It's raining outside and all the world seems quiet and sleepy.
School is out today so my chibi is home, and all is right with the world.
The house is done up and clean.
An occasional car drives by kicking up the water on the street.
The cats tease the dog and they bicker for a moment.
Then... all is peaceful with the three of them, laying on the same bed, an uneasy truce in place for the sake of a nap.
The dish washer is humming me a happy tune, reminding me that the kitchen chores are done.
Some "jigsaw" pieces of my life have been coming together this week. I am starting to see how something "irrational" God told me years ago is coming to fruition. The fruits of my obedience are coming "quite in handy".
I have been watching the world and what is happening to our country. Part of me is in mourning, part of me is angry, and a much greater part of me is at peace. My contingency plans are almost in place.
It's interesting to see how all the "jigsaw" pieces tie into the "contingency plans" and how my "contingency plans" bring together the little "jigsaw" pieces.
Perhaps that would be a good title for my next blog: "Jigsaw Puzzles and Contingency Plans". Hmmm... I kinda like the sound of that.
But enough for now. My chibi and I are going to meet friends for a play date and enjoy the day the Lord has made.
The "world" will wait, and the latest legislation will still be there waiting for me to read. But I only have this day once and it belongs to my daughter.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
What If?
Yet another post based on a conversation with a friend.
The conversation started with me posting a link to a YouTube video about "Organization for America" (www.barackobama.com). The goal of the organization is to drum up support for Obama's policies. Part of the movement, however, is to get people to "pledge" that they will support Obama's policies and volunteer to help promote them.
Here's what was said about it:
Me:
Isn't this the first time a president has asked the citizenry to make a pledge to him or to his policies? We should be making pledges to God and to the upholding of the Constitution, not a president or his socialist policies.
Friend:
Well, it would be silly if he didn't want people to support him, wouldn't it?? Anyway, Americans are free not to believe in God. First amendment is at least as important as the second! And socialism is one of those words people throw around as if it were evil. But there are a lot fewer homeless and illiterate people in socialist countries than there are here. No guns and less crime too, by the way... I think you and I may be diametrically opposed in everything. Let's pledge not to take personal offense. Discussion is good, I think.
Me:
I am not offended at all by your comments! I enjoy discussing things with you. That's one of the great things about this country. We can discuss things and even "agree to disagree".
I agree that people are just as free to not believe in God as they ought to be to believe in God.
What bothers me is not that Obama is asking people to support him. What bothers me is that he is asking for a pledge - a pledge is a big deal - it's a sacred promise. Or at least it should be.
My problem with socialism is that it robs us of freedom - the freedom to succeed, the freedom to fail, the freedom to educate ourselves, the freedom to rely not on government but on ourselves, our hard work, and upon God if we so choose.
I suppose it's a fundamental difference in core values/ideology. Is it the government's job to "take care of the people" or is it the people's job to take care of themselves (govern themselves / use government as a tool)? We should take care of each other by choice, not government coercion.
Friend:
But the government is supposed to be "us" -- not "them." I volunteered during the election. It was remarkable how so many people were personally taking part. No one can accomplish anything alone. The power of a group is needed to do anything.
Some people aren't members of a powerful church, nor should they need to be to obtain basic human services.
Me:
I think it's wonderful that you and so many others were involved during the election. We should all be involved.
"Basic Human Services" should come from family and neighbors. That is how it used to be and ought to be again. And as far as being a member of a "powerful church", that is NOT required. I have a friend who was helped more by a small church group than by a large one.
The point is that we should not be looking to the government to take care of us. Of those who volunteered with the election, how many volunteer in other areas? How many give freely to charities?
We should be governing ourselves and taking responsibility for ourselves and for those around us. If everyone chose to do this, we wouldn't NEED the government to do it for us. When we shelve our personal responsibilities we give up our freedoms because if we don't take care of things the government will HAVE to.
For example, how many people view the school system as a day care center and don't take any responsibility for making sure their child(ren) are learning and doing their home work? How many people out there on welfare didn't take advantage of the education available to them in their youth and won't take advantage of opportunities to get their GED as an adult? (There are MANY programs out there to help people get their GED free of charge.)
I know many people personally who could have a much better life if they would only take responsibility for themselves. Unfortunately, they don't see a need to because they get a check from the government.
Not everyone is like that, I know. But if everyone chose to be honest, or to treat others with respect, or take care of their own families, how much better would the world be? Perhaps we are heading towards socialism because we as a nation have lost the ability to govern ourselves.
That's as far as the conversation got before I started writing this blog.
Going Beyond
What we've been discussing goes far beyond "politics" - The Democrat vs. Republican vs. "Third Party" mess. In fact, it even goes beyond religious ideologies in a way. It comes down to core beliefs - principles and values.
How about some famous examples of what it is I'm trying to say.
What do they have in common? They are moral men. All three of them have a central moral compass that leads them in deciding between right and wrong.
If each individual chose for themselves to live according to their principles and values, how much better would the world be? Would there be a need for government to get so large as to be able to step in and "save" us?
Are there basic principles we should all live by? I think so. However, I don't think it's my job or the government's job to force anyone to live by them either. (And no, just laws do not force anyone to live by basic principles - that's a whole 'nother post for another day.)
Here are Nine Principles and Twelve Values to consider. See if you agree with seven of the nine principles. (I'll tell you later where I got these if you don't already recognize them.)
Principles and Values
One more thing - please don't "nit pick" these apart and say "well, this isn't true because it hasn't been followed by everyone all the time." We could look at each of these principles and point out times they have been violated. The point is that these are ideals and we ought to question whether or not these are our ideals as well.
Nine Principles:
Twelve Values:
How many of us, regardless of race, religion, political party, socio-economic background, whatever agree with at least seven of the principles and agree with the above values? If we agree, then we are on the same side. We may have different views on how to achieve particular goals or how to help people, but we are on the same side.
What If?
The world would be a very different place. I doubt we would need a big government at that point.
What to Do?
I can only speak my mind and work on myself.
I do ask myself every night "did I do my best today? Was I my best self today?" Sometimes the answer is a very satisfying, "Yes!" Sometimes it is a regretful, "No." Then I resolve to do better the next day.
It is a simple thing, a simple way to live. However, "simple" does not necessarily mean "easy". Sure, there are times I am very tempted to just "throw in the towel" and become mediocre. (Mediocre for me - not compared to anyone else.) It would be much easier to not be involved, to be selfish with what I have, to fall into the world's definition of "normal". But I wouldn't be happier, nor would I be able to look at myself.
I am not a Democrat. I am not a Republican. I am not a Libertarian.
I love my country.
I love the constitution.
I love what it stands for at it's core.
I am an American.
(The Nine Principles and Twelve Values can be found at: www.The912Project.com)
The conversation started with me posting a link to a YouTube video about "Organization for America" (www.barackobama.com). The goal of the organization is to drum up support for Obama's policies. Part of the movement, however, is to get people to "pledge" that they will support Obama's policies and volunteer to help promote them.
Here's what was said about it:
Me:
Isn't this the first time a president has asked the citizenry to make a pledge to him or to his policies? We should be making pledges to God and to the upholding of the Constitution, not a president or his socialist policies.
Friend:
Well, it would be silly if he didn't want people to support him, wouldn't it?? Anyway, Americans are free not to believe in God. First amendment is at least as important as the second! And socialism is one of those words people throw around as if it were evil. But there are a lot fewer homeless and illiterate people in socialist countries than there are here. No guns and less crime too, by the way... I think you and I may be diametrically opposed in everything. Let's pledge not to take personal offense. Discussion is good, I think.
Me:
I am not offended at all by your comments! I enjoy discussing things with you. That's one of the great things about this country. We can discuss things and even "agree to disagree".
I agree that people are just as free to not believe in God as they ought to be to believe in God.
What bothers me is not that Obama is asking people to support him. What bothers me is that he is asking for a pledge - a pledge is a big deal - it's a sacred promise. Or at least it should be.
My problem with socialism is that it robs us of freedom - the freedom to succeed, the freedom to fail, the freedom to educate ourselves, the freedom to rely not on government but on ourselves, our hard work, and upon God if we so choose.
I suppose it's a fundamental difference in core values/ideology. Is it the government's job to "take care of the people" or is it the people's job to take care of themselves (govern themselves / use government as a tool)? We should take care of each other by choice, not government coercion.
Friend:
But the government is supposed to be "us" -- not "them." I volunteered during the election. It was remarkable how so many people were personally taking part. No one can accomplish anything alone. The power of a group is needed to do anything.
Some people aren't members of a powerful church, nor should they need to be to obtain basic human services.
Me:
I think it's wonderful that you and so many others were involved during the election. We should all be involved.
"Basic Human Services" should come from family and neighbors. That is how it used to be and ought to be again. And as far as being a member of a "powerful church", that is NOT required. I have a friend who was helped more by a small church group than by a large one.
The point is that we should not be looking to the government to take care of us. Of those who volunteered with the election, how many volunteer in other areas? How many give freely to charities?
We should be governing ourselves and taking responsibility for ourselves and for those around us. If everyone chose to do this, we wouldn't NEED the government to do it for us. When we shelve our personal responsibilities we give up our freedoms because if we don't take care of things the government will HAVE to.
For example, how many people view the school system as a day care center and don't take any responsibility for making sure their child(ren) are learning and doing their home work? How many people out there on welfare didn't take advantage of the education available to them in their youth and won't take advantage of opportunities to get their GED as an adult? (There are MANY programs out there to help people get their GED free of charge.)
I know many people personally who could have a much better life if they would only take responsibility for themselves. Unfortunately, they don't see a need to because they get a check from the government.
Not everyone is like that, I know. But if everyone chose to be honest, or to treat others with respect, or take care of their own families, how much better would the world be? Perhaps we are heading towards socialism because we as a nation have lost the ability to govern ourselves.
That's as far as the conversation got before I started writing this blog.
Going Beyond
What we've been discussing goes far beyond "politics" - The Democrat vs. Republican vs. "Third Party" mess. In fact, it even goes beyond religious ideologies in a way. It comes down to core beliefs - principles and values.
How about some famous examples of what it is I'm trying to say.
- Penn Jillette: Magician, comedian, atheist, libertarian.
- Ben Stein: Writer, actor, economist, commentator, director, Jewish, political party unknown to me (if you know for certain his political party please let me know).
- Glenn Beck: Writer, commentator, radio show host, actor, goofball, Christian (and a Mormon - and yes, a person can be both), unaffiliated conservative.
What do they have in common? They are moral men. All three of them have a central moral compass that leads them in deciding between right and wrong.
If each individual chose for themselves to live according to their principles and values, how much better would the world be? Would there be a need for government to get so large as to be able to step in and "save" us?
Are there basic principles we should all live by? I think so. However, I don't think it's my job or the government's job to force anyone to live by them either. (And no, just laws do not force anyone to live by basic principles - that's a whole 'nother post for another day.)
Here are Nine Principles and Twelve Values to consider. See if you agree with seven of the nine principles. (I'll tell you later where I got these if you don't already recognize them.)
Principles and Values
One more thing - please don't "nit pick" these apart and say "well, this isn't true because it hasn't been followed by everyone all the time." We could look at each of these principles and point out times they have been violated. The point is that these are ideals and we ought to question whether or not these are our ideals as well.
Nine Principles:
- America is good. Not flawless, and I'm not talking about the government. I'm talking about the people. In general, America is a good place to be and her people are generally good and generous. Look at the way we behaved on 9/12.
- I believe in God and He is the center of my life. (Define God as you will - even if your god is Reason and Intellect.)
- I must always try to be a more honest person today than I was yesterday.
- The family is sacred. My spouse and I are the ultimate authority, not the government. (And no, I don't take this to the point of justifying abusing children so don't go there.) It is up to the parents what religion (if any) a child learns, and a parent has a say in what their child(ren) learn whether in public, private, or home school.
- If you break the law you pay the penalty. Justice is blind and no one is above it.
- I have a right to life, liberty and pursuit of happiness, but there is no guarantee of equal results.
- I work hard for what I have and I will share it with who I want to when I want to. Government cannot force me to be charitable.
- It is not un-American for me to disagree with authority or share my personal opinion.
- The government works for me. I do not answer to them; they answer to me.
Twelve Values:
- Honesty
- Reverence (Respect for important and/or sacred things.)
- Hope
- Thrift
- Humility
- Charity (including extending mercy and grace, not just financial help)
- Sincerity
- Moderation
- Hard Work
- Courage
- Personal Responsibility
- Friendship
How many of us, regardless of race, religion, political party, socio-economic background, whatever agree with at least seven of the principles and agree with the above values? If we agree, then we are on the same side. We may have different views on how to achieve particular goals or how to help people, but we are on the same side.
What If?
- What if everyone chose to do their best to live by the above principles and values?
- What if everyone chose, at the end of the day, to ask themselves "did I do my best today to be my best self?"
- What if everyone chose to resolve to do better if the answer to the above question was "no"?
- What if everyone chose to meet together with other like-minded people?
- What if everyone chose to compare what they did, what they watched, what they voted for, or what Congress was debating, against the above principles and values?
The world would be a very different place. I doubt we would need a big government at that point.
What to Do?
I can only speak my mind and work on myself.
I do ask myself every night "did I do my best today? Was I my best self today?" Sometimes the answer is a very satisfying, "Yes!" Sometimes it is a regretful, "No." Then I resolve to do better the next day.
It is a simple thing, a simple way to live. However, "simple" does not necessarily mean "easy". Sure, there are times I am very tempted to just "throw in the towel" and become mediocre. (Mediocre for me - not compared to anyone else.) It would be much easier to not be involved, to be selfish with what I have, to fall into the world's definition of "normal". But I wouldn't be happier, nor would I be able to look at myself.
I am not a Democrat. I am not a Republican. I am not a Libertarian.
I love my country.
I love the constitution.
I love what it stands for at it's core.
I am an American.
(The Nine Principles and Twelve Values can be found at: www.The912Project.com)
Friday, March 20, 2009
(The following criteria comes from "The Modern Militia Movement" published 2/20/09 by the Missouri Information Analysis Center and the Missouri Sate Highway Patrol. Governor of Missouri is: Jeremiah W. (Jay) Nixon.)
Feel free to copy/paste this and change the answers - it'd be pretty funny if they weren't serious about this...
Do you belong to a militia without knowing it? Take this test to find out:
Yes or No:
Do you or have you ever....
1. Believe in a New World Order (NWO) or globalized government?
Sort of - I think it could happen - especially as the UN is calling for a global currency
2. Believe UN troops are already operating in the US in support of the NWO?
Not Yet
3. Believe that Jews control the monetary system and media?
NO
4. Believe in the Zionist Occupied Government (ZOG)?
NO
5. Prepare for Y2K?
YES
6. Think that Obama is "tight" on gun control?
YES He's said it himself.
7. Have concern that the government will enact firearms confiscations?
YES It happened in New Orleans...
8. Have a problem with the fact that Obama is African-American?
NO
9. Questioned Obama's citizenship?
YES but I think the issue has been resolved.
10. Read or respected the Constitution?
YES In fact, I LOVE the Constitution and believe it was inspired by GOD.
11. Been concerned that the military will be used to confiscate firearms?
YES It's happened before and I wouldn't put it past the government to use any crisis as an excuse to do so again.
12. Been concerned that the military will be used to place individuals into FEMA camps?
YES - I wasn't but after seeing this and looking into it... um... yeah....
13. Been concerned about the US Army NORTHCOM assigning homeland security functions to an active duty Infantry Brigade?
YES - It did happen and it does concern me.
14. Been concerned about the military violating the Posse Comitatus Act?
YES - It recently happened in Alabama.
15. Been angry at the Federal Reserve System (FRS)?
YES - DUH! The Federal Reserve bought our debt! Which means that no one would buy our debt /Treasury Bills so we're just printing the money. SHEESH!
16. Been angry at any/all forms of tax collection?
YES
17. Opposed the Ammunition Accountability Act?
YES Isn't this about the right to privacy? Oh yes... and the second amendment.
18. Been concerned that the US government could collapse due to economic or racial issues?
YES
19. Been concerned that no crisis will be wasted and that the government will instill Martial Law if there is unrest?
YES
20. Been concerned that if a Constitutional Convention is held now that the 1st and 2nd Amendments will be in danger?(Currently 32 states have called for a Constitutional Convention for the reason of adding a balanced budget amendment- it will be held if two more states request it.)
Unsure if that would happen but it doesn't hurt to keep an eye on it...
21. Believed that there are people pushing for a North American Union?
YES - Isn't NAFTA the first step?
22. Believed that there are people pushing for a global currency?
YES because it's all over the news. Putin, UN, Britain.....
23. Believed that there are people pushing for the "Amero" - a North American currency akin to the Euro?
YES
24. Been concerned about a NAFTA Superhighway (aka Trans Texas Corridor that was stopped by OK)?
YES
25. Been concerned about the creation of a Civilian Defense Force under the auspices of a volunteer act? (Read HR 1388).
YES
26. Been concerned about Radio Frequency Identification?
YES
27. Believe in Christian ideology?
YES
28. Believe that people (specifically "whites of European descent") can be traced back to the "Lost Tribes of Israel?"
YES but not just "whites of European descent."
29. Consider Jews to be the offspring of Eve and the Serpent?
WHAT???? NO!!!!
30. Believe that non-whites are "mud people" created before Adam and Eve.
ROFLMAO!!!! You mean there are people out there that actually believe that????? ROFLMAO!!!!!!!!!
31. Been against ILLEGAL immigration?
YES
32. Been part of a Neo-Nazi organization?
NO
33. Believe that you are a Sovereign Citizen (that your rights come from God and they are lent to the government)?
YES - Some believe that because of this they don't have to follow just laws. I lend my rights to the government so that there can be laws and I follow all just laws.
34. Believe in States' rights?
YES
35. Been opposed to collection of federal income taxes?
YES
36. Believe that it is wrong for illegal aliens to use public resources (welfare, etc.)?
YES
37. Been part of a group that patrols the border in order to safeguard against drug smugglers, gangs, or violent immigrants?
NO
38. Support those who do?
YES
39. Learned about land navigation?
YES - Waaaaayyyy back in the day at Girls' Camp. Chibi-chan is learning this through Girl Scouts.
40. Practiced marksmanship?
YES
41. Gotten together with other people to practice the above skills?
YES
42. Use short wave radios?
YES
43. Communicated through forums, yahoo groups, blogs, or social networking ties?
YES
44. Listened to conservative radio?
YES
45. Been to a gun show?
NO but I want to!
46. Been to a meeting or met with a group of people that "share ideologies" with the militia? (Gun rights, constitutional groups, etc.)
YES
47. Helped in an emergency such as a natural disaster?
YES
48. Been seen doing community service related work?
YES
49. Met with a small group unified by an ideology?
YES I belong to a "Current Events" group and a 9.12 group.
50. Lobbied government officials?
YES by calling my representatives and writing letters.
51. Tried to confront corruption in the government?
YES by calling my representatives and writing letters.
52. Displayed Constitutional Party, Campaign for Liberty or Libertarian material?
YES
53. Supported a third party candidate such as Ron Paul, Chuck Baldwin, and Bob Barr?
NO
54. Ever created or displayed picture(s), cartoons, bumper stickers that poke fun at the FRS, IRS, FBI, ATF, CIA, UN, Law Enforcement, or the "New World Order"?
DUH! Of course I have! They are all laughable in their own ways! So, if you tell a "cop and donut" joke you're now part of a militia?
55. Ever displayed racially derogatory material?
NO
56. Ever displayed anti-abortion material?
YES
57. Ever displayed anti-immigration material?
No, but I'd be happy to put a bumper sticker on my car.
58. Ever display The Gadsden Flag (Don't Tread on Me) or other type of flag? (Confederate, etc.)
Not yet. I want to get a Gadsden Flag, though. I remember one being prominently displayed in my elementary schools because they remembered what it means.
59. Seen Zeitgeist?
NO - But now I'm curious about it and I just might.
60. Seen America: Freedom to Fascism?
NO - But now I'm curious about it and I just might.
61. Read The Turner Diaries?
NO - But now I'm curious about it and I just might.
Feel free to copy/paste this and change the answers - it'd be pretty funny if they weren't serious about this...
Do you belong to a militia without knowing it? Take this test to find out:
Yes or No:
Do you or have you ever....
1. Believe in a New World Order (NWO) or globalized government?
Sort of - I think it could happen - especially as the UN is calling for a global currency
2. Believe UN troops are already operating in the US in support of the NWO?
Not Yet
3. Believe that Jews control the monetary system and media?
NO
4. Believe in the Zionist Occupied Government (ZOG)?
NO
5. Prepare for Y2K?
YES
6. Think that Obama is "tight" on gun control?
YES He's said it himself.
7. Have concern that the government will enact firearms confiscations?
YES It happened in New Orleans...
8. Have a problem with the fact that Obama is African-American?
NO
9. Questioned Obama's citizenship?
YES but I think the issue has been resolved.
10. Read or respected the Constitution?
YES In fact, I LOVE the Constitution and believe it was inspired by GOD.
11. Been concerned that the military will be used to confiscate firearms?
YES It's happened before and I wouldn't put it past the government to use any crisis as an excuse to do so again.
12. Been concerned that the military will be used to place individuals into FEMA camps?
YES - I wasn't but after seeing this and looking into it... um... yeah....
13. Been concerned about the US Army NORTHCOM assigning homeland security functions to an active duty Infantry Brigade?
YES - It did happen and it does concern me.
14. Been concerned about the military violating the Posse Comitatus Act?
YES - It recently happened in Alabama.
15. Been angry at the Federal Reserve System (FRS)?
YES - DUH! The Federal Reserve bought our debt! Which means that no one would buy our debt /Treasury Bills so we're just printing the money. SHEESH!
16. Been angry at any/all forms of tax collection?
YES
17. Opposed the Ammunition Accountability Act?
YES Isn't this about the right to privacy? Oh yes... and the second amendment.
18. Been concerned that the US government could collapse due to economic or racial issues?
YES
19. Been concerned that no crisis will be wasted and that the government will instill Martial Law if there is unrest?
YES
20. Been concerned that if a Constitutional Convention is held now that the 1st and 2nd Amendments will be in danger?(Currently 32 states have called for a Constitutional Convention for the reason of adding a balanced budget amendment- it will be held if two more states request it.)
Unsure if that would happen but it doesn't hurt to keep an eye on it...
21. Believed that there are people pushing for a North American Union?
YES - Isn't NAFTA the first step?
22. Believed that there are people pushing for a global currency?
YES because it's all over the news. Putin, UN, Britain.....
23. Believed that there are people pushing for the "Amero" - a North American currency akin to the Euro?
YES
24. Been concerned about a NAFTA Superhighway (aka Trans Texas Corridor that was stopped by OK)?
YES
25. Been concerned about the creation of a Civilian Defense Force under the auspices of a volunteer act? (Read HR 1388).
YES
26. Been concerned about Radio Frequency Identification?
YES
27. Believe in Christian ideology?
YES
28. Believe that people (specifically "whites of European descent") can be traced back to the "Lost Tribes of Israel?"
YES but not just "whites of European descent."
29. Consider Jews to be the offspring of Eve and the Serpent?
WHAT???? NO!!!!
30. Believe that non-whites are "mud people" created before Adam and Eve.
ROFLMAO!!!! You mean there are people out there that actually believe that????? ROFLMAO!!!!!!!!!
31. Been against ILLEGAL immigration?
YES
32. Been part of a Neo-Nazi organization?
NO
33. Believe that you are a Sovereign Citizen (that your rights come from God and they are lent to the government)?
YES - Some believe that because of this they don't have to follow just laws. I lend my rights to the government so that there can be laws and I follow all just laws.
34. Believe in States' rights?
YES
35. Been opposed to collection of federal income taxes?
YES
36. Believe that it is wrong for illegal aliens to use public resources (welfare, etc.)?
YES
37. Been part of a group that patrols the border in order to safeguard against drug smugglers, gangs, or violent immigrants?
NO
38. Support those who do?
YES
39. Learned about land navigation?
YES - Waaaaayyyy back in the day at Girls' Camp. Chibi-chan is learning this through Girl Scouts.
40. Practiced marksmanship?
YES
41. Gotten together with other people to practice the above skills?
YES
42. Use short wave radios?
YES
43. Communicated through forums, yahoo groups, blogs, or social networking ties?
YES
44. Listened to conservative radio?
YES
45. Been to a gun show?
NO but I want to!
46. Been to a meeting or met with a group of people that "share ideologies" with the militia? (Gun rights, constitutional groups, etc.)
YES
47. Helped in an emergency such as a natural disaster?
YES
48. Been seen doing community service related work?
YES
49. Met with a small group unified by an ideology?
YES I belong to a "Current Events" group and a 9.12 group.
50. Lobbied government officials?
YES by calling my representatives and writing letters.
51. Tried to confront corruption in the government?
YES by calling my representatives and writing letters.
52. Displayed Constitutional Party, Campaign for Liberty or Libertarian material?
YES
53. Supported a third party candidate such as Ron Paul, Chuck Baldwin, and Bob Barr?
NO
54. Ever created or displayed picture(s), cartoons, bumper stickers that poke fun at the FRS, IRS, FBI, ATF, CIA, UN, Law Enforcement, or the "New World Order"?
DUH! Of course I have! They are all laughable in their own ways! So, if you tell a "cop and donut" joke you're now part of a militia?
55. Ever displayed racially derogatory material?
NO
56. Ever displayed anti-abortion material?
YES
57. Ever displayed anti-immigration material?
No, but I'd be happy to put a bumper sticker on my car.
58. Ever display The Gadsden Flag (Don't Tread on Me) or other type of flag? (Confederate, etc.)
Not yet. I want to get a Gadsden Flag, though. I remember one being prominently displayed in my elementary schools because they remembered what it means.
59. Seen Zeitgeist?
NO - But now I'm curious about it and I just might.
60. Seen America: Freedom to Fascism?
NO - But now I'm curious about it and I just might.
61. Read The Turner Diaries?
NO - But now I'm curious about it and I just might.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
HR 875 – Food Safety Administration
HR 875 – Food Safety Administration
This bill sure sounds good:
A BILL
To establish the Food Safety Administration within the Department of Health and Human Services to protect the public health by preventing food-borne illness, ensuring the safety of food, improving research on contaminants leading to food-borne illness, and improving security of food from intentional contamination, and for other purposes.
Sounds nice, right? Safe food. Who doesn't want safe food? I want safe food. How do I ensure I have safe food? I buy lots of ingredients and make my own where ever possible. I wash every fruit and vegetable I buy or grow. Isn't that common sense?
What about the large slaughter houses and large processing centers? They are already being watched by the FDA, the USDA, and other entities, each working within their own specialty.
What does this bill do? It creates a “Food Czar.” It talks about centralizing all of the functions performed by all the other entities into one department. In a way this makes sense except that it creates a whole new bureaucracy. A better solution would be to appoint one person to coordinate the information from all the agencies currently doing the job. We do not need another agency, especially one with such broad powers the new “Food Safety Administration” (FSA) would have.
From page 7 beginning with line 3 – paraphrased, emphasis added:
The FSA would:
A: regulate food safety and labeling
B: ensure that food establishments fulfill their responsibility to process, store, hold, and transport food in a manner that protects the public health of all people in the United States
C: lead an integrated, system wide approach to food safety
D: provide a single focal point within the Department of Health and Human Services for food safety leadership, both nationally and internationally
E: provide an integrated food safety research capability
In their definition section they define different types of “Food Establishments” (FE). At NO POINT in this bill do they differentiate between businesses and home gardening or between “mega businesses” and “small businesses.” Only towards the end are small businesses mentioned. They are only mentioned in regards to being given extra time to comply with all the extra record keeping and testing requirements.
If a FE is producing/processing over 2,000 lbs of product every year I think some of these requirements are wise. However, I believe they should be decided upon by the states and voluntarily submitted to a central database.
Unfortunately the requirements (which will be described shortly) will put small businesses and family farms out of business. It will be practically impossible for farmers' markets to exist.
The way the bill is written it is conceivable that families who have a garden will have to register as non-profit organizations, especially if they wish to donate extra produce to a shelter/pantry/kitchen or even give extra zucchinis to their neighbors. Private family gardens are not mentioned in any way in this bill – to either include or exempt them from having to meet the requirements.
Page 12 , lines 6 – 9: A “Food Production Facility” (FPF) means “any farm, ranch, orchard, vineyard, aquaculture facility, or confined animal-feeding operation.”
Is this where family orchards, “u-pick-em” farms, and large private gardens fall in? What about farm animals kept as pets or for food for personal use?
The Food Czar (officially the “Adminstrator or Administration”) would be appointed by the President and confirmed by Congress.
States would be required to implement, at their own expense, the policies handed down by the Food Czar. Some federal monies would be available to help with compliance, but would not cover the cost.
The FSA would have its own inspectors and administrators. The FSA would have its own scientists and researchers as well. The bill repeatedly mentions “science-based” decisions and standards. Is this part of “science taking her rightful place?” What else would safety standards be based on? OR is this a way to disqualify the philosophies of organic farmers? The way the bill is written, it could be interpreted so as to require organic farms to provide scientific proof that organic farming is better than “traditional” farming.
Beginning on page 21, line 13, paraphrased, emphasis added:
PROGRAM ELEMENTS
adopt and implement a national system for the registration of FEs and foreign FEs
adopt and implement a national system for regular unannounced inspection of FEs
require and enforce the adoption of preventive process controls in FEs
establish and enforce science-based standards for:
A) potentially hazardous substances that may contaminate food; and
B) safety and sanitation in the processing and handling of food
implement a statistically valid sampling program
implement appropriate surveillance procedures and requirements to ensure the safety and security of imported food
coordinate and collaborate with other agencies and State or local governments in carrying out inspection, enforcement, research, and monitoring....
...12) provide technical assistance to farmers and food establishments that are small business concerns … to assist with compliance with the requirements of this Act.
Shall I go on? This Act is 117 pages of regulations, requirements, and punishments for non-compliance. Ready? Let's go on...
The Food Czar wants to keep track of all FE's name, address, emergency contact information, primary purpose and business activity of each domestic and foreign FE including the dates of operation if the FE (domestic or foreign) is seasonal, the types of food processed or sold, specific food categories of that food; the name, address, and 24-hour emergency contact information of the US distribution agent for each domestic FE or foreign FE including lot information and wholesaler and retailer distribution; an assurance that the registrant will notify the Administrator of any change in the products, function, or legal status of the FE, including cessation of business activities.
The Food Czar shall annually compile a list of domestic and foreign FEs that are registered. Page 26 line 1: “The Administrator may establish the manner of and any fees required for reregistration and any circumstances by which either such list may be shared with other governmental authorities. The Administrator may remove from either list the name of any establishment that fails to reregister, and such delisting shall be treated as a suspension.”
According to the Act, some FEs will be randomly inspected at least weekly. ALL FEs must keep detailed records of sales, distribution, handling, movement, etc. of food/ingredients and must make these available at all times to inspectors.
Page 40 beginning with line 22 – paraphrased, emphasis added:
A food establishment shall -
maintain such records as the Administrator shall require by regulation, including all records relating to the processing, distributing, receipt, or importation of any food; and
permit the Administrator, in addition to any authority transferred to the Administrator... upon presentation of appropriate credentials and at reasonable times and in a reasonable manner, to have access to and copy all records maintained by or on behalf of such food establishment representative in any format (including paper or electronic) and at any location, that are necessary to assist the Administrator...
Define “reasonable”.
Page 71 beginning with line 9 – paraphrased, emphasis added:
Any records that are required by the Administrator under this section shall be available for inspection by the Administrator upon oral or written request.
The Administrator, during any inspection, may require a food establishment to demonstrate its ability to trace an item of food and submit the information in the format and time frame required under paragraph (1).
The idea that requests can be made orally is dangerous. It establishes a “he said / she said” situation and opens the door to abuse.
This Act mentions the “National Animal Identification System” as authorized by the Animal Health Protection Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8301 et seq). I will be looking into this more in another post.
Add about thirty more pages of requirements, enforcement, regulation, insurance of career establishment for inspectors, and authority to seize food and you have HR 875. It's a poorly written bill that extends federal government control.
The potential economic cost has not been estimated. It could only be astronomical due to the bureaucracy, paperwork, record keeping, inspectors, and closed businesses.
Reading this bill felt like reading something from the USSR. It made me think of Stalin who would rather allow millions starve than to allow free trade in grain.
Friday, March 6, 2009
WinterSown Update
I officially love winter sowing my seeds!
This is my first year trying this method. There are already some things I would do differently, but I think I will keep utilizing winter sowing.
First, here are some of the sprouts in my home made "green houses".
Radishes:
Pumpkins:
Mesculin Salad Mix:
For a planter I used an inexpensive ($6.50) under-bed-storage-box (Rubbermaid). I poked some holes in the bottom for drainage and added some top soil.
One of the advantages I've noticed so far is that it's easy to transplant the sprouts. All I had to do was tear open the bag and then gently lift them out and place them in the new soil.
Wash, rinse, repeat...
And then I got this:
From left to right: Mesculin Salad Mix, Garden Bean Dragon Tongue, "Mystery Greens" (the label had faded), Lettuce.
This afternoon I'm heading to the store anyway so I'm going to pick up a couple more storage containers and some organic compost. As soon as the soil starts to dry out I'll make some "compost tea" to water the plants with.
What's "compost tea"? Take some compost and put it in some cheesecloth. Steep it in very warm (not boiling... you don't want to kill all the good organisms in it) water. When the water is cool, squeeze the water out of the cheese cloth. Then water your plants with the compost water. It's a good way to get some extra nutrients to the plants without overwhelming them (or between mulching).
Things I'm fixing or will do differently next year:
1. Put my note cards into baggies before leaving them outside. This is how I got my "mystery greens." The labels might get a little sun faded, but they won't get wet.
2. Put plants directly into planters and then build a home-made green house around it. Especially where I live, the mini green houses aren't really needed. The plants in the pots seem to do just as well (or even better) than those in the mini-green houses. This also saves me the trouble of having to transplant.
So far that's about it. Not too bad, huh? Pretty soon it will be time for me to directly sow some seeds. I'm looking forward to that! Before that, though, I have to transplant the other sprouts that are coming up (I have a LOT of cabbage coming up - I suppose I'll have to learn how to make kraut).
This is my first year trying this method. There are already some things I would do differently, but I think I will keep utilizing winter sowing.
First, here are some of the sprouts in my home made "green houses".
Radishes:
Pumpkins:
Mesculin Salad Mix:
For a planter I used an inexpensive ($6.50) under-bed-storage-box (Rubbermaid). I poked some holes in the bottom for drainage and added some top soil.
One of the advantages I've noticed so far is that it's easy to transplant the sprouts. All I had to do was tear open the bag and then gently lift them out and place them in the new soil.
Wash, rinse, repeat...
And then I got this:
From left to right: Mesculin Salad Mix, Garden Bean Dragon Tongue, "Mystery Greens" (the label had faded), Lettuce.
This afternoon I'm heading to the store anyway so I'm going to pick up a couple more storage containers and some organic compost. As soon as the soil starts to dry out I'll make some "compost tea" to water the plants with.
What's "compost tea"? Take some compost and put it in some cheesecloth. Steep it in very warm (not boiling... you don't want to kill all the good organisms in it) water. When the water is cool, squeeze the water out of the cheese cloth. Then water your plants with the compost water. It's a good way to get some extra nutrients to the plants without overwhelming them (or between mulching).
Things I'm fixing or will do differently next year:
1. Put my note cards into baggies before leaving them outside. This is how I got my "mystery greens." The labels might get a little sun faded, but they won't get wet.
2. Put plants directly into planters and then build a home-made green house around it. Especially where I live, the mini green houses aren't really needed. The plants in the pots seem to do just as well (or even better) than those in the mini-green houses. This also saves me the trouble of having to transplant.
So far that's about it. Not too bad, huh? Pretty soon it will be time for me to directly sow some seeds. I'm looking forward to that! Before that, though, I have to transplant the other sprouts that are coming up (I have a LOT of cabbage coming up - I suppose I'll have to learn how to make kraut).
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