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Election Season – Part II

Last week I challenged the reader to consider what path our country should take for the short term issues and for the long-term future we give to our children. Thomas Jefferson asserted those who govern us should be governed by the same laws and not become corrupt. In this week’s preparation for Election Day I want to explore commonly used terms: liberal, conservative, and libertarian. Next week I will explore the platforms of the three parties, history, and my predictions. Labels are thrown around to negatively portray a thought process by the other side. Democrats are “liberals”, Republicans are “conservatives”, and Glenn Beck famously accuses both being “progressives”. I must wonder where the truth lies and what each means.

Classic liberalism was at the root of the American Revolution, justifying the overthrow of tyrannical governments by focusing on individual liberty and civil rights. The philosophies of John Maynard Keynes in response to the depression created modern liberalism; arguing that in hard times free markets were not ideal and investment and intervention by the state was required. Liberalism has changed over time and across cultures since the 17th century, but at its root is a commitment to understanding humanity and society with a great degree of intellectual work to justify and validate the theories.

Conservatism is most likely the most incorrectly applied label, and should be defined as seeking to preserve traditional institutions and maintain gradual changes in society. Unlike liberalism, conservatism was not spawned by intellectual goals and improvements, but came from preservation, emphasizing stability and continuity. The modern application comes from the split in views in the 1930s and Keynesian economics. Libertarianism more closely represents today’s incorrect definition of conservatism; the view that each person has the right to live his life freely, but respecting the equal rights of others. Libertarians believe all actions should be voluntary, with only the most basic tenets of life forbidden by law.

The term “progressive” was coined at the start of the 20th century and focused on driving an agenda of change. Correctly, progressivism and conservatism are antonyms of each other. In our modern political environment we have three philosophies: modern liberalism, classic liberalism, and libertarianism where the rate of change is defined by terms progressivism and conservatism. Carefully consider what you claim to be and where your views lie, more carefully consider the labels you apply to others.

Election Season – Part I

This is the first of a series I am writing in anticipation of the upcoming elections in November. Last week I commented the American people, the sleeping dogs, have been awakened. Many put their confidence in the poetry of “Change and Hope”, but the prose delivered has fallen short of their romanticized expectations. Leadership and management are learned skills, not certainties due to position, advisors, charisma, or teleprompters. Blame on both parties, the elites, and the constituencie has been tossed about. Regardless of where blame falls, our country is in trouble.

In a recent discussion with my friend Monil, he brought to my attention a writing of Thomas Jefferson to Edmund Pendleton on August 26, 1776 where he wrote, “So much for the wisdom of the Senate. To make them independent, I had proposed that they should hold their places for nine years, and then go out (one third every three years) and be incapable forever of being re-elected to that house. My idea was that if they might be re-elected, they would be casting their eyes forward to the period of election (however distant) and be currying favor with the electors, and consequently dependent on them. My reason for fixing them in office for a term of years rather than for life, was that they might have an idea that they were at a certain period to return into the mass of the people and become the governed instead of the governors which might still keep alive that regard to the public good that otherwise they might perhaps be induced by their independence to forget.”

Today our politicians see themselves as elites sent to Washington for life, to live off our efforts. Our two party system has ironically become a spectacle of like-minded aristocrats benefitting from larger government, more laws, and dependent constituencies. Political life at the Federal level is about personal benefit, not public service. As the election season comes upon us this year, our votes are about both our short-term future and the long-term vision for America, the future we will give our children. We watched the giddiness of a single majority manipulate parliamentary rules, object to debate, lash out at voters, run from town hall meetings, and fundamentally change our country. Whether change was best, you must decide and I challenge you to engage in the electoral process.

Ex-wives and their opinions of ex-husbands suck. One must wonder why the court system puts a priority on the financial support to maintain the lifestyle of the woman over involvement of Dad in the kids lives. Father’s rights groups continue to argue for equal and shared parenting, Dads like me are willing, able, and want to be part of our childrens’ lives. However, a presumption occurs in “husband penalty court” (Family Court) that the kids must live with Mom, Dad is relegated to see them every other weekend and one night a week. For that privelage, Dad typically pays 50% or more of his net income.

When divorce occurs Mom gets the house and Dad finds himself looking for a place to live. With the financial burden placed on him he cannot provide a comparable lifestyle. Thus, he finds a small apartment, trailer, or home in a shit neighborhood. Soon he finds his kids don’t want to come see him and he is pushed out of their lives.

What would happen if we started with a presumption of equality? Both Mom and Dad would be required to provide equally for the kids, share equal time, and work together to raise them – just as if they were married. Without a “my time” and “your time” scenario, or punishment for success by the court system, the conflict at home would die down. Children would benefit from both parents.

My personal situation had us both living within 4 miles of each other until I lost my job. The courts rewarded my ex-wife with the opportunity to work part-time, even though her potential to earn income as a Family Court attorney was significantly higher. At first I had a liberal visitation schedule, and was very grateful. But, she maintained there would be no excess time and constantly worked to avoid the legal wording of Right of First Refusal. Repeatedly the legal system had to be invoked to maintain my role as a father. Ultimately, when I lost my job, I lost. I remained stunned that a judge, whose husband worked in the same office as my ex-wife, could rule that “until I had nothing left” I would not find relief. Along the way I sold assets, lost my home, and liquidated 20 years worth of savings. Regardless of the “stuff”, I lost my kids – having to move 500 miles away to find work.

At first my ex-wife worked with me to help facilitate seeing the kids. Ultimately, she took the position the burden should be entirely on me to come visit them – requiring time off from work I don’t have, keeping them from their new brother, pets, home, grandparents near me.

Let’s try this – shared and equal parenting with equal custody. Tomorrow, no questions asked, we could live in the same town, split time with the kids, and have no child support. Our kids would benefit from both parents living within miles of each other and being able to participate in school events. Considering child support is nearly twice the amount of most mortgages, until that financial relief comes I will not have the wherewithal to be part of my kids lives.

Our society has chosen to reward those who do nothing and take advantage. My ex-wife is a taker, a leach, and failing to teach our children personal responsibility. I challenge the lawmakers to take a tough look at the presumption of custody and ask how it has evolved to personal idebtedness for one party and a winning lotter ticket for the other. The children lose one parent along the way and never know the importance of a father in their lives.

Sleeping Dogs

My dog loves to sleep, he is content having me care for him and returns the favor of unquestionable loyalty to me, watching my home, and protecting my children. However, if he were kicked while sleeping he would awake with a vengeance, ready to attack. I believe the American people, regardless of political affiliation, are like my dog: content, apathetic, happy to be cared for, and quite loyal. But something has changed during the last two years; the 300 million of us have been kicked by the 535 members of Congress and are awake, growling, and ready to attack. We are tired of the politicians in Washington stealing our futures, committing crimes, and believing they are anointed for life to govern us.

Over the last 18 months the elite political establishments have criticized the Tea Party; claiming it was orchestrated by wealthy individuals as “Astroturf.” It was hypothesized it was an organized effort and no one believed the American people would come together April 15 with 750 rallies across America proving it is a grassroots effort. The major news networks incorrectly reported the movement as racist, radical right-wingers, and a split in the Republican Party. Many see this is as a grab for conservatives; so continues Washington’s and the elite political establishment’s misunderstanding of those they govern. I assert the Tea Party movement is America: rural and suburban people, family oriented, hard-working with morals, values and ethics. We understand Congress has passed laws over our objections, exempted itself from those laws, and stolen the future of many generations.

In the primaries last week Tea Party candidates succeeded in changing the status quo. Since April 2009 Tea Party rallies have proven they represent everyone, although portrayed as radical and racist, and even a fad, by the mainstream media. I have watched black, white, Hispanic, women and men marching together to remind Washington they need to hear us. Voter revolutions have occurred before, most notably 1994 was the last time and there was talk of term limits and strong anti-incumbent sentiment. The following years were better for all, debate was forced into the two party system, and a President with an out-of-touch agenda was forced to curtail his radical desires. The single party majority currently controlling the Congress and the Executive Branch of government has kicked the dog, forcing him to realize tyranny comes while sleeping.

Economic Recovery?

Last week Vice President Joe Biden took credit for the economic recovery underway. I disagree based on facts. First, the unemployment rate is 2-3 points worse than projected without a stimulus package. Second, four important housing numbers last week illustrate no recovery: existing home sales fell 27% over the prior month to a historic low, new home sales fell to the lowest number since 1963, existing home inventories rose to a historic level, and interest rates fell to a historic low. Third, the teen jobless rate is at the lowest level since 1948. Fourth, the GDP was revised downward for the second quarter by approximately 30%, thus deflating the optimism the already sluggish number was a sign of recovery. Fifth, the ratio of job seekers to jobs remains high at 5:1 versus historic averages.

In December 2008 I wrote a seven page paper detailing my predictions for the economy after the presidential election. One friend poked fun saying I had written my “manifesto” while away in the mountains. Interestingly, I re-read the paper before last week’s numbers came out and my predictions were prophetic. If we disregard the stock market, I accurately predicted any lack of recovery. In hindsight though, main street does not care about the Dow Jones 30 Industrials, nor should they. The pundits of financial television spoke of “green shoots” and pontificated recovery for the last twelve months while working Americans have lost jobs, homes, and credit. Concurrently, bankers subsidized by TARP have profited handsomely.

The biggest problem in measuring this recovery is the data itself. The DJIA changes, and has changed since the crash in March 2009. Thus, this index of companies is not the same index it was in the 1930s, or even 18 months ago. Second, the government has changed its methods of measuring inflation and unemployment. Our 9.6% unemployment rate, indicating we are in better condition than the Great Depression, is closer to 20% when measured the way unemployment was reported in the 1930s.

I therefore assert we are in a “Hidden Depression”. There are no soup lines, but 40.3 million Americans receive food stamps. Unemployment benefits have been extended to protect families. Unlike the 1930s, we own more “stuff” and it appears to protect our personal falls. Sadly, our leaders are repeating the failings of the Great Depression: providing false optimism, ignoring main street and rewarding banks, and implementing policies doomed to failure.

Obama v. Putin
This was too damn funny to not post here.

When I saw this picture of President Obama today I was LMAO. “Dork” was my first thought. Hmmm, helmet, girl’s bike and he is too big for it.

Meanwhile Russian President Putin tranquilized tigers, flew aircraft to assist firefighting, and went whale hunting last week.

iPod Touch — Making it better

I have had an iPod for well over a year and felt there were many more things I could do with it. Below I explain a few:

1) USB Drive
Apple failed and did not add native functionality for the iPod Touch for use as an external hard disk. After some work I found two applications that do this. On a good note, my 20GB of free space can now be used for storage. On the down side, there is no synchronization tool. Only manually copying. I will point out I chose a utility that uses the USB cable to copy. I wanted to drag and drop on the desktop.

iPhone Explorer

2) An eReader – PDF File Reader
About a year ago I got a book, 300 pages, in PDF format. Sure, I can read this using Adobe, but I wanted to take in on my iPod Touch. This took a little learning but it can be done.

First, you need iBooks from Apple. Go to the Apple Store and search for this FREE application. It is slick, looks like a bookshelf and will read PDF files.

Second, depending on the file size you MIGHT need to doctor the file. My PDF was too large so I had to download Calibre, a FREE utility that will convert PDF files to the epub format.

Not I can flip through this 300 page book, have book marks, and read it on my iPod Touch.

3) Home movies
This summer I bought a Kodak Playsport video camera. This thing is great, I can take it underwater, take pictures, or take movies. For me, it is easier to pull the card and plug into my computer to copy movies.

I tried dropping the videos (.mov) into my photos folder and also tried to add them in iTunes. To no avail. A little reading brought me to the root of the problem – I needed to convert the videos to the itunes format, m4v. This application is free, it worked, but until registered it leaves a watermark on the screen. AVS Video Converter

King and Queen

Much ado was made last week regarding the Obama’s and their lavish travels. Our presidents have historically found themselves in a conflictingly awkward position, servants to the taxpayers, but yet head of state. With the press covering trips to Spain and Chicago in the same week, there was discussion regarding the cost to taxpayers by the major news networks. The criticism was not only domestic, but extended to Western newspapers overseas. Ms. Obama’s trip to Spain required a $140,000 in aircraft costs and nearly another $100,000 in security costs.

By comparison, many Americans found their life and opportunity worsening last week. Unemployment showed stagnant growth conditions, coming in twice as bad as predicted and including a downward revision for June. The USDA reported a record 40.8 million Americans received food stamps in June. My research showed in 2008 the number averaged 24.8 million, and a record 35 million were reported in September 2009. Three years have passed since the Great Recession started and trillions have been spent, but fundamentally America’s economy has remained on the brink of failure. Remember the fat-finger stock trade? Have you tried to get a loan or re-finance? Look at the number of homes for sale all around and try finding a buyer. Among other recent reports was Social Security is now operating in the red, approximately 28% of mortgages are underwater, Fannie Mae had losses and is seeking bailouts, and consumers continue to withdraw from spending.

Conservative news outlets have jumped on the bandwagon of criticizing Ms. Obama for her trip, especially while many Americans are suffering. But, before jumping to conclusions, the first question is whether the Obama’s travels are excessive compared to the last half dozen presidents. The Obama’s are taking care of us, according to them; maybe these two people are deserving of grand vacations, at taxpayer expense. The people of the Gulf of Mexico would have benefitted from the publicity and international focus Spain is enjoying, just as Ms. Obama touted in June. If I were advising the Obama’s I would suggest they learn humility, stop golfing and entertaining, quit campaigning, roll up their sleeves, and get to know America. The Obama’s need to come to my neighborhood and meet real, hardworking, hurting Americans; parents working overtime unable to afford $20 for a meal out. However, royalty never visits peasants.

Economic concerns remain around us. The American Dream appears destroyed:
No Dream

Police State

Last week I came across a news article that left me feeling uneasy. For perspective, I read various news sites every day, everything from the New York Times, Washington Times, and even the Times UK. I look to CNN, Pravda, Huffington Post and Breitbart for a variety and balance of news. As you know, I have previously written about CCTV (Closed Circuit Television) and the invasion of cameras creating questionable civil rights questions. Additionally, we have seen the expansion of citizens using cameras to capture incredible moments on tape: plane crashes, auto accidents, tornadoes, and questionable arrests and police brutality. It is the last category that concerns me.

About six months ago I noticed a trend in some of the news articles I was reading: police were arresting those who videotape them! I came across these articles on fringe, strong civil liberties web sites commenting on states that were using outdated wiretap laws to prevent citizens from videotaping an arrest. Under this premise, the states require both parties to give consent. Of course, law enforcement was not consenting and instead threatening arrest if videotaping continued. Last week I saw a similar article, but this time it was carried by ABC news, Growing Number of Prosecutions for Videotaping the Police”, by Ray Sanchez (07/19/2010)“. The article describes cases in New Hampshire, Maryland, and Florida where wiretapping laws are used to arrest citizens as I described.

I believe law enforcement officers are employees of the public; ultimately they work for us. In countries like China, North Korea, the former USSR, and former East Germany the police worked for the government and were charged with watching citizens. In these countries law enforcement runs rampant with brutality, torture, and intimidation. I argue, like Florida’s governing laws, that operating in the sunshine eliminates these horrors. Like our right to bear arms, or speak freely, our rights to hold public government and law enforcement officers accountable is paramount to our personal safety.

What would have happened to Rodney King had news helicopters not caught his beating? As hard as I try, I cannot come up with a valid argument to justify preventing a citizen from videotaping his own arrest. When a law enforcement officer dons his uniform he is a servant of the public, not a Gestapo officer given free rein to operate in darkness with no one looking.

Videotaping Police
ACLU of PA Announces Settlement for Man Arrested for Videotaping Police Officers in Public
FAQ: Can I videotape?
Police Cuff Citizens for Videotaping
Teen Arrested for Videotaping Police
Boston Police charge those who videotape arrests
Police investigate Videotaped Arrest
NM Journalist Asserts His Rights
Police and Democracy
Jail Time for Videotaping Police