Education -- a matter of concern

WHY IS OUR EDUCATION SYSTEM ASLEEP?
WHAT CAN WE DO TO AWAKEN IT TO DEAL WITH THE E-WORLD

Think about this: many students in the developing nations are working many hours a day– ten, sixteen, even twenty– to learn enough so they can get a good job or get into a prestigious university. Consider how much time these dedicated young people would spend watching the antics of "prostibimbos" like Britney Spears and Paris Hilton on TV. That should give you some idea of the huge gap between where those young people are going and where our young people are headed and how that portends the future of their nations versus ours. Kinda scary, huh?

The unprecedented and growing shortage of scientists and engineers in our nation is balanced by unprecedented growth of graduates in law and the social disciplines. (The US is by far the most litigious nation on earth.) Couple this with the rapidly declining skills in language, math and science of our high school graduates and we find that there is a huge crisis in education that threatens to soon bury us in a sea of technological advances from the developing nations. In fact, many experts feel that we have fallen so far that recovery will now be virtually impossible. The bulk of basic research and development is now moving to centers and universities in China, India and Russia where it costs much less than in the US. The e-world with its ability to instantaneously transfer information– huge quantities of information– to virtually any place on the globe for study, manipulation and publication, has moved much of the dog work of science and engineering out of the US to many places where it can be accomplished faster, cheaper, and with better accuracy.

In addition to foreign students now more likely to return home after completing their studies at US Universities in both China and India, universities in those countries are now turning out far more science and engineering graduates and post graduates than we are. This is resulting in a substantial "brain drain" that we can ill afford. Now it is the dog work that is going overseas, but how long will it be before the much larger and better motivated pool of Chinese scientists and engineers combine with government supported entrpreneurial effort to move the bulk of new and creative technology as well as the leadership thereof from the US to China. And there are numerous other nations trying to take the same or a similar path. And remember, every one of those scientists and engineers is able to communicate with and exchange information with every other scientist in the world, almost instantaneously. In the e-world, everything that can be digitized and that needs work will soon be moved to that place where the work strikes the best combination of speed, excellence, and cost. An office around the world is just as easily accessed as the one on the other side of the wall.

For these reasons– because of the Internet, e-commerce, e-science and email– we have serious and rapidly increasing competition in the fields of science and engineering from many parts of the world now including China, India, South Korea, and much of the Pacific Rim nations in addition to Europe including the Eastern Block, Russia and other parts of the old Soviet Union. With foreign students sometimes outnumbering Americans in science and engineering courses and especially in graduate schools at many of our prestigious universities we are producing far fewer of these important individuals than the growing need of our own science and industry. Until recently, the shortfall in scientists and engineers has been made up by foreign students who choose to stay in America and take positions here, but that is no longer the case. Many foreign students, especially Chinese and Indians now find they can obtain really good jobs at home so choose to return there rather than stay here to work. As a result, many tech jobs in America now go unfilled for lack of applicants with the needed skills, primarily in science and engineering. It’s all because of the e-world revolution– things have changed, dramatically.

With their booming economies, China, India and numerous much smaller countries are now building universities– high quality universities– primarily for science and engineering students. Secondary schools, even primary schools are increasingly concentrating on science and engineering curricula in order to prepare students for the rigors of jobs in the tech sector or further education in science and engineering. Unfettered with political or traditional limits and encouraged and supported by governments that now realize the huge potential to be gained by encouraging education and business entrepreneurship, these new universities are positioning their nations to succeed in an 3entirely new and different world. The e-world no longer divided by mountains or oceans– the e-world where distance and time have disappeared– are no longer a factor in the transfer of information.

Look at the leadership of these nations. Many are scientists and engineers who understand, who "get" the e-world and its many ramifications. In China, India and in numerous other "progressive" nations, science, engineering, business and industry are greatly admired and increasingly promoted. Those who succeed in business are treated with respect and honor. Entrepreneurs are supported by the leaders, in the media and in the public eye. They are rewarded for their service to improve the growth of their nation’s economy, prosperity and reputation in the world.

Look at the contrast with many nations and leaders in the developed west. Most are lawyers or social activists, politicians who are so wrapped up in the past and past dogma they don’t "get" much if anything about the e-world. These politicians haven‘t a clue about what has changed in the last ten years and what will change in the next ten. They, the media and the rest of the entertainment world of western developed nations, often resort to the use of class warfare as weapons of politics and cultural division, denigrating business and treating entrepreneurs as if they were nineteenth century "robber barons." For the most part, western democracies load down businesses with restrictive laws, punitive taxation, huge reporting requirements and in some cases, labor laws making it almost impossible to fire an employee. Labor unions promote and expect counterproductive, "make-work" practices that favor their members and raise the cost of products. Classic example: the American auto industry.

Not a few poor socialist nations are moving into the capitalist, entrpreneurial realm of the e-world with astonishing economic success. Several, China, India and Ireland for example, are doing so quite rapidly. The key to their success: their leaders are capitalizing on educating scientists and engineers, promoting entrepreneurial freedom, arranging laws about business startups and new industries that promote rather than hog-tie the initiative of business While there could be many pitfalls in the road from the gray, regressive world of socialism to socially conscious capitalism and the immense personal freedom and opportunity of the e-world, the rapid advancement of major parts of these nations in the throes of this change is quite evident to those who choose to see– to "get it." The very speed with which the world is changing has already left behind numerous nations that didn’t adapt to the new rules quick enough. At the same time, some of the present leader nations, including the US, seem to be poised for a possible plunge into the gray fog of hedonistic, anti-creative socialism. With news media more engrossed in sensationalism, sex and celebrity than with real news and a public more fascinated by the antics of "prostibimbos," than statesmen or scientists, and a public that values and idolizes sports figures over businessmen (and women) scientists and engineers, is it any wonder that our young people in their music, worship crime and brutality while completely ignoring the positive, enriching things of life? The "politically" correct crowd would have us ultimately ignore all human failings or achievement and condemn us to the slow death of submergence in a gray mud of anti-exceptional humanity with no high achievements or low degradations.

Is there any good news out there for the western developed world, or are we doomed to fall on the trash heaps of history like Carthage and Rome? In a word, yes. In spite of all the anti business sentiment from the entertainment world– media news is now firmly a part of this, entertaining even more than informing– there are still successful entrepreneurs building e-world enterprises In a business world almost without borders. Our universities are still graduating exceptional scientists and engineers and even multi national companies are still hiring American scientists and engineers. We can build on that by finding ways to encourage more bright American students to choose an education and career in science and/or engineering. Even business degrees should be encouraged– in spite of debacles like Enron and the dot-com shenanigans. Fortunately for America, those kinds of "business" people are actually few and far between.

More good news: the concerted effort to "dumb down" the products of our primary education system seems to have run its course. The increasingly challenging demands of the job market with its surplus of unskilled workers, many of whom are barely literate, and shortage of those equipped with marketable skills complained of by employers for years, is having an effect on educators, the public, and even a few politicians. With many secondary school graduates unable to handle math, English or social requirements of entry level jobs, employers are now demanding schools do a better job on the basics. Parents, alarmed at this situation are organizing and becoming more demanding of their children’s schools. Even those who wouldn’t dare to comment about the poor parenting of many minority students for fear of a racist label are beginning to speak out about this serious problem while now actively seeking remedies, even painful ones. Thank you Bill Cosby! Making those comments took real courage.

It’s about time the various and sometimes feuding elements and cultures in our country quit bitching about each other and start looking in the mirror for answers and solutions. The only person whose attitude anyone can change is their own. The only way anyone can become convinced to change their own attitude is with positive leadership willing to bite the bullet and look inward for solutions. The only way we will find those leaders and give them the power to succeed is to quit demonizing the very business and industry that provides the jobs, income, and taxes that make our education system possible. It’s a about time Americans stopped treating profit as a dirty word and begin applauding it.

That’s exactly what Chinese leaders did that broke the yoke of poverty for many Chinese and started their unprecedented economic expansion. They reversed the long standing socialist/communist hatred for business and profits and said aloud, "Business is beautiful. Profits are beautiful. Capitalism is beautiful." And they have yet to look back. Sure, they are a long way from laissez faire capitalism, and they may yet stumble because of political roadblocks or upheavals, but . . . but! They might also become the worlds biggest, best and most free capitalist nation, considering they have just freed a people who have been in virtual slavery for thousands of years. For an energetic, hard working people, suppressed for so terribly long, even in a nation so large, this could be very heady stuff.

I only wonder, is it possible we are in the throes of doing the exact opposite with our socialist activists in Hollywood, Washington and New York calling the shots– the constant stream of hatred for business, profits and capitalism? In contrast, consider the constant stream of adoration for entertainment world celebrities including the news media and sports– people who are performing in the public eye, play acting or playing sports– and this adoration continues virtually regardless of any degrading activity it is in which they choose to engage. In the e-world this is not leadership, but self destruction.

To get our education on track we need to remove ourselves from the nineteenth century condemnation of "robber barons" and all they represent. They have long been gone, destroyed by their own concentration on self-service. Maybe they all became politicians or socialists. We need to stop beating that dead horse. Today’s business, now mostly dominated by technology, is a completely different animal, living in a fish bowl. The transparency of the e-world is making it increasingly difficult to hide anything, good or bad from anyone. And because of the e-world, one bad move and everyone on the globe knows about it or soon will. With twelve billion eyes looking and twelve billion ears listening and most each of those able tell it to the entire world instantly, it is becoming extremely difficult for anyone to hide anything. Couple that with the fact that of those six billion, many are holding and using video cameras creating video that can quickly be posted to the Internet and you have a virtual earth-scale fish bowl with all of our activities viewable through the transparent sides. Indeed, big brother may be watching, but the entire world is watching big brother at the same time.

The twenty-first century will be the century of education and technology, even more so than the last. Education will be absolutely essential for virtually everyone. The e-world will eventually make it practical for everyone to learn as much as their brains can hold and as quickly as their brains can take it in. Instant access to all information will make that not just possible, but necessary. All work and creativity will quickly gravitate to those able to understand what is needed and accomplish it, wherever in the world they may be. That goes for teaching and learning as well. The nation that provides the best and quickest Internet access to the most of its people however that is accomplished, will have the potential to lead. Real leadership in the real e-world will go to that nation, people or culture that best motivates its members to use this instant access to expand their minds, to learn, to train and to teach and train others.
to teach those basic skills to those who didn’t have them.

Some significant quotes on the subject:

…the generation of scientists and engineers who were motivated to go into science by the threat of Sputnik in 1957 and the inspiration of JFK are reaching their retirement years and are not being replaced in the numbers that they must be if an advanced economy like that of the United States is to remain at the head of the pack. — The World is Flat

…math and science are the keys to innovation and power in today's world, and American parents had better understand that the people who are eating their kids' lunch in math are not resting on their laurels. — Still Eating Our Lunch: Singapore, New York Times.

— Thomas Friedman, 2005

The critical lack of technically trained people in the United States can be traced directly to poor K–12 mathematics and science instruction. Few factors are more important than this if the United States is to compete successfully in the 21st century.

<—National Academies, 2005

America's high schools are obsolete. By obsolete, I don't just mean that our high schools are broken, flawed, and under-funded—though a case could be made for every one of those points. By obsolete, I mean that our high schools—even when they're working exactly as designed—cannot teach our kids what they need to know today…This isn't an accident or a flaw in the system; it is the system.

—Bill Gates, 2005

We know—and this report demonstrates—that there is a need to make drastic changes within the Nation's science and mathematics classrooms. If not, our Nation risks raising generations of students and citizens who do not know how to think critically and make informed decisions based on technical and scientific information.

— NSF Report February 2006

America's competitive edge in this "flat world," its strength and versatility, all depend on an educational system capable of producing young people and productive citizens who are well prepared in science and mathematics. We know—and this report demonstrates—that there is a need to make drastic changes within the Nation's science and mathematics classrooms. If not, our Nation risks raising generations of students and citizens who do not know how to think critically and make informed decisions based on technical and scientific information. Nor will they have a firm grasp of academic language necessary to advance into STEM careers and produce the innovation and discovery necessary to maintain our Nation's prosperity for the future.

— Conclusion of NSF Report, February 2006

For more information on the subject, here are links to some specific articles on the Internet.
Related Websites
Science and Engineering Indicators 2006: http://www.nsf.gov/statistics/seind06/

S & E Indicators 2006 (Excerpts):

http://www.nsf.gov/news/news_summ.jsp?cntn_id=105858

S & E Indicators 2006: Global R&D Landscape (Fact Sheet):
http://www.nsf.gov/news/news_summ.jsp?cntn_id=105857

America's Pressing Challenge (Full Text): http://www.nsf.gov/statistics/nsb0602/

America's Pressing Challenge (Fact Sheet):

http://www.nsf.gov/news/news_summ.jsp?cntn_id=105859

National Science Board: http://www.nsf.gov/nsb

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency that supports fundamental research and education across all fields of science and engineering, with an annual budget of $5.58 billion. NSF funds reach all 50 states through grants to nearly 1,700 universities and institutions. Each year, NSF receives about 40,000 competitive requests for funding, and makes nearly 10,000 new funding awards. The NSF also awards over $400 million in professional and service contracts yearly.

Receive official NSF news electronically through the e-mail delivery and notification system, MyNSF (formerly the Custom News Service). To subscribe, visit www.nsf.gov/mynsf/ and fill in the information under "new users".

Useful NSF Web Sites:
NSF Home Page: http://www.nsf.gov/
NSF News: http://www.nsf.gov/news/
For the News Media: http://www.nsf.gov/news/newsroom.jsp
Science and Engineering Statistics: http://www.nsf.gov/statistics/
Awards Searches: http://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/

How do we accomplish this momentous and challenging task before us?

How do we do this? It will require a major change of direction for many people and a completely new kind of education system. It will require educators to think outside-the-box. Here is just one idea I have come up with that could accelerate our education system in K-12 grades.
I have one suggestion for a radically new system designed for rapid growth and high achievement for students. First of all, lets quit forcing people to go to school– leave that up to parents. Once people see education as a privilege and opportunity rather than an obligation, it puts a whole new factor in play. Second, let’s disconnect education from chronological age. An entrance exam requiring passage of basic social and communication skill requirements to start school could be administered several times a year, say anytime parents feel their child is ready. Those who passed would start school. Those who failed wouldn’t start and would be given a report describing what they needed to learn of basic social and communication skills. There could even be "prep" schools available

How about a completely new system for education from K through 12. The basic system, infrastructure, grade levels and teaching methods will obviously have to be considered for change and improvement. The use of classroom teaching may be modified as teaching via the Internet could even be found advantageous for some students and/or subjects. But there is one concept concerning advancement through the system that I would like to see changed drastically. That is the way students are advanced through the various grade levels. As it is presently, some students learn so quickly they can become bored for lack of challenge. At the other end of the spectrum there are those who have a difficult time keeping up. This is also often quite different as subject matter varies. One student may learn math very quickly while the same student may be relatively slow in English or another subject.

To provide for all kinds of students, each subject should be broken up into sections much smaller than semesters or quarters. Lets start with two week "chunks" of learning a part or several parts of a subject. These "chunks" would progress directly from one to the next in a sequence keyed to the fastest learners- the ones who "get it" the quickest. An evaluation test would be administered at the end of the two week "chunk" which could be graded and if a certain test score is reached, the student advances to the next "chunk" with the grade earned going into his record. Those who did not advance would simply repeat the last "chunk" without the stigma of failure. After the second time through the process would be repeated, a test score would be issued and the student would advance to the next "chunk" in that particular subject or again repeat it once more. The grade of record would be based on the test scores and performance over the entire "semester" of eight "chunks" or "quarter" of six "chunks." This would leave two weeks for vacation and holidays each year. That is of course considering going to school year ‘round. Use of two "semesters" or three "quarters" each year of mandatory attendance would provide time for summer vacations for those children and for those areas where it was important for any reason.

In action this program would probably see most students varying between taking each "chunk" once or twice. Some would breeze through only needing single "chunks" for one subject while other subjects might require mostly two "chunks." There would naturally be a strong incentive to excel and require only single "chunks" or one-time-through each for many students. In a single subject, some students might require two or more "chunks" to master some parts of a subject while other parts would be completed in but one with ease. With a broad enough curricula including English, math, science, history, languages, the arts, shop, athletics and others, every student would have a broad opportunity to excel in at least one or more subjects. Certainly there would be some stigma for some slow learners, but as in the present, special help could be used along with guidance into the best path for achieving a career.

Of course there would be inequalities. There are always inequalities. All schools are not the same. Some have better funding than others. Some are in areas where frequent damage makes maintenance expensive. Some teachers are better in many ways than others. Some school organizations are better than others. Some legal requirements are more restrictive or expensive than others. There are any other differences, even among students and their families. Some families and cultures place a lot more emphasis on education than others. Personal prejudices of many kinds can seriously damage a school’s ability to get their message across to some students. Anti-intellectualism of many kinds can instill animosity and/or fear in some students. Peer pressure can be either a positive boost or a negative downer on a student’s attitude toward school and educators.

Parents, their attitude toward schools and their students, the importance they place on education at home, their level of education and amount of personal pride and good self image, all of these can be of paramount importance to the desire for learning and school in every child. Parents, their own educational level and the culture they come from, is probably the most significant factor in motivating their children to be hungry for learning. This is so very evident in the achievement level of the children of so many immigrants. Those parents that come from cultures that place great value on education usually have children that excel in school. Those that come from poor or backward cultures may have a dim view of education, sometimes even fearing it will harm their children. Certainly many place little value on education and instill that value system in their youngsters. The task we face is educating parents not just to the value of an education, but to help the natural curiosity of the young flow into the constructive paths of a formal education.

The media, electronic and print, could do a much better job of guiding young people in a better direction than promoting the worshiping of useless prostibimbos, play actors, musicians and sports personalities. It’s gotten so the main stream media does far more reporting about the antics of these entertainment world celebrities than they do about all but the most serious issues facing the world. The sound bites of these people and of the latest spotlight seeking politician vie for their ten or twenty seconds of attention while in depth reporting about serious issues is relegated to special TV shows, cable channels and talk radio. Even there it is often sensationalized or highly biased. It’s really a sorry state when the news media gets so into the bottom line or promoting a political agenda that objectivity and honesty goes out the window. Of course the public will have to demand this and in a substantial fashion before it changes so don’t hold your breath.

Why? A non-political Rant

This is not meant as a criticism of anyone, just a question about interest. Are any of you really much interested in the overall energy problem and global warming or do you just think nothing can be done about it so why bother trying?

I’ve not been overwhelmed by replies to my request for help at: http://hjshee.blogspot.com. I know it’s only been a few days, but I thought surely someone would have something to say by now. Hopefully, there are those among you who may yet reply if only to say, "I’m considering!" If you are, take the time to click "reply" to the email that took you here now and enter, "I’m thinking" and send it off. Then I will at least know you received my emails. Maybe it’s just that many of you have been turned off by my political rants. I’m sorry if that is so as this is certainly not political, but how are you to know, right? I received but a single reply and that was because my HTML link didn’t work on non HTML emails. This prompted me to send out a follow-up letter with the info in non-HTML language.

Am I the only one who has any interest in solving what I see as one of our most pressing national problem, or is it just not that important to most? Would it get your attention if gasoline were suddenly five bucks a gallon? How about if our economy suddenly went into another great depression? I know interest has lagged since gas has dropped to just above two bucks in much of the country. Even at that price, billions of dollars are still going from us to nations that actively seek our destruction. That still doesn’t seem to frighten anyone. I guarantee it will when our economy crashes as our enemies promise it will, and they have a great deal of control over that. Just imagine a Taliban type government in Saudi Arabia and Iraq controlled by Iran. (Which will certainly happen as soon as we withdraw) Those in control there scream now for our destruction and that would put their hands in control of the oil spigot. You think that fat little dictator in Venezuela wouldn’t join in shutting off our oil if he thought it would destroy our economy? I personally believe all those enemies mean it when they say they want to destroy us. Close down the oil supply from Islamic countries and Venezuela, and one bomb each on the Alaskan and Russian pipeline and the West would be virtually without oil. You think we wouldn’t have a huge economic collapse then? Teheran, Damascus, Caracas and Moscow would celebrate in the streets while Israel would disappear.

This is not about bashing anyone and is equally valuable to those who do and who don’t see carbon dioxide driven global warming as a problem. I’ve had a singular lack of success with probably fifty or more inquiries sent to environmental groups and public service agencies, private and governmental. Likewise to my Congressional representatives on a state and national level. I received but two replies, from Rep Mark Sauder and Senator Dick Lugar, but neither one understood what I was trying to explain to them. Their staff saw the words, "Hydrogen Economy" and immediately assumed I was writing in support of the hydrogen fuel cell - which I am very much against for reasons explained in my book. Their responses were a verbal pat on the back for my support to something I am actually very much against. My follow up letters with corrections have not been responded to. None of the "public interest" and environmental groups even acknowledged my correspondence. By the way, I sent it both by email and by snail mail through the USPS.

I have written to about thirty other public figures (including Al Gore) who are quite vocal about the environment and global warming and received not a single reply or even acknowledgment. I have received responses from several talk-show hosts including one who put me on his program for about fifteen minutes a year ago. I have also received a phone call from a man who said he was a representative of the Communist Chinese government. He seemed very interested and asked for a copy of my book. I have not heard from him since sending him a copy.

Then I sent my request for help to my entire email address book, yourself included. Apparently most all of you don’t see my effort as worth a response or are too busy - that I can understand. Most people remain quite disinterested in real solutions or are so overwhelmed with media hype they have lost all interest due to overkill and burn-out. Maybe folks just don't believe all the hoopla in the increasingly doomsday media that inundates us with dire warnings on a daily basis. Doesn't it all sound like a constant "Cry Wolf" story?

It’s frustrating to one who is very fearful about the future in this area based upon his own solid knowledge and not on any media or political hype. Maybe I should just give it up and go back to writing science fiction. Maybe I would be able to better get the message across in that way. Certainly, my 30 or so SFnovelist buddies are far more interested than any of the others I have contacted. I got more responses - good responses - from them including the scientists, college professors, publishers and all, both male and female among them, than all other sources combined. They also asked some very pointed questions and contributed some great additional ideas.

Apparently, politicians have no interest in anything that doesn’t contribute directly to their next reelection and environmental activists are so busy seeking contributions to their causes they haven’t time to look at independent ideas or solutions for the problems that drive their causes, particularly coming from a total unknown. Most individuals are so wrapped up in their jobs and in securing food, clothing, shelter and providing for children they have little time to consider even those things they see as dire needs or pressing problems if those things don’t affect them directly or immediately. The problems of overall humanity and the planet are just too daunting to even think about. Easter Island was a prime example of how that works and I am quite certain in my own mind that we are headed that way inexorably, and soon.

Soooo...Why worry? Be Happy!

Writing, global warming and some politics

I know, I write a lot and some of what I write (mostly re: politics) angers and upsets some of you. Well, some of what you express can anger and upset me, but mostly it’s your gross misunderstanding of my meaning and intent. I find that anger is not nearly as strong as it used to be. No, I am not changing under pressure. In fact, if you know me at all, pressure applied will meet an equal or greater resistance to that pressure. (One of HoJo’s laws) Maybe it’s because my writing gives me an outlet for those energies as I tell the world what to do and how to go about it even if no one listens or reads. I am trying to be less strident in my words, but those know-it-all, self serving politicos (from all points of the political compass) are becoming more and more strident. Maybe I’m just becoming more mellow in my old age. Maybe my years with Barb toned me down a bit. She was an Irish liberal Democrat and we had great political discussions - emotional, but not angry. I don’t know how we managed that.

Now, guess what? I’m involved with another Irish liberal Democrat, Daphne. How could I be so lucky? I wonder, could the Irish be genetically Democrats? So far no political sparks - a few little rubs here and there, but nothing remotely angry or confrontational. She has requested, "Be a bit less strident in your wording, just to lessen the possible anger of readers." She may be right so I am trying - not to change my positions - just to soften my rhetoric. I'm certain to ramble about quite a bit in this writing which is opinions, not news so feel free to buzz off at any time.

Incidently, I have decided that politics is a purely emotional thing with little or no logical, rational or reasoning vector. I have also decided that politicians never appeal to logic or rational thought, only emotions or instincts. How else could you explain the differences between what they promise before elections that virtually all of even their supporters recognize as a pack of lies. Contrast that with their performance after being elected when most of what they actually do is not remotely related to their promises, but mostly amounts to payoffs for money and support during the latest election. There is no rational component to that, at least not to the voter.

I have a well developed plan which, among other benefits, cuts off a great deal of the ability to "pay off" supporters with money and privilege. Of course, no politician in his or her right mind would support such a plan because it provides direct benefits to the people and not the politicians. It would also prevent much of the now overwhelming power of buying votes with public money. It has become my opinion that Republicans are just as self-serving in this as are Democrats. It’s just that it is still fairly new to them and so Democrats, with their many years of full control, are far more experienced and thus much better at fleecing the public than Republicans. Besides, the main stream media are virtually all firmly in their pockets for whatever reason. One slight slip by a Republican and the wrath of the media immediately descends in vast numbers. Said individual usually is relegated to the political trash heap. Similar or even more serious actions by a Democrat and excuses are provided, explanations are given, hidden virtues are suddenly brought to the fore and even prison sentences are pardoned. Said individual either continues to hold his office or is provided another well paying and often influential position. Examples of both are so numerous, a listing would be meaningless, but one typical one is provided in the next few paragraphs.

I am appalled at the main stream media and at liberal Democrats for their constant expressions of hatred and demonstrated hypocrisy, especially in things like the Foley case. I have several friends who are gay. Their lives do not revolve around their sexuality any more than mine does. Yes, it is an important part of who they are, but they have families and friends they love and care for just as I do. Sex has nothing to do with those relationships.

The main stream media - ABC, CBS and NBC have aired about 150 comments and reports on Foley and he has merely been accused of sexual comments in private Internet exchanges with an underage individual. From these comments and reports you would think Foley’s sexual activities were the only thing he did or thought about.

The New York Times (Liberal Isvestia) lead the charge in defaming Foley. He then resigns his seat in Congress in shame and continues being the subject of critical reports by the main stream media. The Republican party severely chastised Foley who had not been convicted of anything. The liberal main stream media continue bashing the Republicans with Foley.

Typically, when Democrats do far worse, there is no such flurry in the media. Consider Representative Mel Reynolds of Chicago who in 1995 was convicted of having actual sex, (not Internet sex) with an underage campaign worker and sent to prison. He kept his Congressional seat up until he went to prison. He was treated to a mere twenty reports by NBC, and CBS combined. He was never mentioned by ABC who had earlier in the year touted him as a "Person of the Week" and praised him for his work with young people. In 2001 he was pardoned by President Clinton.

The following describes the essence of how liberals and their friends in the media treat criminal liberal Democrat politicians like Mel Reynolds who spout their agenda: "Jessie Jackson has added former Chicago democratic congressman Mel Reynolds to Rainbow / PUSH Coalition's payroll. Reynolds was among the 176 criminals excused in President Clinton's last-minute forgiveness spree.

"Reynolds received a commutation of his six-and-a- half-year federal sentence for 15 convictions of wire fraud, bank fraud and lies to the Federal Election Commission. He is more notorious; however, for concurrently serving five years for sleeping with an underage campaign volunteer. (Apparently OK if you are a Democrat.)

"This is a first in American politics: An ex-congressman who had sex with a subordinate, won clemency from a president who had sex with a subordinate then was hired by a clergyman who had sex with a subordinate. His new job? .....Youth counselor."

Once again the Main stream media will never report on this, certainly not just before an election.

Quite obviously is much better to be a liberal Democrat if you are a criminal or evil doer. Republicans punish members merely accused of wrong doings. Democrats applaud and support members convicted even of major crimes. Yes! There is a difference.

The blatant efforts by the media to unseat Republicans and replace them with Democrats is obvious to all but the most feeble minded. Just before the election a report was leaked describing a meeting between media supporters and high ranking Democrats. The purpose of the meeting was to coordinate efforts in the media to aid Democrats and defeat Republicans in the upcoming elections. The media were livid about this disclosure of their true nature.

It is obvious Democrats are frequently and effectively promoted by the media while Republicans are lambasted at every opportunity. It is easy for them to do this by repeated reporting of (or creating) Republican negatives and Democrat positives. Besides things like the Foley incident, look at two others:

1. The economy. Remember "It’s the economy, stupid?" Clinton ran on and was supported in the media for "the best economy ever." Report after report on the booming economy came from the media. Now when virtually every economic indicator shows we truly do have "the best economy ever," with most statistics far better than the best during the Clinton years, the media is virtually silent about it. Rest assured you will see none of the constant praise for the economy like that heaped on Clinton by his fawning media. Any media reports will minimize any and all good economic news, of which there is an overwhelming number at the present. Let a single possibly negative report come out it will be reported and analyzed ad nauseum by these so called "objective reporters."

2. Then there is the price of gasoline. Once more, during the election, numerous Democrat operatives and candidates accused Bush of manipulating gas prices to help Republicans. This was frequently reported in the media. How many times did that same media point out the facts about gasoline pricing? -- 0 -- What partisan chicanery! Does Bush control OPEC or the world prices of crude? Or do the American oil companies? This is complete nonsense and highly inflamatory, but many of the American electorate are either so stupid or ill informed they believe it. Once again it is the media’s fanning of emotional fires that works while facts are totally ignored or misrepresented.

I wonder how the election would have gone down if the main stream media actually did report things objectively?

So I shall continue writing, and probably continue irritating those I have irritated in the past with (hopefully) factual information. It seems factual information (like my latest bit about global warming, or the above few paragraphs about Foley and Reynolds) is most irritating to those driven to the left by their hopeful, but irrational feelings. Many on the left are like rabid sports fans providing great adoration and emotional support for the objects of their adulation and hatred and animosity for those on the opposing team regardless of facts about either. I have come more and more to believe that reason and logic have absolutely nothing to do with these emotional attachments, either fans for sports heros and their teams, or voters (primarily of the left, but many from the entire spectrum) for politicians and their parties. Both have a large component of complete irrationality and defy all reason and logic. "Don’t bother me with the facts, my mind’s made up."

I only hope the movie that prompted all this isn't thinly disguised anti-establishment crap like so many of this type of movie tend to be lately. I have become so suspicious of any movie with a message. I don't mind obvious messages, even political ones. That's what most creative writers do, give wings to their opinions. What I do mind and what really ticks me off are message films (or writing) that pretend to address a usually popular theme and then spend most of the film promoting or berating some political or social group or idea often in an almost subliminal fashion. I certainly despised both the method and the message of "Farenheit 911," but it was at least honest about its promotion of socialism and message of hate for conservatism and capitalism and I respect that, the only honesty connected with the movie.

I can't think offhand of a simple example of the other kind as, most often, the propaganda comes through in little vignettes or comments buried in the film so as to be impressed on the watcher (or reader) while not being noticed. These subliminal agenda promotions are much the same as hidden advertising: the Coke can on the kitchen counter, the cigarette in the glamorous actress's hand (now long gone), the flashy new car with prominent brand pronouncement. Movie sets are a treasure trove of hidden advertising opportunities for which companies pay huge amounts of money.

Al Gore's book and movie about global warming is a classic example of a major complex example of political propaganda. It is clearly a political message and agenda thinly hidden within a very myopic view of climate and climate change. Based largely on anecdotal information of very limited scope, even his accuracies are thin as he deals solely with the greenhouse effect of man-made CO2 on climate, ignoring all other factors. Many of these other factors: ocean currents (move far more heat energy than the atmosphere), atmospheric dust particles, variation in cloud cover (both dust and clouds reflect the sun’s heat), variations in solar energy output, variations in the earth's position and attitude relative to the sun, may easily out shadow the greenhouse contribution to warming by factors of as much as ten or even more.

It’s interesting to note that as recently as the 1970's the same groups now so concerned with global warming were expressing the same kind of concerns about global cooling and what were we to do about another eminent ice age. (They have been coming on after about ten thousand year warm periods for a very long time and we are now more than ten thousand years past the end of the last ice age.)

Climate and weather form an extremely complex system about which we still understand but a tiny part. Weather predictions of a few days are fraught with inaccuracies that grow exponentially with time. A carefully considered forecast for the tenth day in the future has roughly the same degree of accuracy as a dart board throw at a collection of the weather reports for past days at or near the same time and location of other years. (Actually, one comparison of just such predictions gave a slight edge to the dart board.) World climate is at least several orders more complex than weather. When we can predict when and where a hurricane will strike before it forms, then we may begin to have an accurate and realistic understanding of climate.

The man-made increase of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) effect on climate, even if it is enough to tip a precarious balance, may much more be brought about by the destruction of forests than by the burning of fossil fuels. The known annual cycling of CO2 in the atmosphere is due to increases and decreases of active plant growth in the northern hemisphere each summer. (Because most land lies in the northern hemisphere.) This powerful CO2 engine, tipped by forest destruction (a human activity), may have changed enough to be the major cause of the steady increase of CO2. The contribution of fossil fuel consumption could be corrected by enough increase in forest, the largest force in removing CO2 from the atmosphere.

One other important consideration, other greenhouse gasses like water vapor and methane could be major factors affecting atmospheric temperatures. Dust particles in the air and clouds can cause a cooling of air temperatures as they reflect sunlight and heat out into space. Another factor about forests is that they absorb enough heat energy from sunlight to have a substantial effect on both the air temperature above them and the amount of moisture in that air. The disappearing snow on Mt Kilimanjaro was directly linked to the cutting of the forest around the base of the mountain as the now drier, warmer winds blowing up the slope resulted in much less snow. That particular situation was more a contributor to global warming than a result of it.

None of these factors are even mentioned in Gore’s work, primarily because they would work against his particular agenda. They are also completely ignored by the media who like to attack entities (like the oil companies) which they can paint as evil, greed driven monsters and so divert attention from their substantial failings while promoting their own, self serving agenda and attempting to preserve their so called "objective" stance.

I could go on, but I urge those who want to know the truth about what most knowledgeable scientists think about climate change and global warming look for some unbiased opinions. Nigel Calder describes many of the conflicting theories about climate change and how and why it happens in his book, "Magic Universe." This is a collection of short articles on things like the carbon cycle, ocean currents, biosphere from space, ice-rafting events, earth systems, plate motions, earthshine, the sun's interior, solar variability, the gravitational disturbances caused by the planet Mercury, volcano explosions and other forces and events that all can have an effect on the earth's climate and can contribute to global warming and cooling. There are many other studies of the earth's climate forces that provide truly objective insights into our future weather and without a political objective. Of course, those serious studies don't sell like the catastrophic predictions of a national politician who gets lots of media coverage. Maybe we should hear Paris Hilton's opinions on global warming. I'm sure the media would cover that, probably on the front page.

Reproduction of an email message and my follow up to one response.

I sent the following email to my entire mailing list of fifty-three immediately after the election. I received a few favorable responses and one unfavorable, probably about the ratio of right leaning and left leaning individuals on my list. I am including this and my response among my rants rather than using email so those who really don’t want to read it won’t be bothered.

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Hi All!

Sure, I'm disappointed by the results of the election but I've been quite convinced that was going to happen for at least the last year. I wrote the following shortly after the election while the Senate was still in doubt:

Joyful Democrats: Ah, there's good news for all you leftists, tyrants and Muslim fundamentalists of the world. Nancy Pelosi is wearing a permanent Cheshire cat grin and rubbing her hands together in anticipation. The hated Republicans have lost the US House and your guys are now in control. Liberal Democrats are happy, trial lawyers are happy, European Socialists are happy, Muslim terrorists are happy, Hugo Chavez is happy, Illegal immigrants are happy, bin Laden is happy, Abortionists are happy, atheists are happy, Mexicans are happy, Fidel is happy, and Communists everywhere are happy. (China, Cuba, N Korea, Indonesia, etc.) Are there no sad and solemn faces? Al Queda, Iranian, Shiite and Taliban leaders and mullahs are ecstatic. Members of the coming Caliphate are rubbing their hands in joyful anticipation of our withdrawal (and military defeat) in Iraq.

(Added to this paragraph today for this blog: The amazing thing is that during the days that followed the election there were news reports and quotes from almost all of those mentioned confirming the accuracy of my statement.)

The world is now indeed much safer and in a more compassionate state. The ills of the world caused by those greedy, war mongering capitalists and their buddies in the Bush administration will soon fade into nothing and we can all rely on the US government to fulfill our every need. Our armies will all now lay down their arms and go home, terrorists will become peace loving peasants once more and everyone will live in glorious peace and harmony. Yeah! Right!

What amazes me is that Republicans ever managed to gain control of the legislature in the first place. With the mixture of rampant vote buying, hate speech, class warfare and promises of governmental nanny treatment of all non-wealthy Americans combined with the results of an education system that continues to dumb down America and a main stream media who will report no wrong in liberal Democrats and no right in conservative Republicans, it is a wonder Democrats don't get all the votes.

Now we can see rescinded those evil tax breaks for the wealthy. (According to liberal pundits that's anyone with a job) And what will the Dems do when the effect on our economy finally results in lower tax revenue? Why raise taxes again, of course. Reality is always trumped by ideology in their minds. Our troops will soon be exiting Iraq in defeat and disgrace much as they did Viet Nam. Instead of a wall, an eight lane highway will be constructed into Mexico for illegals and terrorists alike. (I hope that's a symbolic joke and not a prophecy.)

I know it's against liberal law to read anything that doesn't follow the edicts of the New York Times, or view anything not on NBC, CBS, or ABC, but if you would like to read some opinions that you will never see or hear in the highly biased main stream media, try this link - really, it won't hurt - much. Or are you afraid to read something that might pollute your mind?
Click on http://houstonconservative.com/. It's probably as accurate assessment of the situation as I've read. It points out what most conservatives have known for a long time - GW is not a conservative and should have no trouble getting along with the Dems in Congress. The war and tax reduction are about their only points of significant difference. Certainly, spending and government growth is not.

If this seems a bit strident to you or upsets you then you are experiencing the feelings I have when reading or listening to all that PC BC on ABC, NBC & CBS. (If you can't figure out what that means then you are doubtless a true product of our education system.)
Oh yes, someone once told me, "Smile, things could get worse." so I smiled, and sure enough, things got worse. And I am an optimist.

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I received a response from a (presumed) liberal source I hold in high esteem and who shall remain nameless. Like many reporters, I will go to prison rather than reveal my sources. Here is my answer to that response:

Dear Anonymous:

I want you to know how much I appreciate your comments - really and deeply appreciate them. I know they come from the heart. I hunger for real opinions different from my own and the opportunity to at least be heard, if only in part. Your mind is far more open than many who share your opinions and philosophy. Please don’t stop communicating.

My Barbara was a liberal Democrat who actually understood and patiently listened to my commentary. We didn’t always agree, but she understood where I was coming from. She was also very disappointed in the preponderance of hate and personal condemnation coming from Democrat politicians and recognized the bias and partiality of the main stream media. We never had a single political argument, believe it or not - disagreements, many, but no arguments. There was no question that I had voted for many more Democrats than she had Republicans.

My new lady, Daphne, is also a liberal Democrat and we seem to be traveling a similar path in political discussions. She has urged me to be less strident in my political rantings and I am trying to do so, particularly where family members are concerned. She and Barb both are of Irish descent and I have commented in jest that the Irish seem to be genetically liberal Democrats. Now I read a report from some British university that says political bias may indeed be partially controlled by our genes. In part of the study of identical twins, the results indicating genetic bias were very specific. I wonder if that’s why one part of our family is so liberal?

I question only one statement in your email, "What amazes me is the volume of assumption and insult that fill this email.",

First of all, that statement precisely describes how I see virtually all verbiage coming from the left, including politicians, supporters, most media commentary and some responses from liberal friends and members of my family. Of course, I would add hatred and downright prevarication to my comments about words from the left.

Secondly, I will admit to frustration, sarcasm, parody and dire prediction, but insult??? Maybe you consider comments that are at odds with your core beliefs as insults of some sort. (not a slam or sarcasm, but a real concern) I fail to see any. Also, one person’s assumption is another person’s opinion and yet still another person’s facts. We all have the right to be right, wrong, or partially both. Or maybe I should say, enjoy the probability of so being. Please remember as well that one’s position in this venue is a very individual thing. - one person’s right can be another’s wrong. My favorite example: Right and wrong have very different meanings for a lion than for a lamb. That’s one place where I find some agreement with liberal philosophy - at least espoused liberal philosophy, the part about right and wrong being quite ephemeral. Absolutes are for the fundamentalists of this world.

Third - Joyful Democrats paragraph: When I wrote that I didn’t realize how accurate it would turn out to be. One look at Nancy Pelosi’s face in media photos confirms my first statement. I even wrote: "(Added to this paragraph today for this blog: The amazing thing is that during the days that followed the election there were news reports and quotes from almost all of those mentioned confirming the accuracy of my statement.)" That is an absolute fact as reported by numerous media sources - Reuters, MSNBC and Associated Press that I know of. The paragraph that follows that was pure parody which, if it came true, (the last part anyway) would bring unbounded joy to myself and all of humanity.

The next paragraph, "What amazes me . . ." Sure! It’s an opinion! But think about this: Where are all the Republicans and their teams of lawyers yelling "vote fraud!" and "recount!" and promising to tie up numerous state and local elections as promised by many Democrats before the election? How about the many big city Democrat machines some of whom even brag about "stealing" elections like "Boss" Daly of Chicago. Some precincts in Cook county and in St Louis actually reported more Democrat votes than they had registered voters. Where are all the investigative reporters hot after these stories? Hmmmmmmmm! "Vote early and often." a common joke around Chicago, may (sadly) be quite true. I voted in Cook County and know how difficult it was (and probably still is) to vote Republican there.

Several comments regarding the paragraph starting about taxes: Rescinding the Bush tax reform is one of the announced priorities of the Democrat Congress. I didn’t say it - Charley Rangle did and he will head that committee in the next congress. No matter how you describe it, doing nothing about the law that will soon expire, is still raising taxes and by a substantial amount at that. This will be done in spite of the overwhelming evidence that lower taxes produces increased tax revenue because of the stimulating effect it has on the economy, Democrats adhering to true party dogma promise to raise taxes by killing the Bush Tax cuts. The real meaning of that dogma? "We can better spend your money than you can" Oh yes, these "tax cuts for the wealthy" when rescinded will raise taxes on the average American family taxpayer by $1,500 to $2,500 per year. Is this what Dems call helping the middle income American? Who’s kidding who? They’ll probably end up blaming Republicans for increasing taxes. It surely wouldn’t be the first time Democrats blamed Republicans for bad things resulting from Democrat actions. This whole scene is obviously the use of active class warfare to create hatred in the hearts of the so called, middle (and lower) income Americans for those who earn more than they.

The very first thing on the agenda of Democrats looks to be to raise the minimum wage. Class warfare comes to the forefront as a tool for this economically destructive policy that costs so many people productive jobs in the poorer sections of our economy and boosts the pressure for illegals to enter our country seeking jobs. Many jobs unskilled illegals take are not covered by the minimum wage. Listen to the arguments of those favoring this. If what they say is true, why not raise the minimum wage to $20.00 per hour - or $50.00? If their rational is correct, that would raise the pay of wage earners well into the "living wage" category and we would all benefit greatly. The real reason is strictly the propaganda value of raising the "partial wage floor," a far more accurate name for the process and to buy votes! To learn more about this and to hear a thoughtful and workable solution, Click Here to see one of my "solutions" to one of our knotty problems. Unlike many politicians of all persuasions, I don’t just condemn or support blindly, I seek to create possible solutions outside party politics. Some of you ought to try that some time - instead of simply belly aching, think about and then write about a solution. Of course, that requires real work and effort and maybe a few less hours in front of the boob tube.

Iraq: Again, Democrats are in a perfect position to do what ever pleases them and blame all the problems on Republicans and the Bush administration. Don’t be too surprised if Democrats directly bring on a withdrawal from Iraq in defeat and disgrace similar to Viet Nam and blame that on Republicans. They cannot afford for Iraq to become a success. They see the same long range benefits for our failure in Iraq as the Muslim terrorists. Oh yes, look for a change in the reporting about Iraq in the main stream media. I predict it will slowly move from negative to positive as Democrats are in control long enough to claim any success there as due to their efforts. They are in a win-win situation. If things go badly, they can and will blame it on Bush and Republicans. If things go well they can and will take credit for success and their media lackeys will affirm whichever position they decide to take. They did it before and will surely do it again. Also, look for them to make nice with the Iranians and possibly bring them in to help our withdrawal from Iraq. Israel will probably soon be dead meat.

The highway to Mexico is of course a parody that predicts the future for Illegal aliens of whatever stripe. If you think we have lots of them now, just wait ‘til the next amnesty. Bankruptcy of Social Security anyone? (I do indeed hope that's a symbolic joke and not a prophecy, but I fear the immigration flood gates are about to be opened.) Will Spanish become our national language in a few decades?

"I know it’s against liberal law . . ." For those who take my words literally, this is a bit of sarcasm with some basis in fact. For those who might not fear a very different view than the highly biased one promoted by the New York Times et al, try http://houstonconservative.com/. It's probably as accurate an assessment of the situation as I've read and is certainly no more right leaning than the Times et al are left leaning. It points out what most conservatives have known for a long time - GW is not a conservative and should have no trouble getting along with the Dems in Congress. The war and tax reduction are about their only points of significant difference. Certainly, spending, illegal immigration and government growth is not.

About all that PC BC on ABC, NBC & CBS. (If you can't figure out what that means then you are doubtless a true product of our education system.) Read John Stossel of ABC, Bernie Goldberg of CBS or several other "liberal media people" who freely admit the liberal bias of their media cohorts. These are not Rush Limbaugh followers, but genuine credentialed liberal media people who have the courage and honesty to describe what most in the media work so feverishly to hide and deny. I applaud them for the courage to admit who they are and that they have biased views. Did you notice that Dan Rather still insists those falsified papers - proven and admitted falsified papers - that he presented as real are actually real! He’s either delusional, demented or living in a very different reality. The sad commentary is that there are actually people who still believe him. Damn the facts, it’s the agenda that counts!

Oh yes, someone once told me, "Smile, things could get worse." So I smiled, and sure enough, things got worse. I note nearly all liberals do not want to be called liberals, (or anything else) they do not want any label describing who and what they are or believe in. They would have you believe they represent the vast majority of "average Americans." Are they in truth hiding their political beliefs? In contrast, most conservatives I know, freely call themselves conservative and like being though of as such. I find myself far too conservative for my liberal friends and family, while at the same time I seem far to liberal for many of my conservative friends.

I stand on predictions I made some time ago in several lectures and the associated papers on the subjects therein. Should you wish to browse through any of these writings click on the followin links with descriptions:

HoJo’s Directories of Blogs by category - List and links to all Blog Directorieshttp://hjblogcat.blogspot.com/

All Blogs by groups - List and Links to all HJ Blogs, Listed in groups by type. http://hjbloglist.blogspot.com/

All Blogs in alpha - List and Links to all HJ Blogs, Listed alphabetically by Title
http://hjblogdiry.blogspot.com/

Lectures - Listing of Lectures, complete and outline or idea (incomplete)
http://hjlectlist.blogspot.com/

Political - Listing of all manner of Political Commentary - Straight, Parody, Sarcastic etc.
http://hjpollist.blogspot.com/

Solutions - Listing of Suggested Solutions to Many Serious and Menacing Problems.
http://hjsolnlist.blogspot.com/

Writing - Miscellaneous and General Writing including: Entireties, Excerpts, Descriptions and Promotions about Ho Jo’s Books, Novels, Short Stories, Essays and Miscellaneous Writing - fiction and non - Complete and Under Construction - mostly not Listed in the Other Listings.
http://hjwritelist.blogspot.com/

Joyful Democrats

Ah, there’s good news for all you leftists and Muslim fundamentalists of the world. Nancy Pelosi is wearing a permanent Cheshire cat grin and rubbing her hands together in anticipation. The hated Republicans have lost the US House and your guys are now in control. Liberal Democrats are happy, trial lawyers are happy, European Socialists are happy, Muslim terrorists are happy, Hugo Chavez is happy, Illegal immigrants are happy, bin Laden is happy, Abortionists are happy, atheists are happy, Mexicans are happy, Fidel is happy, and Communists everywhere are happy. (China, Cuba, N Korea, Indonesia, etc.) Are there no sad and solemn faces? Al Queda, Iranian, Shiite and Taliban leaders and mullahs are ecstatic. Members of the coming Caliphate are rubbing their hands in joyful anticipation of our withdrawal (and military defeat) in Iraq.

The world is now indeed much safer and in a more compassionate state. The ills of the world caused by those greedy, war mongering capitalists and their buddies in the Bush administration will soon fade into nothing and we can all rely on the US government to fulfill our every need. Our armies will all now lay down their arms and go home, terrorists will become peace loving peasants once more and everyone will live in glorious peace and harmony. Yeah! Right!

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If anyone would like to know why I am not a liberal Democrat (or right wing conservative for that matter) click on http://hjnonlib.blogspot.com. I wonder why Liberals almost never say what they are for, only what they are against? Speaking of being for something, I am working on a book called simply, "Solutions!" which offers solutions, viable, creative, innovative solutions, to a number of other serious problems including the drug problem, income taxes, illegal immigration and personal identity among others.

I hear lots of angry denunciations, condemnations, accusations and downright nasty personal attacks, aired and shouted in the present political campaign from members of all sides. I rarely hear any reference to any kind of solutions to the problems cited. Certainly there has been almost no issues dealt with positively. Apparently, anger, hatred and condemnation reach and influence the American electorate and substantive, rational treatment of issues does not. Add to that the vast lack of knowledge and understanding of all but the most trivial matters that dominates and controls the minds of so many Americans and you have a formula for disaster.

Unfortunately, my "Solutions" would strip politicians of much of the lucrative control they now wield and prompt them to serve those main stream Americans they now so ignore. Powerful monied groups, corporate, union and professional, would do their best to stop implementations of many of my "Solutions" because they would rob those groups of much of the money and power they now enjoy because of the problems. (Illegal aliens for instance) It might surprise some of you to know how much I despise these kinds of people in corporations large and small. Of course, the same kinds of individuals in government, labor and trade unions, universities and the professions which I despise equally are considered acceptably decent by the left. Should you want to read about some of my non-partisan solutions, click on one or more of the following links:

Drugs - A Real Answer to the Drug Problem - - http://hjdrugprb.blogspot.com
Security - Solution to the ID Problem - - - - - - http://hjidsecurity.blogspot.com
Taxes - The Johnson Tax Code - - - - - - - - - - http://jtax.blogspot.com

There are several more in process. These are excerpts as the full text is in process of being incorporated into my book and will soon be submitted to a publisher.

Of course, most of those on the political left would never expose themselves to such new and novel ideas because they know that anything that is not fed to them by fellow leftists must be a plot by the religious right. I know because I have been accused of that very thing (following the extreme fundamentalist Chjristian right in ignorance) by some family members from the left. Apparently, they view any idea or opinion that is not in lock-step with the mantras of the left as being stupid, impossible, useless or even worse, coming from the religious right. If that isn't a demonstration of their being extremely closed minded, what would you call it? One thing most liberals and leftists are definitely not is open minded.

I Voted!

Well! I voted! It was an interesting experience considering the contentiousness of this election with The Democrats and their mouthpieces in the main stream media on one side shouting hate and "foul" and the Republicans and their mouthpieces in talk radio on the opposing side shouting "stay the course" and praising the economy. Neither party seemed to have anything to say regarding the issues as character assassination and negative ads crowded the airwaves.

I live in an interesting county and state. You liberal Democrats would be shocked to know that by voting a straight Democrat ticket on the partisan ballot you would only be voting for three candidates out of twenty-three. The first of the three were for house district 3 where my neighbor, Tom Hayhurst, was the Democrat opposing Mark Souder. Mark Ruppel was the Republican running against an unknown Democrat (at least I never heard of him before). The third and last Democrat on the ballot was running for Sheriff

There was no Democrat in the race for the US Senate as Dick Lugar was unopposed. All of the remaining twenty candidates for the state, county and township offices were Republicans running without Democrat opposition. As a matter of interest there were five Libertarian party candidates on the ballot in the state including Dick Lugar’s only opposition. There are, in fact, two Libertarian candidates in the state who have a realistic chance of winning. Both are running against both Republican and Democrat candidates. It rather made voting simple, at least for Republicans.

With most voters offered only a choice between the lesser of two evils and the two media extremes digging up and inventing dirt while calling each other names it is no wonder the country is in a political morass. Such is the testimony to the dwindling intelligence of the American public in this one’s opinion. Also in my opinion, American voters will indeed get what they deserve and that will have virtually nothing to do with what the vast majority of candidates have said during the campaign. Apparently Americans are more likely to be swayed by hate filled damning rhetoric than by even a hint of attention to the huge problems facing our nation. I see us as playing political Russian Roulette and our real enemies have loaded all barrels of the gun.

I’m reminded frequently of the following quote:

When the 13 colonies were still part of England, Professor Alexander Tyler, a Scottish historian, wrote about the fall of the Athenian democracy over 2000 years earlier. "A democracy can not exist as a permanent form of government. It can only exist until the voters discover they can vote themselves money from the public treasury. From that moment on, the majority always vote for the candidates promising them the most money from the public treasury with the result that a democracy always collapses over loose fiscal policy followed by a dictatorship. The average age of the world’s great civilizations has been about 200 years. These nations have progressed through the following sequence:

From Bondage to Spiritual Faith
From Spiritual Faith to Great Courage
From Courage to Liberty
From Liberty to Abundance
From Abundance to Selfishness
From Selfishness to Complacency
From Complacency to Apathy
From Apathy to Dependency
From Dependency back to Bondage"

There is no doubt in my mind that Republicans are equally at fault in trying to buy votes by handouts "from the public treasury." They learned to do this from Democrats. We are becoming a nation of self-serving dependents expecting the government to fulfill the extravagant promises of gifts from the public treasury. One blip, probably a major oil crises which I believe will come upon us soon, and our economy will collapse and make the great depression look like a tea party. We are certainly now moving ‘From Apathy to Dependency." Can bondage be far away? I see bondage as a Socialist dictatorship and our nation as much closer to bondage than you can imagine.

I often hear the question asked, "Why so much negative campaigning and character assassination during the campaign?" One quick look at human nature and emotional response provides a very telling answer. It is so very much easier to destroy than build. The emotional release from hating and venting is far more motivating than rational discussions of issues and ideas. There is an old question that asks, What is the difference between the men you would hire to tear down a house and those you would hire to build a new one. 9/11 gives us a dramatic example of this difference. Contrast the very few men who brought down the twin towers, crashed into the Pentagon and were trying to destroy the Capitol all in a few hours, with the huge numbers of men, vast expenditure of capital, and years of effort required to conceive of, design and build those buildings. Years of hard work by many skilled men can be destroyed in a few minutes by a few rough men. Character assassination, even if untrue can move far more voters than the best presentation on issues. The use of class warfare is the constant tool of those inept souls who can and would destroy, but have little skill to build.

Statesmen build! Politicians destroy! The public suffers in ignorant control of their emotions!

I'm trying to soften my words. Will Kennedy, Pelosi, Dean et al soften theirs?

My lady, Daphne, tells me my words in political commentary (HoJo's Rants) sound as if I think I "know it all" and thus elicit anger from those with opposing views. She is probably right. I'm sorry if I come across that way. It is definitely not how I think. In fact, nothing could be farther from the truth. These are my O P I N I O N S ! Just like all political views of every other person , they are the OPINIONS of those individuals. I believe I have the right to my opinion and also the right to be wrong. Likewise, I believe those who disagree with my opinions also have the right to be wrong. Also, I don't see things as two opposing views - as black and white, right and left, Republican and Democrat. I rather try to view both positives and negatives of each view and make my decision and opinion accordingly. This is quite difficult when views that oppose my basic ideas elicit a strong opposing reaction. I am especially moved in these directions by those who see their opinions as the only proper or correct ones.

I have never verbally abused or questioned the sanity, intelligence or loyalty of those in my family and among my friends, at least not in many years. In contrast I have been cursed and had my sanity, intelligence and religious views called "unbelievable, disastrous, ridiculous, stupid" and a few other choice invectives by those who cannot understand how I can possibly not see things or believe as they do. While I have been told my opinions are not welcome by several who oppose my views, I listen with respect to the words of these same people, mostly without comment, just to prevent angry responses. Mostly, I try to present facts in contrast to the emotionally charged views of others. I try to at least get others to examine all the facts as well as my opinions and consider opposing views.

I have even been accused of supporting and even being a fundamentalist Christian. Anyone who believes this knows very little about who and what I am. I argue against and have little respect for fundamentalism of any kind from as far back as I can remember. That includes political fundamentalism. Eric Hoffer expressed my views about fundamentalism (he didn't call it that, but the similarity is obvious) as well or better than I could myself.

"Passionate hatred can give meaning and purpose to an empty life. Thus people haunted by the purposelessness of their lives try to find a new content not only by dedicating themselves to a holy cause but also by nursing a fanatical grievance. A mass movement offers them unlimited opportunities for both."

Maybe I should pose my commentaries as questions. Hoffer had something significant to say about that.

"Language was invented to ask questions. Answers may be given by grunts and gestures, but questions must be spoken. Humanness came of age when man asked the first question. Social stagnation results not from a lack of answers but from the absence of the impulse to ask questions."

I have some commentary to add to something my sister sent me. What she sent was quite true and well said. My words are added (in italics) not as a rebuttal, but as an addition, a respectful addition which might indicate a very different perspective. My premise (opinion) for these additions is that fundamentalist Islam presents a menace at least as great as, though quite different from, that the NAZIs did about the time of the Munich agreements. Besides, Islam has more than a millennium of history of death and destruction wherever they went. They clearly express their intentions and back those declarations with action. They've been hacking the heads off of unbelievers for most of their existence. Only now do they have the resources to take on and enslave the world. Why is it so many Americans refuse to see the danger?

It's ludicrous to blame America's actions and presence in the Middle East for the animosity of so many Muslims. That animosity (for Western civilization) has been around for at least a millennium. (I don't see George Bush as having been around that long.)

Certainly I believe my ideas to be right! So do each and every one of you who read these words. We all do that or else abdicate our personal responsibility and self respect. Here's the item from my sister with my comments in italics.

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"Make Love Your Aim." 1 Corinthians 14:1

Yesterday 10 more U.S. soldiers were killed, making October one of the deadliest months on record for the U.S. (Only in the Iraq war) We are fast approaching a tragic 3,000 U.S. soldiers dying in the streets and sands of Iraq .

NOTE: Put those statistics in perspective. Between December 19 and January 25 - 37 days - American forces had 81,000 casualties. 24,000 Americans were captured and 19,000 were killed in a forest near Ardennes, France. That was one battle in WW II. How many of those who died in German concentration camps would you blame on the actions of American forces? I have no figures on civilian deaths caused by American forces, but I'm sure there were some. Also, Iwo Jima: 35 days, 26,000 casualties and 6,800 dead. Guadalcanal: 183 days, 19,000 casualties and 7,100 dead. Big as they were, these were only a few of the many battles of WW II.

I know many readers see this current action as minor and no long range threat. You are certainly entitled to your opinion. I however, view it as much more. Islam has always been at war with all who believe differently from them. United, even under the leadership of numerous feuding leaders, they could soon control most of the world's petroleum. Certainly you can see they will then do everything in their power to destroy the economies of the Western World. Once Pakistan is under their control there will be two nuclear powers willing and able to loose the atomic genie. Once they do this, the rest should be easy.

Last week an independent report revealed that more than 655,000 innocent people have died in Iraq as a result of the U.S. invasion. (Technically correct except that most of those deaths were caused by Islamic terrorists.) Just today the Brookings Institution reported a half-million people have been displaced since February - an estimated 100,000 of them children. One report puts the total number of displaced persons at 800,000. I wonder about the agenda of those making the reports mentioned. Clearly the crisis is spiraling out of all control. Wrong! It is completely under control of the Islamic terrorists, insurrectionists who are being encouraged and emotionally supported by liberal Democrats and the main stream media. That the propaganda from the terrorists is mainly a repeat, often word for word, of things being said by many Democrats in the media, must be obvious to all but the most prejudiced.

Today when asked about the President's reaction to the mounting death toll, the White House Press Secretary responded that "his strategy is to win." Winning, in his terminology means helping create a free, democratic and independent Iraq able to defend itself and take care of its people.

When is winning losing? Jesus asked, "What does it profit them if they gain the whole world, but lose or forfeit themselves?" (Luke 9:25) Most people of faith believe in a different kind of winning. Just as wars kill, words can heal. Just as hate destroys, love strengthens. Bonds of understanding and goodwill ? whether between persons or nations ? are made not with clenched fists, but open hands. Speaking of hate, have you listened to the hate speech of so many powerful Democrats for the last three years?

Our hearts are broken by the violence and our nation diminished by pouring U.S. troops and treasure into the middle of what amounts to a deadly civil war, causing untold misery and fueling the very fire that terrorists have been hoping for. Equally tragic is the fact that the majority of representatives in the U.S. Congress have allowed this to happen. That is why your vote this November is more important than ever. It most certainly is not our efforts that fuels the terrorists as much as does the verbal support and encouragement being given to them from those in our country who seem to want our defeat, humiliation and economic collapse. Apparently, they think they will gain power if this happens.

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Some predictions: Should the Democrats gain control of Congress and pull our troops out of Iraq as they want, (Republicans may be forced to do the same thing eventually) I believe the following events will happen, and quite soon:

1. The terrorists (including those in control in Iran, Syria, Somalia and a few other Islamic nations) will soon control the entire Middle East, including Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the rest of the Arabian peninsula.. This eventuality may be delayed as they fight among themselves to find out who will be in charge. Oh yes, during this series of events, Israel will be annihilated and Afghanistan, Pakistan and many other Muslim nations will join rather than fight the fundamentalists.

2. Once in control, they will turn off the oil spigot and watch as the western world economies collapse and burn. Europe, with it's 35% Muslim population will fall first in the following order, Spain, France, The Netherlands, and Germany. England, the Scandinavian countries and Russia will resist the longest but will probably succumb to nuclear blackmail. There will be millions of dead bodies to dispose of.

3. The American and far eastern economies will take the longest to collapse even with several terrorist nuclear attacks. Weakened America will be invaded from the south. China will stand by and cheer as America and Europe go down. They will finally do battle with Muslims with atomic weapons and who knows where that will lead.

I predict this will happen quite rapidly and quite soon - within the next ten or twenty years. I see no way it can be avoided considering the advance comments of those who may soon be in power in this country. And remember, I'm an optimist.

Please remember, I do not feel like a clairvoyant, nor do I see my opinions as unchangeable. These are merely my opinions under the present, known circumstances. Just try to consider these things rationally and not emotionally. I realize it is difficult, (It is for me as well) but rather than close your mind, think about what I have said.

Lou Dobb's new book: "The War on the Middle Class"

Lou Dobbs says about his new book: "The government, big business, big labor and many other special interest groups and politicians from both parties are enriching themselves at our expense. Now more than ever, we're finding ourselves at the mercy of those individuals and organizations that control jobs, provide goods and services, and wield power... The middle class is being picked apart and its future mortgaged for the benefit of a small group of powerful American interests."

More on: "War on the Middle Class"

Through his nightly CNN show, "Lou Dobbs Tonight," his syndicated radio program and his monthly columns in Money magazine and U.S. News and World Report, Dobbs has become one of America's most visible, popular, and respected voices on business and financial matters. With his upcoming book, "War on the Middle Class: How the Government, Big Business, Big labor, Powerful and wealthy professionals and other Special Interest Groups are Waging War on the American Dream by controlling members of both parties. He also describesand How to Fight Back," Dobbs tackles the issues that are on the top of so many American’s minds, including: the deplorable state of our health care and public education systems, corporate outsourcing of jobs, immigration and border patrol, and of course, the state of our nation in general under the current political administration. In particular, Dobbs takes an impassioned and rousing stance on the all-out class war that is turning the American dream into a nightmare, particularly for our dwindling middle class, and proposes a series of measures to resolve each issue he brings to the fore and incite people to preserve their rights and dreams. "War on the Middle Class" is provocative, incendiary, and bound to be widely discussed—the perfect book to establish the terms of debate in this year’s midterm elections.

End of CNN comentary

Words in italics were spoken by Dobbs in a radio interview and added in the comentary.)
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In the interview, Lou mentioned several other powerful and influential groups including, government employees, trial lawyers, and the media and entertainment complex along with a few others I can't remember. The common denominator is the billions spent by these groups to get preferential legislative treatment on laws that benefit them. These billions pay for laws advantageous to those providing the money. Powerful examples include

The Enron debacle - the Clinton pardons, especially Mark Rich - the Abramoff scandal - and many others that cut across party lines. Both major parties are being bought and paid for by powerful and wealthy lobbyists.

Then on a smaller scale there are the personal enrichment schemes like Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid who is now being asked to step down from his leadership position right now and undergo a full investigation of his activities. Once again it seems the media is mostly turning a blind eye to what is clearly a probable case of buying influence by kicking back profits to a Senator who pushed legislation and peddled his influence in ways that helped create the profits he received. (Click on the above link for details) The fact the connection between Reid and the land developer he assisted was covered up in an UNDOCUMENTED (and therefore theoretical) business deal is what makes this look like a story of covering up (instead of whatever lame excuse Reid and Brown are trotting out). This type of chicanery is rampant in both parties.

The result is transferring billions from the pockets of ordinary Americans (average yearly income about $30,000) and into the pockets of the increasingly wealthy: professionals, investors, Congressmen, business leaders, union leaders, etc. Make no mistake, this is all supported and implemented by both political parties.

I am working on a book called simply, "Solutions!" which offers a good way out of this destructive practice along with solutions, viable solutions, to a number of other serious problems including the drug problem, income taxes, illegal immigration and personal identity among others. I hear lots of angry denunciations, condemnations, accusations and downright nasty personal attacks, aired and shouted in the present political campaign from members of all sides. I rarely hear any reference to any kind of solutions to the problems cited. Certainly there has been almost no issues dealt with positively.

Apparently, anger, hatred and condemnation reach and influence the American electorate and substantive, rational treatment of issues does not. Add to that the vast lack of knowledge and understanding of all but the most trivial matters that dominates and controls the minds of so many Americans and you have a formula for disaster.

Unfortunately, my "Solutions" would strip politicians of much of the lucrative control they now wield and prompt them to serve those main stream Americans they now so ignore. Powerful monied groups would do their best to stop implementations of any of my "Solutions."

Should you want to read about some of my solutions, click on one the following links:

Drugs - A Real Answer to the Drug Problem - - http://hjdrugprb.blogspot.com/
Security - Solution to the ID Problem - - - - - - http://hjidsecurity.blogspot.com/
Taxes - The Johnson Tax Code - - - - - - - - - - http://jtax.blogspot.com

These are excerpts as the full text is in process of being incorporated into my book and will soon be submitted to a publisher.

Ben Stein Comments - Dec 12, 2005

If they know of him at all, many folks think Ben Stein is just a quirky actor/comedian who talks in a monotone. He's also a very intelligent attorney who knows how to put ideas and words together in such a way as to sway juries and make people think clearly.

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The following was written by Ben Stein and recited by him on CBS Sunday Morning Commentary, Sunday, 12/18/05:

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Herewith at this happy time of year, a few confessions from my beating heart: I have no freaking clue who Nick and Jessica are. I see them on the cover of People and Us constantly when I am buying my dog biscuits and kitty litter. I often ask the checkers at the grocery stores. They never know who Nick and Jessica are either. Who are they? Will it change my life if I know who they are and why they have broken up? Why are they so important? I don't know who Lindsay Lohan is either, and I do not care at all about Tom Cruise's wife. Am I going to be called before a Senate committee and asked if I am a subversive? Maybe, but I just have no clue who Nick and Jessica are. If this is what it means to be no longer young. It's not so bad.

Next confession:

I am a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish. And it does not bother me even a little bit when people call those beautiful lit up, bejeweled trees Christmas trees. I don't feel threatened. I don't feel discriminated against. That's what they are: Christmas trees. It doesn't bother me a bit when people say, "Merry Christmas" to me. I don't think they are slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto. In fact, I kind of like it. It shows that we are all brothers and sisters celebrating this happy time of year. It doesn't bother me at all that there is a manger scene on display at a key intersection near my beach house in Malibu. If people want a creche, it's just as fine with me as is the Menorah a few hundred yards away.

I don't like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don't think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. I have no idea where the concept came from that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution, and I don't like it being shoved down my throat. Or maybe I can put it another way: where did the idea come from that we should worship Nick and Jessica and we aren't allowed to worship God as we understand Him? I guess that's a sign that I'm getting old, too. But there are a lot of us who are wondering where Nick and Jessica came from and where the America we knew went to. In light of the many jokes we send to one another for a laugh, this is a little different: This is not intended to be a joke, it's not funny, it's intended to get you thinking.

Billy Graham's daughter was interviewed on the Early Show and Jane Clayson asked her "How could God let something like this Happen?" (regarding Katrina) Anne Graham gave an extremely profound and insightful response. She said, "I believe God is deeply saddened by this, just as we are, but for years we've been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of our government and to get out of our lives. And being the gentleman He is, I believe He has calmly backed out. How can we expect God to give us His blessing and His protection if we demand He leave us alone?" In light of recent events...terrorists attack, school shootings, etc.

I think it started when Madeleine Murray O'Hare (she was murdered, her body found recently) complained she didn't want prayer in our schools, and we said OK. Then someone said you better not read the Bible in school . the Bible says thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbor as yourself. And we said OK. Then Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn't spank our children when they misbehave because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem (Dr. Spock's son committed suicide). We said an expert should know what he's talking about. And we said OK. Now we're asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don't know right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill strangers, their classmates, and themselves. Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out. I think it has a great deal to do with "WE REAP WHAT WE SOW."
- End of Quote -
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Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world's going to hell. Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says. Funny how you can send 'jokes' through e-mail and they spread like wildfire but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing. Funny how lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene articles pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion of God is suppressed in the school and workplace. Are you laughing? Funny how when you forward this message, you will not send it to many on your address list because you're not sure what they believe, or what they will think of you for sending it.

Funny how we can be more worried about what other people think of us than what God thinks of us. (I realize that doesn't apply to atheists.) But, if you discard this thought process, don't sit back and complain about what bad shape the world is in.