No wonder we are where we are

I am no genius when it comes to ... just about anything. With that disclaimer how hard is it to pass a U.S citizenship test? Personally, I found it to be a relatively simple test - take a look at the questions and see for yourself. Apparently, I am not a normal citizen of the country as 'elected officials' only scored 44 per cent. 'Ordinary' citizens scored 49 per cent. This information was taken from the article 'US officials flunk test of American history, economics, civics' . If the education, or awareness of our country is this abysmal - there is no question as to why we find ourselves continuing to elect officials that really have no idea what they are supposed to do, let alone become self declared experts on foreign policy, financial issues, health care or even the role of government.

Instead of electing people who understand the history of our country, its role in the world or even a strong discipline in an area that matters to the general population, we seem to elect people who will cater to a particular need or cause. Where does this get is .... Refer back to my previous post .

This most recent election brought to the forefront the concern over 'qualifications' to become President or Vice President. Personally, I think anyone wishing to run for office should be required to take the test, pass it with at least an 80% (that was a B in grade school) and their scores and answers published for all to see. Not that it will matter much as we are increasingly becoming a society of hand outs. That is the general population increasingly sits back and puts their hand out looking for what their elected official will give them.

Go back to my previous post on taxation and see where you fit. In the end, if you find yourself not wanting to pay for someone elses beer will you do something about it or just complain and threaten to move if your candidate doesn't win ... like Alec Baldwin promised to do.

Are we reaching the tipping point?

For a long time (20 years or half of my life) I have been worried about the impending end of democracy. Yes, I know that is a bold statement but it is backed with a deep rooted concern over the direction I, and many others, have seen this great country going. It is human nature to reach for what is within your grasp, but the outright stealing of the resources of this democracy is something that is appalling to me. This is not a political statement - it is a statement of concern.

When groups are pitted against each other (socio-economic, religious, race based or political) in order to gain a majority favor - everyone loses. There is a line in the movie 'Miracle' that I truly wish more people in this country would consider. In an effort to get the U.S. Hockey team more focused on working as a team Herb Brooks, played by Kurt Russell, says something to the point of " it's about time you starting thinking more about the name on the front of your jersey, than the name on the back" . That line has stuck with me since I first heard it as a montra for our country. John F. Kennedy uttered something along the same lines that seems to have been lost as something from yesteryear, but could not hold more true today "Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country".

Whether those asking are the homeless, homebound or homeowner. Factory worker or factory owner. Victim of malicious crime or perpetrator of that crime. Ask what you can do to make the world and this country a better place.

Along that line, there is another evil within our midst that has been subtle in its growth. That growth has found its way into our way of thinking could not be more wrong. Reading a book that my children are working with in school (elementary and middle school ) - I found it square in the middle of the text. There was a time when the United States of America was a melting pot. That melting pot welcomed every view - everyone was welcome and everyone was encouraged to bring their particular flavor to the pot. That pot would meld the disparate beliefs, customs, and heritage into something that was unique in the world - America. Now, we are told to welcome the same but not to encourage the blending. This creates, as my kids book illustrates, a tossed salad model. Each contributing to the overall flavor of the bi-product but without attempting to blend together. This is not America. This divides American's rather than uniting them.

Where do we go? Are we at a the tipping point? Is the end of the democratic republic close at hand? I just hope I am wrong in my conclusion of where we are in Tytler's Circle.

Where is the integrity? Loyalty?

I clearly remember the nervousness that I lived with when I was going through the purchase of my first new home. I followed that up several years later when my wife and I decided to 'move back home' and purchase our second new home closer to the in-laws and out-laws. It was very clear, from a financial perspective, what we were up for and I was honestly scared regarding paying it all back. The rules of .28 and .32 were etched in my mind and those numbers seemed way to high. The 28 % of my gross pay could be allocated to paying off my mortgage? And all of my long term debt must fit within 32%.

When I looked at the numbers it was clear that 1) I could not afford much and 2) How was I ever going to be able to spend that much money on those debts. All these years later - I still panic (slightly) when I look at those values - but those numbers are now only mine. The industry has thrown out those 'recommendations' and allowed people to run the numbers way above what could be considered sane. History is prologue.

Today I heard, not that I was completely surprised, that the government is making it easier for those that can't afford their homes. Take a read at the article 'Are you an idiot to keep paying your mortgage?' and tell me what is wrong with this picture. Basically, those of us who care about our word, save for our futures, make wise decisions with taking on obligations are going to support those that can't seem to live within their means.

I understand the way the market turned - I really do. I have lost most of my retirement (401K), but I am not standing on the corner looking for a handout. My loss is my loss - I get that. Why doesn't everyone else need to play by the same rules?

Farewell Chuck

It is a sad day for my family as we prepare to say farewell to one of the good ones. Charles E. (Chuck) Gagen was a family friend for well over 25 years, but he was called home Tuesday evening.

I first met Chuck as a teenager and was fascinated by the man. At that time, Chuck was a good bit older than me - and my father. That never seemed to get in the way. Whether it was talking after mass, carrying on with the guys (mostly my dad's friends) or cleaning my clock on the squash court - Chuck was a man among men. I went to school with two of Chuck's children (Terry and Patrick) but I got to know him through the Knights of Columbus. As a child, I was taught manners so I knew him as Mr. Chuck. There was no way around it - Chuck was one of those guys that carried on the practice of the past, that of teaching and enforcing respect, manners, discipline and a deep respect for women.

Chuck helped me grow as a teenager, though he never knew it. I watched, learned, practiced and grew by watching him and the group he was with. That group was indeed a special group (Tim N., Jack S., John C., Dick M. ....) - one that I am proud to have known. It was through that group that Chuck was the first person to announce that I had arrived as a man. Through a meeting with several of the above mentioned, Chuck congratulated me. I turned, shook his hand and said 'Thanks Mr. Chuck.'. He held my hand tight and with that stern voice welcomed me to the club with a 'Drop the mister Dennis, my name is Chuck'. From that point forward - I was one of the guys.

That moment meant more to me than most will ever understand. Why? Because at that moment, I was one of the few - the select - that were responsible for setting the example. I was now part of something much larger than I knew.

Out of respect to Chuck, and several of the other genuine men that have gone before him I wanted to share just a few words. In life - you taught me, encouraged me, counciled me and guided me. In death you remind me, encourage me and motivate me - to be more, to many ... with a purpose.

Let us always remember: we are constantly observed, our faith judged and our order appreciated.

Thank you Chuck! I am a better man for knowing you.

MANDATE?

To follow up on my previous post ... I had to do a little looking, but remember very clearly the gubernatorial election of 2002 in the state of Maryland. Robert Ehrlich ran for office with a very definitive method of raising revenue though the use of slots. The entire election seemed to be focused on slots and what it would mean to the state. For or against slots - it really does not matter (I was against them then, and am against them now - more in a future post about state run gambling), he won handily. Now, the vote came down roughly 4 points above Kathleen Kennedy Townsend. 4% is not a huge margin, but in a lopsided state like Maryland (heavily democratic) when a Republican wins - you should be able to read MANDATE. This was not to be.

The press hounded Ehrlich and refused to acknowledge that his win, with slots as a key piece of his plan, was a statement on where the citizens wanted to see the country move. As soon as a Democrat was elected to the office of governor - the press immediately jumped on the slots bandwagon and have 'campaigned' for their passage. WHAT A CROCK!
So now, Barack Obama wins with about a 6% lead in the popular vote, the media are calling for complete change in every position the Bush administration has taken. I fear that change is all we are going to have left. Mr. Obama will be the president of the United States. The people have voted and the tranfer of power will occur. This is one of the things that makes this country great. Mandate should not be use in this case. If it is - I think it is time for the rest of the country to wake up and call for the other mandate that was voted in - Proposition 8 in California.

Prop 8 was voted for approval but immediately there were protests held ... If the people vote and the votes are meant to show the opinion of the people - why the protests? Why the media continuing to give credit to the opposition? The people spoke and the liberal media did not like what they said. Therefore, something needs to be done to get what they want - it really is that simple

Face it - the media is biased. It is time for the rest of us to stand up and call them on it.

Mandate? I don't think so

Now that the presidential election of 2008 is almost behind us the news media is headed off on their own again. 'The election of Barack Obama signifies a mandate for change.' - Where do they come up with this stuff. Yes, Mr. Obama won the election, but I don't think you can call less than 6% popular vote a mandate. Personally, I fear what this country has in store for it with the democratic controlled House, Senate and Oval Office - what we can't afford is a media that begs at their feet encouraging even more sweeping change.

StarOffice 9 and the weblog extension

I just downloaded the latest version of StarOffice 9 and found a new extension that adds in weblog publishing. While still not the prolific blogger, I find the ability to just publish from a document a much simpler method. More to follow.