To the surprise of many the people of California have spoken again, just like they did in 2000 and have decided to preserve the traditional definition of marriage by passing Proposition 8. This undoubtedly has angered many people on the extreme left as well as some on the right as can be seen by the demonstrations that have occurred recently in California. Many have said that Proposition 8 should be overturned, but should it?
Lets look at a bit of history. It was the will of the people by an overwhelming 61% of the voters in 2000 to pass Proposition 22, which stated only marriage between a man and women should be recognized. Many other states had passed similar laws in recent years as the will of the people in most states has decided on this issue.
In May of 2008 Proposition 22 was overturned by a one-vote majority of the California Supreme Court who 8 years later somehow determined in was unconstitutional? Really? So how does a judge get to overrule the will of the people? A judges job is not to legislate law but to ensure the law is followed. So, Californians angered that a judge would overrule the voice of 61% of the people decided to once again pass a law, whose wording was approved by the Supreme Court, and re-established the traditional definition of marriage. The passing of Proposition 8, while eliminating the right of same sex couples to marry, in no way eliminates the current domestic partnership law in California.
So should Proposition 8 be overturned as some have suggested? The answer in this author's opinion is it depends on what the people want to do! Why you ask? Well for the following reasons:
1) The people of California should make its laws, not Judges!
2) Could an attempt to radically redefine marriage result in unintended consequences such as should polygamy be allowed? Could you have combination marriages such as one man and two women or two women and one man? Where does it stop?
3) If we overturn the will of the people what other laws can we overturn? If you ignore the will of the people you damage or eliminate your democracy.
In closing I think two important points to ponder as a result of this issue are:
1) Liberals say that conservatives are not tolerant or open minded. Well as you can see from the protest Liberals do not want to respect the rights and will of others unless they agree with them. Disagree? look at what happens when a religious figure is displayed on government property.
2) Judges are appointed for life. Should they be?
Interesting questions in interesting times.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Gay Marraige and Abortion Ban Votes, What do they mean?
Interesting votes that took place in a few states on election day having to do with putting a ban on gay marraige as well as a ban on abortion. Now this blog is not going to discuss whether it was right or wrong. Instead we need to explore what it means.
I find the vote in California particularly interesting in that it is an overwhelmingly democratic state. Proposition 8, which had a ton of money spent on it, was passed by the majority of people, the same people who overwhelmingly supported the most liberal presidential ticket in our countries history. What does this tell us about us? Florida passed a ban on gay marraige as well known as the Florida Marriage Protection Amendment by some 62% of the vote at last check. Again a state that voted for the Obama - Biden ticket. And in Arizona, a conservative state, the gay marraige ban was rejected. Again, what does this tell us about us?
In Colorado, a typically Republican state despite the vote last night, a measure defining life at the moment of conception, which would have put a ban on abortion and even birth control pills, was soundly defeated. South Dakota which also had an abortion ban on the ballot rejected it. Here again a state that voted 53% for McCain.
What this is telling us my friends is that this country is not steering far left like some would like us to believe. It is telling us that if Obama reverts back to his leftist ways the people of this country will be quick to call him to the table just as they did with Clinton in 1994. What this is telling us is that our country is still a center-right country and if you have an idea that deviates too far from the fulcrum in either direction the people of this country will reject you.
As I have said previously this country is not defined by the far left Pelosi Liberals or the people who live in the bubble called Manhattan. It is defined by the rest of us in the middle, the center right and the new administration better not forget it.
I find the vote in California particularly interesting in that it is an overwhelmingly democratic state. Proposition 8, which had a ton of money spent on it, was passed by the majority of people, the same people who overwhelmingly supported the most liberal presidential ticket in our countries history. What does this tell us about us? Florida passed a ban on gay marraige as well known as the Florida Marriage Protection Amendment by some 62% of the vote at last check. Again a state that voted for the Obama - Biden ticket. And in Arizona, a conservative state, the gay marraige ban was rejected. Again, what does this tell us about us?
In Colorado, a typically Republican state despite the vote last night, a measure defining life at the moment of conception, which would have put a ban on abortion and even birth control pills, was soundly defeated. South Dakota which also had an abortion ban on the ballot rejected it. Here again a state that voted 53% for McCain.
What this is telling us my friends is that this country is not steering far left like some would like us to believe. It is telling us that if Obama reverts back to his leftist ways the people of this country will be quick to call him to the table just as they did with Clinton in 1994. What this is telling us is that our country is still a center-right country and if you have an idea that deviates too far from the fulcrum in either direction the people of this country will reject you.
As I have said previously this country is not defined by the far left Pelosi Liberals or the people who live in the bubble called Manhattan. It is defined by the rest of us in the middle, the center right and the new administration better not forget it.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Americans have made their choice but?
A historic night in our country. We have elected the countries first african american president. So can a independent leaning conservative such as myself find it in myself to celebrate this historic moment. Having lived in the deep south for 5 years I can tell you that this fact is easy to celebrate. While many who may have thought we would not see this in our lifetime are surpised, happy, elated, do not think for one moment that with this moment racism is no more. Unfortunately, racism is still alive and well. I remember during my time in the deep south my daughter washing her olive Italian skin because it got to dark in the summer and the other kids made fun of her, or my young son confused at what to do because if he invited one of his african american friends to his birthday party the father of one of his white friends would not let him attend. I remember in a phone business transaction giving my name to a vendor and being told I was a whop and he did not do business with a whop. We may have come a long way as a country but the journey persists.
The questions I have is not about the color of the man who will now lead our country but who is this man? Will he be the far left wing liberal that served in the State Senate of Illinois and then again as an Illinois Senator in Washington, or the moderate he ran on and utlimately won the Whitehouse as? His ideas and policies are the script of Socialism, this is undeniable. Universal Healthcare and distribution of wealth, class warfare to name a few. But what path will he take?
If you are a left wing follower do not be fooled. This country, our country is not defined by the looney people in San Francisco or the those that live in the isolated world of Manhattan. While the electoral votes show a large gap, the popular vote shows a more accurate story. The United States of America is a center right country and if President-Elect Obama reverts back to his far left liberal ways the American people will pass their judgement in 2 years as they did with Clinton in 1994.
So America has walked to the edge, looked into the abyss, and decided to jump into it. Will it be the right thing or the wrong thing only time will tell. We could go on but that would not be right. Its time to celebrate this historic night. There will be plenty of time for critique.
Congratulations President-Elect Obama although you did not get mine or many Americans vote and truely may be the benefactor of votes against Bush, we will be watching. Prove I am wrong about you, but I am skeptical you can accomplish that. We shall see, let the handouts begin!
Until next time....
The questions I have is not about the color of the man who will now lead our country but who is this man? Will he be the far left wing liberal that served in the State Senate of Illinois and then again as an Illinois Senator in Washington, or the moderate he ran on and utlimately won the Whitehouse as? His ideas and policies are the script of Socialism, this is undeniable. Universal Healthcare and distribution of wealth, class warfare to name a few. But what path will he take?
If you are a left wing follower do not be fooled. This country, our country is not defined by the looney people in San Francisco or the those that live in the isolated world of Manhattan. While the electoral votes show a large gap, the popular vote shows a more accurate story. The United States of America is a center right country and if President-Elect Obama reverts back to his far left liberal ways the American people will pass their judgement in 2 years as they did with Clinton in 1994.
So America has walked to the edge, looked into the abyss, and decided to jump into it. Will it be the right thing or the wrong thing only time will tell. We could go on but that would not be right. Its time to celebrate this historic night. There will be plenty of time for critique.
Congratulations President-Elect Obama although you did not get mine or many Americans vote and truely may be the benefactor of votes against Bush, we will be watching. Prove I am wrong about you, but I am skeptical you can accomplish that. We shall see, let the handouts begin!
Until next time....
Monday, November 3, 2008
Obama and the Coal Industry
We would be remiss to not start this blog with sending our deepest sympathies to Obama's grandmother who passed away today. It is truly ashame she did not get to witness the most historic election in American History. May she rest in peace.
Today we learned that Mr. Obama stated that people could build coal plants if they want but they would be bankrupted in doing so. Interesting that the man who could potentially be our next President would want to destroy an industry and put thousands of people out of work. Does Mr. Obama really know what he is talking about on this issue? You may ask do I know what I am talking about on this issue? Well let me offer this to you, I work in the energy industry and while not an expert I do know a fair amount about the importance of coal and the truths and myths about alternative energy.
First you must understand that while alternative energy must be a priority for our country technology does lag in being able to utilize it. There is a large captial investment required in infrastructure to transport the power produced for its intial location to the many terminal locations that would use the power. Opps, did I say capital investment, hmmm, something Mr. Obama will make difficult to do with his tax and spend plans but we will leave that for another day.
The fact of the matter is that our country has more coal than Saudia Arabia has oil. The other fact of the matter is that while you may be able to produce energy, someday efficiently, from alternative sources, the wind does not always blow and the sun does not always shine. So, what do you do when that happens? Well my friends you need and will always need to have what is called a base load. This is energy produced by a reliable source that is not dependent on the wind blowing or the sun shining. Do you know what the biggest resource used to produce this base load is? Yep, you have it COAL! Black gold as it is referred to by others.
So can Mr. Obama bankrupt the coal industry by making it too expensive to build coal fired plants? You bet he can because of his Cap and Trade policy. Cap and Trade basically puts a limit on the amount of emissions you can release typcially in an area. It is similary to what the EPA has done in non-attainment areas for things such as NOX and SOX. When you limit an emission you essentially decrease the supply and thus for those of you educated in economics know as the demand increases for a limited supply the price goes up. And in this case it can become price inelastic to a very high point.
So Mr. Obama, using the excuse that the coal fired plants would release greenhouse gases and thus wants to use this Cap and Trade Policy to prevent that from happening will essentially raise your electric bill higher than you have dreamed of. All this in the name of global warming which has ZERO!, yes ZERO! scientific fact to back it up. But then again thats for another blog topic.
Was this a smart thing for Mr. Obama to do being that two major coal producing states are Ohio and Pennsylvannia. Well I guess we will see if those bitter gun and religion clingers vote him a victory or defeat in those states.
Where is this information you ask? Well just check out the San Francisco Chronicles website and you will find it. Funny how San Francisco has become flip flop central for Mr. Obama, but that again is another blog.
Happy voting tomorrow, you are engaging in a historic event for our country. Historic in the candidates and the choice of Socialism or Capitalism. Who would have thought?
Today we learned that Mr. Obama stated that people could build coal plants if they want but they would be bankrupted in doing so. Interesting that the man who could potentially be our next President would want to destroy an industry and put thousands of people out of work. Does Mr. Obama really know what he is talking about on this issue? You may ask do I know what I am talking about on this issue? Well let me offer this to you, I work in the energy industry and while not an expert I do know a fair amount about the importance of coal and the truths and myths about alternative energy.
First you must understand that while alternative energy must be a priority for our country technology does lag in being able to utilize it. There is a large captial investment required in infrastructure to transport the power produced for its intial location to the many terminal locations that would use the power. Opps, did I say capital investment, hmmm, something Mr. Obama will make difficult to do with his tax and spend plans but we will leave that for another day.
The fact of the matter is that our country has more coal than Saudia Arabia has oil. The other fact of the matter is that while you may be able to produce energy, someday efficiently, from alternative sources, the wind does not always blow and the sun does not always shine. So, what do you do when that happens? Well my friends you need and will always need to have what is called a base load. This is energy produced by a reliable source that is not dependent on the wind blowing or the sun shining. Do you know what the biggest resource used to produce this base load is? Yep, you have it COAL! Black gold as it is referred to by others.
So can Mr. Obama bankrupt the coal industry by making it too expensive to build coal fired plants? You bet he can because of his Cap and Trade policy. Cap and Trade basically puts a limit on the amount of emissions you can release typcially in an area. It is similary to what the EPA has done in non-attainment areas for things such as NOX and SOX. When you limit an emission you essentially decrease the supply and thus for those of you educated in economics know as the demand increases for a limited supply the price goes up. And in this case it can become price inelastic to a very high point.
So Mr. Obama, using the excuse that the coal fired plants would release greenhouse gases and thus wants to use this Cap and Trade Policy to prevent that from happening will essentially raise your electric bill higher than you have dreamed of. All this in the name of global warming which has ZERO!, yes ZERO! scientific fact to back it up. But then again thats for another blog topic.
Was this a smart thing for Mr. Obama to do being that two major coal producing states are Ohio and Pennsylvannia. Well I guess we will see if those bitter gun and religion clingers vote him a victory or defeat in those states.
Where is this information you ask? Well just check out the San Francisco Chronicles website and you will find it. Funny how San Francisco has become flip flop central for Mr. Obama, but that again is another blog.
Happy voting tomorrow, you are engaging in a historic event for our country. Historic in the candidates and the choice of Socialism or Capitalism. Who would have thought?
Sunday, November 2, 2008
To the Edge
As a friend stated to me we as a country are approaching the edge. As we Americans walk towards Tuesday, November 4th to decide our next President it has clearly become a choice between a true democracy or the start of a marxist-socialist government. A choice between free market capitalism or of spreading the wealth. Yes my friends a choice to preserve conservative ideas, morals, and values that our nation was founded on, or a choice to covert to that cesspool of immorality, sin and lack of values known a liberalism.
As we approach the edge on Tuesday what will Americans do? Again as my friend stated we will walk ever so close to the edge, closer than we ever have before. We the people will peer over that edge and the question will be answered. Do we fall into the abyss or realize just in time that we must step back from it and mark our ballots for preservation of true american ways. Do we step back, regain our common sense and vote McCain, or do we fall into the darkness of the abyss and vote Obama? May god help us and guide us to the wisdom of supporting the Republican Ticket. Will it happen? Well we will see how many on Tuesday have been seduced by the new and dangerous cult know as Obama. More to come my friends. Next the choice, what it means, and what we must do.
As we approach the edge on Tuesday what will Americans do? Again as my friend stated we will walk ever so close to the edge, closer than we ever have before. We the people will peer over that edge and the question will be answered. Do we fall into the abyss or realize just in time that we must step back from it and mark our ballots for preservation of true american ways. Do we step back, regain our common sense and vote McCain, or do we fall into the darkness of the abyss and vote Obama? May god help us and guide us to the wisdom of supporting the Republican Ticket. Will it happen? Well we will see how many on Tuesday have been seduced by the new and dangerous cult know as Obama. More to come my friends. Next the choice, what it means, and what we must do.
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