Political Correctness

So my wife just showed me a picture that some girl has posted on a social website which happens to include young baby - probably less than 1 year of age - with a horrible black eye. The subject of the post however, was not the baby's eye. In fact, the discussion beneath the picture was rather nonchalant with regard to the monstrous bruise on the baby's face. Perhaps those involved were already aware that the baby suffered some kind of an accident - aren't beating a dead horse. If that's the case, I understand. Lying next to the baby was a man with features that pointed to a despicable nature. My very first assumption was that this baby's injury and the sleazy-looking individual lying next to her were no coincidence. One might argue "Why would they post this on the internet if they're guilty?" My theory is that criminals do ignorant things. You know....like the guy who robs a convenience store in front of a camera with no disguise. The point is there are so many obstacles in this world of political correctness that I must go on the 1% chance that this was a legitimate "accident" and the baby just happens to be lying next to this shoddy looking individual. Heaven forbid we offend someone by questioning, right? On the other hand, if my child suffered a legitimate accident and I had to bring him or her in public with bruises, I suppose I would expect people to show me utmost respect and not dare to question me, but I don’t carry myself like trash nor would I post a picture of it on the internet! When I grew up, people questioned the obvious. More importantly, people knew & expected that people would question the obvious.

How Red is the Boot?

Rick Santorum won the Louisiana Republican Primary. That's certainly not a shock. The process behind electing presidents always puzzles me. The primaries seem to be more related to the "rock star" trend that a candidate can develop, as opposed to the popular vote. In fact, nothing seems to be related to the "popular vote" among the common taxpayer anymore. Louisiana has been known as a "Red State" for a long time, meaning most of its citizens are to the right of the aisle on most political issues. What's inconsistent to me is according to Slate on the LA Primaries, Ron Paul only captured 6.1% of the vote. His political policies clearly favor that of the Louisiana citizens'. So why did he score so low? I know why - because he's not a rock star. Paul's message is plain and simple in its conservative style. Mitt Romney, much younger and questionable as to his ability to represent conservatives, has millions of dollars backing his campaign. Special interest groups who cater to both sides of the isle want Romney in office and they're willing to pay big to get him there. They will not support Paul to this extent because they know he's less likely to bend and give them what they want once he's in office. Ron Paul is a true conservative and a man of virtue, while most Louisiana voters are apparently not.

Traffic Fines or Traffic Profits?

I got a speeding ticket in one of those Podunk "speed-traps" today. You know - the kind where the limit suddenly drops from 55 to 45 MPH. I was driving 59 MPH. Coincidentally (or not), there was a police officer monitoring speed just inside the 45 MPH zone. Okay, let's get something straight - I'm not under the impression that I'm above the law - so please don't mistake the nature of this blog. Here's my problem - why are citizens being manipulated (harassed) to generate revenue by way of traffic fines in these small towns? Is there not enough revenue generated via sales, income, property and other taxes? We've all heard the propaganda when citizens complain. "They're not going to remove those red light-cameras or stop using speed-traps because it's a cash machine." This is a strategic method of manipulating the law to impose fines on citizens, and I think it's unconstitutional. This is as inefficient and lazy in nature as La. Governor Bobby Jindal's "voucher" program that's supposed to mitigate the effect of under-performing students, but I'll save that for another blog. Many will argue in the government's favor, suggesting that we should follow the law, and never dare to question it. "We don't make the rules," they say. Such a mentality by citizens is dangerous to society as a whole, and our future. Tyranny and maliciousness has existed in government across the globe for thousands of years, and it must be kept in check. One of my favorite quotes by Benjamin Franklin is (paraphrased) "Those who trade liberty for security will have neither." The judicial system should not be engaged in profiteering via traffic or any other fines. Fiscal policy, funded by civil and just taxation, should be in place to ensure the necessities like infrastructure, education, and law enforcement. Fines generated by the judicial system should merely be a bonus, and distributed to society as such. Watch out for those speed traps, and God Bless America!

NFL Madness

What the he** is going on in the NFL? Peyton Manning's leaving the Colts? Drew Brees won't sign a contract? The Saints have a bounty system? The Cowboys are in desperate need of a quarterback? Oh wait....that one's old news. I'm not sure if it's because I just didn't notice when I was younger, but there sure seems to be a great deal of public interest in the business side of the NFL these days. Personally I don't care, because I believe in free markets and I believe that the owners should be able to pay whatever they want to pay their players. But hey, the last thing we need is another debate on the matter, right? After all, everyone has an opinion. People complain that the pros "make too much money." Seriously, what could possibly be your motive in that besides envy? I do not care what they make, I just love the sports & I love watching the sport. Someone fires a coach, or coughs without covering their mouth, and it's all over ESPN for a day. I switched from the Sirius NFL Radio Channel to the Fox News Channel because I got bored with the live public address from Peyton Manning & Colts' Owner Jim Ursay, and it was playing on Fox as well! Again, I love the sport, but is it really that important? Speculation is fun, but I think public involvement with the business side of things has gotten out of hand. Peyton - find another team. Drew - sign a contract. Goodell - fine the Saints, everybody else - Let's play ball!

Service!

Never underestimate the value in doing service for others, specifically the "pro bono" variety! God, I believe, has blessed me with an array of opportunities lately to give freely of myself. The main one that's got me on high is volunteering to coach my 9-year-old son's baseball team. This morning was our first practice, and to that I credit my awesome day! Most of us know that peace & serenity are priceless - yet it's amazing how readily dispensable they are, if we'll only be willing to stop & give of ourselves every once in a while!

What's government's role anyway?

There is a musical called "1776" about the events in the Second Continental Congress leading up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Some of my favorite characters from the film, to name a few, are Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin and John Adams. I wonder what those guys would have to say about the current state of our government. I can assure you of one thing - the idea that government should play any part in the bailing out of businesses, healthcare or "creating jobs" would've been blasphemy to them. Back then, there was one fundamental idea that strongly bonded virtually everyone - SMALL GOVERNMENT & INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITY. They had just separated themselves from the tyrannical British Empire, and wanted to establish a government by the people & for the people. The first income tax code wasn't enacted until 1861 to help fund the civil war - 85 years later! And even then it was intended to be temporary. Being mostly libertarian in my views, even I will say that a taxing system is absolutely necessary, but I contend that our government's role should be very limited, and consist of defense, infrastructure, and little else - NOT bailouts, health care & the creation of jobs.

I Love Loving History

I went to a gun & knife show this morning. If you've never been to one, it's a gathering where independent dealers of guns & knifes & other goods come together, usually for a weekend. What got my attention the most this morning, however, was the table stacked with 1940s LIFE magazine issues, and an original Gone With the Wind program from 1939. I spent more time at that table than any other, talking about the Vietnam War (the main subject of his LIFE issues) & Gone With the Wind. I bought two of the magazines - one for my father-in-law who's a Vietnam Veteran, and one for my mother that was printed in June of 1949, the month after she was born. As a child I had no interest in history, and it felt like we were being grilled with it over & over again. We learned about Louisiana history, U.S. History, European history, World history, to name a few subjects. Over the last few years my psyche has undergone a complete change with regard to history. I've come to thoroughly appreciate the endeavors of our ancestors, and now I understand the importance of "how we got here." Encyclopedias, historical newspaper & magazine articles, and the old-timers themselves are wonderful opportunities to discover & learn about the past. I'm grateful for my newfound appreciation for history!