Right Thinking Brothers is by two Conservative brothers who live in the Seattle area, who want to share their take on what is happening in the world. We'll cover local, national, and international politics, sports, and a variety of other things that pique our interest.
Oregon looks at taxing mileage instead of gasoline
As reported here, Oregon is among a growing number of states exploring ways to tax drivers based on the number of miles they drive instead of how much gas they use, even going so far as to install GPS monitoring devices in 300 vehicles. The idea first emerged nearly 10 years ago as Oregon lawmakers worried that fuel-efficient cars such as gas-electric hybrids could pose a threat to road upkeep, which is paid for largely with gasoline taxes.
The first idea is troubling in that Big Brother the government has no need to know where we are going, and when we are going there, and if enacted will face legal battles based on invasion of privacy constitutional grounds. It is simply none of their business what we do in our cars, as long as we are abiding by the laws.
The second idea is illogical (which has never stopped a government bureaucracy from doing anything, I know) in that the world is facing a global economic crisis and raising taxes now is beyond idiotic.
Why is this commission calling for a 50% increase in gas taxes? Because of two things - people have been getting out of their cars due to the high price of fuel (which isn't quite the propblem it was), and because of the government mandated CAFE rules which stipulate that cars be more fuel efficient. Both factors have contributed to the decline in tax revenue through less fuel consumed, hence the call for the increase in gas taxes.
But raising the taxes any amount (let alone 50%!) will create a "Catch-22" situation, in that as the price of gasoline jumps, people will be motivated to drive even less, which will only cause a decrease in fuel consumed, resulting in even less revenue generated through taxes.
Note to politicians thinking of pushing either of these two ideas - your terms will come to end at some point in the near future, and I wouldn't pin my hopes on getting re-elected if I were you.
As reported here, Gov. Chris Gregoire is facing another lawsuit from notable political supporters over her decision to skip agreed-to raises and benefits for government workers.
Gregoire, a Democrat, was sued Monday by a local branch of the Service Employees International Union 775, which represents about 25,000 home health care workers in Washington state.
The union objects to Gregoire's recently released budget proposal, which didn't include more than $26.8 million in raises, benefits and training money for workers represented by SEIU 775.
Well, isn't that just special. At a time when the State deficit is in the billions, and the global economy is in shreds, the unions still want theirs. Just like the UAW not being willing to give a little to help their own industry (thereby slitting their own throats, eh?), the SEIU is suing their own candidate to try to force the realization of campaign promises made - promises that were made before the global financial crisis, mind you - even though there is no feasible way the State can actually afford this.
While it appears that Gregoire is biting the hand that fed her, it also appears that the union is cutting off their own nose to spite their face.
Christmas Day is once again upon us, and that means for most, gathering together with family and friends to celebrate, exchanging gifts, feasting at the holiday table, and sharing good times.But what is it that causes us to celebrate? I think the following verses from the Book of Luke, chapter 2, verses 1 - 14 pretty much sums it up: Luke 2
1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.
2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
Remember, whether you believe or not, Jesus is the reason for the season - Merry Christmas, everyone.
Today marks the 67th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor by the Empire of Japan, shortly before 8:00 AM on Sunday, December 7th, 1941. The attack, which brought the US into WWII, resulted in 5 of 8 battleships sunk or sinking, with the other three heavily damaged, and a large majority of the other ships in port also heavily damaged or sunk. American deaths that horrible morning were approximately 2,400 - the true number will never be known. The most devastating loss was the USS Arizona, which took a direct bomb hit to one of it's main gun magazines, immediately sinking the Arizona, and taking 1,177 of her crew. In the mid-1970's, I had the privilege of serving on a ship home ported in Pearl Harbor, and as I spent time there, I would often walk through the base. As I walked, I could plainly see in some of the structures still remaining from that time, bullet strike marks. From time to time, I would walk up to a structure (either part of the piers or a concrete bunker) and run my hands over those bullet marks, and contemplate what that day must have been like, hearing in my mind the roar of plane engines, the rattle of machine guns firing, the dull booming sounds of bombs exploding, the terrified screams of people as they tried to get away from the inferno, and the determined oaths of those who fought back. As I contemplated all this, I was saddened by the loss of life, angered by the fact that we could be so surprised, and proud that my country had responded as it did, eventually prevailing over the evil of fascism.
Every December 7th at Pearl Harbor, various ceremonies are conducted in remembrance of the attack, including the laying of a wreath from the USS Arizona Memorial, and the lowering of all flags on the base to half-staff. The last December 7th that my ship was in port while I served aboard her (1975), we were tied up in full view of the USS Arizona Memorial. On that particular day, my entire ship's complement was mustered on the main deck in our dress whites, and as the clock struck 0755, over the loudspeaker came the shrill whistle of the bosun's pipe, followed by the order to stand at attention and render honors (salute) as we faced the Memorial. As we stood there at attention, holding our salute, and we watched as the colors were lowered to half-staff on the Memorial, chills ran up and down my spine (and I'm sure not a few other spines as well). Soon enough (all too soon to me now), the bosun's pipe sounded once again, we ended our salute, and headed below to change into our dungaree's to begin our normal daily routine.
Later that day, I again had the opportunity to run my hands over some remaining bullet strike marks, and as I did, I again looked over to the Memorial. As I gazed over there, my heart swelled with pride, and surprising myself by my own actions, I drew myself to attention once again, and saluted. Unknown to me, a full Captain (Colonel in the other services) was walking past as I was saluting, and cleared his throat to get my attention. As I turned to face him, he saluted me, and said something that I will always remember.
He said, "Never forget!", dropped his salute and walked on his way. As he walked away, I responded, "I won't, Sir!".
Today, November 11th, 2008 is Veteran's Day. This day is set aside to honor those who have served this Nation in both war and in peace.
If you know someone who was in the Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, Navy or Coast Guard, tell them "Thank you!". They deserve it, for they have given up the soft life of a civilian to endure the rigors of military life to stand watch over all of us, to protect us from those who would do us harm, guarding our liberty and the freedoms we all enjoy.
To those veteran's who may see this post, I say Thank You!
With the election of Sen. Barack Obama to the Presidency, I want to draw your attention to some parallels that I see between this election, and one that took place 32 years ago.
First, a brief history lesson - 1973 - VP Spiro Agnew resigns, Rep. Gerald R. Ford appointed as VP.
1974 - Nixon resigns over Watergate scandal (the beginning of "gotcha! journalism"), VP Ford sworn in as President; Democrats vote to de-fund military aid to South Viet Nam.
1975 - Saigon falls to North Viet Nam in April.
1976 - a virtual "unknown" peanut farmer turned Governor of Georgia, Jimmy Carter, wins Democrat nomination promising "change" and "hope", runs against Ford, and wins; next four years sees change - major economic chaos (20+% prime interest rates, double digit unemployment), and an international crisis involving Iran, as they occupy the US Embassy in Teheran, and hold US hostages captive for 444 days. Nation gripped by ennui and angst, believing what Carter has said - that the good old days are gone forever, and everyone must learn to get along with less of everything, and loses "hope".
Fast forward to recent history, up to the present -
2000 - Governor of Texas George W. Bush is elected President, defeating VP Al Gore; Democrats claim he stole the election due to US Supreme Court intervening in Florida vote debacle (which claim was disproved by studies conducted by the liberal media showing Bush won Florida); beginning of "Bush Derangement Syndrome".
2001 - Worst terrorist attack in US history occurs on September 11; Nation comes together in support of GWB - briefly; Dems talk the talk, but don't walk the walk due to "BDS"; US invades Afghanistan, ousts Taliban and helps set up democratic government, which Dems "support".
2003 - US invades Iraq; Bush declares reason for invasion is WMD, although there were other reasons stated as well; liberal media fixates on WMD, and when "none" is found, begins assault on Bush; Democrats first vote in support of war in Iraq, and then attempt to undermine policies of Bush/Cheney, due to "BDS".
2004 - Bush wins second term as President over Sen. John Kerry; liberal media continues with false "Bush lied, people died" meme; Democrats continue efforts at undermining Bush/Cheney domestic and foreign policies; "BDS" reaches epidemic proportions.
2005 - War in Iraq starting to not go so well, due to inadequate planning on the part of Rumsfeld and General Staff; Democrats proclaim war is "quagmire" and "lost", therefore US should abandon Iraq (just like Viet Nam).
2006 - War in Iraq getting worse; Democrats call for abandoning Iraq getting louder; Bush calls for new strategy; liberal media discounts talks of new strategy; virtual "unknown" Senator Barack Obama from Illinois declares for Presidency.
2007 - Due to new strategy - surge in troop levels, and different tactics - war in Iraq begins to dramatically turn around; Democrats still claim war is "lost" (Reid), a "quagmire" (Kennedy), and continue to call for abandoning Iraq (most of the rest of them); liberal media complicit with Democrats in description of how the war is going, continuing their drumbeat of negativity, refusing to report on gains; Obama defeats Hillary Clinton for Democrat nomination, promises to bring "change" and "hope"; Senator John McCain wins Republican nomination; liberal media in tank for Obama, and refuses to even consider looking into negatives about Obama, while conducting a despicable "witch hunt" on McCain's running mate, Governor Sarah Palin.
2008 - Surge in Iraq successful, and more and more areas of Iraq are turned over to complete Iraqi control; Obama defeats McCain, and wins US Presidency; liberal media complicit in getting Obama elected.
Parallels
Carter comes on the scene at the end of an unpopular war (Viet Nam), and takes advantage of electorate disgust with Republicans.
Obama comes on the scene towards the end of another unpopular war (Iraq), and with liberal media complicity, takes advantage of electorate disgust with Republicans
Both proclaim they are the one to bring about "change" and "hope".
Carter brings "change" in the form of economic chaos, and causes America to lose "hope" in his inept handling of the international crisis in Iran, allowing American citizens to be held hostage for 444 days.
After four years of "change" and "hope" under Carter, the US electorate wakes up, and elects Republican Ronald Reagan to the US Presidency. Real change happens almost immediately, as Iran releases the US hostages, and the economy begins to rebound and then boom again, bringing real hope to Americans.
Obama brings about "change" in the form of economic chaos even before he became a state Senator through his representing ACORN in their lawsuit to force banks to loan money to people they knew would never be able to pay the loans back, and then backs the risky economic policies of Fannie Mae and Freddy Mac after he becomes a US Senator, enabling (with Rep. Barney Frank and Sen. Chris Dodd) the sub-prime mortgage crisis, causing many Americans to lose "hope" of keeping their homes.
What will the next four years under Obama bring America? Probably an abandonment of Iraq before they are ready for us to leave, and possibly an international crisis involving Iran. Definitely higher taxes, which will only exacerbate the economic crisis we are in right now. As he has stated, Obama wants to implement various new government programs which will mandate acceptance and forced compliance by the American people. These programs will take away freedom of choice in many areas, diminishing hope for many Americans. Will the liberal media continue to be complicit, or will they wake up and begin to finally ask the hard questions they should have been asking all along?
After four years of Obama, will the American electorate wake up and take back our government, and elect a Republican who will bring real change and hope to America? Only time will tell what will happen, but my hope is that Obama doesn't do permanent damage to America, and that the American electorate will wake up, and elect someone to change the direction Obama wants to take America.
Will the Republicans be able to stop any of Obama's socialistic plans, or will they continue to fold? Will the Republicans present a candidate to run against Obama that will invigorate the American electorate as Reagan did? I believe that the answer to these last two questions is yes. Yes, the Republicans will be able to stop most, if not all, of the more obvious socialistic programs Obama wants to institute, and yes, the Republicans will present a candidate in 2012 who will invigorate not only Republicans, but Independents and even Democrats, someone who will be a truely charismatic leader, who isn't afraid to stand up to Obama and speak the truth, and who will not be afraid of the liberal media.
Last but not least, who will this person be? Will it be Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin? Will it be Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal? Or will it be a relative unknown, someone new to the national stage? Only time will give us the answer to that, but don't lose hope, for change - real, positive change - is coming.
Tomorrow is November 4th, the day We the People of the United States of America have the opportunity to choose the leaders of our nation. This right to vote should not be squandered by anyone who is legally eligible to vote. Whether you think your candidate is going to win, or whether you think your candidate is going to lose, your vote still matters. I had originally intended this post to be a rant against the Obama/Biden ticket, as I fully support the McCain/Palin ticket in the race for President and Vice President, but as I sat down to begin composing this post, I realized that those of you who are set to vote for the Obama/Biden ticket were not going to be dissuaded from that objective, no matter what I had to say. I also realized that those of us who are going to vote for the McCain/Palin ticket don't need any persuading to do that.
So I changed my mind.
Instead, what I want to say to everyone who reads this is, vote for whomever you want to - that's your right under the Constitution - but when you vote, vote your conscience. Don't vote for one ticket or the other simply because it's the "thing to do". Think about what you are doing, and before you pull that lever and slip your vote into the ballot box, ask yourself one thing - am I really voting for the right ticket? - and let your conscience be your guide.
As reported here, House Republican leader John Boehner on Wednesday urged President Bush to block all federal funds to a grass-roots community group that has been accused of voter registration fraud. "It is evident that ACORN is incapable of using federal funds in a manner that is consistent with the law," Boehner, R-Ohio, wrote Bush, saying that funds should be blocked until all federal investigations into the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now are completed.
ACORN, a group that has led liberal causes since it was formed in 1970, this year hired more than 13,000 part-time workers to sign up voters in minority and poor neighborhoods in 21 states. Some of the 1.3 million registration cards submitted to local election officials, using the names of cartoon characters or pro football players, were obviously phony, spurring GOP charges of widespread misconduct.
For more on the voter fraud antics of ACORN go here. (Oh, yeah - here, too!)
I was beginning to wonder if this was ever going to happen!
I've seen through the veil you hide behind, and what I see is not a pretty sight. I used to like you, but not any more. I used to respect you, but not any more. Because of your prior association with one of the greatest President's this country has ever seen, you used to have "cred" with me, you words carried weight, and I looked forward to reading your thoughts. But not any more. I've seen behind the veil. This latest example is the straw that broke the camels proverbial back, Peggy. Yes, you, Peggy Noonan, I'm talking about you, to you.
The title of your elitist screed is, "Palin's Failin'", with the subtitle stating, "What is it she stands for? After seven weeks, we don't know." You're wrong, Peggy, when you use the word "we", for we DO know what she stands for. It is, however, quite apparent that you don't. Oh, and if you're going to write something about someone - anyone - you might want to mention that persons name sooner than the FIFTH paragraph, even if that mention is to mention that the Dems consider her a dope, and unqualified. It seems that you hold the same opinion as well, by what you wrote further in your elitist screed. Some choice nuggets -
"But we have seen Mrs. Palin on the national stage for seven weeks now, and there is little sign that she has the tools, the equipment, the knowledge or the philosophical grounding one hopes for, and expects, in a holder of high office. She is a person of great ambition, but the question remains: What is the purpose of the ambition? She wants to rise, but what for?"
Oh, she has the tools, alright, but you're so far removed from the true halls of power - the People - Peggy, that you wouldn't recognize someone having the tools even if they thunked you up side the head with a hammer. Her aspirations, Peggy? She's made that perfectly clear - to serve the People of the United States of America. Apparently that concept has become foreign to you, now that you're a part of the "power elite".
"For seven weeks I've listened to her, trying to understand if she is Bushian or Reaganite ..."
You, who once walked the same halls as Ronald Reagan, can't figure that out? How far you have fallen, Peggy, how far you have fallen.
"Her supporters accuse her critics of snobbery ..." BINGO! You're proving us right, Peggy.
"In the past two weeks she has spent her time throwing out tinny lines to crowds she doesn't, really, understand."
I believe she understands us very well, Peggy. However, I also believe that you are the one who doesn't understand us - at all, if you ever really did.
"This is not a leader, this is a follower, and she follows what she imagines is the base, which is in fact a vast and broken-hearted thing whose pain she cannot, actually, imagine."
There you go again - to quote my favorite President. Saying that someone who is a bona fide card carrying member of the base cannot imagine the pain we've felt over the past several years is simply ludicrous, because she's felt it too.
Last but not least, Peggy, trying to keep us from criticizing you for your elitist screed by holding up Christopher Buckley as a paragon of martyrdom, sacrificed on the altar of "Thou shalt not criticize!", is a straw man at best. The real reason he was allowed to resign from the organ his father established? Because he endorsed Barack Obama.
That would be a loathing of Obama. Emperor Mischa and Ace both extend a hand to PUMA's, asking if there is any way we can work together to defeat Obama. I, for one, agree with both of them.
Speaking of PUMA's, this is very interesting (pretty long, too, but read it anyway).
* PUMA = Party Unity My Ass - disaffected Hillary supporters who, for the most part, are going to vote against Obama.
First off, I think Gwen Ifill did a professional job as the moderator, which was a pleasant surprise. She kept things moving, without being heavy handed about it, and without letting her own personal bias get in the way. So, kudos to Gwen. Senator Biden
Senator Biden did as I expected him to - attacking President Bush, and being supportive of his running mate, yet doing so in a way that was not personally hostile to Governor Palin. He made a few statements that, if I had been taking notes, I would be able to refute pretty easily, I think - after I got done crying "BS!". But, I didn't take notes - my bad. One area where I thought he was treading on thin ice was talking about his own record, which in the grand scheme of things ain't so hot. Another area where he definitely was treading on thin ice was in claiming that Obama "has repeatedly reached across the aisle" to work with Republicans in a bi-partisan way. Oh, really? When?
I have to admit that I came away from this actually liking the guy, even though I'm adamantly opposed to what he believes in as far as politics is concerned. I was touched by the emotion he briefly displayed when speaking of his personal family loss, wondering if his son was going to make it, and by his graciousness towards Governor Palin even though he's adamantly opposed to her political beliefs. He took the barbs thrown his way with good humor, and didn't allow himself to resort to "playing dirty" in retaliation.
All in all, I have to concede that Senator Biden did fairly well, so kudos to him.
Governor Palin
Governor Palin came across as determined to get her points across, even if it meant not exactly answering the question that had been posed. Although she seemed to check her notes quite often, I don't see that as a negative (unlike the MSM), as it showed me she wanted to get her response correct, whether it was in answering a question, or offering a rebuttal to something Senator Biden said.
She seemed as if she was prepared to really go on the attack at the start, depending on what Senator Biden said, and how he said it, but relaxed when she realized that she wasn't going to come under personal attack (with the only time that I recall that Senator Biden came close to doing that. was when he used the phrase, "bridge to nowhere).
She had a professional air about her during the debate, which was softened by her "folksiness" as the MSM has called it, which is exactly the right thing for her to have done. She presented herself as a capable, no nonsense, leader - whether in business or politics - yet still showed that she is, after all, a human being with feelings, and empathy for others.
What I liked best was when she looked right into the camera and spoke directly to "Joe Six Pack" and the "Hockey Mom's" - your average American. It made you want to - almost compelled you to - listen very carefully to what she had to say about what she thought was important for America, and how she and McCain were going to work to get us there.
All in all, I thought she did a good job with only one real flub - when she transposed "Main Street" and "Wall Street" (no big deal, as everyone knew what she meant, and like me, probably "fixed" it in their own minds). Kudos go to Governor Palin for her performance in this debate, as well.
So, who's the winner in my mind?
Actually, putting my own bias aside to look at this as objectively as I can, neither VP candidate landed any real knockout blows to the other, and in the grand scheme of things, this debate pretty much just let the American public get a better look at both candidates, and I have to declare it a tie.
Will this debate have a pronounced effect on the outcome of the election? No.
Will this debate have at least some effect on the outcome of this election? Certainly, but how much, and for which ticket is yet to be determined.
As reported here, [p]olls showing John McCain tied or even ahead of Barack Obama are stirring angst and second-guessing among some of the Democratic Party's most experienced operatives, who worry that Obama squandered opportunities over the summer and may still be underestimating his challenges this fall.
"It's more than an increased anxiety," said Doug Schoen, who worked as one of Bill Clinton's lead pollsters during his 1996 reelection and has worked for both Democrats and independents in recent years. "It's a palpable frustration. Deep-seated unease in the sense that the message has gotten away from them."
The Dems are positively reeling from the announcement of Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as Sen. John McCains' running mate, as evidenced by all the vile vitriol being spewed by both the Obama campaign and their surrogates in the MSM and the likes of the DailyKos and DU (and no, I'm not linking to those garbage sites. If you want to go there, look 'em up here).
The Dem "strategists" continue to make mistake after misstep in their arrogance, and can't figure out why they keep losing. Well, keep up the arrogance and the vicious easily debunkable ad hominem attacks, and we'll give you another four years to play the "what if?" game after John McCain and Sarah Palin take the Presidency and Vice Presidency.
Today marks the seventh anniversary of the terror attacks of September 11th, 2001. I am reposting what I wrote one year ago today - updated to reflect the current year, as I still feel the same way as I did then.
Today, September 11, 2008 marks the seventh anniversary of the attack, not only on our nation, but on our very way of life by “people” bound and determined to enslave not only us, but the entire world.
These “people” want to return us to the time where they controlled vast swaths of the world, imposing their will, and their so-called “Religion of Peace”, through the sword. This is something that we cannot, must not, allow to happen. If a modern, free society, is to survive, we must fight these “people” at every turn, and never surrender. For if we surrender, we shall die.
Yet, there are those in our society who think that these “people” can be appeased, and that, if appeased, they will stop the violence that they inflict upon the world. This is a fallacy, born of a “head in the sand” wishful thinking.
Neville Chamberlain found that out in 1939, when he attempted to appease one of the vilest monsters that has ever walked this earth, Adolph Hitler, when he proclaimed upon his return to London, “Peace in our time!”. Because of Chamberlain’s ill-fated attempt at appeasing Hitler, countless millions were soon subjugated under the jack boots of the Nazi regime, resulting in the deaths of countless millions more, as the world convulsed in total war.
Just as Adolph Hitler wanted the power to dominate the world, imposing his will, so these “people” want to dominate the world, so they may impose their will upon everyone. Whether you realize it or not, the truth of the matter is that we are once again embroiled in a world war, one that we must win, whatever the cost, if our society, our very way of life is to survive.
On this seventh anniversary, take a moment to reflect on what is at stake, for much is at stake. Do not take the freedoms that we enjoy for granted, for if we lose this war, we will lose those freedoms, which is the ultimate goal of those “people”.
I would rather stand and fight as a free man, and risk the possibility of death, rather than surrender and guarantee my death as a slave.
