Time to Bail Out Harvard?

School's Endowment Fund Loses $2 Billion

My Fellow Americans,

It appears the Ivy League is not immume to this financial crisis.  The Boston Globe reported on Nov. 29 that the Harvard endowment fund has lost $1.8 billion.

The main players:

• Jack Meyer, the hugely successful head of Harvard’s endowment;
• Lawrence Summers, then the school’s president.

The main points:

• The topic: cash and how the university was managing - or mismanaging - its basic operating funds;
• Through the first half of this decade, Meyer repeatedly warned Summers and other Harvard officials that the school was being too aggressive with billions of dollars in cash;
• But Meyer still invested almost all of the endowment with a risky mix of stocks, bonds, hedge funds, and private equity.

This is typical isn't it?  I mean this is our government on a smaller scale.  Instead of using taxpayer money (although I'm sure they get plenty from us), they are playing with the money their students and alums pay them.  The type of attitude displayed by the Harvard brass is completely reprehensible, most notably that of Lawrence Summers.

What I find most intriguing (and flat out scary) is the fact that Summers is the head of President Obama's economic advisory team.  Really?  The guy that almost bankrupted Harvard's endowment fund is advising the President.  Not to mention the fact that this situation has a tie to Goldman Sachs (read here).  Isn't that great?

America, are we stupid?  Are we idiots?  What is to stop them from saying, "let's bail out Harvard?"

I'll tell you right now -- I am sick of egomaniacal liberals messing things up.  I refuse to let our country, businesses, and schools be run by people who don't care about those that put them in power.

The fact that Summers and other Harvard officials were arrogant enough to think they could get away with hijacking the endowment fund is unbelievable.  When will our leaders in all facets of our lives realize that they work for us?  Summers works for Harvard students and their alums.  Not himself.  I don't care what anyone says.  He works for the present, past, and future students.

It's time we stand up, America.  Don't let anyone push you around anymore.

(Picture Source: Google Images)

God Bless the Fallen and Their Families in Seattle

Clockwise from top left: Lakewood Police officers Greg Richards, Mark Renninger, Tina Griswold and Ronald Owens.

(Source: Fox News)

Huckabee Commuted 95-Year Sentence of Seattle Cop Slayer

UPDATE: Cop Killer Shot Dead

My Fellow Americans,

Another tragedy has befallen the protectors of our freedom.  This time it involves our men and women in blue.

Here are the headlines from the story:

• In Seattle, WA early Sunday morning, Maurice Clemmons, 37, gunned down four Seattle police officers in a coffee shop around 8:15 am Pacific time.
• In 1989, Clemmons, then 17, was convicted in Little Rock for aggravated robbery. He was paroled in 2000 after former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee commuted a 95-year prison sentence.
• Authorities thought they had surrounded Clemmons in a house in Seattle early Monday morning, but he was not in the home.  He is believed to be wounded and possibly dead.
• The four officers were with the 100-member police department of Lakewood, which adjoins the unincorporated area of Parkland, where the shootings took place. The city identified the victims as Sgt. Mark Renninger, 39; Ronald Owens, 37; Tina Griswold, 40; and Greg Richards 42.

It really saddens me to think that this could have been prevented.  While I think Huckabee is still a great man and politician, I can't help but scold him on this one.  I understand that Huckabee possibly thought he was rehabilitated.  But, sometimes these animals are in prison for a reason.

As for Clemmons, this just goes to show how sick people are out there.  This guy opened fire at uniformed police officers as they sat down working on their laptops.  What kind of person does that to anyone...let alone cops?

It's simply amazing to me how people like Clemmons constantly get out of prison and go right back to a life of crime.  What's more amazing to me, however, is the fact that our judicial system allows it.  When are our lawyers and judges going to stop playing the corruption game and do what they are supposed to do?

In case they forgot, that is to be the protectors of the Constitution and the rights of decent, hard-working Americans.  Not to mention --- keep people like Maurice Clemmons off the streets.

These waves of crime constantly occur in our inner-city ghettos.  When are we going to put an end to it?  We need to change the culture in these places.  Changing the culture changes the people.

When you read Outliers, you will understand that we really are products of our environment.  Perhaps if the environment Mr. Clemmons found himself in earlier in life was different, maybe we wouldn't be talking about this today.

Since we are though, let's remember the fallen for their service, dedication, and bravery.

Keep the families of the victims in your prayers.  And let's hope this is the last time Clemmons is able to do this again.

May God Bless Us All,

The Refounding Father

(Picture Source: Fox News)

Book Recommendations for the 2009 Holiday Season

My Fellow Americans,

I wanted to provide you with 2 book recommendations that I feel will help you learn, laugh, and even cry this Christmas.  These books really are great reads and will allow you to escape from your responsibilities for a short time while you prepare for the holidays.

Recommendation #1: The Christmas Sweater, by Glenn Beck.


I read this book last Christmas and I got through it in 2 to 3 days.  If I had time, I would have probably finished it in a day.  It was that good.  Beck really does a great job of capturing the spirit of Christmas.  And if you ever watch his show, you know he is a great story teller.  This book is no exception that fact.  It definitely will leave a little misty-eyed at moments.






Recommendation #2: Outliers, by Malcom Gladwell.

I am in the process of reading this one at the moment, but it's so good after 2 chapters, that I must recommend it to all of you.  Plus, a friend of mine finished it and won't stop talking about it.  It is the story of how successful people became successful.  And, if my friend's review is any indication, it will leave you ready to commit to a much greater New Year's resolution that just losing the 10 pounds you gained eating all that turkey over the holidays.  You can read more about the book here.

Please go to your local library or shop online for used copies of these books.  Save yourself some money.  But, let me know what you think.  I will open up a discussion board on Facebook after the holidays if anybody wants to talk about these books.

Enjoy,

The Refounding Father

(Pictures are from Amazon.com)

Quote of the Week & Commentary

"Never spend your money before you have it."

My Fellow Americans,

The quote above was spoken by the great Thomas Jefferson.  Jefferson was one of the most influential of our founding fathers.  He was also the main author of the Declaration of Independence, not to mention the 3rd president of our great country.  You can read more on Jefferson here, courtesy of Wikipedia.


Now, I realize it's a short quote.  But, sometimes it's better to just keep things simple and short.

The quote obviously refers to debt.  And I was initially looking for something by Ben Frankin (the king of frugality), but came across this Jefferson quote.  It really spoke to the message I wanted to convey to you today, so I had to go with it.

With what we saw this week with Dubai and the uncertainty in the commercial real estate market, it is so important to have our own finances in order (someone should tell that to Washington, too!).

I, like many other Black Friday shoppers, was waiting in line outside Best Buy around 5:00 am on the morning of Nov. 27.  When I was inside to purchase the 40-inch HDTV I came for, there was a young gentleman who looked to be in his mid-20's behind me in line.  We both came for the same television.  The TV was $600.  If you wanted to get it interest-free for 18 months, you had to sign up for a Best Buy credit card.  I filled out the application and was approved.

Unfortunately, for the young man behind me, he was not.  Now, I am certainly not a debt specialist here.  But, it doesn't take a genius to figure out that if you can't get approved for a Best Buy credit card, something is seriously the matter with your personal finances.  I really felt bad for the guy.  He promptly left the store of obvious embarrassment.

I tell you this not to brag, but to explain my stance.  I hate when I hear or see this kind of thing.  It's very sad. 

On the flip side, why was that kid there in the first place?  I mean, I realize he wanted the TV and didn't know for certain that he would be denied a store credit card.  But, if you end up being denied, there is obviously something very wrong.  Why are you buying a TV if you have credit card debt or student loan debt?  It's very irresponsible.

I would have loved to have sat down with the guy and talk some sense into him.  Like many Americans, he doesn't understand the burden of consumer debt.  Maybe Black Friday was a wake up call for him.  I sure hope so.  I hope this time next year he can get the TV or computer he came there for.

What I want all of you to take away from this is: get your finances in order.  We need to start taking our debt seriously.  Pay off more on your balance each month toward the principal.  Stop spending money you don't have.  If you want something like a TV, make sure you put some money aside each month to cover the payments and NEVER put yourself in the position to pay interest on a purchase like that.

My hope for these quotes of the week and my commentary on them is that you learn something.  I want us all to learn from each other here.  I have grown to love learning about finance, politics, and economics and I hope that since you're here, you love it too.

Please let me know your thoughts.

Thank you,

The Refounding Father

(Picture from VisitingDC.com).

Dubai in Debt; Dollar Rises

My Fellow Americans,

Depending on how you look at it, this financial crisis/recession can be the best time to be alive or the worst.  For me, I'm the eternal optimist.  I see this as fun and exciting...and VERY interesting.  This is better than any reality show out there...because it's REAL.


From the UK Times Online:

"Stock markets in Asia and the United States fell sharply while the dollar and Japanese yen rose as investors shifted their money to their perceived safety.

UK banks were also revealed to be the biggest lenders to the United Arab Emirates, which includes Dubai, with more than $50 billion owed by the Gulf state’s residents.

In another blow to the beleaguered UK banking sector, the Royal Bank of Scotland emerged as the largest single loan-arranger to Dubai World, the state-owned conglomerate that sparked this latest financial crisis when it sought a standstill on its debt repayments on Wednesday."

And with this financial chaos and uncertainty, came a rise in the dollar:

"The dollar gained against most other major currencies Friday as investors sought safety amid fears that Dubai may default on its debt.

'The markets have been riddled by a fresh round of panic, with the reaction even more aggressive than what we have recently seen, as a combination of the lightened post-US holiday trade and news that Dubai is seeking a six-month standstill on its debt, weigh on sentiment," said Joel Kruger of Forex Capital Markets.'"

Not to mention the fall in oil:

"Oil prices settled down more than 2 percent at about $76 a barrel on Friday as fears of possible defaults in Dubai convulsed financial markets and boosted safe-haven demand for the U.S. dollar."

What does all this mean?  I am by no means a financial expert, yet.  I'm getting there.  It's quite a process trying to learn what all this means.

I think we are looking at a double-dip (or "W") recession.  With all the uncertainty out there, how could you expect anything less?  Nobody can predict what will happen with any degree of exactitude. 

I would really like to know what you think.  This kind of post works best as a discussion in my opinion.

I do believe that with all this debt and deficit spending out there, the light is rather dim at the end of the tunnel.  The coming collapse of the commercial real estate market, as I spoke about earlier this week, is just another reason I don't see any real recovery until after 2012 or 2013 (maybe later).

But, I said I was an optimist, didn't I?  And I am.  I really think that this is a time of opportunity as the Great Depression was.  You just have to look for it.   If you read Robert Kiyosaki, he always talks about this time we find ourselves in being the greatest transfer of wealth in history.

I think we are in for a plethora of opportunities in the coming years.  You just need to look for it.

Quote of the Week and my recommendations for books to read during your down time this Christmas season coming tomorrow.

(Picture from UK Daily Mail)

Obama Going to Copenhagen (Again) for Climate Talks

My Fellow Americans,

Our "President" is off to Copenhagen...again.  This time it's for the Climate Summit (and he will make a stop in Oslo too to accept his must-deserved Nobel Peace Prize).

In an article from the Associated Press, obtained from Breitbart.com, it appears the expectations for the summit have waned:

"While Obama himself tried to tamp down expectations during his eight-day trip to Asia earlier this month, he also called on world leaders to come to an agreement that has "immediate operational effect" and is not just a political declaration.

Administration officials said earlier this week that the U.S. will present a target for reducing carbon dioxide emissions at the summit. The development came as the European Union urged the United States and China to deliver greenhouse gas emissions targets at the summit, saying their delays were hindering global efforts to curb climate change.

The administration has indicated for nearly a year that it would eventually come up with specific targets for quick reductions in pollution that causes global warming, as part of international negotiations. Those targets will soon be made public, officials said."

Now, all of you know how I feel about climate change.  This is just another chance for Obama to campaign.  I mean are we set up for another town hall meeting too?  This is really getting ridiculous. 

What happens if Obama doesn't come to a decision on Afghanistan on Dec. 1 as promised?  This guy has already disappointed many of those who voted for him with not living up to his campaign promises.  How confident are we on his ability to deliver on Dec. 1?  And if he does FINALLY make this decision that's 11-months in the making, will it be effective?

However, I digress.  He is scheduled to go to Denmark on Dec. 9.  My question is this: is this in Obama's job description?  And at a time when we face such issues at home, why does he need to jet-set across the Atlantic again?  We all know this global warming business is an excuse to tax us more.

I just don't think this is appropriate at all.  I hate feeling like our President cares more about these trivial issues like the beer summit, getting the Olympics for his home town Chicago, and now the climate summit.  Where does it end?  Where do the games end?  When do we get the President the citizens of America elected?  Or is this what was voted in all along?

The most appropriate question though: does President Obama realize the campaign is over?

I feel like I'm asking many more questions than I'm getting answers to.  It's really frustrating.  Sorry I had to vent a little, America.  It's really annoying.

How do you feel?

What Are YOU Thankful For?

My Fellow Americans,

Happy Thanksgiving!  I hope as you are reading this you are getting ready for a wonderful holiday with family and friends.

Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite holidays.  It's a day where you gather with those closest to you and just enjoy each other's company (hopefully).  Football, turkey, apple pie...all are Thanksgiving staples.  And the fact that we can share in this today is really a testament to our freedom as Americans.

This Thanksgiving, I am thankful for my new-found political savvy.  It wasn't too long ago that I hated politics.  This blog would have been the last thing on my mind even a year ago.

I loathed politics, not just because of politicans, but because I didn't really think it was relevant in my life.  Over the course of the last few years, I have grown to understand a lot more about money and politics.  It actually has changed my life in a profound way.  A way that I never could have imagined a few months ago.

I am thrilled to be able to talk to you about this, America.  In learning more about conservative values and reducing my own personal debt, I have become a different person.  Instead of being ignorant, I now care.  I care more than some of the people who helped me along the way.  I know more than those people too.

I am passionate about this stuff.  That's why I want you to stick with me.   Feel me out.  Get a feeling for how I think.  Tell me when you don't agree with me.  That's the best thing about this country: our ability to speak our minds freely without fear.

This Thanksgiving, I am thankful for being a citizen of the United States of America.  And I am thankful for you, the reader.

I appreciate your time and your support.

Have a safe and happy holiday,

The Refounding Father

Looking For Work? Become a Debt Collector

My Fellow Americans,

The debt collection business is BOOMING. At a time when many companies are continuing to lay off, debt collection agencies are hiring...a lot. The average American family is burdened with $8,000 to $10,000 in credit card debt and creditors need a lot of help with these problem accounts.

And when the economy eventually rebounds, you don't have to worry. There is long-term career potential.

If you have sales skills, phone skills and are good with somebody's sensitive information, this could be something for you to consider. Many new debt collectors are making $12 to $15 per hour plus commission. While that may not be what you were making at the job you were fired from, it's better than nothing. And you would have a job in a field that is actually growing (aside from the government).

If you were (or are) searching for a job, would you consider this? Facebook The Refounding Father and discuss.

Varney: "The Banks Will Take the Hit."

My Fellow Americans,

In an interview with Bill Hemmer on America's Newsroom on November 25th, Fox News contributor Stuart Varney explained how the commerical real estate market could really take a hit early next year if retailers do not see a sharp increase in holiday sales over the next month.

With the banks holding the mortgages for these malls and shopping centers, if December proves to be a poor month for retailers (as is projected) Varney said: "The banks will take the hit."

As the number of new jobless claims fell to 466,000 last week (the lowest level in a year), you have to wonder what exactly jobless numbers could be in the 4th quarter of 2009 and 1st quarter of 2010 if some of these retailers fail (many are on the brink per Varney).

I see no way how commercial real estate will not follow the path Varney explained above. People do not have the ability to buy as much this year. That is just plain fact.

Just look at the decrease in air travel that is expected for this Thanksgiving holiday: nearly 200,000 less travelers than last year.

With families having less disposable income due to layoffs or pay cuts, I just don't see how this can turn around next month.

Expect more failed banks, more failed businesses and more layoffs.

Doom and gloom? Maybe. Good chance of becoming reality? You bet.

If only our 'fearless' leaders would let the markets correct themselves naturally...

FBI Thwarts Missle Smuggling Plot

My Fellow Americans,

Need to take down an F-16? Come to Philadelphia. The City of Brotherly Love.

According to the Associated Press, "[a] scheme to transport stolen cell phones, laptops and video-game systems that evolved into a plot to ship machine guns and anti-aircraft missiles to Syria was broken up with the arrest of a central figure in the plan, according to FBI documents released yesterday."

I just want to thank the FBI for doing it's job on this one. Please read more at FoxNews.com and MyFoxPhilly.com.

America, our national security is at risk now more than ever. Fort Hood was a reminder of that grave fact. We can't turn a blind eye to the fact that Muslim Americans pose a threat to the security of this nation. It's not a politically correct thing. It's not a racist thing. It's a NATIONAL SECURITY thing.

Anybody that has a problem with "profiling" or whatever you want to call it can complain and call me a racist. That's fine. And many people thought Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan was just a regular guy (and now we see the Senate inquiry into Ft. Hood being stalled).

I'm not saying deport every Muslim. All I'm saying is we can't tip-toe around issues such as national security because we're afraid of offending someone. The time for political correctness has long since passed with the Twin Towers falling in NYC.

These guys the FBI caught, they are TERRORISTS. Hasan is a TERRORIST. That's all we need to know.

Let's not be afraid to call things like they are...no matter the color of the person's skin.

"So Help Me God" Oath Under Review in Marietta, GA

My Fellow Americans,

Members of the city council in Marietta, GA are deciding whether to change the police force's oath due to the phrase "so help me God." No problems have been reported with any police officer being sworn in under the oath. But, some say it has been a problem during legal proceedings.

Now, I will let you read the article. I don't need to post quotes or segments here. What I really want to do is get your take.

For now, here's mine: I get sick of hearing about this kind of stuff. Sure, the council members may decide to nix the idea, which most people seem to agree they will. However, the shear arrogance and thoughtlessness that goes into such a suggestion is mind-boggling.

When did God become the enemy? When did we stop being a Christian nation? Sure, yes, some of our Founders were not religious. That's fine. But, when did we start wanting to do away with God in our lives and in our country?

When you take God out of it, what do you have left? Nations and people that turn their back on God always seem to be lost. Do we forget that having God as a foundation in our lives gives us strength to go on? Strength to overcome obstacles in our lives?

We don't need less of God. We need more. Look around this world. Just look around your city.

This is very similar to the apartment complex that wanted residents to remove the American flag from their cars and windows.

Where does it end? First, the American flag. The symbol of our nation. Now, God. Our Creator and guiding light.

I just feel like our country is losing it's identity.

We can't get to where we need to be as a nation without remembering where we came from.

You keep fighting, America. Stand up for your beliefs. And have no fear...of anybody.

Now, it's your turn.

Lou Dobbs for President?

My Fellow Americans,

Former CNN anchor Lou Dobbs suggested in an interview today with WTOP in Washington, D.C. that he may consider running for president in 2012.

That might not be a bad idea, Lou. Heck, you already have plenty of support here (and here) for a presidential run.

Dobbs, who resigned from CNN earlier this month after three decades with the network, had this to say: "For the first time, I'm actually listening to some people about, about politics. We've got to do something in this country."

I sure am with you, Lou. Maybe a Dobbs/Palin ticket is the answer. I would give my support to a Lou Dobbs run at the White House.

What are your thoughts, America?

Better Than Expected Economic Growth in 2010?

My Fellow Americans,

Here they go again. Everybody jump for joy! The Recession is OVER!!!

This is what was declared just last month according to leading economists and the National Association for Business Economics (NABE).

In an article on Fox Business, NABE President and chief economist at Point Loma Nazarene University Lynn Reaser says this: “While the recovery has been jobless so far, that should soon change. Within the next few months, companies should be adding instead of cutting jobs.”

When...or maybe the real question should be...HOW are companies going to add jobs? Will it be when Obama/Pelosi-Care is enacted? How about cap-and-tax? Will that help "stimulate" the economy?

What these "economists" don't tell you is that companies NEED to cut costs. They have no choice right now. And cutting costs involves dumping jobs. That's just the way it is. It's one of the only ways they can keep their heads above water. We all understand this.

In uncertain times like these, companies don't add jobs. They use temporary workers or outside contractors. This keeps salary and benefit expenses low.

Small businesses, the backbone of the American workforce, are in a holding pattern. They are worried not only about Obamacare and cap-and-tax, but also card check.

My favorite part of this article with regard to the panel's "insights" was this: "...the unemployment rate would be 10% for three quarters beginning in the fourth quarter this year and dwindle down to 9.6% by the end of 2010. In its forecast a month ago the NABE panel said the unemployment rate would come down slightly faster, dropping to 9.5% by the end of next year."

Folks, the unemployment rate is really near 17% when you take into account people who have stopped looking for work or settled for part-time employment. On what basis can these fools at the NABE really project, with any confidence, a decrease in overall unemployment?

On top of that, say unemployment does decrease to 9.5%, so what? Is that really an indicator of the end of the recession?

When will people realize that we are being lied to?

And finally, they touch on the housing market. They say it will "gather momentum." Now first off, I think if first-time homebuyers and real estate investors are smart (and they can get a loan) they would buy now. Prices are lower and homes are more affordable.

And don't be misled to thinking this is about the tax credits (although that is what got many people in the door). Many economists believe the tax credits will only "reinflate the bubble." It really is just bad policy.

But, I digress. I want to know what YOU think. I have already said too much.

Thoughts?

9/11 Terriorists To Explain Why The Hijackers Flew Planes into the WTC & Pentagon

My Fellow Americans,

I want everyone to know this: I DO NOT sugarcoat anything. And I will most certainly not do it here. It's unfair to you.

So, you may ask yourself: why is the title of this post so forward and accusatory? The answer is simple: because these guys did it. They are terrorists. Hell, one of them basically said I did it, so kill me.

But, here they are paraded around New York...not too far from Ground Zero (which of course is where a real memorial should have been built by now...but that's another story for another post for another day). The audacity of Attorney General Eric Holder to allow these men to stand trial on American soil in a NYC civilian courthouse is unconscionable.

Now, these TERRORISTS...I refuse to call them defendants...these terrorists will get the chance they wanted: to spew their toxic and severely misguided propoganda on U.S. soil. And our moronic leaders...allow it. "President" Obama, still "thinking" about what to do over Afghanistan, is too overwhelmed from his perpetual campaign to do anything about anything. It's almost like he could care less about the safety of this country...or is that by design?

The point of my rant here today comes down to one thing. And that is do we really need to be subjected to this as Americans? I mean are New Yorkers not reminded of 9/11 every time they pass Ground Zero? Is the rest of the country not reminded when we take off our shoes, our belts, take our laptops out of the bag and put them in a bin, etc and so forth in the security checkpoints at the airport?

We have remembered each and every day since those morning hours of September 11, 2001.

Is it really fair to be reminded again...in THIS way? To have the masterminds and criminals behind the worst terrorist attack on U.S. soil explain how they did it and celebrate on what basis they did it. It's not fair to us. Any of us.

Let me be very clear: I am not opposed to trying these guys. Far from it. They do deserve to be prosecuted and then killed. I will flip the switch or inject the needle. But, not here. And especially NOT in NYC.

When it comes down it, it's just basic common sense.

(Read more on this story here).

British Scientists told to "Hide the Decline" of Global Temps

Reports from Fox News and the UK's Telegraph

Eat your heart out, Al Gore!

This really makes me happy. Those opposed to this 'global warming epidemic' finally have some concrete evidence that Al Gore is a liar. We already know he's a hypocrite.

But, now we have credible evidence that debunks the myth of global warming. Not only are global temperatures not increasing; they actually decreased in 2008.

This is all I'm really going to give this subject because this is all it really deserves. Global warming. Global cooling. Who cares? Are we humans that arrogant that we think driving our little cars (or big cars) and spraying a little hairspray matters all that much? We need to focus on things that really matter...not to mention things that we really CAN control.

Find a new 'cause,' Al!

Quote of the Week & Commentary

"What a different world this would be if people would listen to those who know more and not merely try to get something from those who have more."

The quote above is from the late William J. H. Boetcker. If you are not familiar with Mr. Boetcker, let me give you some background I found on his Wikipedia page.

<William John Henry Boetcker (1873–1962) was an American religious leader and influential public speaker.

Born in Hamburg, Germany, he was ordained a Presbyterian minister soon after his arrival in the United States as a young adult. He quickly gained attention as an eloquent motivational speaker, and is often regarded today as the forerunner of such contemporary "success coaches" as Anthony Robbins.

An outspoken political conservative, Rev. Boetcker is perhaps best remembered for his authorship of a pamphlet entitled The Ten Cannots.>

What really strikes me in this quote from Mr. Boetcker is the second part: "...[N]ot merely try to get something from those who have more." Now I know everybody has a tendency to want to "get something for nothing." I know I do. Who doesn't want life to be easier?

But, when you take a step back, you realize how being handed something cheapens its value.

People have often said to me that they feel this is exactly what the welfare system does to folks. I have a friend who is an inner-city school teacher. She tells me constantly about how her students are given new sneakers every other month. What do they do with the old pair of white sneakers that have a small scuff mark on them? Throw them in the trash.

Ask yourself something: would you do the same? I mean if people give you handouts or you live in government housing...how much do you really care about where the money goes or the condition of the property? You don't.

Are we really helping people on welfare or keeping them from helping themselves? Does the government think that they are giving these people a better lease on life or merely trying to keep them in poverty?

We, as a society, need to stop expecting the rich or the government to bail us out. We need to do it ourselves. Everybody is dealt a hand of cards in life. You will have to fold sometimes and you will feel like a failure.

But, let me tell you something: failure is a good thing. Failure is the breeding ground of success. Who cares if you fail 9 times and succeed once? You do the best with what God has given you.

The worst thing you can do in life is not make the most of yourself. In doing so, you fail yourself, your family, your community, your country and the world.

Stop expecting things to be easy. Stop expecting somebody to bail you out of debt. Stop expecting a handout.

And President Obama, Speaker Pelosi, et al: stop expecting redistribution of wealth to fix America's problems.

Recovery.gov & $12T Credit Limit

Recovery.gov site has fake congressional districts on it. They blame the grantees who fill out the forms. But the number of jobs is correct they say.

Also, the U.S. has just about reached it's $12 trillion credit limit. I wonder what China has to stay about that?

And the Rationing Begins...

Any women in their 40's or 50's out there? Remember how you're told to get a mammogram starting at 40 and you're supposed to do the self-test? Not anymore.

Now according to an AP story from today, "[a] government task force said Monday that most women don't need mammograms in their 40s and should get one every two years starting at 50..." Does it matter that this goes against what the American Cancer Society says? Probably not.

What's more is that little self-exam they teach you? Yeah, it doesn't help at all. It's so useless that they decided it's not even worth teaching women anymore.

My Fellow Americans...this is the beginning. This is the beginning of what Obamacare will look like. Obamacare. Pelosicare. Whatever you want to call it. This is the rationing they said they would never allow.

Women can get cancer at any age. Women get cancer in their 40's, 30's...even their 20's. This isn't something we can leave up to a "government task force." What's to stop them from saying who is allowed to get a mammogram based on race or societal status? They already did it based on age.

This is a glimpse of how they want to control you. This health care bill will control one-sixth of the U.S. economy. And who knows where their control will end after that.

We need to hold strong and stand up.

Thoughts?

Welcome, Patriots.

My Fellow Americans,

I would like to formally welcome you to my blog. My name is Taylor Brown, but you can refer to me as The Refounding Father. I have created this blog simply because I have a lot to say (I'm a talker, what can I say?).

But, I'm not just thinking of myself here. Unless you live under a rock (or ONLY watch MSNBC or CNN), you know how the Teaparty Movement has electrified this country. You're mad. I'm mad. We're all mad. I want you to let off steam here. Let it out. Talk it out. Think out loud. Give us a piece of your mind (no expletives of course, sorry. I like using them too).

Here's how this going to work: I will post a topic or link and state my issues in a few short paragraphs. Then, (like Open-Line Friday on the Rush Limbaugh show) the floor is all yours. Tell me what you think. Correct my mistakes. Vent...just vent if you have to. I don't care. Just keep it clean. If you think I'm way off and you completely disagree with me...please tell me. It's ok, I won't get mad...honest. Argue amongst each other. But, please, no name calling. I hate when people attack the person because they cannot back up their argument. Attack the argument. And bring facts to the table...cite sources...don't just fly by the seat of your pants.

Now that we have laid out the ground rules, let's get ready to rumble! (Weak, I know). I will be starting up this week. Please tell your friends, post a link in your Twitter or Facebook page, and recommend changes to my blog. I like constructive criticism. Send in pictures of your Teaparty signs or show us how you support America.

Thank you for your support. I appreciate you taking time to visit my blog. I'm a newbie at this, so hang in there with me.

Sincerely,

The Refounding Father