Blog

Over the years the growth rate of special interest groups has been staggering. There now seems to be as many groups as there are stars in the galaxy. Whether charitable oriented or business, they all have one thing in common; they want money through various government channels. I am sympathetic to some of the charitable oriented groups, but, it’s time to realize government cannot provide dollars for every single special interest, regardless of how worthy.

Money needs to, first and foremost, be spent on critical, fundamental societal needs such as healthcare, education, police and fire services, infrastructure and national security. These are the things that are most important to every citizen. Without sufficient funding for these factors, everything else almost becomes moot.

Speaking of business special interest groups, better known as lobbyists, in a capitalistic society, they should not be given a penny in any manner from government. Business says it’s a free market system and government should not get in their way, yet, they still come to the money trough all the time. You should not and cannot have it both ways.         

The point…there is only so much money, taxpayer money, for all societal needs. To be self-sustaining, a country must take care of the basic needs first or risk coming off of the rails. It is just not possible to fund every single special interest. For many charitable oriented special interest groups, I wish it was possible, but, it really isn’t. As a society, we need to realize this to survive.     

The concept of spending taxpayer money more efficiently and effectively is not a bad concept. This should be a constant objective. There is only so much money. It should be prioritized who gets what. Under this guise though, there are social, cultural and economic engineering changes taking place that will fundamentally change America, and not for the better for the majority of Americans.

As you go through your busy, hectic day, your personal rights are starting to slip away. It’s happening one chip at a time, with each right chipped away with the explanation that it is being done in the name of government economic efficiency. Well, everyone supports that, including me.

But, it is not just in the name of efficiency, it is selectively chosen to take America in a dark direction by a small cabal of powerful people and their minions. History teaches us that often, the result of a small minority of people taking over the halls and walls of power is chaos, isolation, destruction, and a reduced standard of living for regular people like you and me. Just stand by and watch? This will surely happen regardless of race, culture, ethnicity or standard of living. This should concern you.      

“Cracklin’ Rosie” is a famous song written by Neil Diamond. It is also now the time to stop drinking it. America, wake up and see what is happening in your country. A small minority is rapidly changing it, moving in a much more sinister direction than you ever imagined. If you don’t start paying attention soon, it will be too late.

The Super Bowl is a huge, fun event, but, it is merely another diversion in our over-hyped culture to distract “people” from what is really happening around them in every facet of their lives. You like your American freedoms? They are going to vanish due to extremism from this small minority. So many things you take for granted, thinking they will last forever, will be lost.

You cannot assume anything will last forever the way they are, especially good things. The only thing that doesn’t change is change. History teaches this over and over again.

So, as you watch the big game, enjoy! It is awesome fun. But, take note that there are some not so awesome things happening behind the scenes that will take away some of this awesome fun.    

Most of us are fairly social and desire friendship. Some seek casual friendship, while others deeper, more profound relationships. There is nothing wrong with either type. It depends upon personal objectives.

Casual friendships are easier to achieve. They are light, friendly and somewhat supportive. However, it is said that when trouble hits, you find out who your friends really are. If you have lots of money one day, then none the next day, see how many friends are left after the money is gone.

Some seek a more profound, deeper connection, a “true friend.” This is where both can communicate honestly, in a caring respectful manner, with each other. You support one another, lift up one another. These types of friendships are wonderful, but, they are very difficult to find.

The point: understand the type of friendship you are seeking and go for it. One is not right or wrong. Just remember that one type of friendship is easier to achieve than the other. I believe, deep down, most of us ultimately seek a “true friend” you can count on.  

Consumers beware. The United States Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which protects consumers from unethical practices by big banks and other financial institutions, has been ordered by its newly installed acting director, Russell Vought, to pretty much stop almost work.

The implication of this action is clear: more freedom for financial institutions to operate more unfettered putting the consumer at greater risk in dealing with these institutions. This is a good time to remember that it was financial institutions that put the entire country into a financial funk in 2008-2009 resulting in a dire economic calamity, with taxpayers footing part of the bill to save the day.

It’s a good time, as well, to remember, that these financial companies are, well, greedy. They want to make lots and lots of money off their customers any way they can. Previously, I wrote about the Wells Fargo and TD Bank scandals. You cannot blindly trust them and they certainly are not your “friend” as implied in their marketing.

Once again the overused phrase, “buyer beware,” pops to the surface. This is just one more way a select group is changing America’s business direction, and it’s not in favour of regular people like you and me. Time to remove those rose coloured glasses.

US President Donald Trump is proposing the US take control of Gaza. Do I really need to say anything else?

Speech

In a free society, for the most part, people have the right to say what they want to say. However, while what is being said is beyond your control, you have control over your response. Use this power wisely.