Monday, November 28, 2011

Was the Reagan Era a Decade of Greed?

    In a recent Denver Post YourHub column,“Strengthen sacrificial Thanksgiving spirit,” Jack Van Ens bemoans a perceived lack of civic virtue and attacks the late President Ronald Reagan for being blind to “the plight of those shivering in the shadows” during his administration. Van Ens also accuses Reagan of discouraging citizens from personal sacrifice while seeking their own self-fulfillment. Such a biased and ad hominem attack requires a closer look at the facts.

    Van Ens wants us to believe the decade of the 1980s was one long consumption binge, fostered by the Reagan Administration and characterized by what political pundit Kevin Phillips called "conspicuous opulence"  by the rich and powerful to the detriment of the poor and down trodden.  However, this popular leftist canard doesn’t stand up to the facts.

    Measured by giving, the 1980s were not the "Decade of Greed" at all. On the contrary, charitable giving by individuals and corporations jumped dramatically. This finding holds for giving measured not just in absolute terms, but also in total real dollars contributed, real charitable contributions per capita, and charitable contributions relative to national income.

    Indeed, giving in the 1980s was above the level that would have been predicted from the upward trend established in the 25 years prior to 1980. This conclusion holds even after adjusting for several economic and policy changes that might reasonably be expected to have boosted charitable contributions. In view of total, aggregate giving from 1955 to 1989, the 1980s in America were actually a decade of unusual generosity.

    With his leftist viewpoint, Van Ens sees the wealthy and corporations as sinful by nature, and he describes Americans as “bedazzled” by Reagan’s rhetoric calling America a shining city on the hill.  Van Ens tries to make the case that this successful decade was “shorn of sacrifice” for the common good. The truth is that corporate giving in real terms rose during the period increasing in the 1980s at a compound rate of 4.1 per cent. Charitable contributions by corporations as a percentage of profits before and after taxes remained higher in the late 1980s than in the decades preceding.

    The unusual surge in giving in the 1980s could be explained in part by favorable changes in economic conditions during the decade. It might be said that Americans were giving more not because they were more charitable, but because they had higher incomes and varying tax rates. 

    Were the 1980s really the “Decade of Greed" as claimed by Van Ens and often decried by his fellow leftists?  In terms of charitable contributions, the answer is a resounding "No."  No matter how the record of giving is measured, the 1980s were in fact a decade of renewed charity, generosity, and civic virtue.

    As documented in a study by scholar Denish D’Souza, Reagan saved America from a dire economics: he brought inflation down from 13.5 to 4.1 percent; unemployment, from 9.5 to 5.2 percent; the federal discount rate, from 14 to 6.5 percent. Under Reagan, the number of jobs increased by almost 20 million; median family income rose every year from 1982 to 1989. It was the greatest peacetime expansion in American history. Charitable giving more than doubled, to more than $100 billion in 1988. 

    Van Ens wants his readers to believe that Reagan presided over vast giveaways to the rich.  In fact, during the 1980s, the affluent paid more in federal taxes than ever before. Even though the top marginal tax rate declined from 70% to 28%, the proportion of taxes collected from the top 1% of income-earners went from 18% of all revenues in 1981 to 28% in 1988. The top 5% of earners bore 35% of the tax burden in 1981. In 1988, Reagan’s last year in office, they paid 46%. Meanwhile the tax share of middle- and lower-income Americans declined.

    Van Ens buys into the liberal myth that the affluent forgot about their obligations to the less-well-off during the Reagan years.  In reality, the well-off not only paid more in taxes but also gave more in charity. The Reagan era saw the greatest outpouring of private generosity in history. Americans, who contributed around $65 billion (as measured in 1990 dollars) to charity in 1980 gave more than $100 billion annually by the end of the decade, a real increase of 54%. The average American, who gave $340 to charity in 1980, raised his or her contribution to $486 in 1990.

    Economist Richard McKenzie calculated that the rate of increase in charitable contributions was greater than at any previous time in the postwar era. Moreover, he observes, it was greater than the growth of expenditures on personal extravagances like jewelry purchases, eating out and health club memberships.

    Nor did Americans merely contribute money: More people volunteered their time for churches and civic groups than ever before.  Van Ens also fails to recognize the sacrifices made by countless American citizens who contributed their time and money to community organizations.  This uncontested fact is conveniently omitted from Van Ens’ descriptions of the 1980s as an era of greed.

    As reported in the Chronicle of Philanthropy, spending on programs such as Medicare and Medicaid, grew rapidly. As a result, and to the consternation of some conservative supporters of the Reagan administration, government payments continued to account for roughly one-third of nonprofit revenue.

    Van Ens completely misses the mark due to his grave mischaracterization of Reagan and historical misrepresentation of the facts.  His caricature of President Reagan is shameful and deserves wide condemnation.  In terms of civic virtue, it should be remembered that Reagan was one of the three great liberators in American history.  Abraham Lincoln helped emancipate African Americans from slavery; Franklin Roosevelt help wrest Western Europe from fascism’ Ronald Reagan helped liberate Eastern Europe from communism.  Regan succeeded in liberating people from tyranny which is an international act of civic virtue of the highest order.  

    He also fails to recognize the acts of civic virtue that were shown daily by our military forces which served nobly and often made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of their fellow citizens during the 1980s.

    Deeply embedded in American liberalism is a sense that only the government can properly help the less fortunate. Liberals such as Van Ens believe that more government spending is always in order, but they fail to account for works of personal charity.  Van Ens misses the point Reagan made in his 1981 inaugural address: "How can we love our country and not love our sick countrymen, and loving them, reach out a hand when they fall, heal them when they are sick, and provide opportunities to make them self-sufficient?"

    I had the honor to serve as a military social aide at the White House during the 1980s, and I spent many hours next to President Reagan and observed his interactions with world leaders and common citizens, and I can personally attest that he was a thoroughly decent gentleman who cared deeply for his country and all its citizens.  His character was beyond reproach and it is sad to see his integrity maligned. Reagan was the embodiment of civic virtue, and he was an inspiring leader of an exceptional country composed of compassionate citizens contributing to the greater good of society.

Sunday, November 27, 2011

New Christmas Song

    Every Christmas, the media and PC police tell us, the Christian majority, what we can do and say to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. If you've had "enough" of this biased propaganda and believe in the true meaning of Christmas…now's your chance to fight back and bring Christ back into Christmas.
   
As you know, Christmas is being twisted and turned, pushed and pulled by politically correct merchants who enjoy the ride on the Christmas sleigh…but won't give Christ the recognition and honor he deserves. So, let's challenge these stores with our wallets…and patronize only the stores that celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.
   
If we do what the kids say in the song "If it don't say Merry Christmas in the window…then you don't go in that store" you'll be amazed at how fast the word gets-out. And maybe once again, Christmas will become…what it was…and what it was always meant to be, a     celebration of Christ's Birth!

Click here to listen to this new song

How old is grandma?

Read clear to the end for the answer!
Stay with this -- the answer is at the end. It will blow you away.

One evening a grandson was talking to his grandmother about current events.   The grandson asked his grandmother what she thought about the shootings at schools, the computer age, and just things in general.

The Grandmother replied, "Well, let me think a minute, I was born before:
' television
' penicillin
' polio shots
' frozen foods
' Xerox
' contact lenses
' frisbees
' the pill

There were no:
' credit cards
' laser beams or
' ball-point pens


Man had not invented:
' pantyhose
' air conditioners
' dishwashers
' clothes dryers
' and the clothes were hung out to dry in the fresh air and ' man hadn't yet walked on the moon

Your Grandfather and I got married first, ......... and then lived together.

Every family had a father and a mother.
Until I was 25, I called every man older than me.... "Sir".  And after I turned 25, I still called policemen and every man with a title.... "Sir."
We were before gay-rights, computer- dating, dual careers, daycare centers, and group therapy.
Our lives were governed by the Ten Commandments, good judgment, and common sense.
We were taught to know the difference between right and wrong and to stand up and take responsibility for our actions.
Serving your country was a privilege; living in this country was a bigger privilege.
We thought fast food was what people ate during Lent.
Having a meaningful relationship meant getting along with your cousins.
Draft dodgers were those who closed front doors as the evening breeze started.
Time-sharing meant time the family spent together in the evenings and weekends, not purchasing condominiums.

We never heard of FM radios, tape decks, CDs, electric typewriters, yogurt, or guys wearing earrings.
We listened to Big Bands, Jack Benny, and the President's speeches on our radios.
And I don't ever remember any kid blowing his brains out listening to Tommy Dorsey.
If you saw anything with 'Made in Japan ' on it, it was junk.
The term 'making out' referred to how you did on your school exam.
Pizza Hut, McDonald's, and instant coffee were unheard of.
We had 5 &10-cent stores where you could actually buy things for 5 and 10 cents.
Ice-cream cones, phone calls, rides on a streetcar, and a Pepsi were all a nickel.
And if you didn't want to splurge, you could spend your nickel on enough stamps to mail 1 letter and 2 postcards.
You could buy a new Ford Coupe for $600, .... but who could afford one?  Too bad, because gas was 11 cents a gallon.


In my day:
' "grass" was mowed,
' "coke" was a cold drink,
' "pot" was something your mother cooked in,
' "rock music" was your grandmother's lullaby,
' "Aids" were helpers in the Principal's office,
' "chip" meant a piece of wood,
' "hardware" was found in a hardware store,
' "software" wasn't even a word.

And we were the last generation to actually believe that a lady needed a husband to have a baby. No wonder people call us "old and confused" and say there is a generation gap, or that we are from the archives.

How old do you think I am?
I bet you have this old lady in mind....you are in for a shock!
Read on to see -- pretty scary if you think about it and pretty sad at the same time.
Are you ready ?????

This woman would be only 63 years old.

GIVES YOU SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT.......
THE YOUNG ONES WOULDN'T BELIEVE IT.

Denver's Lower Downtown

Denver Lower Downtown (LoDo)
http://www.lodo.org

LoDo Walking Tour Map
http://www.lodo.org/lodo_tour_map.htm
(Click on each number to read detailed descriptions)

Zen Humor

What did the Yogi say when he walked into the Zen Pizza Parlor?

"Make me one with everything."

When the Yogi got the pizza, he gave the proprietor a $20 bill. The proprietor pocketed the bill. The Yogi said "Don't I get change?"

The proprietor said, "Change must come from within."

Bad Parrot

A young man named John received a parrot as a gift. The parrot had a bad attitude and an even worse vocabulary.

Every word out of the bird's mouth was rude, obnoxious and laced with profanity.

John tried and tried to change the bird's attitude by consistently saying only polite words, playing soft music and anything else he could think of to 'clean up' the bird's vocabulary.

Finally, John was fed up and he yelled at the parrot. The parrot yelled back. John shook the parrot and the parrot got angrier and even more rude. John, in desperation, threw up his hand, grabbed the bird and put him in the freezer. For a few minutes the parrot squawked and kicked and screamed.

Then suddenly there was total quiet. Not a peep was heard for over a minute.

Fearing that he'd hurt the parrot, John quickly opened the door to the freezer.. The parrot calmly stepped out onto John's outstretched arms and said "I believe I may have offended you with my rude language and actions. I'm sincerely remorseful for my inappropriate transgressions and I fully intend to do everything I can to correct my rude and unforgivable behavior."

John was stunned at the change in the bird's attitude.

As he was about to ask the parrot what had made such a dramatic change in his behavior, the bird spoke-up, very softly,

"May I ask what the turkey did?"

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Mountain Coaster Cars

Now, what to do with all those ski slopes when there is no SNOW? How about small individual coaster cars?
http://youtu.be/eA-k3G1F7k0

Peak Oil

"Peak oil"—the idea that we've reached the peak of oil production and that it's about to run out—is an S & M fantasy scenario designed by liberals to justify their fetish for higher taxation, greater government control, more regulation, and the mass switchover to expensive, pointless energy sources that don't work, such as wind and solar power.

As Dennis Miller says: "Relax. We'll replace oil when we need to. American ingenuity will kick in and the next great fortune will be made. It's not pretty but it is historically accurate. We need to run out of oil first. That's why I drive an SUV—so we run out of it more quickly. I consider myself to be at the vanguard of the environmental movement and I think individuals who insist on driving hybrids are just prolonging our dilemma and I think that's just selfish..."
www.humanevents365.com

More Bad News

Congressman Allen West says:
Under this Administration we've seen 41% increase in food stamp recipients, 16% increase in poverty, & 48.5% people on government aid.

Monday, November 21, 2011

Maya Angelou


Maya Angelou was interviewed by Oprah on her 70+  birthday.. Oprah asked her what she thought of growing older.
And, there on television, she said it was 'exciting...'
Regarding body changes, she said there were  many, occurring every day.....like her breasts. They seem to be in a race to see which will reach her waist, first.

The  audience laughed so hard they cried. She is such a simple and honest woman, with so much wisdom in her words!

Maya  Angelou said this: 

'I've  learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.'

'I've learned that you can  tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three  things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree  lights.'

'I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're  gone from your life.'

'I've  learned that making a 'living' is not the same thing as 'making a life.'

'I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.'

'I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw some things back...'

'I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.'

'I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.'

'I've learned that every day you  should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug or just a friendly pat on the back...'

'I've learned that I still have a lot to learn.'

'I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.'

Please send this to five phenomenal women today... and back to me if you think i'm one also. 
If you do, something good will happen: You will boost another woman's  self-esteem.

If you don't....the elastic will break and your underpants will fall down around your ankles!

Believe  me, I didn't take any chances on MY elastic breaking

Ted Nugent Quote

Ted Nugent, rock star and avid bow hunter from Michigan , was being interviewed by a liberal journalist, an animal rights activist.  The discussion came around to deer hunting. The journalist asked, 'What do you think is the last thought in the head of a deer before you shoot him? Is it, 'Are you my friend?' or is it 'Are you the one who killed my brother?

Nugent replied, Deer aren't capable of that kind of thinking. All they care about is: what am I going to eat next, who am I going to screw next, and can I run fast enough to get away.  They are very much like the Democrats in Congress.

The interview ended
!!!!!!!

Ineptocracy


I love this word .  Finally, a way to describe Obama and his voters.

Ineptocracy (in-ep-toc’-ra-cy) - a system of government where the least capable to lead are elected by the least capable of producing, and where the members of society least likely to sustain themselves or succeed, are rewarded with goods and services paid for by the confiscated wealth of a diminishing number of producers. 

Hooray for Florida ! !


I-95 will be jammed for the next month or so........Druggies and deadbeats heading North out of Florida ..
Florida is the first state requiring drug testing to receive welfare!
Hooray for Florida !!!!
In signing the new law, Republican Gov. Rick Scott said, "If Floridians want welfare, they better make sure they are drug-free.
Applicants who test positive for illicit substances won't be eligible for the funds for a year, or until they undergo treatment.
Those who fail a second time would be banned from receiving funds for three years!
Naturally, a few people are crying this is unconstitutional.
How is this unconstitutional ?
It's completely legal that every other working people have to pass drug tests in order to get a J-O-B which supports those on welfare!
Forward if you agree!!
Let's get Welfare back to the ones who NEED it, not those who WON'T get a JOB.....
I AGREE!!!! 100%

Excellent analysis of "Occupiers"



This is the truth, but you may not like it.

EBs (Entitlement Brats) need the same exposure that most seniors experienced while growing up.


Awesome Video from Estes Park


This is from Estes Park, Colorado. 



Awesome Love Story


For those at work you may want to send to home email or read at lunch. There are pictures of their life together. God is sooooooooooo good.

WOW Check this out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Extraordinary love story of couple married for 72 years who died holding hands just an hour apart - and how wife's heartbeat kept her dead husband's heart monitor going

The family of the Iowa couple say their life together was a real-life love story, never separated, even after their tragic car accident which rushed them both to the hospital.

Full Story:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2051047/Gordon-Norma-Yeager-married-72-yrs-die-hour-apart-holding-hands.html

Good Humor


**Rrriiiiinnnnggg, Rrrriiiinnnngg,**

'Hello?'

'Hi honey. This is Daddy. Is Mommy near the phone?'

**'No, Daddy. She's upstairs in the bedroom with Uncle Paul.'**

After a brief pause,

Daddy says, **'But honey, you don't have an Uncle Paul.'**  

Little girl, 'Oh yes I do. He comes when you are not home and Mommy told me to call him Uncle Paul . He's upstairs in the bedroom with Mommy, right now..'

Brief Pause.

Daddy: 'Uh, okay then, this is what I want you to do. Put the phone down on the table, run upstairs and knock on the bedroom door and shout to Mommy **That Daddy's car just pulled into the driveway.'**

**'Okay, Daddy, Just a minute.'**

**A few minutes later the little girl comes back to the phone.**

**'I did it, Daddy.'**

**'And what happened, honey?' **

**'Well, Mommy got all scared, jumped out of bed with no clothes on and ran around screaming. Then she tripped over the rug, hit her head on the dresser and now she isn't moving at all!'**

**'Oh my God!!! What about Uncle Paul?'**

**'He jumped out of the bed with no clothes on, too. He was all scared and he jumped out of the back window and dove into the swimming pool. But I guess he didn't know that you drained the pool last week to clean it.  

**He hit the bottom of the pool with a big splat.... and I think he's dead.'**

*****Long Pause*****  

'There is no swimming pool at our house!!!  "Is this 486-5731?"

Little girl , 'No, I think you have the wrong number ........* 

Prostate Exam

Yesterday I had an appointment to see the urologist for a prostate exam. Of course I was a bit on edge because all my friends have either gone under the knife or had those pellets implanted...The waiting room was filled with patients.

As I approached the receptionist's desk, I noticed that the receptionist was a large unfriendly woman who looked like a Sumo wrestler. I gave her my name.

In a very loud voice, the receptionist said,"YES, I HAVE YOUR NAME HERE; YOU WANT TO SEE THE DOCTOR ABOUT IMPOTENCE, RIGHT?"

All the patients in the waiting room snapped their heads around to look at me, a now very embarrassed man. But as usual, I recovered quickly, and in an equally loud voice replied,

'NO, I'VE COME TO INQUIRE ABOUT A SEX CHANGE OPERATION, BUT I DON'T WANT THE SAME DOCTOR THAT DID YOURS."

The room erupted in applause!

Less


Our phones ... Wireless !
Cooking ... Fire-less!
Cars ... Key less!
Food ... Fat - less !
Dress ... Sleeveless!
Youth ... Jobless!
Leaders .. Shameless!
Relationships .. Meaningless!
Attitude ... Careless! 
Wives .. Fearless!
Feelings ... Heartless!
Education .. Valueless 
Children ... Manner-less!

Everything is becoming LESS but still, our hopes are ... Endless !
In -fact, I am speechless ... But let's not be Godless and Hopeless!! 

Diamondback Firearms


Saw this Cocoa Beach, FL company on Fox News.  They make 600 pistols a week and can’t keep up with the demand for their new 9mm pocket shooter.   It looks like a nifty concealed carry 9mm.


Coincidence or Not?


Hey, this is great!  Imagine the odds of this happening. 

Do you know the park in NYC that the Wall Street protesters are occupying? 
Zucotti Park.

DId you know this park is not owned by the city? 
It is owned by Brookfield Properties.

Who was just hired by Brookfield Properties as an attorney?
Vice President Joe Biden's son.

Who sits on the board of Brookfield Properties?
Mayor Bloomberg's live in girlfriend.

Now, guess what company just recieved some of the last of the Obama Stimulus $$$$$$$.
Thaaaaaaaaaaaaat's right, Brookfield Properties.

Isn't life great! 

Hey, on a completely unrelated note, Wisconsin is shaping up to be the swing state in the 2012 presidential elections.  Not Florida.  Not Ohio.  But Wisconsin. 

Now, guess who owns the company that will be tabulating the electronic votes in Wisconsin.
Thaaaaaaaaaaaat's right, the biggest contributor to Obama, George Soros.  Whaaaaaaaat a coincidence!

Remember what Stalin said.  "He who votes does not have power.  He who counts the votes has power". 

9 Things That Will Disappear In Our Lifetime


1. The Post Office
Get ready to imagine a world without the post office. They are so deeply in financial trouble that there is probably no way to sustain it long term. Email, Fed Ex, and UPS have just about wiped out the minimum revenue needed to keep the post office alive. Most of your mail every day is junk mail and bills.

2. The Check
Britain is already laying the groundwork to do away with check by 2018. It costs the financial system billions of dollars a year to process checks. Plastic cards and online transactions will lead to the eventual demise of the check. This plays right into the death of the post office. If you never paid your bills by mail and never received them by mail, the post office would absolutely go out of business.

3. The Newspaper
The younger generation simply doesn't read the newspaper. They certainly don't subscribe to a daily delivered print edition. That may go the way of the milkman and the laundry man. As for reading the paper online, get ready to pay for it. The rise in mobile Internet devices and e-readers has caused all the newspaper and magazine publishers to form an alliance. They have met with Apple, Amazon, and the major cell phone companies to develop a model for paid subscription services.

4. The Book
You say you will never give up the physical book that you hold in your hand and turn the literal pages. I said the same thing about downloading music from iTunes. I wanted my hard copy CD. But I quickly changed my mind when I discovered that I could get albums for half the price without ever leaving home to get the latest music. The same thing will happen with books. You can browse a bookstore online and even read a preview chapter before you buy. And the price is less than half that of a real book. And think of the convenience! Once you start flicking your fingers on the screen instead of the book, you find that you are lost in the story, can't wait to see what happens next, and you forget that you're holding a gadget instead of a book.

5. The Land Line Telephone
Unless you have a large family and make a lot of local calls, you don't need it anymore. Most people keep it simply because they've always had it. But you are paying double charges for that extra service. All the cell phone companies will let you call customers using the same cell provider for no charge against your minutes

6. Music
This is one of the saddest parts of the change story. The music industry is dying a slow death. Not just because of illegal downloading. It's the lack of innovative new music being given a chance to get to the people who would like to hear it. Greed and corruption is the problem. The record labels and the radio conglomerates are simply self-destructing. Over 40% of the music purchased today is "catalogue items," meaning traditional music that the public is familiar with. Older established artists. This is also true on the live concert circuit. To explore this fascinating and disturbing topic further, check out the book, "Appetite for Self-Destruction" by Steve Knopper, and the video documentary, "Before the Music Dies."

7. Television
Revenues to the networks are down dramatically. Not just because of the economy. People are watching TV and movies streamed from their computers. And they're playing games and doing lots of other things that take up the time that used to be spent watching TV. Prime time shows have degenerated down to lower than the lowest common denominator. Cable rates are skyrocketing and commercials run about every 4 minutes and 30 seconds. I say good riddance to most of it. It's time for the cable companies to be put out of our misery. Let the people choose what they want to watch online and through Netflix.

8. The "Things" That You Own
Many of the very possessions that we used to own are still in our lives, but we may not actually own them in the future. They may simply reside in "the cloud." Today your computer has a hard drive and you store your pictures, music, movies, and documents. Your software is on a CD or DVD, and you can always re-install it if need be. But all of that is changing. Apple, Microsoft, and Google are all finishing up their latest "cloud services." That means that when you turn on a computer, the Internet will be built into the operating system. So, Windows, Google, and the Mac OS will be tied straight into the Internet. If you click an icon, it will open something in the Internet cloud. If you save something, it will be saved to the cloud. And you may pay a monthly subscription fee to the cloud provider. In this virtual world, you can access your music or your books, or your whatever from any laptop or handheld device. That's the good news. But, will you actually own any of this "stuff" or will it all be able to disappear at any moment in a big "Poof?" Will most of the things in our lives be disposable and whimsical? It makes you want to run to the closet and pull out that photo album, grab a book from the shelf, or open up a CD case and pull out the insert.

9. Privacy
If there ever was a concept that we can look back on nostalgically, it would be privacy. That's gone. It's been gone for a long time anyway. There are cameras on the street, in most of the buildings, and even built into your computer and cell phone. But you can be sure that 24/7, "They" know who you are and where you are, right down to the GPS coordinates, and the Google

All we will have left that can't be changed are "Memories"....
But Alzheimers may take that away from you too!

The Fix



There recently was an article in the St. Petersburg , Fl. Times. The Business Section asked readers for ideas on: "How Would You Fix the Economy?" I think this guy nailed it!

Dear Mr. President,

Please find below my suggestion for fixing America 's economy. Instead of giving billions of dollars to companies that will squander the money on lavish parties and unearned bonuses, use the following plan.

You can call it the "Patriotic Retirement Plan":

There are about 40 million people over 50 in the work force. Pay them $1 million apiece severance for early retirement with the following stipulations:

1) They MUST retire. Forty million job openings - Unemployment fixed.

2) They MUST buy a new AMERICAN Car. Forty million cars ordered - Auto Industry fixed.

3) They MUST either buy a house or pay off their mortgage - Housing Crisis fixed.

It can't get any easier than that!!

P.S. If more money is needed, have all members in Congress pay their taxes..

Mr. President, while you're at it, make Congress retire on Social Security and Medicare. I'll bet both programs would be fixed pronto!

If you think this would work, please forward to everyone you know.

PLEASE DON'T FORGET NEXT SATURDAY!


WALK NAKED IN AMERICA DAY
Don't forget to mark your calenda rs .
As you may already know, it is a sin for a Muslim male to see any woman
other
than his wife naked and if he does, he must commit suicide.

So next Saturday at 1 P.M. Eastern Time, all American women are asked to
walk out of their house completely naked to help weed out any neighborhood
terrorists.

Circling your block for one hour is recommended for this anti-terrorist
effort.

All patriotic men are to position themselves in lawn chai rs in front of
their houses to demonstrate their support for the women and to prove that
they are not Muslim terrorist sympathize rs .

Since Islam also does not approve of alcohol, a cold 6-pack at your side is
further proof of your patriotism.

God Bless America !!
P.S. If you don't send this to at least 1 pe rs on, you're a
terrorist-sympathizing,
lily-livered coward and are possibly aiding and abetting terrorists.

Deer Hunter and the Dentist


The man said to the dentist, "Doc, I'm in one heck of a hurry.
I have two buddies sitting out in my truck waiting for us to go
deer hunting, so forget about the anesthetic, I don't have time
for the gums to get numb. I just want you to pull the tooth,
and be done with it! We have our feeders set to go off in thirty
minutes. I don't have time to wait for the anesthetic to work!'

The dentist thought to himself, "My goodness, this is surely a
very brave man asking to have his tooth pulled
without using anything to kill the pain."

So the dentist asks him, "Which tooth is it sir?"

The man turned to his wife and said, "Open your mouth Honey,
and show him.

An Excellent Idea from a Friend


Last week, a thunderstorm rolled through our neighborhood and a huge
Oak tree came down on some power lines, creating a power outage
For a large area around us.   We lost power for about 5 hours.

We were scrambling around in the darkness, looking for matches,
Candles, flashlights, etc.

We looked outside, and noticed our solar lights shining brightly all
Around our patio, stairs, dock, etc.  They were beautiful.  Pat 
Walked outside, and brought several of the solar lights inside.

We stuck the solar light pipes into plastic drink bottles containers
And they made the nicest, brightest, safest, lighting you could
Ever imagine.

We put one in the bathroom, the kitchen, the living room, etc.  There was
Plenty of light. There are all types of solar lights available.
We put them all around our yard.   They look
Nice and they do not attract flying bugs like the outdoor
Lights around our doorway.

The lights we have fit into the small (20oz) water bottles and
They also fit into most of the larger liter bottles.  If you need
A weight in the plastic bottle to keep them from tipping over,
You can put a few of the pretty colorful "flat marbles" that they
Put in aquariums, and vases.  (you can also use sand, aquarium
Gravel, etc., whatever you have available).

The lights we have were perfect inside our home.   They burn 
All night long if you need them.

The next day, you just take your solar lights back outside and they
Will instantly recharge and be ready  for you to use again any time
You need them.   

Burned Biscuits


When I was a kid, my mom liked to make breakfast food for dinner every now and then. And I remember one night in particular when she had made breakfast after a long, hard day at work. On that evening so long ago, my mom placed a plate of eggs, sausage, and extremely burned biscuits in front of my dad. I remember waiting to see if anyone noticed! Yet all my dad did was reach for his Biscuit, smile at my mom and ask me how my day was at school. I don't remember what I told him that night, but I do remember hearing my mom apologize to my dad for burning the biscuits. And I'll never forget what he said: "Honey, I love burned biscuits." Later that night, I went to kiss Daddy good night and I asked him if he really liked his biscuits burned. He wrapped me in his arms and said, "Your momma put in a long hard day at work today and she's real tired. And besides... a burnt biscuit never hurt anyone!" You know, life is full of imperfect things... and imperfect people. I'm not the best at hardly anything, and I forget birthdays and anniversaries just like everyone else. What I've learned over the years is that learning to accept each others faults and choosing to celebrate each others differences, is one of the most important keys to creating a healthy, growing, and lasting relationship. So...please pass me a biscuit. And yes, the burned one will do just fine! And please pass this along to someone who has enriched your life... I just did!
Life is too short to wake up with regrets... Love the people who treat you right and forget about the ones who don't. ENJOY LIFE NOW - IT HAS AN EXPIRATION

Just Fred


A cop stops a Harley for traveling faster than the posted speed limit, so he asks the biker his name.

"Fred," he replies.

"Fred what?" the officer asks.

"Just Fred," the man responds.

The officer is in a good mood and thinks he might just give the biker a break, and write him out a warning instead of a ticket.

The officer then presses him for the last name.

The man tells him that he used to have a last name but lost it.

The officer thinks that he has a nut case on his hands but plays along with it.  "Tell me, Fred, how did you lose your last name?"

The biker replies, "It's a long story, so stay with me.  I was born Fred Johnson.  I studied hard and got good grades.  When I got older, I realized that I wanted to be a doctor.  I went through college, medical school, internship, residency, and finally got my degree, so I was Fred Johnson, MD.

"After a while I got bored being a doctor, so I decided to go back to school.  Dentistry was my dream!  Got all the way through School, got my degree, so then I was Fred Johnson, MD, DDS.

"Got bored doing dentistry, so I started fooling around with my assistant and she gave me VD, so now I was Fred Johnson, MD, DDS, with VD.

"Well, the ADA found out about the VD, so they took away my DDS.  Then I was Fred Johnson, MD, with VD.  Then the AMA found out about the ADA taking away my DDS because of the VD, so they took away my MD leaving me as Fred Johnson with VD.  Then the VD took away my 'Johnson', so now, I'm, Just Fred."

The officer walked away in tears, laughing.....


Live your life in such a way that the minister wont have to lie at your funeral

Great Reading


Someone has written these beautiful words. Must read and try to understand the deep meaning of it.
They are like the ten commandments to follow in life all the time.

1] Prayer is not a "spare wheel" that you pull out when in trouble, but it is a "steering wheel" that directs the right path throughout.

2] So why a Car's WINDSHIELD is so large and the rear view mirror is so small? Because our PAST is not as important as our FUTURE. So, look ahead and move on.

3] Friendship is like a BOOK. It takes few seconds to burn, but it takes years to write.

4] All things in life are temporary. If going well, enjoy it, they will not last forever. If going wrong, don't worry, they can't last long either.

5] Old Friends are gold! New friends are diamond! If you get a diamond, don't forget the gold! Because to hold a diamond, you always need a base of gold!

6] Often when we lose hope and think this is the end, GOD smiles from above and says, "Relax, sweetheart, it's just a bend, not the end"!

7] When GOD solves your problems, you have faith in HIS abilities; when GOD doesn't solve your problems HE has faith in your abilities.

8] A blind person asked St. Anthony: "Can there be anything worse than losing eye sight?" He replied: "Yes, losing your vision!"

9] When you pray for others, God listens to you and blesses them, and sometimes, when you are safe and happy, remember that someone has prayed for you.

10] WORRYING does not take away tomorrow's TROUBLES, it takes away today's PEACE.

If you really enjoy this, please pass to others. It may brighten someone's day...

Best Quote of 2011 - Czech Republic


Some people have the vocabulary to sum up things in a way you can understand them. This quote came from the Czech Republic and I just had to share it:

"The danger to America is not Barack Obama but a citizenry capable of entrusting an inexperienced man like him with the Presidency. It will be far easier to limit and undo the follies of an Obama Presidency than to restore the necessary common sense and good judgment to a depraved electorate willing to have such a man for their President.

The problem is much deeper and far more serious than Mr. Obama, who is a mere symptom of what ails America . Blaming the prince of the fools should not blind anyone to the vast confederacy of fools that made him their prince. The Republic can survive a Barack Obama. It is less likely to survive a multitude of fools who made him their President." 

Medicare Premiums


No matter your age it will effect some member of your family

-----
Look at the cost jump in 2014 !!!


The per person Medicare insurance premium will increase from the
present monthly fee of $96.40 to:

2012 - $104.20
2013 - $120.20
2014 - $247.00

These provisions incorporated in the Obamacare legislation, are
purposely being delayed so as not to 'confuse' the general public in
the 2012 re-election campaigns.  

Send this to all seniors that you
know, so they will know who's throwing them under the bus.

Brain Study:


If you can read this you have a strong mind:
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Letter in the Knoxville News-Sentinel

Jack A. Furnari, Knoxville

The current Occupy Wall Street movement is the best illustration to
date of what President Barack Obama's America looks like. It is an
America where the lawless, unaccomplished, ignorant and incompetent
rule. It is an America where those who have sacrificed nothing pillage
and destroy the lives of those who have sacrificed greatly. It is an
America where history is rewritten to honor dictators, murderers and
thieves. It is an America where violence, racism, hatred, class
warfare and murder are all promoted as acceptable means of overturning
the American civil society.

It is an America where humans have been degraded to the level of
animals: defecating in public, having sex in public, devoid of basic
hygiene. It is an America where the basic tenets of a civil society,
including faith, family, a free press and individual rights, have been
rejected. It is an America where our founding documents have been
shredded and, with them, every person's guaranteed liberties.

It is an America where, ultimately, great suffering will come to the
American people, but the rulers like Obama, Michelle Obama, Harry
Reid, Nancy Pelosi, Barney Frank, Chris Dodd, Joe Biden, Jesse
Jackson, Louis Farrakhan, liberal college professors, union bosses and
other loyal liberal/Communist Party members will live in opulent
splendor. It is the America that Obama and the Democratic Party have
created with the willing assistance of the American media, Hollywood,
unions, universities, the Communist Party of America, the Black
Panthers and numerous anti-American foreign entities.

Obama has brought more destruction upon this country in four years
than any other event in the history of our nation, but it is just the
beginning of what he and his comrades are capable of. The Occupy Wall
Street movement is just another step in their plan for the
annihilation of America.

Good Idea for Christmas


CHRISTIANS EVERYWHERE:

What a clever idea! Yes, Christmas cards. This is coming early so that you can get ready to include an important address to your list.

Want to have some fun this CHRISTMAS?

Send the ACLU a CHRISTMAS CARD this year.

As they are working so very hard to get rid of the CHRISTMAS part of this holiday, we should all send them a nice, card to brighten up their dark, sad, little world. Make sure it says "Merry Christmas" on it.

Here's the address, just don't be rude or crude:
ACLU
125 Broad Street , 18th Floor
New York , NY 10004


Two tons of Christmas cards would freeze their operations because they wouldn't know if any were regular mail containing contributions.
So spend 44 cents and tell the ACLU to leave Christmas alone. Also tell them that there is no such thing as a " Holiday Tree". It's always been called a CHRISTMAS TREE!

And pass this on to your email lists. We really want to communicate with the ACLU! They really DESERVE us!!

For those of you who aren't aware of them, the ACLU, (the American Civil Liberties Union) is the one suing the U.S. Government to take God, Christmas or anything religious away from us. They represent the atheists and others in this war. Help put Christ back in Christmas!


** Suggestion: Pass this on to your church, co-workers, family, and friends. What do you have to lose but 44 cents, what do you have to gain --- more than you may ever know possible. =


Wages


This is one of our greatest mistakes.  The Politicians always vote themselves enormous salaries FOR LIFE and we have no means to stop it.  Look at the Health Care Program, the Politicians are covered by a separate program for life and we have to pay through the nose for ours.  When are the people going to get fed up with this charade?  They stay in power by giving small amounts of our SS payments back, plus free handouts to the illegal and those that have been on welfare for two to four generations.  If, as they claim, that illegal immigrants do not vote, then why are they afraid of Voting Cards that may be verified? 


Wages

Salary of retired US Presidents .............$450,000 FOR LIFE
Salary of House/Senate members ..........$174,000 FOR LIFE
Salary of Speaker of the House .............$223,500 FOR LIFE
Salary of Majority/Minority Leaders .....$193,400
FOR LIFE

Average salary of a soldier DEPLOYED IN AFGHANISTAN
- $38,000
Average income for seniors on SOCIAL SECURITY - $12,000

I think we found where the cuts should be made! If you
agree... Pass it on!

Sunday, November 20, 2011

The 5-Minute Test for Alzheimer's

I came across this the other day, and thought it would be helpful to all you caregivers out there.

Of course, if your loved one is showing symptoms or if this test leads you to believe they may have Alzheimer’s, you should have them officially tested by a doctor right away.  This is just a helpful tool to get you started on the right path.

Just click the link to learn more about the 5-minute test for Alzheimer’s.


http://www.MedicalNewsToday.com/articles/211011.php

Paintings by a Farmer - Beautiful!


             PAINTINGS BY A FARMER...SOMETHING FOR ALL OF US...
These paintings are so beautiful. Love the subject - life on the farm. His detail is fantastic. Some of the pictures look more like photos. You will enjoy these ...guaranteed! Just think there were no cell phones, No electronic games, No T.V. No Malls No Disneyland . Just hard working Americans. Enjoy. Beautiful...

A Traveler's Journal


Really nice play on words...!

I have been in many places, but I've never been in Cahoots. Apparently,
  you can't go alone. You have to be in Cahoots with someone.

   I've also never been in Cognito. I hear no one recognizes you there.
   I have, however, been in Sane. They don't have an airport; you have to
  be driven there. I have made several trips there, thanks to my friends,
 family and work.

 I would like to go to Conclusions, but you have to jump, and I'm not
 too much on physical activity anymore.

 I have also been in Doubt. That is a sad place to go, and I try not to
 visit there too often.

 I've been in Flexible, but only when it was very important to stand
 firm.

 Sometimes I'm in Capable, and I go there more often as I'm getting
 older.

 One of my favorite places to be is in Suspense! It really gets the
 adrenalin flowing and pumps up the old heart! At my age I need all the
 stimuli I can get!

 And, sometimes I think I am in Vincible but life shows me I am not!

Whatever Happened to those CITGO Gas Stations?


Verified with SNOPES 

IN ORLANDO LAST WEEK, AT A CITGO
 STATION, REGULAR GAS WAS PRICED AT $3.52 PER GALLON, AND NO CUSTOMERS... 

HOWEVER
, ACROSS THE STREET FUEL WAS SELLING FOR$3.55 PER GALLON AND ALL PUMPS THERE HAD CARS WAITING TO FUEL UP. What's going on? Word is getting around!!!!! Read on:

Have you noticed how the
 CITGO signs have disappeared in the past 7-8 months? A very clever move by Chavez. But guess what, "CITGO" IS CHANGING ITS NAME, too. ... 

This is serious, Americans,.. ..make sure you read this very carefully. 

NEWS FLASH
:

Chavez
 is NOW getting a Russian Weapons Factory built by Putin. The RUSSIANS are building an AK-47Kalashnikov Assault Rifle factory in Venezuela, to give armament support to Communist Rebel groups throughout the Americas . He has now offered a Venezuelan island to the Russians for use as a military base in the Western Hemisphere.

Chavez NOW
 has IRANIANS operating his oil refineries in Venezuela for him. It is likely only a matter of time, if not already, before Chavez has Iranian built LONG RANGE missiles, with a variety of warhead types aimed at: Guess Who?

CITGO
 is NOW in the process of Changing Its Name to "PETRO EXPRESS" due to the loss of gasoline sales in the USA , due to the recent publicity of ownership by Chavez of Venezuela. 

THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT because Chavez is starting to feel the loss of revenue from his holdings.. HE OWNS "CITGO". This is a very important move that everyone should be aware of. 

ANNOUNCED JUST RECENTLY: "CITGO", BEING AWARE THAT SALES ARE DOWN DUE TO U..S. CUSTOMERS NOT WANTING TO BUY FROM 'CITGO-CHAVEZ',
HAVE STARTED TO CHANGE THE NAME OF SOME OF THEIR STORES TO: 'PETRO EXPRESS'. DO NOTBUY FROM "PETRO EXPRESS"
EITHER!!!
  'PETRO EXPRESS' IS ALSO 100% OWNED BY "CHAVEZ.."
KEEP THIS MEMO GOING SO THAT EVERYONE KNOWS WHAT IS HAPPENING. 

BOTTOM LINE,-- BOYCOTT "CITGO"
 & "PETRO EXPRESS" please!! 

PLEASE~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~PLEASE MAKE SURE THIS IS PASSED ON TO EVERYONE IN YOUR E-MAIL LIST IN THE UNITED STATES AND OUTSIDE OF AMERICA