When Chris Matthews announced on his MSNBC program that the only people in favor of Anthony Weiner’s resignation were conservative Christian right wingers who weren’t sophisticated enough to appreciate and understand the nuances of sexual perversion, lying, and wife cheating, I thought the limit had been reached in stupidity. Incidentally, I thank God that I lack that sophistication. Apparently the limit had not been reached however. No, NBC, on their broadcast of the US Open Golf Tournament, chose to edit the Pledge of Allegiance.
If you didn’t catch it, NBC decided to omit the words “under God” from the pledge so as not to offend those among us who believe God is a four letter word. Anyway that was their excuse. They offered the standard “non-apology apology.” They seem to believe that all will now be okay.
Using their thinking process one would assume that the next step for NBC is to print their own currency. If they can write their own “Pledge of Allegiance,” why not print their own money? After all, doesn’t it clearly state on our currency “In God We Trust?” That surely must offend the morons at NBC. It must also gall them that “In God We Trust” is the official motto of America. I wonder how they deal with that and the fact that over eighty percent of polled respondents identify themselves as Christians here in the US. That could not be good news for the far left organizations which produce the news for our consumption. Maybe they need to create a new country just for themselves and for those who think like them.
Some would think that these eighty percent of us should boycott such idiots as NBC and all the others who feel the same way. I don’t agree. Watch what you want. Just remember that people who think the way they do are going to produce programming that reflects their thinking and their agenda. That most certainly would be seen in their news reportage.
The only time I watch any of the major networks is when a sporting event comes on that I cannot watch anywhere else. For the most part, to me, their regular prime time programming is ridiculous. I have tried to watch their news programs but quite honestly find them hard to believe. Their agenda overwhelms their coverage. One can literally see the same news story from the major networks and then find it on line or in some newspapers and it will be a completely different story. You just have to be careful with what you consume that is called news. If you choose NBC or any of the “big four,” that’s your choice. I think you would be wise to confirm what they report. You might find that the story has a different ending.
The time is rapidly approaching when we must face a fact. The vast majority of this country is viewed as fly over wilderness by the Northeast liberals who create and air news programs. You, who regularly read this blog, and millions of others, are seen as buffoons by those same morons. Why, you might even (gasp) own a gun, or stand when the flag passes, or attend church, or treat people with respect. To the Northeast liberals, you are the unsophisticated, unintelligent masses who they must instruct. In other words, you are an enemy of liberalism.
I don’t know how this all happened, but the America that I know and the America that is seen by the liberals are two different countries and I don’t want to live in theirs. One thing is clear to me however, our numbers are growing and theirs are shrinking. Another election is coming soon and we must all get out and make ourselves heard loud and clear. My television has an on/off button and I use it regularly. I recommend that you consume news wisely. As Reagan once said, “Trust but verify.”
Ron Scarbro June 23, 2011
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Monday, June 20, 2011
WHAT CAN WE LEARN BY LOSING?
I just finished watching the U.S. Open Golf tournament. If you missed it, it was truly a memorable event. I mention this because just a couple of months ago I wrote a column about the Master’s. It was not published in the paper nor did we post it as a blog. I know this is going to come as a shock to you, but not everything I write and submit is published. I know it’s crazy but that is just how things are sometimes. I decided to write this preface and attach the past column to it. The subject of my April column was Rory McIlroy. As it turns out, Rory won the US Open and almost lapped the field. His mastery of his game and of the golf course was stunning. If you are not a golfer, let me say that a US Open course is prepared in such a way as to test the best in the world. It often makes them look like amateurs. Many veteran pros end up talking to themselves. What young Rory did at the Open was unbelievable. I hope you will read the following piece, which was written in April, and see what you think. As always we appreciate your thoughts and comments.
Ron Scarbro June 20, 2011
Did you watch the Masters golf tournament last week? It usually is a fun event every year but this year it exceeded previous Masters. The drama and the excitement were palpable. While watching it I started thinking about winning and losing. I remember a statement by Vince Lombardi, I think, “Show me a good loser and I’ll show you a loser.” That’s pretty harsh I know, but it seems to be the prevalent thinking in most sports. “Nobody ever remembers who finishes in second place, only who won,” is another statement that flies around after important contests. These thoughts were going through my mind as I watched Rory McIlrory who started the final day with a four shot lead only to lose by ten strokes when the final hole was played.
To those among you who don’t know the players, Rory McIlrory is a twenty-one year old youngster from Northern Ireland who has been playing golf for most of his life and has been a professional for just a few short years. While I don’t know him personally, all reports are that he is a quality young man, bright, genial, and someone you would enjoy just knowing and being around. As I watched his meltdown on the final day of the tournament, I was very sad. Let’s face it, it was painful. He had led the Masters for most of the event. But, he lost. Golf, it would seem, much like life, is unpredictable. Shakespeare once wrote, “Even the best laid plans of mice and men oft go astray.” Such seems to be the fate of Rory on the final day of the Masters.
I believe there are lessons here for all of us, including Rory McIlroy. Life is often a series of wins and losses and it has been my experience in life that I learned more from my mistakes and from my losses than from my victories. That’s good because the losses and the failures far outnumbered the victories. I am sure that is the way it is for all of us. If I am any judge of golf talent and potential greatness, young Rory McIlroy will come back stronger than ever.
In the Masters, as in most competitions, there can only be one winner. To me that does not mean that all of the rest of the contestants are losers. With all due respect to Vince Lombardi, incidentally one of my heroes, a good loser can be just a competitor who may win next time. That does not mean that we don’t try to win every time, it only means that every loss is an opportunity to learn and not the end of the world. What would happen if every time we failed, we quit? Would anything ever get discovered? Edison once said that the only difference between his inventions and others’ failures was that they just quit too soon. His stubbornness led to great discoveries.
Every day we face tests. Tests of our stamina. Tests of our ability. Often tests of our commitment. Our lives and the lives of those around us are made better by these tests. On some we succeed and on some we fail. The key is to pick ourselves up after a loss and keep going. The next win might be for all the marbles.
Ron Scarbro April 11, 2011
Ron Scarbro June 20, 2011
Did you watch the Masters golf tournament last week? It usually is a fun event every year but this year it exceeded previous Masters. The drama and the excitement were palpable. While watching it I started thinking about winning and losing. I remember a statement by Vince Lombardi, I think, “Show me a good loser and I’ll show you a loser.” That’s pretty harsh I know, but it seems to be the prevalent thinking in most sports. “Nobody ever remembers who finishes in second place, only who won,” is another statement that flies around after important contests. These thoughts were going through my mind as I watched Rory McIlrory who started the final day with a four shot lead only to lose by ten strokes when the final hole was played.
To those among you who don’t know the players, Rory McIlrory is a twenty-one year old youngster from Northern Ireland who has been playing golf for most of his life and has been a professional for just a few short years. While I don’t know him personally, all reports are that he is a quality young man, bright, genial, and someone you would enjoy just knowing and being around. As I watched his meltdown on the final day of the tournament, I was very sad. Let’s face it, it was painful. He had led the Masters for most of the event. But, he lost. Golf, it would seem, much like life, is unpredictable. Shakespeare once wrote, “Even the best laid plans of mice and men oft go astray.” Such seems to be the fate of Rory on the final day of the Masters.
I believe there are lessons here for all of us, including Rory McIlroy. Life is often a series of wins and losses and it has been my experience in life that I learned more from my mistakes and from my losses than from my victories. That’s good because the losses and the failures far outnumbered the victories. I am sure that is the way it is for all of us. If I am any judge of golf talent and potential greatness, young Rory McIlroy will come back stronger than ever.
In the Masters, as in most competitions, there can only be one winner. To me that does not mean that all of the rest of the contestants are losers. With all due respect to Vince Lombardi, incidentally one of my heroes, a good loser can be just a competitor who may win next time. That does not mean that we don’t try to win every time, it only means that every loss is an opportunity to learn and not the end of the world. What would happen if every time we failed, we quit? Would anything ever get discovered? Edison once said that the only difference between his inventions and others’ failures was that they just quit too soon. His stubbornness led to great discoveries.
Every day we face tests. Tests of our stamina. Tests of our ability. Often tests of our commitment. Our lives and the lives of those around us are made better by these tests. On some we succeed and on some we fail. The key is to pick ourselves up after a loss and keep going. The next win might be for all the marbles.
Ron Scarbro April 11, 2011
Sunday, June 12, 2011
IS THERE NO SHAME?
Many years ago some people of ill repute were branded with what was known as the “Scarlett Letter.” The purpose was to shame them before their neighbors. The shame was to be their punishment. Some were put into “stocks” as a display of their shame. Many of our laws were based on the idea that if a perpetrator were shamed by his action, that shame would also serve as a part of his punishment. When I was growing up, my mother often used words like “Shame on you,” and “Aren’t you ashamed of yourself?” Those were cutting words and they were effective.
I bring this up because of the recent revelations in the news about Congressman Anthony Weiner. You all know the story about his exchanging lewd photos and messages with people in cyberspace not knowing whether he was sending them to women, men, children, or possibly even vice cops. All this while he was a married man and a sitting Member of Congress. When discovered, he tried to cover up the mess by lying, but to no avail. I watched as he “apologized” to every one in the world as well as his wife. In all his stammering monologue however, I did not hear anything about his shame. How could one put on a press conference in light of these accusations and not be so ashamed that he would be unable to speak?
Just a few years ago in Japan, he would have been forced by tradition to commit “Hari Kari.” Even here in America he would have been laughed off the stage. He certainly would not have had a job to return to. What has happened to us as a country?
I saw a poll that was just conducted in New York whereby 51% of the respondents think he should not have to resign. What? Has this sort of activity become so common that it is acceptable with elected representatives? Do we not expect more of our so called leaders?
Bill Clinton, instead of becoming a problem for the Democrats, has become their standard bearer. Charlie Rangel was re-elected by a landslide. Elliott Spitzer now has a TV show. While I am naming Democrats, Republicans also have their share of idiots and morons. From Nevada’s Ensign to California’s Governator as well as countless others, it seems shamelessness is no respecter of political affiliation.
We have all heard the standard excuses that people in power have extreme appetites. They are also described as gregarious and egotistical. I have my own descriptions. How about arrogant? How about the belief that they are above the law? Another thought that comes to mind is maybe they are just plain stupid.
You may ask, “If Weiner’s constituency is willing to accept his misdeeds, why should I care?” That is a fair question. My answer would be that, while he does represent a small number of New Yorkers, his actions as a Congressman affect all of us. As a proven liar, he is not trustworthy. He should not have a security clearance. He should not have access to State Secrets. Simply stated, he cannot be trusted.
Finally he has become a big problem for the Democrat party. That doesn’t bother me but it should bother that group as they face an uphill battle to just exist as well as try to grow their numbers in the Congress. Weiner should be shamed out of Congress for the good of the country and all future such incidents should be dealt with in a similar fashion.
Ron Scarbro June 8, 2011
I bring this up because of the recent revelations in the news about Congressman Anthony Weiner. You all know the story about his exchanging lewd photos and messages with people in cyberspace not knowing whether he was sending them to women, men, children, or possibly even vice cops. All this while he was a married man and a sitting Member of Congress. When discovered, he tried to cover up the mess by lying, but to no avail. I watched as he “apologized” to every one in the world as well as his wife. In all his stammering monologue however, I did not hear anything about his shame. How could one put on a press conference in light of these accusations and not be so ashamed that he would be unable to speak?
Just a few years ago in Japan, he would have been forced by tradition to commit “Hari Kari.” Even here in America he would have been laughed off the stage. He certainly would not have had a job to return to. What has happened to us as a country?
I saw a poll that was just conducted in New York whereby 51% of the respondents think he should not have to resign. What? Has this sort of activity become so common that it is acceptable with elected representatives? Do we not expect more of our so called leaders?
Bill Clinton, instead of becoming a problem for the Democrats, has become their standard bearer. Charlie Rangel was re-elected by a landslide. Elliott Spitzer now has a TV show. While I am naming Democrats, Republicans also have their share of idiots and morons. From Nevada’s Ensign to California’s Governator as well as countless others, it seems shamelessness is no respecter of political affiliation.
We have all heard the standard excuses that people in power have extreme appetites. They are also described as gregarious and egotistical. I have my own descriptions. How about arrogant? How about the belief that they are above the law? Another thought that comes to mind is maybe they are just plain stupid.
You may ask, “If Weiner’s constituency is willing to accept his misdeeds, why should I care?” That is a fair question. My answer would be that, while he does represent a small number of New Yorkers, his actions as a Congressman affect all of us. As a proven liar, he is not trustworthy. He should not have a security clearance. He should not have access to State Secrets. Simply stated, he cannot be trusted.
Finally he has become a big problem for the Democrat party. That doesn’t bother me but it should bother that group as they face an uphill battle to just exist as well as try to grow their numbers in the Congress. Weiner should be shamed out of Congress for the good of the country and all future such incidents should be dealt with in a similar fashion.
Ron Scarbro June 8, 2011
Sunday, June 5, 2011
OBSERVATIONS FROM OUR NEW HOME
Well, we have arrived in our new home on St. Simons Island, Georgia. I thought I would share with you some observations as we have noted them.
First, on our arrival our daughter and a friend brought us a house warming gift. The gift consisted of a bouquet of flowers and a basket including a fly swatter and a can of Raid ant and roach killer. There seemed to be a message here. Apparently this is the home of red ants. Now these are not like normal ants. No, they swarm and they bite. I am told it is a very painful experience. Secondly, the roaches are also different from what you might expect. Some of them can be saddled and ridden. When you discover them they don’t scurry away. No, they want to stand and fight. They seem to dare you to take them on. They are referred to as “Palmetto Bugs.” How quaint. I will have more to report on that issue later as I experience them.
Some of you may remember that I had previously reported on the language of the South. For example, I reported that the plural of the term y’all is all y’all. I have now learned that the possessive form of this term is y’all’s and all y’all’s. Y’all can and does refer to as few as one individual or to many individuals. Also, a new word I have learned is “n’” as in shrimp n’ grits, or biscuits n’ gravy. We are confident that we will learn these new words as well as others. It is important to learn the language of a new place. We don’t want to look conspicuous.
How about the weather? Of course one of the main considerations to us in moving here was the weather. I read in the paper the forecast for the weekend. It read hot and hotter. No temperatures, no numbers, just hot and hotter. As it turns out, they were right. We are supposed to be in the middle 90s with corresponding high humidity. That is going to take a little getting used to. This winter though, when you are in the single digits or lower, we should be in the 60s and 70s. I’ll let you know.
The main reason for our move, however, was not the language or the weather, and certainly not the bugs or snakes. No, the main reason was to be closer to our family, mainly our grandchildren. They live an hour away. Linda and I look forward to spending more time with them, especially holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. It is our opinion that we need that and we believe that our grandchildren need that. I have Grandpa things to teach and share with them. They surely have grandkid things to share with me. We look forward to watching them grow up and become adults. We hope to be a positive influence in their lives. I think today’s world is difficult. There are many challenges to young people. While we don’t have all the answers, it is just possible that we may have had some experiences that might help our kids through a difficult situation. Otherwise, failing that, we may just take a picnic to the beach and talk about it. At any rate we will have the opportunity to try and be helpful.
I will continue to comment as time goes on. My columns will return to the politics of the day as we go forward. I hope the fishing is getting better for all y’all as the weather improves, oh, and watch out for snakes and ants.
Ron Scarbro June 5, 2011
First, on our arrival our daughter and a friend brought us a house warming gift. The gift consisted of a bouquet of flowers and a basket including a fly swatter and a can of Raid ant and roach killer. There seemed to be a message here. Apparently this is the home of red ants. Now these are not like normal ants. No, they swarm and they bite. I am told it is a very painful experience. Secondly, the roaches are also different from what you might expect. Some of them can be saddled and ridden. When you discover them they don’t scurry away. No, they want to stand and fight. They seem to dare you to take them on. They are referred to as “Palmetto Bugs.” How quaint. I will have more to report on that issue later as I experience them.
Some of you may remember that I had previously reported on the language of the South. For example, I reported that the plural of the term y’all is all y’all. I have now learned that the possessive form of this term is y’all’s and all y’all’s. Y’all can and does refer to as few as one individual or to many individuals. Also, a new word I have learned is “n’” as in shrimp n’ grits, or biscuits n’ gravy. We are confident that we will learn these new words as well as others. It is important to learn the language of a new place. We don’t want to look conspicuous.
How about the weather? Of course one of the main considerations to us in moving here was the weather. I read in the paper the forecast for the weekend. It read hot and hotter. No temperatures, no numbers, just hot and hotter. As it turns out, they were right. We are supposed to be in the middle 90s with corresponding high humidity. That is going to take a little getting used to. This winter though, when you are in the single digits or lower, we should be in the 60s and 70s. I’ll let you know.
The main reason for our move, however, was not the language or the weather, and certainly not the bugs or snakes. No, the main reason was to be closer to our family, mainly our grandchildren. They live an hour away. Linda and I look forward to spending more time with them, especially holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. It is our opinion that we need that and we believe that our grandchildren need that. I have Grandpa things to teach and share with them. They surely have grandkid things to share with me. We look forward to watching them grow up and become adults. We hope to be a positive influence in their lives. I think today’s world is difficult. There are many challenges to young people. While we don’t have all the answers, it is just possible that we may have had some experiences that might help our kids through a difficult situation. Otherwise, failing that, we may just take a picnic to the beach and talk about it. At any rate we will have the opportunity to try and be helpful.
I will continue to comment as time goes on. My columns will return to the politics of the day as we go forward. I hope the fishing is getting better for all y’all as the weather improves, oh, and watch out for snakes and ants.
Ron Scarbro June 5, 2011
Friday, May 6, 2011
MEMORIES OF MY MOTHER
This is the story of Granny June as she was to become known in her later years. Like all mothers she touched many lives in her time on earth. Her life and her story were simple but at the same time profound.
She married as a young teenager. Barely more than a child herself, she had three babies by age twenty-two. All three were boys with me the middle one. She went on to have a daughter a few years later. She was a country girl with a very limited education. Very soon all three of her sons towered over her. That didn’t matter though because size did not matter. She ruled with an iron fist. Had she lived, she would have been ninety-two this month.
As I contemplate this Mother’s Day, my thoughts go back to the simpler time in my parent’s home. While it was many years ago, it truly seems like just the other day. My hope is that this column brings back memories of your mother on this special day.
She made sure that we were in church every Sunday morning and evening as well as Wednesday night prayer meeting. There was never any liquor in our house or even beer for that matter. Off color language was forbidden.
She was a marvelous cook. In fact you might even say she was a magician in the kitchen. That was good because we were definitely dirt poor. Her magic was to take a little and make a lot out of it. You may remember the Bible story of the loaves and the fishes? I think of that when I remember how she would take a scrawny little fryer chicken and make a chicken pot pie that was about two feet in diameter. The strangest part of that was that everyone who ate the pie actually thought they had eaten chicken. That pot pie would feed at least six starving people, four of whom were growing kids with hollow legs. I can still taste the cobblers and cakes she would create. What great memories.
She taught me to read well before I ever attended school. She taught me to drive a car at a very early age. She also insisted that I learn to cook for myself because, as she used to say, she didn’t want me to starve.
All of this while she was pretty much a child herself. In fact you could say that we all grew up together.
While she died a few years ago, I still see her face when I look at my daughter and my granddaughter. My hope is that I have left for them some of the values that were left for me.
As we recognize this Mother’s Day, I ask that you cherish your time with your mother if you still have her with you. If, like me, she has passed on, cherish the memories of her. I know today, whatever I have become as a man, is the direct result of a precious mother who gave her all, did her best, and always expected the absolute best result.
Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers out there and a special Happy Mother’s Day to my late mother.
Ron Scarbro May 2, 2011
She married as a young teenager. Barely more than a child herself, she had three babies by age twenty-two. All three were boys with me the middle one. She went on to have a daughter a few years later. She was a country girl with a very limited education. Very soon all three of her sons towered over her. That didn’t matter though because size did not matter. She ruled with an iron fist. Had she lived, she would have been ninety-two this month.
As I contemplate this Mother’s Day, my thoughts go back to the simpler time in my parent’s home. While it was many years ago, it truly seems like just the other day. My hope is that this column brings back memories of your mother on this special day.
She made sure that we were in church every Sunday morning and evening as well as Wednesday night prayer meeting. There was never any liquor in our house or even beer for that matter. Off color language was forbidden.
She was a marvelous cook. In fact you might even say she was a magician in the kitchen. That was good because we were definitely dirt poor. Her magic was to take a little and make a lot out of it. You may remember the Bible story of the loaves and the fishes? I think of that when I remember how she would take a scrawny little fryer chicken and make a chicken pot pie that was about two feet in diameter. The strangest part of that was that everyone who ate the pie actually thought they had eaten chicken. That pot pie would feed at least six starving people, four of whom were growing kids with hollow legs. I can still taste the cobblers and cakes she would create. What great memories.
She taught me to read well before I ever attended school. She taught me to drive a car at a very early age. She also insisted that I learn to cook for myself because, as she used to say, she didn’t want me to starve.
All of this while she was pretty much a child herself. In fact you could say that we all grew up together.
While she died a few years ago, I still see her face when I look at my daughter and my granddaughter. My hope is that I have left for them some of the values that were left for me.
As we recognize this Mother’s Day, I ask that you cherish your time with your mother if you still have her with you. If, like me, she has passed on, cherish the memories of her. I know today, whatever I have become as a man, is the direct result of a precious mother who gave her all, did her best, and always expected the absolute best result.
Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers out there and a special Happy Mother’s Day to my late mother.
Ron Scarbro May 2, 2011
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
BITS AND PIECES FROM THE NEWS
The state of Georgia has passed a new law that makes the Arizona immigration law look weak. Did you hear anything in the news about this? If you are in Georgia illegally and you are stopped by the police for any reason, you had better have available identification showing that you are in fact an American citizen or at least in this country legally or you are in trouble. If you are an employer in the state of Georgia and you employ anyone, they had better be legally able to be in America or you are in trouble. Did you hear anything about this in the national media? Probably not. Several other states are also working on similar legislation.
What you probably heard was that President Obama brought together a group of individuals who were purportedly gathered for the purpose of finding a solution to the illegal immigration problem. The group did not include any of the border state Governors who are directly affected by the illegal entry of people from all over the world. No, it was a group of liberal apologists who seemed to be looking for a way to grant amnesty to these illegals without bringing down the wrath of the American people. For some reason one political party seems to think that if illegals are granted immunity they will suddenly become voters for that party. What do you think? As for the big conference, nothing new seems to have come from the event. I think this is called kicking the can down the road.
Meanwhile Senator John McCain traveled to Libya and pronounced that the anti-government rebel fighters were his heroes. He also proffered the opinion that we should further arm them and help in their fight against Moammar Gaddafi. I hope he knows something that the rest of us haven’t learned yet. Like who are these people and who is financing them and what is their ultimate objective? I think a little skepticism might be in order until we know more.
In the rest of the Middle East rebellion is breaking out almost as if by magic. Egypt, Yemen, Libya, and now Syria. Who knows what is next? Are these legitimate freedom fighters or are these groups who will bring about a bigger problem than exists now?
Of course we all will know more as this continues to develop. I hope it is legitimate. I hope their objective is honorable. I hope that the Middle East joins the twenty-first century. If so, the world will be a safer place. Time will tell.
Let’s talk about gasoline prices. Four dollars a gallon and headed higher. Do you think Obama and Biden are in cahoots with the big oil companies? The media decided that during the Bush administration high gasoline prices were the work of the Bush/Chaney/Big Oil cartel. The press now seems strangely quiet on the issue. Does that seem odd to you? Regardless of the reason, the price of everything is headed up and by a lot. Fossil fuel moves everything in this country and will continue to. This current administration needs to understand this, skip the fantasy, and get on with drilling. Perhaps someday other forms of energy will take the place of oil but for now the reality is we must have an increased supply. Deal with it. Meanwhile, social security recipients will not get an increase because the head of that agency doesn’t think prices have increased. Really? I am not making this stuff up.
Finally, sixteen states have sued the Government over Obamacare. The cases will ultimately be in the Supreme Court for final judgement. I believe the law will be found unconstitutional and will be invalidated. Until then states will spend millions preparing for a situation which will be overturned by the Court. No reading of the Constitution could find any other way.
Sometimes I wish I was making this stuff up, but facts are facts. I report, you decide.
Ron Scarbro April 26, 2011
What you probably heard was that President Obama brought together a group of individuals who were purportedly gathered for the purpose of finding a solution to the illegal immigration problem. The group did not include any of the border state Governors who are directly affected by the illegal entry of people from all over the world. No, it was a group of liberal apologists who seemed to be looking for a way to grant amnesty to these illegals without bringing down the wrath of the American people. For some reason one political party seems to think that if illegals are granted immunity they will suddenly become voters for that party. What do you think? As for the big conference, nothing new seems to have come from the event. I think this is called kicking the can down the road.
Meanwhile Senator John McCain traveled to Libya and pronounced that the anti-government rebel fighters were his heroes. He also proffered the opinion that we should further arm them and help in their fight against Moammar Gaddafi. I hope he knows something that the rest of us haven’t learned yet. Like who are these people and who is financing them and what is their ultimate objective? I think a little skepticism might be in order until we know more.
In the rest of the Middle East rebellion is breaking out almost as if by magic. Egypt, Yemen, Libya, and now Syria. Who knows what is next? Are these legitimate freedom fighters or are these groups who will bring about a bigger problem than exists now?
Of course we all will know more as this continues to develop. I hope it is legitimate. I hope their objective is honorable. I hope that the Middle East joins the twenty-first century. If so, the world will be a safer place. Time will tell.
Let’s talk about gasoline prices. Four dollars a gallon and headed higher. Do you think Obama and Biden are in cahoots with the big oil companies? The media decided that during the Bush administration high gasoline prices were the work of the Bush/Chaney/Big Oil cartel. The press now seems strangely quiet on the issue. Does that seem odd to you? Regardless of the reason, the price of everything is headed up and by a lot. Fossil fuel moves everything in this country and will continue to. This current administration needs to understand this, skip the fantasy, and get on with drilling. Perhaps someday other forms of energy will take the place of oil but for now the reality is we must have an increased supply. Deal with it. Meanwhile, social security recipients will not get an increase because the head of that agency doesn’t think prices have increased. Really? I am not making this stuff up.
Finally, sixteen states have sued the Government over Obamacare. The cases will ultimately be in the Supreme Court for final judgement. I believe the law will be found unconstitutional and will be invalidated. Until then states will spend millions preparing for a situation which will be overturned by the Court. No reading of the Constitution could find any other way.
Sometimes I wish I was making this stuff up, but facts are facts. I report, you decide.
Ron Scarbro April 26, 2011
Sunday, April 3, 2011
IS SOCIAL SECURITY AN ENTITLEMENT?
I have been in Florida for the past few weeks and the news is out. Social Security expects to increase by a paltry 1.2% for the next year. The problem is, the cost of medicare will rise above that amount which means for the third year in a row there will be no increase in benefits to the millions of seniors who depend on their checks for survival. Here in Florida where the average age is considerably higher than the rest of the country, the news has been devastating.
Just last week the head of the Social Security Administration described the reason there would be no increase. His conclusion is that there is no inflation. His belief is that prices are not really going up. Apparently the rising cost of fuel, food, medical care, clothing, services, transportation, and all of the other things you and I spend money on is just our imagination. He seems to believe that Social Security recipients are in better shape today than they have ever been. I have a question. What planet is this moron living on? Does he go to the grocery store? Does he buy his own gasoline? I find that virtually everything my wife and I buy is going up and not by just a little but by a lot.
Social Security is called an entitlement. I believe that calling it that makes it easier for our elected leaders to treat it as some sort of welfare. As I have written before, Social Security is a contractual debt owed by the Federal Government to me as well as all those who have paid into this fund and have reached the age where that payment is due. It is not a gift to be doled out and treated as if it were some sort of privilege. It is instead a debt owed to the recipients just as cost of living increases are owed by the government. We never had a choice of whether or not to invest in Social Security. Our wages were hijacked by the government. Now the debt is called and payment is due. Don’t fall for the notion that senior citizens are some sort of dependents waiting with hat in hand for the largess of the plantation owner to take care of us. Nonsense. We are creditors and we demand to be paid our just and proper return.
I learned that the Social Security Administration has until the end of September to determine whether or not there will be a COLA increase for this year. You and I need to make sure our employees, our Congresspeople, hear our thoughts and know clearly where we stand regarding this debt owed by the government. They need to understand that we will not be passive any longer. It is not welfare. It belongs to us. Past congresses have raided and stolen from our funds and now the chickens are coming home to roost. The reality is that many seniors are living an entire year on less than just the raise Congress voted for themselves. Our elected representatives should be ashamed. Imagine, if you will, how different this all would be if Congresspeople had to follow the same rules as everybody else.
If Congress insists on calling Social Security an entitlement then know this. Entitlement means I own title to this fund. I bought it and therefore I own it, just like you do. Having reached the age whereby that fund has to start paying me back for my lifetime of investing, I expect no less than precisely that.
Ron Scarbro April 4, 2011
Just last week the head of the Social Security Administration described the reason there would be no increase. His conclusion is that there is no inflation. His belief is that prices are not really going up. Apparently the rising cost of fuel, food, medical care, clothing, services, transportation, and all of the other things you and I spend money on is just our imagination. He seems to believe that Social Security recipients are in better shape today than they have ever been. I have a question. What planet is this moron living on? Does he go to the grocery store? Does he buy his own gasoline? I find that virtually everything my wife and I buy is going up and not by just a little but by a lot.
Social Security is called an entitlement. I believe that calling it that makes it easier for our elected leaders to treat it as some sort of welfare. As I have written before, Social Security is a contractual debt owed by the Federal Government to me as well as all those who have paid into this fund and have reached the age where that payment is due. It is not a gift to be doled out and treated as if it were some sort of privilege. It is instead a debt owed to the recipients just as cost of living increases are owed by the government. We never had a choice of whether or not to invest in Social Security. Our wages were hijacked by the government. Now the debt is called and payment is due. Don’t fall for the notion that senior citizens are some sort of dependents waiting with hat in hand for the largess of the plantation owner to take care of us. Nonsense. We are creditors and we demand to be paid our just and proper return.
I learned that the Social Security Administration has until the end of September to determine whether or not there will be a COLA increase for this year. You and I need to make sure our employees, our Congresspeople, hear our thoughts and know clearly where we stand regarding this debt owed by the government. They need to understand that we will not be passive any longer. It is not welfare. It belongs to us. Past congresses have raided and stolen from our funds and now the chickens are coming home to roost. The reality is that many seniors are living an entire year on less than just the raise Congress voted for themselves. Our elected representatives should be ashamed. Imagine, if you will, how different this all would be if Congresspeople had to follow the same rules as everybody else.
If Congress insists on calling Social Security an entitlement then know this. Entitlement means I own title to this fund. I bought it and therefore I own it, just like you do. Having reached the age whereby that fund has to start paying me back for my lifetime of investing, I expect no less than precisely that.
Ron Scarbro April 4, 2011
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