Cash for reliable clunkers

It has come to my attention that the government is possibly overpaying for junkers. That is, they are inflating the price for perfectly fine automobiles in an effort to boost consumer car sales and to benefit a greener environment.

While I applaud the effort, again this is policy with good intentions and little substance. Let me explain. Upwards of $4500 was given via tax credits, as an incentive to trade in old, gas clunkers for newer and fuel efficient vehicles. However, for the dealers to qualify for the reimbursement they had to destroy the vehicle and send proof to the gov. By now we have all heard of the friend of a friend that traded in a $1000 car for the $4500 tax credit and financed little to nothing on their newer car. That's great. I think we all support a great deal. But at the governments expense? Surely there are individuals, (think you at 16), that could have used these beaters as means of transportation? Surely there are families and single mothers who would love to not have to use public transportation. A reliable vehicle frees many of us to look for work, take trips, be in charge of our own destiny.

But now those beaters are in a scrap yard. Now the old reliable gas guzzler is unable to serve its purpose. Now the used parts dealers are in flux as to where to go for parts.

All the while our country continues to mount debt in the quest for egalitarianism.
Such decisions, such as cash for clunkers, reinforces the ideals of a puppet master government.

Non Profit nation

Today I was having a conversation with a close friend. A friend that is lefty liberal, educated and well read. We discussed as many are doing right now, the impact of the upcoming stimulus package; the spending, tax cuts and work that will be created. While a Keynesian approach is warranted during certain economic crisis, it is crucial to identify the results within the package and estimate at best the return of investment.

I explained that business owners, families and consumers often tackle the roi decision many times throughout the day. Should the small business owner increase capital expenditures to gain market share? Should the consumer shop at Wal-Mart or the locally owned grocery store? Should the family buy brand name shoes for the kids when they could potentially grow out of them soon? And of course there are many other examples to identify.

But the same question remains. What is the potential benefit of spending time, money, investment and human capital? It is disturbing to see the disturbing trends of bloated operational costs, zero top line revenue,and waste among these non-profits organizations.

During our conversation, I brought up the point of effective compassion and the lives transformed by empowerment via philantrophy that works and does not form dependancy. For example, on average, less than $.20 per dollar, reaches the recipients the organization is formed for. The majority of funds is used on high range salaries and other operatonal costs that block funding for those who need it the most. With that said, it is alarming the extent in which the aggregate population gives adulation for supporting not for profit deeds. The government is a not for profit agency that has shown its wasteful tendencies. Yet we look to this failed instituion as a source of remedy and making the earth, like Buckley said, eshtalogical.

Why is America afraid of profit? Why do we scorn and attempt to take property of those who have attained such success? Because the country has fallen entrapped to the ideals of victimology and the pressures to promote class warfare.

Profit was the motive behind the majority of inventions and innovations that we enjoy in life. Steve Jobs didn't push the first ipod so you could ignore people at the gym. No, he did it to get rich. To attain wealth. Fiber optic cable was not laid in miles and miles of ocean for the world to consume and connect to the internet for the sake of the greater good.

Why is there a lack of green jobs? If there was an overwhelming demand for green jobs that the government wants to create, there would have been entrpreneurs that started these "job hotspots" years ago. Theres no market my hippie friend, for that which is fake and not sustainable.

To see this pattern of mediocrity and class stucture, should strike some as depressing. If only someone had the cure for depression, they could make some money.

It is the principality.

Thank you Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young

Divorce is imminent. And all attempts at reconciliation have, thus far, failed. Pending a timely act of God, its over. I know the majority of us who enter into a marriage deny the statisitcs and overwhelming data suggesting divorce, animosity and horrible marriages. However, this blogger has failed become an outlier.

This blog entry is not to point, cast judgement or give details of my upcoming seperation.

No, this entry is about feelings of despair, hopelessness and the jam "Carry On" by Crosby Stills, Nash and Young.

I left work today brooding about my failed marriage and the onslaught of fears and doubts in myself for allowing such an outcome. I am sure there are others out there who have, at least once, felt similar emotions during a rough stretch of their own life journey.

Then it came on.

Rejoice, Rejoice you have no choice, but to carry on.

Tears dried-- hope arrived.

MLK and the Obama Confusion

On the presupice of such a historic occasion, I am often reminded of the individuals that make up our diverse electorate. One could make the argument that in fact Obama was voted in because of his "blackness" or lack thereof (read previous posts). Many continue on to discuss the impact Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. made on the public perception of African-Americans and the progress his work did to in effect elect Obama. The excitement of watching people pursue answers to complex questions and to reach beyond the accepted norms we live in is what this blogger has pursued; independant thought, intelligent conversation among Americans, and using more than 5% of your brain capacity.

Unfortunately, their arguments are misguided. Today I heard, again, the now famous qoute, "Rosa sat so MLK could walk so Obama could run so our kids can fly." Throughout this election I was reminded that that a black president would help other blacks succeed. I was told that this was what Dr. King had fought for. I was told that I am not black because I did not vote for Obama. I was told that he is the answer to take black americans to the next level.

What a feel good message. And if Americans of all races can accept the simple minded answers to alleviate poverty, fix the economic crisis, and eliminate crime. So be it.

But I don't think that is going to happen. Like other feel good messages, there will be a reality check. I think such a misguided qoute minimizes the works of the above individuals. Furthermore, it eliminates the personal responsibility.

Rosa Parks sat for injustice, Dr. King marched for equality, and President Obama, ran a hell of a campaign. He united the masses behind his message and his attitude for a better America. Linking race as a qualifier is as much discrimination as its dysfunctional polar.

Dr. Kings march continued after the Civil Rights Act of 1963. He marched against Vietnam, when he was assasinated, he was marching for sanitation workers in Memphis. The point is that his work was focused on equailty and that which is universally right.

Please understand, that focusing on President Obama's race and the historical accomplishment, will only devalue the published, j.d., editor of the Harvard Law Review, and accomplished human being he has become and will continue to be.

My readers have spoken, therefore I have written thusly

From the omnipotent to the ignorant

the red and the blue

My readers, i do it for you

Many have longed for this bloggers verbal barrage. Indeed, my unexpected sabbatical has been anything but rest.

You see, this time away from blogging has allowed for inner reflection and perhaps, in my barouque manner, a new way of thinking has emerged. A way that can encompass mutiple points of view including those that differ from my own. I have noticed this creates a more holisitic approach to solving policy disputes. No, I have not become liberal, however, there is room to grow considering the intense backlash against conservative orators, not principles.

This backlash and retreat from conservative cronies still in power has moved my prose to more of a cultural critic, but from a progressive conservative standpoint. That is to say, a pragmatic conservative.



A thrilling chill to this bloggers spine came via email recently in the beginning of the quiet winter months that prompted this blogger to enrich and drop knowledge bombs once again.

As often a drug can be, politics had corroded my love for the discipline via presidential overdose. And through this overdose I was thrown into an abyss of complacency and MSNBC. It was there that I realized my addiction and came to realize the political game has transformed me into a partisan pawn, not a man of principles.

Therefore, expect frequent critiques that focus on current events and pertinent policy matters.

principality causa

I am coming out of the closet. Finally.

It's been awhile friends. And what better way to best express my personal feelings than a look at this blogger for what he really is.

My wife, my poor wife has known for years. In fact, she has even participated, against her will, but yet shows her deep love for me and my life journey.

You see, I just to Madison WI, a hub for all that is eccentric, hippie and extreme left wing liberalism. It was this culture shock that first set the stage for my announcement.

The great conservative orator, William Buckley best described Madison WI thusly, "16 square miles surrounded by reality."

Say it loud, say it proud, I am a conservative in Madison WI and I am proud.

Seriously, did you think I was gay?

And So I blog

Private, Labor and the political. Or so we assume. They are supposed to stay seperate. Unfortunately, with technological advancements, the roles become one. Leaving a private life to be succumbed into the workplace and so forth. The political field this year tends to bark efforts to increase the privates status, and the worplace is the battleground (ie they took our jobs). In an effort to become elected.

So Josh, duh.

Sure, can I explain this phenomena I witnessed today? It was a bastion of solice that allowed tranquility and reflection. Time away from blah, blah, blah and text messages.

I speak of the gym. I mention the gym in the most ontological dimension. The gym represents all that is longed for by this blogger: privacy, pursuits, competition, friendships and comraderie.

It was not evident at first. The prescription for my current ailment. In fact, the cure scared me. Was I to be cured by such minimalist interventions? Yea dude.

It was a usual day. B and I met up around 2pm. I had been there earlier, light cardio and deadlifts. Brent met up with us. The usual chit chatter of lives, spouses and work were exchanged and recognized.

Grunts, flexing, stories of past accomplishments are common. We lifted very heavy, numbers are inconsequential, although I could not quantify the experience.

We wore down, and started to just dabble with various machinery.

B related the ephinany through his normal short sentences, "We aint doin nothing, we just dont want to go home."


Wow. Certainly I love my wife and children. We are often together enjoying each others company, but this was certainly different. Hanging out with friends is hard to do in such a life. It is often referenced by the increase in adults that mention they are lonely or unable to make friends.

Lets think about how, and your comments are well appreciated, we met our best frineds. At college, the service perhaps or work. Thats the issue. We have skewed these places and their roles so much that calling a co-worker or employee a friend is very common compared to earlier records of such relationships. And it should. On average, many Americans work longer hours have access to electronic communication and cellular phones. Leaving personal contact void of your presence.

And so here it is, the stank gym that I call my own. With my own friends and environment.

No double entendre needed (see previous posts).

What do the Weekly Standard and Jason Whitlock have in common?

They both praise The Wire. A show that will, in time, be so rewarded with numerous references as Bunk, McNulty and "Omar comin".

If possible, please watch the series in it's entirety.

Thank me later

Elliott Spitzer. The Dems response.

At least he's not gay.

Ring Ring. It's 3am....Principality time.

Hillary up, of course, waiting for Bill to come home and listening to whatever lesbian rocker is popular at the time. Start fake crying and give a thorough history concerning her experiences with handling phone calls at 3am. Something like, "Blah blah blah, middle class, blah blah blah."

Barrack, well he would probably HOPE and ...(throw in your own CHANGE joke concerning phone number etc.) Assuming he didn't blame the special interests first.

So yea, I am comfortable with John answering the phone. Since he probably goes to bed at 4pm and is up drinking his Ensure by then. He can give a straight talk answer of F*** off and read the paper or maybe tell another joke older than him.

Spring WTF

The tradition of Spring Break has a confusing history to many.

Some might say alright, lets have sex. Or better yet, exploit the opposite sex. Whoa, wait a minute, another says, we could all get plowed first, be rowdy, break the law, then have sex with whoever.

Or, God might say I'm BACK.

Because isn't that the tradition for a spring break in Western culture? Is this the new passover ritual that has overtaken contemporary youth culture. Indeed, it is. It is now common place to allow these episodes as a rite of passage.

Eww.

What has the world come to?

Well friends, the good newsl I now have high speed wireless internet.

The bad news; Flavor of Love is back for another season.

In fact, my wife is watching it right now. Mysogyny, alcholism, violence all in the name of love for a 50 year old ex-crackhead. Yea boy.

But, however, there is a need for a no boy proclamation. A no boy proclamation that does not pit these young talented African American females in a sexual feast with this man. No boy, no boy to using these woman for sex and ratings. No boy, Don Imus can call a group of 12 nappy headed hos, yet these excuses for life have a vocabulary unfit for a sailor. Yes, I used to ba a sailor, and yes these girls have taught me some new things.

So does this introduce the double standards theory, as described in detail in earlier posts. No, quite simply, it establishes a need for change that Barack has not spoke of yet. A need to treat women as more than objects, humiliiation and subject of super driven male machismo.

Don't get me wrong, I flex my male status and yes there is a sense of roles to be recognized, I digress. The point is when will groups, as shown in this TV show, learn there is so much more to life beyond a man or even his affections? For that matter, to the extent you would ashame your family and the equal meritocracy achieved by past women/civil rights groups.

But at least I have wireless. So I may play my Kansas and Rush to cherish freedom, free will and so forth.

And wait for Celebrity Fit Club.

So let it be written, so let it be deemed a principality.

A conversation with Barrack

I woke up early last night. Anxious, excited and yet well rested. I turned on msnbc to see the latest hype Tuesday. I thought if Barrack was awake. And if he was, what was he thinking? Besides the obvious implications of a win tonight, how was he to cope with such a victory? I am sure, like many, he often dreamed of such a life. But isn't he scared?

Well, I watched, and drifted asleep into a world of less security and open doors.

P: How are you?

B: Nervous, of course. I don't think anyone could change that(with a smile).

P: Yea. To be honest, I always described you as another Jesse; not a serious candidate. I was wrong, and I am humbling myself to acknowledge that. I guess the race pimps are wrong in the ways they describe America.

B: My wife and I used to say that too. In fact, it is a testimony to Americans, my candidacy, that we are not this vicious beast waiting to kill on both sides of the aisle.

P: Weel, I still think we are, but to a lesser degree, TV always adds another 15lbs, making something bigger than what it is.

B: Ha, yea absolutley, the cynics, Rush and the other naysayers have been silenced, for now, and the friction still remains.

P: True, but would call those that disagree with some of your change policies in the America of old?

B: No, in fact that is a good point. I am promoting a politics of common unity, where the whole is greater than its part, of course, but the methods we use to heal political disagreement will be tools that unite and find a cure to devastating politics.

P: OK, that sounds nice. Unrealistic, but nice. You know, there is a certain philisophical presence in your demeanor that is comforting. Reminescent of past orators famous for finding this country. Are you sure though, that these traits are found in the executive branch? You steady vote liberal, hard left.

B: Yes. To see past the lack of substantive policy decisions, focus on what is right for now going forward. Radicals, from both parties, are responsible for where we are currently. Good and bad reasons, that were dynamic on it's face, yet we were able to adapt and become better as a country. We are witnessing a regression into the class systems of old, and that regression is turning the country into a complacent system. Seperating old, young, white, black, rich poor. Giving Americans a sense of seperation. The hope has become lost. That is what I intend to bring to Washington.

P: Wow(to myself). So, what say you to the David Brooks who mention your campaign is a big steady hope injection?

B: Ha. What can you say. The nation needs it. Forecosure rates, globalization and other indicators have brought the generation, I argue, to a point of needed injections. And if the nation appeals to a hope candidacy, my presdidency, so be it.

P: Sorry to burst your bubble, but I cannot vote for you. I know, it kills me, in fact I often try to make excuses to vote for you, sorry. I believe politics transcend race, and to break that principle, I imagine, would taint what I work so hard to do, create a new urban conservative movement.

B: A new urban conservative movement, I think it would be easier to build a spaceship in your backyard. Ha.

P: Yea. I really needed this, though. I wanted to tell you this for so long. I have been watching your candidacy, it is remarkable. Thanks for giving me the time. You should get some rest. Big day. The world needs a changin'.

B: Ha. It's okay. We need that, engaged Americans.

P: All this hope, change. I think I will go back to sleep.

Number 2.

Uh oh. Number 2 is enroute my friends. Tomorrow, my wife is expecting to give birth to our second daughter. What a relief.

Child birth is the greatest experience on earth. Bar none. Honestly, probably one of the few times I cried uncontrollably.

And now I think in what type of world will my daughters be living in? The new millenium has certainly brought in a kinder, understanding approach to womens rights, but I am scared of the mysogny of youth culture. Where a woman has been subject to treatment of being a sex symbol.

In light of the recent Kwame issues, LAURA VARON BROWN picks up this topic much better than I could.

Principality is not to be confused with convienance. Principality is to be a constant in which you gauge yourself and others in all of our transactions.

Slightling Ms. Beatty's character for personal gain sends the wrong message in a city that needs to promote equal treatment for all.

Detroits electorate needs to refrain from elected officials that hold themselves holier than thou.

It is unprincipality-like.

Huckabee wins in West Virginia.

Source.
Should he be proud of this? I know a wins a win, but damn. Huck has to have some dignity, right?

Arkansas/West Virginia. Sounds harmonious.

Like two peas in a pod.

But from the same Dad.

Be Gone Kwame

Kwame needs to be gone. The example Detroiters could make buy firing their one and only Hip Hop Mayor would set a tone for years to come that, 1. The D is a city on the track to redemption, 2. Foxtrot Tango Bravo, We demand results.

How can Detroiters of any race allow for their city, their home to be ridiculed this much? Placed under the microscope of the nation for all flaws to be on display. Enough is enough. Only when Kwame is fired (No, we will not accept your resignation) can the city stop the redistribution principles that have continued to allow for complacent mobility rates since white flight. Smooth it over they say. Your not accountable. Bill Clinton also took part. The excuses are plentiful.

Forbes has listed Detroit as the number 1 worst city in America, based on numerous variables.

So we combine the misery index, as set by Forbes, the unemployment rate, tax rates, and political corruption.

"No correlation" his supporters state. "It has to be GW's fault. He is the one that went to war in Iraq."

Did I mention the schools?

Bi-Partisanship and the Holidays. Tis the Principality.

Yea that's right. The Holiday Season has come and gone. Gone is the day that used to represent a universal time of American Reciprocity. Although I was flipped the bird by a driver Christmas Day.

Anyway, this title does bring up a story. As with all principality stories, this relates directly to the present political climate the nation is witnessing.

Every Christmas the extended family would dome together and talk. That's it really. The adults pass some gifts watch a repeat of a classic movie on TBS and argue on occasion.

But the kids. Man the kids would attempt to play nice, but then get into a fight concerning private property rights. In this case toys and there intended amusement.

We would fight and hit each other, blackmail using some type of hostage toy. The end result was polarization between the two sides and our respective little cousins.

Only until an external force yelled and then spanked to get us to play nice did we resemble family.

Get the point, tough guy(girl).

Dems and republicans go at each other non-stop. Over the years this has created a divide(duh), that is similar to the above scenario. Except the only arbitrary decider is us. The electorate that is responsible for dictating the means to which we reach our collective ends.

Policy matters withstanding, relationships with the two major parties is crucial to the success of our nation.

No I am not proposing we spank the respective party leaders into submission, (sorry Barney Frank) but hold them accountable through political action to address the needs of our country via compromise with each other.

Signs of hope come and go. The election year has a way of reminding us just how polarized we still are.

There is a message though. One they will continue to hear and recognized.

No not your vote. But your action. Voter apathy has fostered the demon that is now contemporary domestic politics. Lack of action, by the electorate, will allow these two to continue to fight until all relations are severed and the United States will be permanently labeled Red and Blue.

However, this writer and my now 6 readers will not quit in our attempt to attain unity.

I quote Barry White loosely:

"I'm never ever gonna quit,'Cause quiting' just ain't my shtick"


AHH....

The moment you have been waiting for. Official Endorsement

My friends, I apologize. I apologize for the delay in recent postings. Due to number 2 en route, it has been hard, my linguistic lessons on current events has been put on hold.

The other day I was asked who I was going to vote for in the Michigan primary. Well to be frank, I am undecided. My first choice, Alan Keyes, did not make the ballot nor does he stand a chance of winning. I think Romney is as fake as my Scream poster I bought from Wal-Mart. Huckabee continues to be the ultra populist in the republican mold of John Edwards. Ron Paul is eccentric enough to be continue what he is: a Congressman. Rudolph (last name is hard to spell) just doesn't tickle my tummy.

That leaves John McCain. As many have made the case, the Senator does leave something to be desired. Immigration, fiscal policy etc. But John McCain is something the other candidates are not: Honorable.

The same honor many of us have and apply in our current lives. The decorated military service to the years in public office force me to admire him in a paternal way that draws sympathy. Like my dad doing the best he can to raise a family while overcoming continuous obstacles, John McCain has withstood much adversity and still stands tall.

That's honor all up in your grill. That's what the country needs. As Frederick List mentions, the wealth of a nation is the wealth of the production capacity of its producers, well, I argue our political system needs a boost in production. Not production for results to name buildings or bridges, but the type of production that makes a country confident in their sovereignty.

John McCain mentions frequently the need to be a part of something greater then yourself. I argue, his campaign once down and out, relays that message.

Keep the faith, in yourself but also your neighbors and your country.

Wait for it.................



Quite simply, it's the principality.

Must reads

Lists. End of the year lists have become American. American in the sense that we can expect lists from our favorite channel, talk show host and best week ever repeats.

YTD, no list is as invoking of intelligent discussion as the Sidney Awards courtesy of David Brooks.

Articles that force the nerve of partisanship polarization to react in kind creating a humbling experience for readers.

I urge all of my 4 readers to enjoy and comment.

Sidney Awards

Keep it Holy son

PC really confuses me. Free speech and the topics.....

Forget it.

At least try to keep it Holy, please.