It should be obvious that there is something wrong when government leaders tell us that our Health Care system needs reforming, but their reasons for such reform cite a relatively small percentage of our country's population is in the category where reform seems needed.
For example, the two most cited categories of folks who Health Care Reform is supposed to help is the uninsured, and the under insured. The uninsured is something around 20 million people depending on whom you're listening to.
The under-insured is a number impossible to calculate.
Those our acting-president Obama says his goal is to help these two categories of people, his party's first offering at a "fix" focuses on implementing these coverages through an employer. Hmmm, interesting when our country's unemployment figure is now over 10%. Seems like instead of taking on the 20 million or so who are uninsured -- we're not going to force the 30 million of unemployed people to go on some kind of federal program. (?) That doesn't seem like much of a solution!
I attended a Federally-funded forum called something like "citizen's health care" where a group of Federal employees travelled around the USA asking for input on how to "fix" our country's health care. Interestingly the event was promoted solely on liberal web sites and through unions, so the attendees were heavily slanted to one side. Well, being a mole on some of these sites, I found out about it and attended one. My offerings were "unique" and "intriguing" and ones they had not gotten at any of the other sessions in any other city! Imagine what my idea was..... High-deductible health plans utilizing Health Savings Accounts. I personally saved over $6,000 the first year my family used one. And the ability to defer $6,000 in income to my HSA saved me on my taxes...and guess what....my family didn't use anywhere near the $6,000 - so we were able to carry the money forward to be used another time.
If Obama and his folks REALLY want to improve health care in our country. Putting care and personal responsibility back into the equation with high-deductible plans and HSA's is a sure way to do it. But then, I guess we now know their real goal, don't we?
You see, it's not about improving health care, or lowering costs, it's about giving a large chunk of POWER to a section of bureaucrats who have an endless thirst for it. And corruption goes hand-in-hand with unbridled power.
Thankfully Americans are waking up -- and we will hopefully see some hero's emerge who will challenge this power grab -- and stop what could be the end of the freedom our country has enjoyed since it's inception.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Monday, March 9, 2009
Politics, not Science
In 2008 Americans applauded results that showed how ADULT stem cells have not just been used in over 71 successful treatments, but are actually now being used to cure or reverse some forms of diseases.
This breakthrough was hailed with resounding praise from even the most liberal media outlets, and it seemed universal that the use of EMBRYONIC stem cells would from then on, be seen as unnessary.
So why then would President Obama announce today that he will lift President Bush's ban on Feceral Funding to expand EMBRYONIC stem cell research? Aside from the fact that most scientists now agree EMBRYONIC stem cell research is unnessary, it would be a further waste of federal dollars. When our Federal budget deficits are at record highs, we don't need another hole to throw Federal dollars into?
Here's a quote Good Morning American ran today: "Encompassed in [the executive order] will also be the requirements around guidelines that will be drafted by the NIH [National Institutes of Health] as they ... work with others around the country to make sure we're handling the issue responsibly," said Melody Barnes, the director of the president's Domestic Policy Council.
The president will also sign a memorandum that Barnes says will "restore scientific integrity in government decision making." It will help ensure public policy is "guided by sound scientific advice," she said. [notice she said ADVICE, not FACT? That's becuase it's someone's OPINION!]
And Michael J. Fox was interviewed by GMA saying: "Today is a new day. I'm thrilled to see President Obama has honored his commitment to get politics out of science," Fox, who suffers from Parkinson's disease, told "Good Morning America." "The last few years have been incredibly frustrating for patients and researchers who believe that embryonic stem cell research has the potential to bring better treatment." [notice how Obama's new form of "politics in science" is now are driven by the "beliefs" of non-scientists like celebrities who are stricken with unfortunate diseases]. Gee, that's progress! -not.
The private sector has been conducting EMBRYONIC stem cell research for decades. That huge body of evidence shows that due to the "morphing" unstable nature of EMBRYONIC stem cells, the use of the cells doesn't work. Think about it. What do embyros naturally do? Our creator has designed each cell to divide and has pre-programmed those parts to become....a brain....a heart....a spine. So scientists efforts to make them "morph" into other things hasn't worked. In contrast, ADULT stem cells that are ALREADY stable cells and have therefore been used successfully to transform them into useful cells for treatments, and now cures.
EMBRYONIC stem cell research doesn't work. It's expensive, and in 2008 was proven scientifically to be unnessary. So why is Presient Obama now deciding to Federally fund the desctruction of these viable human lives? Politics. Plain and simple.
[Get ahold of the March 2009 issue of Good Housekeeping Magazine. (sally field is on the cover). There is a good article about a woman who had invitro fertilization to give birth to her children, and "shared" her "left-over" fertilized frozen embryos with two other child-less families who gave birth to those embryos. ]
EMBRYOs are not just useless cells. This is viable human life -- the way each of us started out....."people" who President Obama has just decided - based on politics -- to use your and my tax dollars to pay to destroy.
There have been many sad decisions we have witnessed in America in the short time since President Obama's inauguration -- and this is -- so far -- the saddest.
Wake up America!
This breakthrough was hailed with resounding praise from even the most liberal media outlets, and it seemed universal that the use of EMBRYONIC stem cells would from then on, be seen as unnessary.
So why then would President Obama announce today that he will lift President Bush's ban on Feceral Funding to expand EMBRYONIC stem cell research? Aside from the fact that most scientists now agree EMBRYONIC stem cell research is unnessary, it would be a further waste of federal dollars. When our Federal budget deficits are at record highs, we don't need another hole to throw Federal dollars into?
Here's a quote Good Morning American ran today: "Encompassed in [the executive order] will also be the requirements around guidelines that will be drafted by the NIH [National Institutes of Health] as they ... work with others around the country to make sure we're handling the issue responsibly," said Melody Barnes, the director of the president's Domestic Policy Council.
The president will also sign a memorandum that Barnes says will "restore scientific integrity in government decision making." It will help ensure public policy is "guided by sound scientific advice," she said. [notice she said ADVICE, not FACT? That's becuase it's someone's OPINION!]
And Michael J. Fox was interviewed by GMA saying: "Today is a new day. I'm thrilled to see President Obama has honored his commitment to get politics out of science," Fox, who suffers from Parkinson's disease, told "Good Morning America." "The last few years have been incredibly frustrating for patients and researchers who believe that embryonic stem cell research has the potential to bring better treatment." [notice how Obama's new form of "politics in science" is now are driven by the "beliefs" of non-scientists like celebrities who are stricken with unfortunate diseases]. Gee, that's progress! -not.
The private sector has been conducting EMBRYONIC stem cell research for decades. That huge body of evidence shows that due to the "morphing" unstable nature of EMBRYONIC stem cells, the use of the cells doesn't work. Think about it. What do embyros naturally do? Our creator has designed each cell to divide and has pre-programmed those parts to become....a brain....a heart....a spine. So scientists efforts to make them "morph" into other things hasn't worked. In contrast, ADULT stem cells that are ALREADY stable cells and have therefore been used successfully to transform them into useful cells for treatments, and now cures.
EMBRYONIC stem cell research doesn't work. It's expensive, and in 2008 was proven scientifically to be unnessary. So why is Presient Obama now deciding to Federally fund the desctruction of these viable human lives? Politics. Plain and simple.
[Get ahold of the March 2009 issue of Good Housekeeping Magazine. (sally field is on the cover). There is a good article about a woman who had invitro fertilization to give birth to her children, and "shared" her "left-over" fertilized frozen embryos with two other child-less families who gave birth to those embryos. ]
EMBRYOs are not just useless cells. This is viable human life -- the way each of us started out....."people" who President Obama has just decided - based on politics -- to use your and my tax dollars to pay to destroy.
There have been many sad decisions we have witnessed in America in the short time since President Obama's inauguration -- and this is -- so far -- the saddest.
Wake up America!
Have you noticed the naked Emperor yet?
While the decrease in President Obama's approval rating gives me some hope that Americans are opening their eyes, it is only a small sign of progress.
A recent survey showed that 60% of Obama voters did not know which party controlled Congress in Washington D.C. So giving Obama and his party control of virtually every branch of government was not even a consideration in over half of those who voted for Mr. Obama.
Isn't it ironic that in our so-called "information age" more people were uninformed on one of the most important decisions of our decade. [how sad they chose not to avail themselves of the information which was right under their nose].
And Rom Emmanual's public admission that Obama's team needs to "take advantage" of this crisis -- and pass legislation which would never have been publicly pallatable in better times -- is almost criminal.
Are we going to accept "pork after pork" from a president who vowed on the campaign trail not to allow any earmarks?
And are we going to accept Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi -- who raised her hand in oath on national TV and pledged that the 1 trilltion dollar "stimulous bill" would contain no pork...and after it's passed we find out it was more than 75% of needless pork....? Even the media reported it was packed with political "paybacks" to Obama's special-interest supporters!
Well, I ask you my fellow Americans. Are we "mad as hell" yet?
Our ONLY recourse it seems is to endure this hell and remember these actions vividly come mid-term elections in 2010.
This President who campaigned on "change" promising the change the face of Washington has proceeded to appoint the "rank and file" liberals we have seen in places of power for decades. Nothing new there. The only "change" we have witnessed so far is the level to which they can soak the American people and take away our freedoms.
Don't stand for it! The U.S. Government is NOT our savior -- and American must be governed FOR the people, BY THE PEOPLE -- not by a bunch of corrupt liberals who have no new ideas. Tax and spend -- is their old mantra. And if this is Obama's brand of "change" -- you can keep the "change."
A recent survey showed that 60% of Obama voters did not know which party controlled Congress in Washington D.C. So giving Obama and his party control of virtually every branch of government was not even a consideration in over half of those who voted for Mr. Obama.
Isn't it ironic that in our so-called "information age" more people were uninformed on one of the most important decisions of our decade. [how sad they chose not to avail themselves of the information which was right under their nose].
And Rom Emmanual's public admission that Obama's team needs to "take advantage" of this crisis -- and pass legislation which would never have been publicly pallatable in better times -- is almost criminal.
Are we going to accept "pork after pork" from a president who vowed on the campaign trail not to allow any earmarks?
And are we going to accept Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi -- who raised her hand in oath on national TV and pledged that the 1 trilltion dollar "stimulous bill" would contain no pork...and after it's passed we find out it was more than 75% of needless pork....? Even the media reported it was packed with political "paybacks" to Obama's special-interest supporters!
Well, I ask you my fellow Americans. Are we "mad as hell" yet?
Our ONLY recourse it seems is to endure this hell and remember these actions vividly come mid-term elections in 2010.
This President who campaigned on "change" promising the change the face of Washington has proceeded to appoint the "rank and file" liberals we have seen in places of power for decades. Nothing new there. The only "change" we have witnessed so far is the level to which they can soak the American people and take away our freedoms.
Don't stand for it! The U.S. Government is NOT our savior -- and American must be governed FOR the people, BY THE PEOPLE -- not by a bunch of corrupt liberals who have no new ideas. Tax and spend -- is their old mantra. And if this is Obama's brand of "change" -- you can keep the "change."
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
We have only ourselves to blame - Economics 101
Everyone is talking about the collapse of three of the five big players on Wall Street (Bear Stearns, Lehman Brothers and the quick sale of Merril Lynch) - but I don't hear a lot of talk about who is responsible.
The answer is....look in the mirror. If you're a baby-boomers or gen-X-ers who got greedy and thought you could have your cake and eat it too -- you are responsible for this mess.
Sure, there are definitely some bigger players here who are actually having to pay up too (real estate "flippers" and speculators) - but it's going to end up costing all of us unfortunately.
What amazes me most is that the high-paid Wall Street wizards didn't see this coming.
For years Alan Greenspan has warned us of the debt load that too many Americans are carrying.
For the last decade - people have been drunk on the "cheap money" available to borrow for things at low interest rates. And when borrowing standards were eased to allow a home mortgage with NO DOWN PAYMENT -- I saw the writing on the wall. ("gee -- it must be free!") "Don't bother me with old fashioned rules about saving up for a downpayment....I want it NOW! And I want to get my way! Wah!"
Yes, all of the spoiled Americans didn't want to save up the traditional 20% downpayment before buying a home -- so instead we bought PMI...you know, "property mortgage insurance"...after all - you can "insure" your way out of almost anything, can't you?
Well guess who backs that PMI? Lenders.....investors......ultimately you and me with our 401k and mutual funds.
So many American dreamers bought their homes - with no money down on adjustable rate mortgages....which got adjusted up as the economy changed. Oh sure, they were told this was a possibility...but that's just more "don't bother me with the facts" kind of nonsense that no one wants to hear when you're staring your dream home in the face. And bankers were all too eager to lend money to people buried in debt. ("oh sure Mrs. Jones, you can afford that $2,000 house payment with your $3,000 a month income, buy it!")
Investors buying these "mortgage-backed securities" speculated that home values would continue to rise forever. Duh. Does anyone pay attention to history any more?
So the bubble popped and people with high interest rates found themselves unable to make their house payment. Now in the "olden days" if you had put your 20% down on your home purchase -- you'd do almost anything to avoid losing that equity you worked so long at saving (you'd get a second job, sell that second car, take the bus...) but in the greedy baby-boom economics world -- you have "nothing to lose" since you didn't put anything into it.....so you just shrug your shoulders and say...."gee, this is hard, I think I'll go rent an apartment instead....see ya"....leaving someone else to hold the bag.
Then magnify it over all of the "no downpayment" mortgages granted in the last 10 years and you get.....wallah.....exactly what we're seeing today.
Let's stop all of the "entitlement-minded" people who think our government will bail them out of anything -- and get back to each of us being responsible for our actions. Whether it be hurricaines, tornadoes, or downpayments - the buck stops here...with you and me. Each of us needs to be responsible for our spending habits...and live within our means -- starting with our government. That bottomless pit called the Federal Government is backed by the productive workers of this great nation. It's you and me folks.
Let's get back to saving money for a rainy day...and saving up to pay cash for things. Most luxuries in life are not "needs" but "wants" and put them in the priority they deserve. At the bottom of the list after the basics are paid for, not on a credit card. (and people....let's not build in flood planes...!)
So now that we're in this mess, what do we do? The most imporatant thing is - DON'T PANIC. Leave your investments in place. Some people can make some small adjustments to their lifestyle (stop buying that latte every morning on the way to work, take the bus more often,) or if you've really over-indulged you'll need to take more drastic action (sell cars you can't afford, get a 2nd job, etc). Most importantly, get on a budget. (that means adding up what you earn and make a PLAN not to spend any more than that). Include some savings in your plan. If you're really upside-down talk to a qualified consumer credit coach.
The future of our country rests on individuals being responsible for themselves.
If the spoiled brats of our country don't reign in their spending -- it will bankrupt us all. Don't just laugh when your co-worker tells you they just bought a new Mac that they know they can't pay for. Tell them that's not repsonsible -- and that it was a dumb move.
Maybe if it becomes socially acceptable to be responsible again -- more people will do it.
As a conservative in this post-modern world I have to admit I'm angry. I'm so tired of watching all the liberals keep thinking you can spend your way out of problems. You can't. Sooner or later, someone has to pay. (and stop digging into my pocket to pay for it!) I'm tired of watching everyone around me bury themselves in excess and debt - all the while I live very frugally saving money and paying cash for the things I buy. Yes, it really doesn't give "instant gratification" but I enjoy the things I buy much better knowing they're paid for. I have a house payment I can afford at a fixed rate of interest. Boring as that is, it feels good. Try it.
The answer is....look in the mirror. If you're a baby-boomers or gen-X-ers who got greedy and thought you could have your cake and eat it too -- you are responsible for this mess.
Sure, there are definitely some bigger players here who are actually having to pay up too (real estate "flippers" and speculators) - but it's going to end up costing all of us unfortunately.
What amazes me most is that the high-paid Wall Street wizards didn't see this coming.
For years Alan Greenspan has warned us of the debt load that too many Americans are carrying.
For the last decade - people have been drunk on the "cheap money" available to borrow for things at low interest rates. And when borrowing standards were eased to allow a home mortgage with NO DOWN PAYMENT -- I saw the writing on the wall. ("gee -- it must be free!") "Don't bother me with old fashioned rules about saving up for a downpayment....I want it NOW! And I want to get my way! Wah!"
Yes, all of the spoiled Americans didn't want to save up the traditional 20% downpayment before buying a home -- so instead we bought PMI...you know, "property mortgage insurance"...after all - you can "insure" your way out of almost anything, can't you?
Well guess who backs that PMI? Lenders.....investors......ultimately you and me with our 401k and mutual funds.
So many American dreamers bought their homes - with no money down on adjustable rate mortgages....which got adjusted up as the economy changed. Oh sure, they were told this was a possibility...but that's just more "don't bother me with the facts" kind of nonsense that no one wants to hear when you're staring your dream home in the face. And bankers were all too eager to lend money to people buried in debt. ("oh sure Mrs. Jones, you can afford that $2,000 house payment with your $3,000 a month income, buy it!")
Investors buying these "mortgage-backed securities" speculated that home values would continue to rise forever. Duh. Does anyone pay attention to history any more?
So the bubble popped and people with high interest rates found themselves unable to make their house payment. Now in the "olden days" if you had put your 20% down on your home purchase -- you'd do almost anything to avoid losing that equity you worked so long at saving (you'd get a second job, sell that second car, take the bus...) but in the greedy baby-boom economics world -- you have "nothing to lose" since you didn't put anything into it.....so you just shrug your shoulders and say...."gee, this is hard, I think I'll go rent an apartment instead....see ya"....leaving someone else to hold the bag.
Then magnify it over all of the "no downpayment" mortgages granted in the last 10 years and you get.....wallah.....exactly what we're seeing today.
Let's stop all of the "entitlement-minded" people who think our government will bail them out of anything -- and get back to each of us being responsible for our actions. Whether it be hurricaines, tornadoes, or downpayments - the buck stops here...with you and me. Each of us needs to be responsible for our spending habits...and live within our means -- starting with our government. That bottomless pit called the Federal Government is backed by the productive workers of this great nation. It's you and me folks.
Let's get back to saving money for a rainy day...and saving up to pay cash for things. Most luxuries in life are not "needs" but "wants" and put them in the priority they deserve. At the bottom of the list after the basics are paid for, not on a credit card. (and people....let's not build in flood planes...!)
So now that we're in this mess, what do we do? The most imporatant thing is - DON'T PANIC. Leave your investments in place. Some people can make some small adjustments to their lifestyle (stop buying that latte every morning on the way to work, take the bus more often,) or if you've really over-indulged you'll need to take more drastic action (sell cars you can't afford, get a 2nd job, etc). Most importantly, get on a budget. (that means adding up what you earn and make a PLAN not to spend any more than that). Include some savings in your plan. If you're really upside-down talk to a qualified consumer credit coach.
The future of our country rests on individuals being responsible for themselves.
If the spoiled brats of our country don't reign in their spending -- it will bankrupt us all. Don't just laugh when your co-worker tells you they just bought a new Mac that they know they can't pay for. Tell them that's not repsonsible -- and that it was a dumb move.
Maybe if it becomes socially acceptable to be responsible again -- more people will do it.
As a conservative in this post-modern world I have to admit I'm angry. I'm so tired of watching all the liberals keep thinking you can spend your way out of problems. You can't. Sooner or later, someone has to pay. (and stop digging into my pocket to pay for it!) I'm tired of watching everyone around me bury themselves in excess and debt - all the while I live very frugally saving money and paying cash for the things I buy. Yes, it really doesn't give "instant gratification" but I enjoy the things I buy much better knowing they're paid for. I have a house payment I can afford at a fixed rate of interest. Boring as that is, it feels good. Try it.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Why Hate Crimes Legislation isn't what you may think.
Do we really need HATE CRIMES Legislation? I think not.
Senators Ted Kennedy (D-Mass.) and Gordon Smith (R-Ore.) filed their "hate crimes" legislation for consideration as an amendment to the Department of Defense reauthorization bill that is currently being debated in the U.S. Senate.
On the surface, “hate crimes” legislation sounds ok to most people – after all – we don’t want anyone to “hate” another person, right? But don't be fooled by what seems like a harmless attempt to punish criminals. Let's really take a look at what’s going on here.
I think you'll agree that in actuality, this proposed amendment has nothing to do with stopping hate. What’s actually going ON here is an attempt to outlaw certain “politically incorrect” THOUGHTS, BELIEFS and IDEAS.
Sound far-fetched? Think about it – we ALREADY HAVE LAWS ON THE BOOKS against assault, and other crimes against people and property. These legislators want to add another “layer” to these crimes that would make certain THOUGHTS or OPINIONS of the person who committed the crime – to hold a bigger punishment. Still think that sounds ok? Read on…..
Here’s a fictitious example to show the hidden danger of this proposed amendment: (we'll pick on gays, since that's a large part of the hidden agenda here, but it could apply to many other examples as well)....
We'll use two major characters in our story. An 80 year-0ld woman and a 20-year old skinhead. Both of these two people disagree with a homosexual man’s lifestyle. The 80-year old lady wouldn’t hurt a fly. She feels homosexuality is wrong based on her religious beliefs. She acts on her BELIEFS by praying for the homosexual man. The 20-year old skinhead acts on his BELIEFS by beating up the gay man. (different actions, same BELIEFS).
Across town, a straight man beats up another straight man in a bar fight. Both the skinhead and the straight man in the bar are arrested for the assault each of them committed against two different victims. (which, of course, is already an illegal crime).
If this amendment were to pass, the new "hate crimes" law would treat these two men quite differently – even thought they committed virtually the same crime. The 20 year-old man who assaulted the gay man would be prosecuted for a FEDERAL crime – simply because of the thoughts, beliefs, and ideas he held about that man he assaulted. The other man would be prosecuted in his local jurisdiction for the “normal” crime of assault.
So if the skinhead’s THOUGHTS AND IDEAS made him guilty of a worse crime – isn’t the 80-year old woman guilty of having those same THOUGHTS AND BELIEFS? (she didn’t commit a "currently illegal" act, she just holds the same THOUGHTS AND IDEAS about homosexuality as the skinhead). Sounds like a “slippery slope” of religious persecution to me, just waiting to happen.
If we increase penalties simply because of the THOUGHTS AND BELIEFS of the person committing the crime, aren’t we in essence making those THOUGHTS AND BELIEFS a crime too?
Please call your Federal Senators on TODAY to ask them to vote AGAINST this dangerous legislation. Then, educate your friends and neighbors about why this proposal that “feels good” is actually a set-up for censorship and discrimination against religious freedom, or any other group who wants to claim this type of protection.
Who’s to say that some day – a crime of violence wouldn’t be necessary to have been committed to be prosecuted for having THOUGHTS, IDEAS AND BELIEFS that are considered “politically incorrect.” (like disagreeing with homosexuality, or any number of THOUGHTS, BELIEFS AND IDEAS)?
Last time I checked – it was still OK to disagree with homosexuality, or to hold any opinion you want. There are ALREADY LAWS ON THE BOOKS THAT MAKE CRIMES AGAINST PEOPLE ILLEGAL. We don't need to make THOUGHTS, BELIEFS, AND IDEAS a crime too.
No more laws are necessary. And we don’t need the “thought police” watching us to be sure we don’t disagree with certain “tolerated” lifestyles, or “fill in the blank” idea that comes up next.
P.S. Here’s what Family Research Council had to say about it today:
************************************************
Kennedy/Smith vs. the Constitution
Yesterday, in close alliance with the Human Rights Campaign, Senators Ted Kennedy (D-Mass.) and Gordon Smith (R-Ore.) filed their "hate crimes" legislation for consideration as an amendment to the Department of Defense reauthorization that is currently being debated in the U.S. Senate. The "hate crimes" amendment has numerous problems that should raise concerns for all Americans. First off this bill would usurp the jurisdiction of state and local governments and would federalize each and every state and local crime of violence, so long as there exists the possibility that the crime was motivated by "hate," as defined under this bill. Secondly this bill attacks religious liberty. Current federal law allows an individual to be prosecuted as an "accessory" to a crime, or if the individual somehow "incited" violence. Thus, if a preacher were to denounce the act of homosexuality as a sin and someone who heard him committed a violent crime towards a homosexual it is plausible that the pastor could be charged with inciting violence or as an accessory to the crime. Lastly, but far from least, the concept of "hate crimes" destroys the principle that all men are created equal, as stated in the Declaration of Independence. All human beings should be valued the same regardless of what "category" that person defines himself in. Please contact your U.S. senators TODAY and tell them to vote against the Kennedy/Smith hate crimes amendment.
Senators Ted Kennedy (D-Mass.) and Gordon Smith (R-Ore.) filed their "hate crimes" legislation for consideration as an amendment to the Department of Defense reauthorization bill that is currently being debated in the U.S. Senate.
On the surface, “hate crimes” legislation sounds ok to most people – after all – we don’t want anyone to “hate” another person, right? But don't be fooled by what seems like a harmless attempt to punish criminals. Let's really take a look at what’s going on here.
I think you'll agree that in actuality, this proposed amendment has nothing to do with stopping hate. What’s actually going ON here is an attempt to outlaw certain “politically incorrect” THOUGHTS, BELIEFS and IDEAS.
Sound far-fetched? Think about it – we ALREADY HAVE LAWS ON THE BOOKS against assault, and other crimes against people and property. These legislators want to add another “layer” to these crimes that would make certain THOUGHTS or OPINIONS of the person who committed the crime – to hold a bigger punishment. Still think that sounds ok? Read on…..
Here’s a fictitious example to show the hidden danger of this proposed amendment: (we'll pick on gays, since that's a large part of the hidden agenda here, but it could apply to many other examples as well)....
We'll use two major characters in our story. An 80 year-0ld woman and a 20-year old skinhead. Both of these two people disagree with a homosexual man’s lifestyle. The 80-year old lady wouldn’t hurt a fly. She feels homosexuality is wrong based on her religious beliefs. She acts on her BELIEFS by praying for the homosexual man. The 20-year old skinhead acts on his BELIEFS by beating up the gay man. (different actions, same BELIEFS).
Across town, a straight man beats up another straight man in a bar fight. Both the skinhead and the straight man in the bar are arrested for the assault each of them committed against two different victims. (which, of course, is already an illegal crime).
If this amendment were to pass, the new "hate crimes" law would treat these two men quite differently – even thought they committed virtually the same crime. The 20 year-old man who assaulted the gay man would be prosecuted for a FEDERAL crime – simply because of the thoughts, beliefs, and ideas he held about that man he assaulted. The other man would be prosecuted in his local jurisdiction for the “normal” crime of assault.
So if the skinhead’s THOUGHTS AND IDEAS made him guilty of a worse crime – isn’t the 80-year old woman guilty of having those same THOUGHTS AND BELIEFS? (she didn’t commit a "currently illegal" act, she just holds the same THOUGHTS AND IDEAS about homosexuality as the skinhead). Sounds like a “slippery slope” of religious persecution to me, just waiting to happen.
If we increase penalties simply because of the THOUGHTS AND BELIEFS of the person committing the crime, aren’t we in essence making those THOUGHTS AND BELIEFS a crime too?
Please call your Federal Senators on TODAY to ask them to vote AGAINST this dangerous legislation. Then, educate your friends and neighbors about why this proposal that “feels good” is actually a set-up for censorship and discrimination against religious freedom, or any other group who wants to claim this type of protection.
Who’s to say that some day – a crime of violence wouldn’t be necessary to have been committed to be prosecuted for having THOUGHTS, IDEAS AND BELIEFS that are considered “politically incorrect.” (like disagreeing with homosexuality, or any number of THOUGHTS, BELIEFS AND IDEAS)?
Last time I checked – it was still OK to disagree with homosexuality, or to hold any opinion you want. There are ALREADY LAWS ON THE BOOKS THAT MAKE CRIMES AGAINST PEOPLE ILLEGAL. We don't need to make THOUGHTS, BELIEFS, AND IDEAS a crime too.
No more laws are necessary. And we don’t need the “thought police” watching us to be sure we don’t disagree with certain “tolerated” lifestyles, or “fill in the blank” idea that comes up next.
P.S. Here’s what Family Research Council had to say about it today:
************************************************
Kennedy/Smith vs. the Constitution
Yesterday, in close alliance with the Human Rights Campaign, Senators Ted Kennedy (D-Mass.) and Gordon Smith (R-Ore.) filed their "hate crimes" legislation for consideration as an amendment to the Department of Defense reauthorization that is currently being debated in the U.S. Senate. The "hate crimes" amendment has numerous problems that should raise concerns for all Americans. First off this bill would usurp the jurisdiction of state and local governments and would federalize each and every state and local crime of violence, so long as there exists the possibility that the crime was motivated by "hate," as defined under this bill. Secondly this bill attacks religious liberty. Current federal law allows an individual to be prosecuted as an "accessory" to a crime, or if the individual somehow "incited" violence. Thus, if a preacher were to denounce the act of homosexuality as a sin and someone who heard him committed a violent crime towards a homosexual it is plausible that the pastor could be charged with inciting violence or as an accessory to the crime. Lastly, but far from least, the concept of "hate crimes" destroys the principle that all men are created equal, as stated in the Declaration of Independence. All human beings should be valued the same regardless of what "category" that person defines himself in. Please contact your U.S. senators TODAY and tell them to vote against the Kennedy/Smith hate crimes amendment.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)