We Need and Want a President Who Will Act in the Best Interests of the Country...

I issued the following 'warning' on Facebook 11/1....

Hello my FB friends:
Just a heads up....Knowing that a lot of folks haven't voted yet I'm gonna be posting daily regarding the upcoming elections until Nov. 6th (election day if you haven't heard). Hopefully you will find my astute musings profitable (unless you're against profits then feel free to re-distribute them as you see fit. Oh wow, I just posted today's). As the day draws near some may be a little more pointed than previous posts, but let's make a commitment now to remain friends, agreed?

Stay tuned, and stay patient, it's almost over.
Love love,
GB

Here we go…..

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Originally posted Jan 15, 2012...Just a reminder:

I posted October 25, 2011:

President Obama is traveling the country proudly saying “If congress won’t act, I will.” Mr. President, you are not a king, you are not a benevolent dictator, you are bound to operate within the framework of the constitution in concert with the other two branches of government and you cannot 'act on your own.'

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I posted November 2, 2011 as a follow up to the Oct. 25 post:

“If congress won’t act, I will.” Well, here we go...President Obama has signed 5 Executive Orders in the last week alone. He is circumventing Congress. And he is being encouraged to do so. Here is a quote from Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr: “I hope the President continues to exercise extraordinary constitutional means, based on the history of Congresses that have been in rebellion in the past. He’s looking administratively for ways to advance the causes of the American people, because this Congress is completely dysfunctional." Mr. President, just because the majority of Congress have different ideas about policy than you do does not give you the right to by-pass them AND the Constitution. By your actions you are abandoning your responsibility, your reason, and have shown your utter disrespect for the Constitution, our national institutions and the rule of law.

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Posted Jan 15, 2012:

And today, ‘the beat goes on:’ President Obama just appointed Richard Cordray to head the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and three members to the National Labor Relations Board, using the ‘recess appointment’ rational, even though the Senate has met every three or four days over the holiday period and therefore is not in recess. As House Speaker John Boehner said "This is an extraordinary and entirely unprecedented power grab by President Obama which will have a devastating effect on the checks and balances that are enshrined in our constitution." The President feels he was justified in the appointments, calling the pro forma sessions "gimmicks."…

This is just the latest evidence of President Obama’s blatant disregard for the Constitution (overuse of Executive Orders, the Individual Mandate in the healthcare bill, acting independently/without Congress in the Libyan involvement, etc. etc.).

Here’s the problem: President Obama thinks ‘he knows best’ and we need him to ‘act on our behalf’ as he sees best even if it means going outside the limitations of the Constitution. It’s no mystery why our President is sympathetic to many of the world’s dictatorial regimes, for based on his recent actions, it appears he desires to be a dictator.

Mr. President, we don’t need or want a dictator. We need and want a President who will act in the best interests of the country rather than in the best interests of his party and fringe support groups, a President who will adhere to the vows taken to uphold and adhere to the Constitution.

And we are going to fire you.

Just sayin'...

The root determines the fruit….

Who does this sound like?

This person thinks that to bring about the desired society one needs to “excoriate  big business, blast Wall Street and “greedy” millionaires, lambast GOP tax cuts that “spare the rich,” attack “excess profits” and oil companies, perceives the Catholic Church as an obstacle to the vision of the ‘preferred state’ while repeating the mantra of the need for “transformational and fundamental change” while moving "forward."

The root determines the fruit….If we said the above words and thoughts were President Obama's we would be correct. BUT, what we need to know is that he came to these positions and views while learning from the man that, in his own memoir, he calls simply “Frank” to whom the thoughts above are actually attributed to. “Frank” is Frank Marshall Davis a card-carrying member of the Communist Party USA, cited by the Associated Press as an “important influence” on Obama, one whom he “looked to” not merely for “advice on living” but as a “father” figure.

Frank Marshall Davis was a pro-Soviet, pro–Red China communist. His Communist Party USA card number, revealed in FBI files, was CP #47544. He was a prototype of the loyal Soviet patriot, so radical that the FBI placed him on the federal government’s Security Index. In the early 1950s, Davis opposed U.S. attempts to slow Stalin and Mao. He favored Red Army takeovers of Central and Eastern Europe, and communist control in Korea and Vietnam. Dutifully serving the cause, he edited and wrote for communist newspapers in both Chicago and Honolulu, courting contributors who were Soviet agents. In the 1970s, amid this dangerous political theater, Frank Marshall Davis came into Barack Obama’s life and ‘mentored’ him for years.

It is startling how various elements of the Obama administration’s agenda directly reflect Davis’s columns advocating wealth redistribution, government stimulus for “public works projects,” taxpayer-funding of universal health care, nationalizing General Motors and more.

Enough to make a fella say “hmmmm,” dontcha think?

Just sayin’…..

It is widely agreed that the most important issue this political season is the economy….I disagree, and here’s why….

This is an opening salvo in what might well become a series of posts…Stay tuned.

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Earlier this year President Obama said income inequality is “the defining issue of our time” and it is widely agreed that the most important issue this political season is the economy….I disagree, and here’s why….

In order to have a proper perspective on all of the dysfunction we are seeing in government, the selfishness we so often hear from 'rich and poor' in discussions on the economy, the narcissism we see in the occupy all streets movement, to understand why 'socialism' will never work, to grasp why our culture is becoming less wholesome and decent on a seemingly daily basis, etc etc etc, you have to reject the idea that mankind is basically good....Don't agree? Look around! I often say that ‘the first man ever born murdered his own brother and it’s been pretty much downhill ever since.’

The problem IS NOT that some are rich and some are poor. The problem IS NOT that some have more than others. The problem IS NOT the rich. The problem IS NOT the poor. Part of the problem is the currently rapidly increasing thinking that the poor are poor BECAUSE of the rich, but that IS NOT the problem. The problem IS…..wait for it….We are SELFISH. There it is and it’s as simple as that. Humans are SELFish, SELF-seeking, SELF-promoting, SELF-preserving.

How many of us have had to teach our kids to be selfish? Uh,nobody!  Case closed, but I have more to say….:)

Lots of people have joined the ‘fairness’ bandwagon and it has been a frequent theme in statements from President Obama who clearly thinks the very roots of our nation are ‘unfair’ and is set on fundamentally transforming America into his vision of what it means to be 'fair.' That sounds good, but it begs the question “what is ‘fair’ and who determines it?” And, once we face the fact that we are basically selfish people, this whole idea of ‘fairness’ becomes a fallacy. Does ‘fair’ mean we should all 'have the same?' Does ‘fair’ mean the person who works hard should not be allowed to enjoy the fruit of their labors but instead have to underwrite those who will not work? Does ‘fair’ mean there should never be winners and losers? Does ‘fair’ mean gifted, creative, industrious folks should not use their gifting to their advantage? Does ‘fair’ mean those who pay their student loans should now pay the loans of those who won't pay? Does ‘fair’ mean those who don't pay their mortgage should be bailed out by those who do? Does ‘fair’ mean we should all drive the same cars, use the same light bulbs, eat the same food, etc. etc. etc.....

No matter how much we try and eliminate ‘unfairness’ from society it will never work because of our selfish hearts and desires. The old, antiquated (tongue firmly on cheek as I type) Bible has something to say about all this. This passage from James in The Message version sums it up pretty well:

James 4, verses 1 and 2…Where do you think all these appalling wars and quarrels come from? Do you think they just happen? Think again. They come about because you want your own way, and fight for it deep inside yourselves. You lust for what you don't have and are willing to kill to get it. You want what isn't yours and will risk violence to get your hands on it.

The above describes why some folks are willing to take from others just because they want or think they deserve. Why so many are willing to embrace the ‘class warfare’ rhetoric pitting rich against poor. Why many cry ‘unfair’ against any and all that don’t acquiesce to their misguided demands and why Occupy Portland protesters can steal a car and wreck it with no remorse, can carry around loaded guns and threaten people, can shut down Port union job sites, can ruin public property, can damage businesses, can perpetrate violence against the police….All in the name of ‘fairness’ when in reality (in my opinion) it’s nothing more than a bunch of spoiled brats who, rather than get a job, are happy to live off of our tax dollars and use products provided by the same ‘evil, unfair corporations’ they say they hate.

Ecclesiastes, chapter 5, verses 8 thru 10 also speaks to this all…”8 If you see the poor oppressed in a district, and justice and rights denied, do not be surprised at such things; for one official is eyed by a higher one, and over them both are others higher still. 9 The increase from the land is taken by all; the king himself profits from the fields. 10 Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless.

Now, some may say I am ignoring ‘justice’ when discussing this topic in this way. No way, for ‘justice’ and ‘fairness’ are not synonymous. Fairness is simply lack of favoritism, justice is making sure folks are treated the same according to established rules, laws or moral standards. For example, it is not fair for the government to take one group of people’s resources and give them another group of people simply because someone has given the receivers a ‘special designation’ (favoritism) and justice should be administered should this be attempted in disregard of established laws…Like that example…..:)

Definitions….

Fairness:

Marked by impartiality and honesty; free from self-interest, prejudice, or favoritism…Gary B. simple interpretation: Where integrity and honesty rule and no one is favored over another, rich or poor. Same opportunities but no guarantee of same outcomes.

Justice: 

The maintenance or administration of what is just especially by the impartial adjustment of conflicting claims or the assignment of merited rewards or punishments; The administration of law, especially the establishment or determination of rights according to the rules of law or equity; the quality of being just, impartial, or fair…. Gary B. simple interpretation: Obey and uphold the law without partiality.

Part 1 ending now…

Just sayin’…..

Just Sayin'....It's Time....

Back on January 30, 2012 I posted on Facebook “Speaking in metaphorical terms, ‘fruit’ can be defined simply as the ‘outward manifestation of inner workings or convictions.’ So, (for what they’re worth) in the days to come I’ll be sharing some of my observations on ‘the fruit’ and ‘the root’…”…..Just a guy, sharin’ his thoughts…

Well, since January, though I have posted some thoughts about the current administration, I’ve been holding off on sharing more of my thoughts about our President and some of his ‘less than forthright’ answers to questions about his past; the fruit of his present actions; and how his past relationships and interactions are actively shaping his hopes for our future. And before you tell me to be more tolerant and that rather than criticize our President I need to pray for him please know I do pray for him and want him to succeed because I want the country to succeed. But, facts are facts and we need to look at some….

President Obama has shown us, by his actions over the past 3+ years that he really is quite serious about what he calls the ‘fundamental transformation’ of America. Just this past week he said we wants another 5 years to ‘recreate America.’ Huh?

Folks, it’s time we all take a serious look at the man occupying the office.

First of all, let it be known that I am not a ‘birther’ so please withhold any comments regarding that particular issue. Our President was elected in accordance with our laws and processes so at this point it doesn’t matter where he was born and raised, that cow has left the barn. Having said that, it is interesting that the president who campaigned for a more “open government” and for “full disclosure at all levels” has been less than open in many important areas and about many important things. Pretty much anywhere/everywhere one looks into our President’s background you find sealed records, scrubbed websites, altered documents, deception and unanswered questions. I mean, if a guy will make up a ‘composite girlfriend’ for his own autobiography what else does he need to embellish/cover up/try and eliminate?

For example:  

• Our President will not unseal/release his elementary and/or high school records
• Our President will not unseal/release his passport records
• Our President will not unseal/release his Harvard record
• Our President will not unseal/release his Columbia University record
• Our President will not unseal/release his Occidental College record
• Our President will not unseal/release his college financing records
• Our President will not unseal/release his legislative records from the Illinois State Senate
• Our President will not unseal/release his scheduling records during those State Senate years

Also, isn’t it interesting how the same ‘lame stream’ media that can dig up important facts about Mitt Romney (did you know that once, 30 years ago, he drove with his dog in a secure car-top kennel or that once, 50 years ago, he engaged in a high school prank…DISGRACEFUL!) refuses to dig into any of the above nor will they look in any serious way at the following:

• Our President’s relationship with domestic terrorist Bill Ayers and his wife
• Our President’s relationship with the shady Rev. Jeremiah Wright
• Our President’s relationship with his mentor, the avowed communist Frank Marshall Davis
• Our President’s relationship with his radical ‘Czars’ and other radical staff/cabinet members
• Our President’s relationship with the SEIU labor union and the SEIU’s association with the violent aspects of the Occupy Whatever movement
• The fact that our President himself says he ‘sought out’ Marxist professors while in college
• The fact that our President himself says he enjoyed his interaction with others at the ‘Socialist Conferences’ he attended while in college
• The fact that our President himself says while in high school he drank heavily, experimented with drugs enthusiastically and ‘did a little blow’ when he could afford it
• The fact that while our President rails against ‘the rich and the Wall Street fat cats’ he sure enjoys hobnobbing with them and taking their money
• Will not further examine these words from Michelle Obama spoken during the 2008 campaign (emphasis and parenthetical words added by me) :
• “Barack knows that we are going to have to make sacrifices; we are going to have to change our conversation; we're going to have to change our traditions, change our history; we're going to have to move into a different place as a nation."
• “Barack Obama is the only person in this race who understands that we have to fix our souls. Our souls are broken....I am married to the only person in this race who can heal this nation.”
• “Barack Obama is going to demand that you shed your cynicism. (He’s going to demand) That you put down your divisions. (He’s going to demand) That you come out of your isolation. (He’s going to demand) That you come out of your isolation, that you move out of your comfort zones. (He’s going to demand) That you push yourselves to be better. (He’s going to demand) That you engage. Barack will never allow you to go back to your lives as usual, uninvolved, uninformed.”

That’s enough for now. Just sayin’….

Some Facts....

Here are some interesting facts regarding the current administration....Don't shoot the messenger.

Just sayin'.....

Better to live thru the windshield than thru the rearview mirror!

If we get stuck in the PAST we will be paralyzed in the PRESENT and never move forward toward our FUTURE…

PAST….These could have done it, but they didn’t

• In Valsetz, 2^nd grade, I had wandered waaayyy far away from Dad, slipped off a log into the pond….That could’ve done it, but it didn’t.
• Summer of 1971, on 99W between Corvallis and Monmouth, Suver junction, driving my cousin back to college in my ’62 Ford Falcon (3 on the tree 170 Special), rear-ended a big Mercury land yacht at highway speed, plowed my head right thru the windshield….That could’ve done it, but it didn’t.
• 1989-1990 so sick and doctors couldn’t find out why, losing weight, weeks off work, sarcoidosis in my lymph system and lungs….That could’ve done it, but it didn’t.
• Late summer 1991, doing my awesome version of break dancing, totally ripped my left calf muscle, on crutches for 2 weeks, get off crutches and a huge blood clot breaks loose and travels thru my heart into my lungs (%95 fatal pulmonary embolism)….That really could have done it, but it didn’t.
• Late 2006/early 2007 due to some extremely difficult ‘life circumstances’ I actually got to the point where I thought to myself ‘Maybe everybody would just be better off if I weren’t around’….That could’ve done it, but it didn’t.
• Late evening April 6, 2012 severe heart arrhythmia resulting in an ambulance ride to the hospital and having my heart shocked back to regular rhythm….That could’ve done it, but it didn’t.
• Any/all of those things could’ve done it, but they didn’t. I’m still here, I’m thankful, I have a future and I’m not merely ‘still standing.’ I’m going Onward Upward Forward!

PRESENT…I Am Thankful

• I’m thankful for the grace, mercy, kindness, goodness and favor God has bestowed upon me and my family.
• I’m thankful for my wife. She is tender and strong, funny and serious, easy going and fierce, easily moved to tears and not easily moved from her opinions, girly and can flip tires. She is…Perfect for me.
• I’m thankful for my children, for their spouses and for the grandkids they have blessed us with…I’m so blessed, so proud, so thankful for Michael, Kimberly, Matthew, Carli, Jed, Addie, Isaiah, Ezra, Zekie, Havalah, Sofia, Seth and Eliana….
• I’m thankful for great-grandparents, grandparents and parents that gave my brothers and me such a tremendous heritage of faith, integrity, love, stability, character and laughter.
• I’m thankful for my brothers Steve and David, their wives Jeannie and Traci and all the nieces and nephews and great-nieces that have sprung from them.
• I’m thankful for Vonnie’s family and the ‘genuineness’ and joy they bring to a pretentious and joy deficient world.
• I’m thankful for extended family that makes me laugh, pray for us and are always there whenever needed.
• I’m thankful for the literally thousands of friends we have all around the world, here in Oregon and in Washington Alaska California Idaho Nevada Arizona Georgia Montana Utah Colorado Texas Oklahoma Missouri Florida New Jersey New York Kosova Mexico India South Africa Japan Korea Germany Hungary Canada Thailand Hong Kong and More and More…..
• I’m thankful that at 58 ½ God is still at work in my life…Spirit, soul and body.

FUTURE….Onward Upward Forward!

• Vonnie and I are feeling the ‘familiar stirring’ that tells us God is up to something. We are praying and looking forward to at least one more ‘big adventure.’ Stay tuned!
• Looking forward to a fresh renewal of existing gifts given by God and a release of new gifts that He has in store.
• Looking forward to doing some writing...Should be fun!

It’s better to live thru the windshield than thru the rearview mirror!

Regarding Gas Prices...Who is Gouging Whom?

Please understand in this short writing I am not 'sticking up' for the oil companies, this is just my attempt to  bring some truth to repudiate President Obama's claim, made again today (3/29/12), that the oil company's profits are outrageous. Keep reading and see who actually makes the most money on a gallon of gas and whom is gouging whom at the pump.

Note: Best stats/comparisons I could find are based on gas being $3.00 per gallon...(We wish).

Myth: Oil companies make outrageous profits.

Fact: For oil companies the gross profit margin for a gallon of gas today is what it has always been, on average, .08 cents per gallon, or 2.5% at $3.00 per gallon.

Fact: The federal government profits approximately .59 cents per gallon through gasoline taxes, 7 ½ times or 750% that of the oil producers themselves and 20% of the price at the pumps.

Fact: If oil companies cut their profit margins by 50%, it would drop the price of a gallon of gas by only .04 cents per gallon.

Fact: If the federal government would cut taxes on gas by 50%, it would drop the price of a gallon of gas by .30 cents per gallon. If the federal government didn’t tax gasoline at all, the price per gallon at the pumps would be $2.40 per gallon instead of $3.00 per gallon and the oil companies would still be at a respectable 2.5% gross profit margin.

Fact: Over the last 20 years, the price per gallon of gas has increased roughly 60%, which equals an annual average increase of only 3%, which is less than the average rate of inflation.

Fact: During the same 20 year period the salary of every member of Congress has increased 250% or 12.5% per year, more than four times the average rate of inflation.

Question: Who is gouging whom?