The Good, the Bad, and Downright Stupid

There's been a lot going on politically, and I fear that I've neglected this blog during it all. So, it's time to start by updating the MIAC report, followed by discussion of HR 1388, and China's newest move. I might also mention Obama's reaction to Fargo flooding, since it goes into the downright stupid bit.


First of all, MIAC has officially decided to change their report! *shouts of cheer emanate from Missouri* Governor Nixon, naturally, avoids all responsiblity for the report. For some reason, he kind of reminds of a certain President whose last name was also Nixon...


Now, I know I didn't cover this bill at all, and I definately regret it now, but HR 1388 has passed. So, what is this bill? It's called the Give Act, and it's mandatory voluntary service, and, yes, I know that those two words don't go together. So, why is this bill scary? Here's a few excerpts from it:

From the Misc. section, #6104: (6) Whether a workable, fair, and reasonable
mandatory service requirement for all able young people could be developed, and how such a requirement could be implemented in a manner that would strengthen the social fabric of the Nation and overcome civic challenges by bringing together people from diverse economic, ethnic, and educational backgrounds.SEC.

6107. POWERS OF COMMISSION.
(a) Hearings and Sessions- The Commission may, for the purpose of carrying
out this title, hold public hearings, sit and act at times and places, take
testimony, and receive evidence as the Commission considers appropriate.

(b) Powers of Members and Agents- Any member or agent of the Commission
may, if authorized by the Commission, take any action which the Commission is
authorized to take by this section.

(c) Obtaining Official Data- Upon request of the Chairperson, the head of
any department or agency shall furnish information to the Commission that the
Commission deems necessary to enable it to carry out this title.

(d) Physical Facilities and Equipment- The Architect of the Capitol, in
consultation with the appropriate entities in the legislative branch, shall
locate and provide suitable facilities and equipment for the operation of the
Commission on a nonreimbursable basis.

(e) Administrative Support Services- Upon the request of the Commission,
the Architect of the Capitol and the Administrator of General Services shall
provide to the Commission on a nonreimbursable basis such administrative support
services as the Commission may request in order for the Commission to carry out
its responsibilities under this title.

All of tht basically means that while the service is voluntary now, it could easily develop into something that's mandatory. I know, there are people out there, some of whom might be reading this, and saying, "What's wrong with serving your community?" Nothing. What's wrong, is when government tries to step in and make you serve your community. Trust me, community service is so much better when you're doing it for the sake of doing it, not because you're being pressured into it. It's really nothing short of enslavement of young people.

Moreover, this is in clear violation of the 13th Amendment:

Amendment XIII
Section 1. Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a
punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall
exist within the United States, or any place subject to their
jurisdiction.

Section 2. Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate
legislation.

Here's where things get a bit sticky. While you're committed to serving your, or Obama's, community, you will be prohibited from a variety of functions, further stripping you of your rights and offering nothing but slavery in return.

SEC. 1304. PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES AND INELIGIBLE ORGANIZATIONS.
Section
125 (42 U.S.C. 12575) is amended to read as follows: `SEC. 125. PROHIBITED
ACTIVITIES AND INELIGIBLE ORGANIZATIONS.
`(a) Prohibited Activities- A
participant in an approved national service position under this subtitle may not
engage in the following activities:

`(1) Attempting to influence legislation.

`(2) Organizing or engaging in protests, petitions, boycotts, or
strikes.

`(3) Assisting, promoting, or deterring union organizing.

`(4) Impairing existing contracts for services or collective bargaining
agreements.

`(5) Engaging in partisan political activities, or other activities designed to influence the outcome of an election to any public office.

`(6) Participating in, or endorsing, events or activities that are likely to include advocacy for or against political parties, political platforms, political candidates, proposed legislation, or elected officials.

`(7) Engaging in religious instruction, conducting worship services, providing instruction as part of a program that includes mandatory religious instruction or worship, constructing or operating facilities devoted to religious instruction or worship, maintaining facilities primarily or inherently devoted to religious instruction or worship, or engaging in any form of religious proselytization.

`(8) Providing a direct benefit to–

`(A) a business organized for profit;

`(B) a labor organization;

`(C) a partisan political organization;

`(D) a nonprofit organization that fails to comply with the restrictions contained in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 except that nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent participants from engaging in advocacy activities undertaken at their own initiative; and

`(E) an organization engaged in the religious activities described in paragraph (7), unless Corporation assistance is not used to support those religious activities.

`(9) Conducting a voter registration drive or using Corporation funds to conduct a voter registration drive.

`(10) Such other activities as the Corporation may prohibit.

`(b) Ineligible Organizations- No assistance provided under this subtitle may be provided to the following types of organizations (including the participation of a participant in an approved national service position under this subtitle in activities
conducted by such organizations) or to organizations that are co-located on the
same premises as the following organizations:

`(1) Organizations that provide or promote abortion services, including referral for such services.

`(2) For-profit organizations, political parties, labor organizations, or
organizations engaged in political or legislative advocacy.

`(3) Organizations that have been indicted for voter fraud.

`(c) Nondisplacement of Employed Workers or Other Volunteers- A participant in an approved national service position under this subtitle may not perform any services or duties or engage in activities which–

`(1) would otherwise be performed by an employed worker as part of his or her assigned duties as an employee or by another volunteer who is not a participant in an approved national service position; or

`(2) will supplant the hiring of employed workers or work of such other
volunteers.’.

Can you say, "All your kids are belong to us"? If you read all that, you should be scared out of your wits, and this stupid thing passed! What all that basically means, is that while you are pledged to servitude, all your loyalties lie with the State. You cannot be devoted to church, political activism, or even a business; you are a complete drone for the State. Regardless of whether or not this is voluntary or mandatory, this is completely unacceptable in a free society!

So, please, refuse to cooperate with this bill. Civil disobedience is an amazing form of rebellion, and we should definately not allow ourselves or our children to be owned by Big Brother. Voluntary or not, this is another Big Government program that wishes to run our lives.

Okay, time to keep going. China is not calling for a new World Currency. Do you know what's scary? Some articles, as the one I just linked to, state that they're being taken seriously. However, Obama has also claimed that he doesn't see that happening, but how much do we trust Obama? According to him, he doesn't see much happening at all!

Now, there's way too many people in the world who ask, "What's wrong with that?" I'll tell you what's wrong with it right now.

First of all, think about how easy it is to change policies in your home town or local school. If your childrens' school is doing something you dislike, you get a bunch of parents to join together and run up to the school board, begging for change. There's a pretty decent chance that you'll get what you want.

Now, think of the work it takes to change state legislation if your unhappy. It requires a lot more people to ask the governor to change such-and-such law and get the job done, doesn't it? It's not impossible, but it sure as heck is tougher.

Finally, how hard is it to change things at the Federal level? Can it be done? Yeah, but it's downright hard! It is very difficult to get things done right at the Federal level when they screw up, so how hard do you think it will be to change things once they've gone global?

If the IMF regulates money with the same restraint that the current Federal Reserve does, then the whole world is screwed, and it will take the whole world to bring it down. Even if things start out artificially prosperous, they can and will go bad.

Moreover, how easy it would be to slowly usher in a real NWO, although I understand that this is tin hat stuff to most people. But think about it for just a second. The banks ultimately control the world, not the various kings, presidents, etc. That kind of power in the hand of a single, global "bank" is scary stuff! Money makes the world go round.

Some good news, though, is Michele Buchmann, a Congresswoman, has put forth a bill that would ban the US from taking part in a global currency. Please, call your legislators and have them support HJ.RES.41. Buchmann's bill is important, and you can check the cosponsors and see Ron Paul's name on there if you want.

And now, for the downright stupid. We all know that Fargo floods to a certain extent every year. Crazy people built a city on top of a lake, has a river that runs backwards, and gets a big pile of snow almost every year. All of this is the perfect setup for a flood, and they always get one. This one happens to be a big one, but we've had a lot of snow in these parts recently, so that probably has something to do with it.

However, Barrack Obama begs to differ. He believes it is due to that pesky little inconvenience known as global warming. Yep, he thinks that this is a wakeup call to take action! Granted, I'm not entirely sure if Obama knows where Fargo is, nor do I think he was aware that Fargo was having a blizzard at the same time they were flooding (when the north-running river hits a blockade of snow and ice, well...). That's not going to stop him from shoveling more money into the various programs he wants in order to stop an all-natural climate change. He also plans to pay for 75% of the flood damages in this Federal Disaster Area.

People on forums tend to post things known as facepalm pictures during these kinds of revelations. I don't have one at the moment, so use your imagination. Cheers.

Finally! An Update! AKA Ron Paul on Glenn Beck

I've got to catch up, because there are huge things happening in the political world, and it's going to bite us all in the butt. I'm working on some articles to cover all of this, but for now, here's Ron Paul's interview with Glenn Beck this morning. This is a follow-up to the MIAC report I posted earlier.

So Now We're Terrorists

At the Liberty Forest Forums it has finally been confirmed that this is real. A memo was just released to Missouri police stating that, in addition to the usual extremists that one might consider part of a militia, supporters of former Presidential candidates Ron Paul, Chuck Baldwin, and Bob Barr could be terrorists. Oh, and all Libertarians, Constitutionalists, and members of the Campaign for Liberty. Granted, any idea can be taken to such extremes as to promote violence, but this is getting ridiculus, particularly since they mentioned these men by name! And how can you generalize all political parties like that?

Basically, said memo (the jpegs in the article) states that anyone who believes in a North American Union, New World Order, or the economic downfall of the United States is at risk for being an extremist. That's overgeneralizing, especially the bit regarding the economy, as lots of people are thinking that another Great Depression could very well be rushing towards us.

Hopefully, more news sites will start to talk about this so I can link to a source that's not so conspiracy centered, but regardless, I ask you to pass this out to everyone you know, especially if you live in the state of Missouri. I believe that Campaign for Liberty has been alerted about this (I'll have to doublecheck), and we'll wait and see what happens.

Despicable: Education Begins at Home Act

Does the title sound appealing? Of course it does! Families are supposed to be our children's (or your children's, since I don't have any) educational playground. It's where they're supposed to learn their most basic skills, develop good manners and behaviors, etc. However, this bill is nothing more but further infringement on our civil liberties and rights to raise our children as we wish.

This bill pushes preschool education, which is less like education and more like daycare, in my opinion. Only one of my brothers ever went to preschool, and he turned out no smarter than my other brother or myself. Those early years are important, but family can do just as good a job as any teacher.

It also pushes home visitation. Here's where things get sticky. These home visits double as parenting check-ups. In other words, they're supposed to make sure kids are being treated nicely at home, so make sure not to spank your kids in front of the nice beaurocrats.

Even more frightening is that during these home visits your kid will be screened for "mental illness". As far as I'm concerned, mental illness is a fraud and a form of control (see my other blog), but regardless of how I feel, you should be concerned about someone coming in and forcing pills on your kid.

Now, let's momentarily look at another act we need to oppose titled the Mother's Act. This is when doctors drug pregnant women in order to prevent post-partum depression, which is probably out of control hormones. So, the fetus is being drugged while in its mother's womb, then it's born and subjected to being drugged after a home visit.

This is scary! I urge you, write to your representatives and tell them that we raise our kids our own way. In other words, the State does not own our children! Parents have the right to homeschool their children and make medical decisions, not the government.

Please, do what you can to let Congress know that this is an unacceptable act, and we don't want our taxpayer money going towards this.

How Did You Discover Ron Paul?

For you readers (if there are any), who are fans of Representative Ron Paul, then I've got a video for you to answer. You may either comment on the blog, or head on over to the Youtube video and comment there, or, better yet, post a video response explaining why you like Ron Paul.

I'm just so sick of all the bad news lately that I'm trying to find new ways to interact with the blogging community, and also to cheer us all up in the face of this crisis.

State of the Union Address Part 3

Ha! I'm not giving up, yet! I'll get all the different parts done.


The third challenge we must address is the urgent need to expand the promise of education in America.


In a global economy where the most valuable skill you can sell is your knowledge, a good education is no longer just a pathway to opportunity -- it is a prerequisite.

Right now, three-quarters of the fastest-growing occupations require more than a high school diploma. And yet, just over half of our citizens have that level of education. We have one of the highest high school dropout rates of any industrialized nation. And half of the students who begin college never finish.

Unfortunately, he seems to have hit the nail on the head. Now, I believe that most occupations that require more than a high school diploma simply don't need one! So much has been placed on obtaining a degree that simply proving that you know how to do a job isn't an option anymore. This is especially true in the field of computers, where you need a degree even if you can out-program the world!

This is a prescription for economic decline, because we know the countries that out-teach us today will out-compete us tomorrow. That is why it will be the goal of this administration to ensure that every child has access to a complete and competitive education -- from the day they are born to the day they begin a career. (Applause.) That is a promise we have to make to the children of America. (Applause.)

Education doesn't necessarily equal brains. For example, the Japanese are smart. Most people won't argue the fact that their standards are higher, their tests much more difficult, and their suicide rate soaring because of it. However, let me present to you an example: English. Most Americans probably couldn't pass an English test in Japan. However, that doesn't mean that the Japanese speak English - most of them can hold only a basic conversation, if that. They may know some grammar rules that make our heads spin, but they lack the most vital part of the language: communication. I can communicate in English, and most Japanese can't. Thus, higher education standards doesn't necessarily mean that you perform better.

Also, how can kids live up to these standards when Americans drug all their kids up on psychotropic drugs. If you looke at statistics, of all the psychotropic drugs in the world, America uses 80% of them. That leaves a mere 20% to be divided up among the rest of the world. Thus, American kids are pretty much destined to have lower grades than, say, a German or Japanese student.

Already, we've made an historic investment in education through the economic recovery plan. We've dramatically expanded early childhood education and will continue to improve its quality, because we know that the most formative learning comes in those first years of life.

Early childhood education is a joke. It wasn't even available until recently, and that didn't stop geniuses from shaping our world. I, for one, didn't go to early childhood, and neither did my youngest brother. My other brother did, and he didn't have an advantage on us because of it.

We've made college affordable for nearly seven million more students -- seven million. (Applause.) And we have provided the resources necessary to prevent painful cuts and teacher layoffs that would set back our children's progress.

I still can't afford college, but then again, I'm poor. I went for two years and can't afford to go any longer. I do plan on going back, but the economic outlook of this country is sad indeed.

But we know that our schools don't just need more resources. They need more reform. (Applause.) That is why this budget creates new teachers -- new incentives for teacher performance; pathways for advancement, and rewards for success. We'll invest in innovative programs that are already helping schools meet high standards and close achievement gaps. And we will expand our commitment to charter schools. (Applause.)

That's what No Child Left Behind set out to do, and it's done nothing but hinder education. Besides, why does the government have to stick its nose into our schools?

It is our responsibility as lawmakers and as educators to make this system work. But it is the responsibility of every citizen to participate in it. So tonight, I ask every American to commit to at least one year or more of higher education or career training. This can be community college or a four-year school; vocational training or an apprenticeship. But whatever the training may be, every American will need to get more than a high school diploma. And dropping out of high school is no longer an option. It's not just quitting on yourself, it's quitting on your country -- and this country needs and values the talents of every American. (Applause.) That's why we will support -- we will provide the support necessary for all young Americans to complete college and meet a new goal: By 2020, America will once again have the highest proportion of college graduates in the world. That's is a goal we can meet. (Applause.) That's a goal we can meet.

High aspirations, but it seems as though Obama assumes that every American would get higher education and training if they could afford it. The truth is, plenty of Americans are quite happy being greeters at Walmart and don't want higher education.

Besides, if everyone spends a fortune on college, then who's going to serve burgers? I know, it's a generalization, but the decision to get a college degree or not to is up to individuals. By choosing not to, you are not betraying your country. Maybe yourself, especially if you're gifted, but the country won't suffer all that much.

"And if your tailors all become kings, then there will be no one left to sew the clothes. So much for French fashion, and politics." -- Percy, The Scarlet Pimpernell TV movie.

Now, I know that the price of tuition is higher than ever, which is why if you are willing to volunteer in your neighborhood or give back to your community or serve your country, we will make sure that you can afford a higher education. (Applause.) And to encourage a renewed spirit of national service for this and future generations, I ask Congress to send me the bipartisan legislation that bears the name of Senator Orrin Hatch, as well as an American who has never stopped asking what he can do for his country -- Senator Edward Kennedy. (Applause.)

Ooo... this sounds strangely like a bribe, and like socialism. I thought he removed this from his Agenda page! Must have just to stop the angry emails.

These education policies will open the doors of opportunity for our children. But it is up to us to ensure they walk through them. In the end, there is no program or policy that can substitute for a parent -- for a mother or father who will attend those parent/teacher conferences, or help with homework, or turn off the TV, put away the video games, read to their child. (Applause.) I speak to you not just as a President, but as a father, when I say that responsibility for our children's education must begin at home. That is not a Democratic issue or a Republican issue. That's an American issue. (Applause.)

Thanks for stating the obvious, Obama. However, if the State owns our children and dictates what they learn, then how can parent assume responsibility? Parents are important in educating our children, but can he assume that parents will rally behind his education plans?

There is, of course, another responsibility we have to our children. And that's the responsibility to ensure that we do not pass on to them a debt they cannot pay. (Applause.) That is critical. I agree, absolutely. See, I know we can get some consensus in here. (Laughter.) With the deficit we inherited, the cost -- (applause) -- the cost of the crisis we face, and the long-term challenges we must meet, it has never been more important to ensure that as our economy recovers, we do what it takes to bring this deficit down. That is critical. (Applause.)

Yeah, and he's doing wonders to bring down the deficit. I mean, we're implement new, expensive programs, subsidizing a bunch of crap, and basically spending through our noses and running up the deficit. Please, don't compound on the problem!

Now, I'm proud that we passed a recovery plan free of earmarks -- (applause) -- and I want to pass a budget next year that ensures that each dollar we spend reflects only our most important national priorities.

I'm against earmarks, but with a plan this big, you almost need them to make sure some of the money stays here at home. Vote no against the plan, but make sure that the money isn't all going to whatever anybody feels like.

And yesterday, I held a fiscal summit where I pledged to cut the deficit in half by the end of my first term in office. My administration has also begun to go line by line through the federal budget in order to eliminate wasteful and ineffective programs. As you can imagine, this is a process that will take some time. But we have already identified $2 trillion in savings over the next decade. (Applause.)

By the time he's done, this $2 trillion he speaks of will look like a pebble in my driveway. Seriously, I don't see how he can possibly cut the deficit in half, particularly when he plans on spending so much more. It's not going to work, but I think he's counting on the fact that most Americans just don't pay attention to that.

In this budget -- in this budget, we will end education programs that don't work and end direct payments to large agribusiness that don't need them. (Applause.) We'll eliminate -- we'll eliminate the no-bid contracts that have wasted billions in Iraq -- (applause) -- and reform -- and -- and reform our defense budget so that we're not paying for Cold War-era weapons systems we don't use. (Applause.) We will -- we will root out -- we will root out the waste and fraud and abuse in our Medicare program that doesn't make our seniors any healthier. We will restore a sense of fairness and balance to our tax code by finally ending the tax breaks for corporations that ship our jobs overseas. (Applause.)

Well, that takes care of a tiny, almost insignificant portion of the budget. What's he planning to do with the rest of it? Or, perhaps, by education program that don't work does he mean the whole Department of Education?

In order to save our children from a future of debt, we will also end the tax breaks for the wealthiest 2 percent of Americans. (Applause.) Now, let me be clear -- let me be absolutely clear, because I know you'll end up hearing some of the same claims that rolling back these tax breaks means a massive tax increase on the American people: If your family earns less than $250,000 a year -- a quarter million dollars a year -- you will not see your taxes increased a single dime. I repeat: Not one single dime. (Applause.) Not a dime. In fact, the recovery plan provides a tax cut -- that's right, a tax cut -- for 95 percent of working families. And by the way, these checks are on the way. (Applause.)

Hurray! Just like every other politician promised!

Now, to preserve our long-term fiscal health, we must also address the growing costs in Medicare and Social Security. Comprehensive health care reform is the best way to strengthen Medicare for years to come. And we must also begin a conversation on how to do the same for Social Security, while creating tax-free universal savings accounts for all Americans. (Applause.)

I'm 80% sure that these programs are doomed in the long run.

Finally, because we're also suffering from a deficit of trust, I am committed to restoring a sense of honesty and accountability to our budget. That is why this budget looks ahead 10 years and accounts for spending that was left out under the old rules -- and for the first time, that includes the full cost of fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. (Applause.) For seven years, we have been a nation at war. No longer will we hide its price. (Applause.)

I'm not aware that the cost was hidden. You could find it if you had the incentive to look for it. Perhaps I'm mistaken - I'll give him the benefit of the doubt.

Along with our outstanding national security team, I'm now carefully reviewing our policies in both wars, and I will soon announce a way forward in Iraq that leaves Iraq to its people and responsibly ends this war. (Applause.)

Meanwhile, the Mexican border begins to fall apart...

And with our friends and allies, we will forge a new and comprehensive strategy for Afghanistan and Pakistan to defeat al Qaeda and combat extremism. Because I will not allow terrorists to plot against the American people from safe havens halfway around the world. We will not allow it. (Applause.)

It's great when we assume that we know who the terrists are, where they are, and who to trust to fight them for us. Somehow, this sounds like a distraction to me.

As we meet here tonight, our men and women in uniform stand watch abroad and more are readying to deploy. To each and every one of them, and to the families who bear the quiet burden of their absence, Americans are united in sending one message: We honor your service, we are inspired by your sacrifice, and you have our unyielding support. (Applause.)

This is the best thing he's said thus far.

To relieve the strain on our forces, my budget increases the number of our soldiers and Marines. And to keep our sacred trust with those who serve, we will raise their pay, and give our veterans the expanded health care and benefits that they have earned. (Applause.)

So much for chopping the deficit in half.

To overcome extremism, we must also be vigilant in upholding the values our troops defend -- because there is no force in the world more powerful than the example of America. And that is why I have ordered the closing of the detention center at Guantanamo Bay, and will seek swift and certain justice for captured terrorists. (Applause.)

Key words here, "Example of America." That's what a non-intervention foreign policy is, but no one wants to hear about that.

Because living our values doesn't make us weaker, it makes us safer and it makes us stronger. (Applause.) And that is why I can stand here tonight and say without exception or equivocation that the United States of America does not torture. We can make that commitment here tonight. (Applause.)

In words and deeds, we are showing the world that a new era of engagement has begun. For we know that America cannot meet the threats of this century alone, but the world cannot meet them without America. We cannot shun the negotiating table, nor ignore the foes or forces that could do us harm. We are instead called to move forward with the sense of confidence and candor that serious times demand. To seek progress towards a secure and lasting peace between Israel and her neighbors, we have appointed an envoy to sustain our effort. To meet the challenges of the 21st century -- from terrorism to nuclear proliferation; from pandemic disease to cyber threats to crushing poverty -- we will strengthen old alliances, forge new ones, and use all elements of our national power.

More building alliances, invading others, imposing on others, and saying that it's necessary in this new, more dangerous world. Here's the deal, the rules are the same, no matter what toys you use to play the game. The Middle-east is no more a threat to themselves and each other than it was a decade ago, the difference being that we have a reason to poke our noses into it. Tag is always tag, whether it's played with our hands, lasers, or paint balls.

And to respond to an economic crisis that is global in scope, we are working with the nations of the G20 to restore confidence in our financial system, avoid the possibility of escalating protectionism, and spur demand for American goods in markets across the globe. For the world depends on us having a strong economy, just as our economy depends on the strength of the world's.

As we stand at this crossroads of history, the eyes of all people in all nations are once again upon us -- watching to see what we do with this moment; waiting for us to lead.

Too bad they insist on following a headless chicken. I'm afraid that we're headed towards a single currency, which is doomed to failure.

Those of us gathered here tonight have been called to govern in extraordinary times. It is a tremendous burden, but also a great privilege -- one that has been entrusted to few generations of Americans. For in our hands lies the ability to shape our world for good or for ill.

I'm 100% certain that we're shaping it for ill.

I know that it's easy to lose sight of this truth -- to become cynical and doubtful; consumed with the petty and the trivial. But in my life, I have also learned that hope is found in unlikely places; that inspiration often comes not from those with the most power or celebrity, but from the dreams and aspirations of Americans who are anything but ordinary.

I think of Leonard Abess, a bank president from Miami who reportedly cashed out of his company, took a $60 million bonus, and gave it out to all 399 people who worked for him, plus another 72 who used to work for him. He didn't tell anyone, but when the local newspaper found out, he simply said, "I knew some of these people since I was seven years old. It didn't feel right getting the money myself." (Applause.)

I think about -- I think about Greensburg -- Greensburg, Kansas, a town that was completely destroyed by a tornado, but is being rebuilt by its residents as a global example of how clean energy can power an entire community -- how it can bring jobs and businesses to a place where piles of bricks and rubble once lay. "The tragedy was terrible," said one of the men who helped them rebuild. "But the folks here know that it also provided an incredible opportunity."

I think about Ty'Sheoma Bethea, the young girl from that school I visited in Dillon, South Carolina -- a place where the ceilings leak, the paint peels off the walls, and they have to stop teaching six times a day because the train barrels by their classroom. She had been told that her school is hopeless, but the other day after class she went to the public library and typed up a letter to the people sitting in this chamber. She even asked her principal for the money to buy a stamp. The letter asks us for help, and says, "We are just students trying to become lawyers, doctors, congressmen like yourself and one day president, so we can make a change to not just the state of South Carolina but also the world. We are not quitters." That's what she said. We are not quitters. Applause.)

These words -- these words and these stories tell us something about the spirit of the people who sent us here. They tell us that even in the most trying times, amid the most difficult circumstances, there is a generosity, a resilience, a decency, and a determination that perseveres; a willingness to take responsibility for our future and for posterity.

Their resolve must be our inspiration. Their concerns must be our cause. And we must show them and all our people that we are equal to the task before us. (Applause.)

These are inspiration stories, but they do little in Obama's mouth except try and win us to his side by playing on our emotions. I'm touched by the stories, really. However, that doesn't make me agree with Obama.

I know -- look, I know that we haven't agreed on every issue thus far -- (laughter.) There are surely times in the future where we will part ways. But I also know that every American who is sitting here tonight loves this country and wants it to succeed. I know that. (Applause.) That must be the starting point for every debate we have in the coming months, and where we return after those debates are done. That is the foundation on which the American people expect us to build common ground.

It's hard to find common ground with someone who plans to run our currency into the ground and expose us to the hatred we've sown around the world.

And if we do -- if we come together and lift this nation from the depths of this crisis; if we put our people back to work and restart the engine of our prosperity; if we confront without fear the challenges of our time and summon that enduring spirit of an America that does not quit, then someday years from now our children can tell their children that this was the time when we performed, in the words that are carved into this very chamber, "something worthy to be remembered."

Oh, I'm pretty sure I won't forget this, years from now when I'm talking to kids, reciting the story of how stupid politicians handed over a multi-billion dollar deficit to them.

Thank you. God bless you, and may God bless the United States of America. Thank you. (Applause.)

Just when you think it can't get worse, it ends!

So, I realize that these 3 long parts weren't the best. I appologize. However, it's late, and I'm not always performing at my best. Please, watch Schiff's video in Part 1, and remember that America is not a government, it's an ideal.

State of the Union Part 2

Okay, I'm back to keep hammering away on this thing. In the future, I probably shouldn't strive for such an elaborate critique, but I kind of enjoy going that extra mile.

Anyway, when we left off, it was getting increasingly apparent that no one really reads the Constitution. It's sad, but true.

We are a nation that has seen promise amid peril, and claimed opportunity from ordeal. Now we must be that nation again. That is why, even as it cuts back on programs we don't need, the budget I submit will invest in the three areas that are absolutely critical to our economic future: energy, health care, and education. (Applause.)

I'd like to highlight the "even as t cuts back on programs we don't need," line. So far, I don't recall Obama cutting one single relevant program! What does he plan on cutting, especially since he seems to be more than eager to bombard us with a lot of new programs that we don't need.

It begins with energy.

Somebody call Al Gore!

We know the country that harnesses the power of clean, renewable energy will lead the 21st century. And yet, it is China that has launched the largest effort in history to make their economy energy-efficient. We invented solar technology, but we've fallen behind countries like Germany and Japan in producing it. New plug-in hybrids roll off our assembly lines, but they will run on batteries made in Korea.

I agree that we need energy, and that we seem to be falling behind other countries, however, our budget doesn't permit this! If we could cut costs in other areas we could probably begin to embark on such endeavors, but not at the moment.

Well, I do not accept a future where the jobs and industries of tomorrow take root beyond our borders -- and I know you don't, either. It is time for America to lead again. (Applause.)

Again, I agree with this. America needs to start making things, whether it be cars or energy. However, I highly doubt that our subsidize-happy President is going to just sit back and let private companies handle such things.

Thanks to our recovery plan, we will double this nation's supply of renewable energy in the next three years. We've also made the largest investment in basic research funding in American history -- an investment that will spur not only new discoveries in energy, but breakthroughs in medicine and science and technology.

We will soon lay down thousands of miles of power lines that can carry new energy to cities and towns across this country. And we will put Americans to work making our homes and buildings more efficient so that we can save billions of dollars on our energy bills.

Again, how do we plan to pay for all of this, especially on top of everything else the Federal Government is attempting to pay for. Why not encourage the States to do this kind of thing, if we're really serious about doing it? It's a nobel task, but it's going to drive up the deficit like you wouldn't believe!

But to truly transform our economy, to protect our security, and save our planet from the ravages of climate change, we need to ultimately make clean, renewable energy the profitable kind of energy. So I ask this Congress to send me legislation that places a market-based cap on carbon pollution and drives the production of more renewable energy in America. That's what we need. (Applause.) And to support -- to support that innovation, we will invest $15 billion a year to develop technologies like wind power and solar power, advanced biofuels, clean coal, and more efficient cars and trucks built right here in America. (Applause.)

I really want to, but I'm not going to go on a tirade regarding climate change. Instead, I'm going to focus solely on the $15 billion a year to develop new energies. With a budget like this, Obama will either have to crank the printing press into overload, or he's going to have to tax the bejeezus out of us. Either way, we'll end up paying for this with our tax dollars, if our economy lasts that long.

Speaking of our auto industry, everyone recognizes that years of bad decision-making and a global recession have pushed our automakers to the brink. We should not, and will not, protect them from their own bad practices. But we are committed to the goal of a retooled, reimagined auto industry that can compete and win. Millions of jobs depend on it. Scores of communities depend on it. And I believe the nation that invented the automobile cannot walk away from it. (Applause.)

Competition is a good thing, but by bailing them out, and with so much cash, Obama and Bush have done damage to the currency. Besides, it's believed that French man named Nicolas Cugnot actually invented the first automobile, not an American. In fact, if you want to get picky, the first real automobile was created by a German guy named Karl Benz. I think the French and Germans are ashamed of this rewriting of history, Mr. Obama.

None of this will come without cost, nor will it be easy. But this is America. We don't do what's easy. We do what's necessary to move this country forward.

Printing money is easy; completely reforming our monetary system isn't. It seems that Obama is pretty sure he'd like to take the easy route, but he'd like to trick everyone else into thinking that he's making a tougher choice than he is.

And for that same reason, we must also address the crushing cost of health care.

This is a cost that now causes a bankruptcy in America every 30 seconds. By the end of the year, it could cause 1.5 million Americans to lose their homes. In the last eight years, premiums have grown four times faster than wages. And in each of these years, 1 million more Americans have lost their health insurance. It is one of the major reasons why small businesses close their doors and corporations ship jobs overseas. And it's one of the largest and fastest-growing parts of our budget.

This is precisely why government needs to stick their noses out of the health circle, and tell their friends, the pharmaceutical companies, to do the same. A long time ago, a mainstream doctor's education was not bought by the drug companies, who discourage any form of treatment that doesn't have to do with them and their often hazardous products.

A long time ago, churches and other charities ran the hospitals, so no one had to pay more than they could afford. The quality of care was good - perhaps sometimes better than today - and no one was going bankrupt.

The government also stuck their noses into insurance, and now there's no real competition between the companies, so prices aren't going down any time soon. This is the problem, and more government isn't going to do the trick. We need to look through history to see what the cause of all this is.

Given these facts, we can no longer afford to put health care reform on hold. We can't afford to do it. It's time. (Applause.)

See above comment. Seriously, we don't need more government!

Already, we've done more to advance the cause of health care reform in the last 30 days than we've done in the last decade. When it was days old, this Congress passed a law to provide and protect health insurance for 11 million American children whose parents work full-time. (Applause.) Our recovery plan will invest in electronic health records and new technology that will reduce errors, bring down costs, ensure privacy, and save lives. It will launch a new effort to conquer a disease that has touched the life of nearly every American, including me, by seeking a cure for cancer in our time. (Applause.) And -- and it makes the largest investment ever in preventive care, because that's one of the best ways to keep our people healthy and our costs under control.

Can you hear me laughing out loud! This is when my alternative medicine bias becomes amazingly transparent. First of all, the war on cancer is a failure, and it has led to some barbaric treatments. 75% of physicians wouldn't undergo chemotherapy if they were diagnosed with cancer. I'll do a whole post on that later (I first have to get my antipsychiatry one up), but trust me when I say that cancer can be cured through diet, exercise, and, if necessary, drugs that help the immune system, not tear it down. The cure is in front of our noses, but unless Big Pharma can profit from it, government won't endorse it. Thus, Obama wants to spend our taxpayer money searching for a magic bullet - one that requires no effort on the sufferer's part.

And let's wonder what in the world he means by preventative care! Vitamins? No, I think he's trying to get those taken off the shelf... Hmmm... exercise? Americans are too lazy for that, and there's no profit. I personally think he's blowing steam here, or he intends on forcing pills down everyone's throats under the pretense of prevention. Then again, some places are actually suggesting mastectomies as a preventative treatment!

And there's also the privacy issue. I don't want anyone to see my health records but me! I refuse to submit my health care records to the government, and you should, too!

This budget builds on these reforms. It includes a historic commitment to comprehensive health care reform -- a down payment on the principle that we must have quality, affordable health care for every American. (Applause.) It's a commitment -- it's a commitment that's paid for in part by efficiencies in our system that are long overdue. And it's a step we must take if we hope to bring down our deficit in the years to come.

The last line here intrigues me. So, by taxing everyone to pay for a massive socialist health care plan, most of which will probably be paid for by our printing press, we'll bring down the deficit? What about paying for all the other crap Obama plans on subsidizing? Our deficit is going to get bigger, not go down, unless I'm really missing something here.

Now, there will be many different opinions and ideas about how to achieve reform, and that's why I'm bringing together businesses and workers, doctors and health care providers, Democrats and Republicans to begin work on this issue next week.

I'll bet you anything this won't include Republican Ron Paul, who is also a doctor, or anyone from the alternative medicine community. And by Republican, I'm sure he means Neocon.

I suffer no illusions that this will be an easy process. Once again, it will be hard. But I also know that nearly a century after Teddy Roosevelt first called for reform, the cost of our health care has weighed down our economy and our conscience long enough. So let there be no doubt: Health care reform cannot wait, it must not wait, and it will not wait another year. (Applause.)

Please, keep your socialized health care to yourself, I'd rather have my freedom of choice.

Okay, be patient, I'll get Part 3 up soon.