he walked away from all of his supposed beliefs.

We Are All In Good Hands

While the mainstream media rants and raves about all the wonderful things happening in Copenhagen, this is what is really happening.

And this is how the "leaders" behave. Do as I tell you to do, not as I do. Hmmmm, striking similarity to the note made below, isn' there? WE are special. WE know so much more than you. We must tell you how to live. WE are above all those rules that we impose on you.

And this just in! We're willing to spend billions of dollars?? WE?? Well, this WE is definitely NOT willing!!

He's MY Senator and I am So proud

This not only shows what sort of person the senator is, but also is a perfect example of the attitude so common in our esteemed representatives; not simply his rudeness to the flight attendant, but also the feeling that the rules are for everyone else, but not for HIM. Certainly HE can continue talking on his phone. He has the right to ignore the request, because he is a SENATOR!! His type honestly make me sick.....short of living high on the hog on our money, and being so much better and smarter and "specialer" than we are, he is simply a person overwhelmed by his own self-image. Well Senator, here is a real come-down for you....you are not one iota better than we are, and in fact in most things are a damn sight worse. My friends don't call women bitches; they try to follow the rules; they don't steal other people's money, and they are smart enough to know that you cannot spend more money than you have.

As to your traveling companion, our other esteemed Senator, it sure didn't take her long to show her true colors, did it? I wonder how long it will be before it dawns on her that her seatmate who has no compunction about calling women bitches might have equal respect for her as he does for the flight attendant?

A GREAT Surprise

A while back, I had purchased a gun cleaning kit from Outers. It looked great..single case that could handle anything from 12 ga shotgun to .22 rimfire via various attachments including jags, brushes, bore mops, the works.
Well, through my own stupidity I managed to break the rod, and of course none of my older rods would fit the case. I finally wrote to Outers, explained my error and asked the availability and price of a replacement rod for the kit, being sure to explain that it was MY FAULT that the rod broke. To my surprise and delight, I received an e-mail back in less than a day, advising me that a replacement rod was on its way to me. Further, when I sent back a thank-you note, it was answered with a wish for a happy Christmas. You just can't ask for better than that. My sincere thanks to Outers for their customer service and kind wishes.