The truth is non-partisan

Obama promises student loan forgiveness after 10 years to public servants

noreply@blogger.com (John Fisher) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 05:42:00 +0000

Obama promises student loan relief, but to the wrong group of people. Public servants, not entrepreneurs.

"In the 21st century, the best anti-poverty program around is a world-class education," Obama said in his first State of the Union speech. "No one should go broke because they chose to go to college."

In his budget request for fiscal 2011 next week, Obama plans to introduce a $10,000 tax credit for families paying for four years of college, and more money for Pell Grants that help low-income students afford college. He also called for growth in an income-based student-loan repayment program the Education Department started in July.

"Let's tell another 1 million students that when they graduate, they will be required to pay only 10 percent of their income on student loans, and all of their debt will be forgiven after 20 years -- and forgiven after 10 years if they choose a career in public service," Obama said.

One can not blame the Obama administration for beginning Federal education programs. One can blame them for expanding the programs which clearly are unconstitutional. While student loans may benefit students in the short term, in the long term they become a burden. A wise person would do everything possible to fund education without loans. Forgiving student loans may be noble, but not prudent. It increases federal government expenditures.

It is strange that Obama would propose forgiving student debt after 10 years if the graduate goes into public service. This means teachers, fire fighters,and police. But it also means state and federal government bureaucrats will receive government forgiveness after 10 years. Such a measure expands government rather than decreasing its size. Government is already too big and its expenditures are crippling taxpayers. The falling U.S. dollar caused by funding government from deficits should be a concern for all of us.

One of Obama's promises is more jobs. New jobs are best created by small business. Not by government. It's surprising that government servants would get their student loans forgiven after 10 years, but not entrepreneurs. No promises for doctors, dentists, or business people.

Statement of Congressman Ron Paul in Opposition to H Res 1021, Condolences to Haiti

noreply@blogger.com (John Fisher) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 04:41:00 +0000

January 21, 2010

I rise in reluctant opposition to this resolution. Certainly I am moved
by the horrific destruction in Haiti and would without hesitation
express condolences to those who have suffered and continue to suffer.
As a medical doctor, I have through my career worked to alleviate the
pain and suffering of others. Unfortunately, however, this resolution
does not simply express our condolences, but rather it commits the US
government "to begin the reconstruction of Haiti" and affirms that "the
recovery and long-term needs of Haiti will require a sustained
commitment by the United States...." I do not believe that a resolution
expressing our deep regret and sorrow over this tragedy should be used
to commit the United States to a "long-term" occupation of Haiti during
which time the US government will provide for the reconstruction of that
country.
I am concerned over the possibility of an open-ended US military
occupation of Haiti and this legislation does nothing to alleviate my
concerns. On the contrary, when this resolution refers to the need for a
long term US plan for Haiti, I see a return to the failed attempts by
the Clinton and Bush Administrations to establish Haiti as an American
protectorate. Already we are seeing many argue that this kind of
humanitarian mission is a perfect fit for the US military. I do not
agree.
Certainly I would support and encourage the efforts of the American
people to help the people of Haiti at this tragic time. I believe that
the American people are very generous on their own and fear that a US
government commitment to reconstruct Haiti may actually discourage
private contributions. Mr. Speaker, already we see private US citizens
and corporations raising millions of dollars for relief and
reconstruction of Haiti. I do not believe the US government should get
in the way of these laudable efforts. I do express my condolences but I
unfortunately must urge my colleagues to vote against this resolution
committing the United States government to rebuild Haiti.

Race for the Top, a different name but the same tired practices

noreply@blogger.com (John Fisher) — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 14:44:00 +0000

When states sell their souls to the federal government for grants,
they do it in exchange for giving up freedom to control their programs
and the strings attached almost always cost more than the benefits to
the states.

The federal government dictates how programs are run and usually
requires states use their own funds to top up federal grants. States
end up spending their own money on federally-mandated programs.

This week was the deadline for applications for federal grants related
to the Race to the Top program, Obama's version of No Child Left
Behind. The U.S. Department of Education has $4.3 billion to hand out,
but states have to qualify to get the grants, which often requires
changing their programs.

Obama is convinced the grant will entice "cash-starved" states to
adopt his program.

To qualify states must shut down failing schools, opting for privately
run charter schools, develop tougher tests tied to higher academic
standards, and collect better data to track student progress and make
teacher training more rigorous. Teachers will be evaluated on their
students' performance on tests.

"If it sounds prescriptive, that's because it is," North Carolina Gov.
Bev Perdue told NPR.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=122727330

While Perdue was critical of the "cookie-cutter" approach mandated by
the feds, her state still applied for the grants. At least twelve
states have changed their laws to fit federal guidelines.

Despite opposition from its teachers, the largest teacher's union, the
American Federation of Teachers, says it supports the Obama plan.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=122518878&ps=rs

Tom Dooher, president of the Minnesota teacher's union, calls the
program "coercive." Superintendents are telling teachers this may be
the only money they see for many years.

States have invested time and resources in the application process so
they can figure out what to do to get the largest grants possible. The
rules for applying for the grant run over 100 pages. The Gates
Foundation is giving grants to states to help them apply for the
federal grants.

Education Secretary Arne Duncan told NPR in November that Race to the
Top give states flexibility instead of telling them what to do. The
grant will be "based upon their history of accomplishments and their
capacity to deliver on a courageous plan that they themselves design,"
Duncan told NPR.

However, John Ashley, executive director of the Wisconsin Association
of School Boards, said: "We now see states scrambling to read the
minds of the Department of Education as to what would make their state
eligible for the funds."

Anthony Cody, who coaches science teachers in Oakland Public Schools,
is using his Facebook to fight against Race to the Top.

"People with large amounts of money are using that money to leverage
change that they want," said Cody to NPR.

According to Cody, President Obama in his campaign said he would move
away from punishing schools for low test scores. The Bush
administration's No Child Left Behind increased testing and punished
teachers if scores didn't improve.

However, Cody says these practices continue under Obama's Race for the
Top. He is concerned that Race for the Top increases the reliance on
testing and teachers teaching for standardized tests.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120340616&ps=rs

Federal funding to states for education is unconstitutional. In
addition, it makes states and school districts dependent on big
government, encouraging them to give up program freedom for dollars
that have too many strings attached.

Obama makes fun of pickup owners

noreply@blogger.com (John Fisher) — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:32:00 +0000

President Obama made fun of Senator-elect Scott Brown because he
drives a pickup truck and used it in his campaign. Obama was
suggesting that Brown is a Pickup Poser. "Forget the truck," Obama
said during a Sunday rally for Democratic Senate candidate Martha
Coakley in Boston. "Everybody can buy a truck." Brown, the president
said, has "decided to park his truck on Wall Street."

Brown's campaign jabbed back in a statement on Monday. "Mr. President,
unfortunately in this economy, not everybody can buy a truck."

Brown has over 200,000 miles on his pickup. Whether he posed with the
truck or not doesn't matter. What Obama forgets is that many
Americans have a love affair with their pickups - me included. I
drive it because I like to drive it - not because its practical.

House prepared to pass Senate health care bill

noreply@blogger.com (John Fisher) — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 04:47:00 +0000

Now that Scott Brown has won the Senate seat in Massachusetts, the House of Representatives is considering passing the Senate health care bill unamended.

Brown's victory means that Republicans in Senate have enough votes to deny Democrats their 60-seat Senate supermajority. The GOP will be able to block future Senate votes on health care and other Democratic priorities.

Since the Senate has already passed a version of the health care bill, Democrats in the House are considering passing the Senate bill without alterations.

As reported by CNN, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer told reporters that the Senate health care bill is "better than nothing."

If the House passes the Senate bill as currently written, however, the measure could proceed straight to President Obama to be signed into law.

Before Christmas, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi rejected the idea of passing an unamended version of the Senate bill. At the time, she pointed to a number of key differences between the Senate and House bills.

However, it appears she has changed her mind. Pelosi said, "Whatever happens in Massachusetts, we will have quality, affordable health care for all Americans, and it will be soon."

Several Democratic congressional sources told CNN that the White House had laid groundwork for the idea of House approval the Senate bill. This would be the best of a series of bad options, according to Democrats.

http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/01/19/health.care/

Deal Challenges Obama’s Eligibility

noreply@blogger.com (John Fisher) — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 15:59:00 +0000

The Post & Email indicated that on December 1, 2009 U.S. Congressman Nathan Deal (GA-R) sent a letter to the White House requesting that President Obama confirm his eligibility to hold the office of the U.S. presidency.

Todd Smith, Chief of Staff for Representative Nathan Deal of the United States House of Representatives serving Georgia's 9th district, told the Post & Email on January 5, 2010 that Deal has sent a letter to Barack Hussein Obama requesting him to prove his eligibility for the office of President of the United States of America. The letter was sent electronically the first of December 2009 in pdf format, and Mr. Smith said that Representative Deal has confirmation from Obama's staff that it has been received. The letter did not have additional signatories. It originated solely from Representative Deal.

I didn't find any mention of the request on Deal's website. http://www.house.gov/deal/index.shtml

See the Post and Email article at:
http://www.thepostemail.com/2010/01/05/deal-challenges-obamas-eligibility/comment-page-1/

TSA response reactive rather than pro-active

noreply@blogger.com (John Fisher) — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 03:57:00 +0000

A bomb-attempt Christmas day was successfully thwarted by passengers on a Detroit-bound Northwest Airlines flight. The explosive concealed in the underwear of a Nigerian traveler reportedly was powerful enough to put a hole in the side of an airliner.

According to federal investigators, the bomb packet contained 80 grams of the explosive chemical PETN, sewn into the briefs of Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab.

Shoe bomber Richard C. Reid had carried 50 grams of the material in his failed bomb attempt on an airplane in December 2001.

Officials said that the detonator used by Abdulmutallab, a syringe filled with acid, failed to work, preventing an explosion. He attempted to blow up the bomb from under an airline blanket. Passengers and crew subdued the bomber and held him under arrest until landing at the Detroit airport.

In the meantime, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), a part of Homeland Security, is being criticized for its failure to act on the ground to prevent Al Qaeda trained Abdulmutallab from getting on the flight in Amsterdam.

The bomber was traveling on a visa issued by the State Department on June 16, 2008 and valid until June 12, 2010. Abdulmutallab was on a "terror watch list" but not on the "no fly" list, which would have prevented him from boarding the flight.

Reports from Nigeria said Abdulmutallab's father had contacted the U.S. embassy six months ago about concerns his son had become radicalized and could pose a threat to the U.S. One report said the father could not understand why his son was allowed to board a flight to the U.S. given his warning.

The TSA's reaction to the bombing attempt was to impose new security restrictions on passengers. Some of the restrictions have raised concerns about passenger privacy.

"The Department of Homeland Security immediately put additional screening measures into place- for all domestic and international flights- to ensure the continued safety of the traveling public," said Homeland Security secretary Janet Napolitano.

"Passengers flying from international locations to U.S. destinations may notice additional security measures in place," said Napolitano. "These measures are designed to be unpredictable, so passengers should not expect to see the same thing everywhere."

According to CBS travel correspondent Peter Greenberg, "The TSA has been extraordinarily quiet about announcing its new security rules, other than to say there would be different rules for different airports and that they would not be announcing them."

Greenberg predicts that passengers will see "bomb sniffing dogs and an increase in "secondary" inspections -- pat downs and, where available, a greater use of sniffer machines." Some airlines may be restricting people to only one carry-on.

On flights originating overseas, Greenberg wrote passengers will not be able to leave their seats for one hour before arrival and for one hour prior to arrival there will be no public announcements or online flight information about the location of the plane or its arrival time. All onboard entertainment systems will be turned off and all reading materials and blankets will be taken away an hour before landing. Passengers will not have access to their belongings in overhead storage bins.

Greenberg claims the restrictions are "pathetic" and "misdirected." As a result of Reid's failed bomb attempt in 2001, passengers in the U.S. have been required to remove their shoes when going through security. The scanning equipment has no ability to detect explosives.

"There is no standard, unilateral application of security for airline passengers worldwide.

Equipment is either not working, or not effective in combating chemical explosives. And the governing agencies -- in this case the TSA, are, sadly, and historically, reactive at best," wrote Greenberg.

The TSA is reacting to the recent bombing attempt, according to Greenberg, "by prohibiting us from having a blanket, book or pillow during the last hour of our flight -- all because one person tried -- unsuccessfully -- to blow up a plane and he used a blanket during the last hour of HIS flight to try to conceal his poor attempt at detonating a chemical device?"

One of the major privacy concerns is full body scanners that do a "digital strip search." Congress delayed use of these earlier in the year, but 150 of the scanners are now on the way to airports and may be installed as early as January.

The U.S. Constitution protects citizens against "unreasonable searches." But experts are predicting that citizens will give up this right for security.

One of the concerns about the full body scanners is that they show a person completely naked during the scan process. Not only is there concern about a person's immediate privacy, but also critics worry about what happens to the scans -- how the scans will be stored and their potential future use and abuse.

"[The attack] is certainly not something we want to have happen again," Napolitano told "Good Morning America."

"That's why we're looking at that technology, why we're employing new technology. ... This is an ever-changing environment we're dealing with. We can't be static."

The TSA also is adopting a behavior monitoring system that the Israelis use successfully at Ben Gurion airport. Security at Ben Gurion single out suspicious people in airport crowds based on specific facial expressions, body language, behavior, speech and even attire. The people are then questioned.

To identify potentially dangerous individuals, the TSA has stationed specially trained behavior-detection officers at U.S. airports. The officers may be positioned anywhere, from the parking garage to the gate, trying to spot passengers who show an unusual level of nervousness or stress.

Under the behavior monitoring system, a suspicious passenger might be given a secondary security screening or questioned by police or U.S. air marshals. The TSA has established specific guidelines for normal behavior "in an airport environment." If passengers don't fit the guidelines, then they are subject to secondary screening or questioning.

In 2008, the TSA nationwide required 98,805 passengers to undergo additional screenings. Police questioned 9,854 of them and arrested 813.

The TSA indicated that the Behavior Detection Officers (BDOs) do not have a background in behavior analysis, but are chosen based on their intelligence, maturity and ability to work with people. Officers undergo only four days of behavior training, which includes learning to spot suicide terrorists, and then receive 24 hours of on-the-job preparation.

Former Georgia Congressman and Libertarian Presidential Candidate Bob Barr wrote an op-ed piece in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution expressing concern about the "significant expansion of TSA's jurisdiction." In addition to the deployment of Behavior Detection Officers (BDOs), Barr expressed concerns about TSA's "fixation with technology." Besides the full-body x-ray machines at airports, the Department of Homeland Security is spending millions on developing "technology that would remotely monitor certain bodily functions and alert TSA employees whenever someone is exuding signs of nervousness."

Barr was referring to potential behavior detection-related technologies that are being studied at DHS's science and technology directorate that could detect suspicious behavior. It's known as the Future Attribute Screening Technology, or FAST, program. Similar initiatives are underway in Israel.

The TSA also is taking its mandate outside airports. A recent article in The New American describes how the TSA is recruiting truck and bus drivers in a program called First Observers to watch for suspicious activities on the nation's highways.

Security expert Bruce Schneier has questioned the "social costs, including loss of liberty, restriction of fundamental freedoms, and the creation of a thought crime."

"Is this the sort of power we want to give a police force in a constitutional democracy, or does it feel more like a police-state sort of thing?" he asks.

Meanwhile, Napolitano says, "The American people should continue their planned holiday travel and, as always, be observant and aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious behavior or activity to law enforcement officials." Also, "allot extra-time for check-in."

Global warming

noreply@blogger.com (John Fisher) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 21:01:00 +0000

Sunday morning Edmonton, Alberta, was the coldest place in North America. Near our house the temp. was recorded at -46C with a windchill of -59C. Brrrr....everyday Edmonton is beating it's record from the past for temperatures. The news reported the only other place in the world that recorded a temperature lower than Edmonton was Siberia.

News about the news - http://www.mediafile.us
Finally, a Weight-Loss Solution You Can Live With! http://rediscoveryourlife.com/go

MSNBC's Keith Olbermann names Dallin Oaks to his nightly list of worst people

noreply@blogger.com (John Fisher) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 22:36:00 +0000

I got this in my email today. It speaks for itself...
MSNBC's Keith Olbermann names Elder Dallin H. Oaks to his nightly list
of "Worst People in the World" - I knew there was a reason I stopped
watching MSNBC, oh wait.... I never watched it anyway. Olbermann makes a great Korihor.
http://utahpolicy.com/featured_article/lds-church-leader-makes-list-worlds-worst-people

Apostle says religious freedom is being threatened

noreply@blogger.com (John Fisher) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 12:23:00 +0000

SALT LAKE CITY 13 October 2009 An apostle for The Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints said religious freedom is being threatened
by societal forces intimidating those with religious points of view
from having a voice in the public square. (See the full text of the
speech here)
Elder Dallin H. Oaks made the comments today in a major address to
Brigham Young University-Idaho students on the importance of
preserving the religious freedoms guaranteed by the United States
Constitution.
(See a video of his speech: http://tinyurl.com/yzc4uy6)
Elder Oaks has had a front-row seat in observing what he calls the
"significant deterioration in the respect accorded to religion" in
public life. Prior to his appointment to the Quorum of the Twelve
Apostles, Elder Oaks had an illustrious law career. He served as a
justice on the Utah Supreme Court, was a professor at the University
of Chicago Law School and Brigham Young University's J. Reuben Clark
Law School and clerked for Chief Justice Earl Warren of the United
States Supreme Court.
Although his address on religious freedom was not written in response
to the Proposition 8 battle over same- sex marriage in California,
Elder Oaks likened the incidents of outrage against those who
prevailed in establishing marriage between a man and a woman to the
"widely condemned voter-intimidation of blacks in the South."
He said members of the Church should not be deterred or coerced into
silence by threats. "We must insist on our constitutional right and
duty to exercise our religion, to vote our consciences on public
issues, and to participate in elections and debates in the public
square and the halls of justice."
Elder Oaks also said religious freedom is being jeopardized by claims
of newly alleged human rights. As an example, he referred to a set of
principles published by an international human rights group which
calls for governments to assure that all persons have the right to
practice their religious beliefs regardless of sexual orientation or
identity. Elder Oaks said, "This apparently proposes that governments
require church practices to ignore gender differences. Any such effort
to have governments invade religion to override religious doctrines
should be resisted by all believers."
Noting that the students he was addressing were among the generation
that would face continuing challenges to religious freedom, Elder Oaks
offered five points of counsel:
* Speak with love and show patience, understanding and compassion
to those with differing viewpoints.
* Do not be deterred or coerced into silence by intimidation from
opponents, insisting that churches and their members be able to speak
out on issues without retaliation.
* Insist on the freedom to preach the doctrines of their faith.
* Be wise in political participation, remaining respectful of
those who do not share their religious beliefs and contributing to
reasonable discussion.
* Be careful to never support or act on the idea that a person
must subscribe to a specific set of religious beliefs in order to
qualify for public office.
"Religious values and political realities are so interlinked in the
origin and perpetuation of this nation that we cannot lose the
influence of Christianity in the public square without seriously
jeopardizing our freedoms," Elder Oaks concluded. "I maintain that
this is a political fact, well qualified for argument in the public
square by religious people whose freedom to believe and act must
always be protected by what is properly called our 'First Freedom,'
the free exercise of religion."

Re-found America

noreply@blogger.com (John Fisher) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 13:53:00 +0000

Glenn Beck is looking for 56 good, honest people to re-found America.
One way to re-found America is to elect good, honest people to
Congress. What could 56 Ron Pauls do in the House? They could change
the way Washington works and restore the government back to the
people. One such person is Chick Heileson who is trying to unseat a
"do nothing" Congressman in Idaho. http://www.votechick.com/home.html

To the rescue comes Steve Milloy's "Green Hell"

noreply@blogger.com (John Fisher) — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 23:30:00 +0000

The environmental movement, bent on regulating America under its green
thumb, has such a vast array of lobbying groups, proposed measures,
and specialized terminology, that it is difficult for busy Americans
who are wary of this movement to stay current with the debate.

To the rescue comes Steve Milloy's Green Hell. At 294 pages, it is not
encyclopedic, but just the right length to bring readers up to date on
the methodologies, motives, and fallacies of this movement, and how to
combat it.

To read the rest of James Perloff's review of Green Hell go to:
http://www.thenewamerican.com/index.php/reviews/books/1672

60 minute video about 1976 swine flu shots

noreply@blogger.com (John Fisher) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 14:30:00 +0000

http://axisoflogic.com/artman/publish/Article_56521.shtml

Obama sees drop in support among whites

noreply@blogger.com (John Fisher) — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 13:27:00 +0000

One of the consequences of President Obama's off-the-cuff statements
that the Cambridge police acted stupidly in the Gates' arrest was a
drop in support among whites. One poll indicated he dropped from 53
to 46 percent. He needs that support if he is to get universal health
care passed through Congress.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090802/ap_on_go_pr_wh/us_obama_harvard_scholar_analysis

Act to save our constitution

noreply@blogger.com (John Fisher) — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 04:59:00 +0000

By Mark Galbraith

The struggle for the souls of man started when our Heavenly Father
said, "I will send the first." (Abr. 3:27) The war in heaven was
fought over agency, mankind's ability to freely choose his actions,
and throughout the history of the world the struggle has continued.
The Apostle Paul said: "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood,
but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the
darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."
(Ephesians 6:12)

Just as in the days of the flood it is true of our days: "Satan ha[s]
great dominion among men, and rage[s] in their hearts ... because of
secret works, seeking for power." (Moses 6: 15) All of this is
wrapped up in the conflict over agency, but because of Jesus Christ we
are free to choose. As father Lehi said: "Wherefore, men are free
according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are
expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal
life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity
and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil." (2 Ne.
2: 27) Agency here is made synonymous with liberty and freedom and all
are made possible through Jesus Christ.

What has this got to do with the founding of America and the
Constitution? Everything! The Prophet Mormon taught: "Behold, this
is a choice land, and whatsoever nation shall possess it shall be free
from bondage, and from captivity, and from all other nations under
heaven, if they will but serve the God of the land, who is Jesus
Christ." (Ether 2:12)

The principle of agency has been taught from the time of Adam, but
governments from that time till the founding of America [with a few
exceptions] have been monarchies that have limited, suppressed and
even confiscated agency from their subjects. The Nephite King
Benjamin was the first to recognize that there was a better form of
government and after his death the Nephites set up the reign of the
judges which was one of two golden ages in Nephite history.

Captain Moroni embodies the Nephite understanding of freedom and
liberty. After defeating Zerahemnah and the Lamanites Moroni's armies
faced a great threat from within the new Nephite nation from
Amalickiah and his kingmen. Moroni made the title of liberty, that
claimed rights "by our faith, by our religion, and by our rites of
worship, and by our church, and by the sacred support which we owe to
our wives and our children, by that liberty which binds us to our
lands and our country; yea, and also by the maintenance of the sacred
word of God, to which we owe all our happiness; and by all that is
most dear unto us." (Alma 44:5) Then for seventeen years the Nephites
fought both the kingmen and the Lamanites to preserve their right to
life, liberty and property. Their victory was short lived, and the
government only lasted another 45 years because of secret combinations
and the wickedness of the Nephites. 500 years later the Nephites like
the Jaredites before them were swept off the land because they
rejected the Lord Jesus Christ.

In 1 Nephi 13, Nephi is shown in vision the founding of our great
nation nearly 2400 years before it happened. He saw the discovery of
America and the subsequent colonization. He saw that those who came
to colonize this country would come so they could worship freely and
to escape the tyranny of government.

President Joseph F. Smith said: "This great American nation the
Almighty raised up by the power of His omnipotent hand, that it might
be possible in the latter days for the kingdom of God to be
established in the earth. If the Lord had not prepared the way by
laying the foundations of this glorious nation, it would have been
impossible (under the stringent laws and bigotry of the monarchical
governments of the old world) to have laid the foundations for the
coming of His great kingdom. The Lord has done this. His hand has
been over this nation, and it is His purpose and design to enlarge it,
make it glorious above all others, and to give it dominion and power
over the earth, to the end that those who are kept in bondage and
serfdom may be brought to the enjoyment of the fullest freedom and
liberty of conscience possible for intelligent men to exercise in the
earth." (Gospel Doctrine p. 409)

In 1776 a group of colonists began the process of breaking away from
the tyrannical monarchy of England. Their concluding words in the
Declaration of Independence are fervent and inspiring and bring to
mind the words of Moroni in the title of liberty: "And for the support
of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine
Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes,
and our sacred Honor." War ensued and many of these men gave much and
some gave all to support the Declaration they so boldly made, but as
Nephi saw in vision: "And I, Nephi, beheld that the Gentiles that had
gone out of captivity were delivered by the power of God out of the
hands of all other nations." (1 Nephi 13:19)

In 1787 many of these same men met again and created a document that
has changed the world: The Constitution of the United States of
America. George Washington, James Madison and others refer to the
constitution as 'divinely inspired' and 'miraculous'.

The Prophet Joseph Smith said this: "We say that God is true; that the
Constitution of the United States is true; that the Bible is true;
that the Book of Mormon is true; that the Book of Covenants is true;
that Christ is true; that the ministering of angels sent forth from
God are true, and that we know that we have an house not made with
hands, eternal in the heavens, whose builder and maker is God." (TPJS
147-48) And the Lord Jesus Christ said: I established the
Constitution of this land, by the hands of wise men whom I raised up
unto this very purpose, and redeemed the land by the shedding of
blood." (D&C 101:80)

I have only just outlined the beginnings of this great nation and the
Constitution that we have been given from the Lord. But my focus in
giving this talk is to look forward. What do we do with our heritage
of freedom, liberty, and agency?

The word of the prophets and the commandments of the Lord are very
clear about our present situation, President Eliza R. Snow of the
Relief Society quoted the Prophet Joseph Smith saying: "I heard him
[Joseph Smith] say that the time would come when this nation would so
far depart from its original purity, its glory, and its love for
freedom and its protection of civil rights and religious rights, that
the Constitution of our country would hang as it were by a thread. He
said, also, that this people, the sons of Zion, would rise up and save
the Constitution and bear it off triumphantly. (Snow, Eliza R. p. 556)

President Brigham Young said: "Will the Constitution be destroyed? No:
it will be held inviolate by this people; and, as Joseph Smith said,
"The time will come when the destiny of the nation will hang upon a
single thread. At that critical juncture, this people will step forth
and save it from the threatened destruction." It will be so. With
regard to the doings of our fathers and the Constitution of the United
States, I have to say, they present to us a glorious prospect in the
future, but one we cannot attain to until the present abuses in the
Government are corrected." (JD 7:14-15)

President John Taylor said: "The Constitution of the United States has
ever been respected and honored by us. We consider it one of the best
national instruments ever formed. Nay, further, Joseph Smith in his
day said it was given by inspiration of God. We have ever stood by it,
and we expect when the fanaticism of false, blatant friends shall have
torn it shred from shred, to stand by the shattered ruins and uphold
the broken, desecrated remnants of our country's institutions in all
their primitive purity and pristine glory." (JT Papers 1:228)
We are told, however, that "eternal vigilance is the price of
liberty;" and as we possess the best Constitution and the best
government in the world, let us preserve it, and transmit it intact,
pure and unadulterated to our children." (JT Papers 1:285)
He also said: "I have watched with no little anxiety the
encroachments of Government and the manifest desire to trample upon
your rights. It is for you, however, to maintain them; and if those
men that are traitors to the spirit and genius of the Constitution of
the United States have a mind to trample under foot those principles
that ought to guarantee protection to every American citizen, we will
rally around the standard, and bid them defiance in the name of the
Lord God of Israel." (JD 5:156-57)

President Heber J. Grant said: "I pray God to inspire the people that
they will obey His commands, and elect good men to office; that they
will bury their political differences and seek for good men to hold
office, and not men who connive with those who are breaking the laws
of our country." (Gospel Standards, 129)

There are statements by every prophet from Joseph Smith to Thomas
Monson on this topic but perhaps the most poignant is from President
Ezra Taft Benson who said in 1987: "Unfortunately, we as a nation have
apostatized in various degrees from different Constitutional
principles as proclaimed by the inspired founders. We are fast
approaching that moment prophesied by Joseph Smith when he said: "Even
this nation will be on the very verge of crumbling to pieces and
tumbling to the ground, and when the Constitution is upon the brink of
ruin, this people will be the staff upon which the nation shall lean,
and they shall bear the Constitution away from the very verge of
destruction" (Ezra Taft Benson, "Our Divine Constitution," Ensign, Nov
1987).

Twenty-two years ago the prophet warned that we were a constitutionally
apostatizing nation, I submit that the time the constitution is to be
on the brink of ruin has come and that we must raise up as a members
of the church and as Americans to do our part to save the
constitution. How shall we save the constitution? The Lord tells us
in the Doctrine & Conenants:

"Therefore, I, the Lord, justify you, and your brethren of my church,
in befriending that law which is the constitutional law of the land;
And as pertaining to law of man, whatsoever is more or less than this,
cometh of evil." (D&C 98:6-7)

1. We must learn the principles of the Constitution in the tradition
of the Founding Fathers.

- "Have we read The Federalist papers? Are we reading the Constitution
and pondering it? Are we aware of its principles? Are we abiding by
these principles and teaching them to others? Could we defend the
Constitution? Can we recognize when a law is constitutionally
unsound? Do we know what the prophets have said about the Constitution
and the threats to it?" (Ezra Taft Benson, "Our Divine Constitution,"
Ensign, Nov 1987, 4) As Jefferson said, "If a nation expects to be
ignorant and free…it expects what never was and never will be" (Letter
to Colonel Charles Yancey, 6 Jan. 1816).
-Learn the rights protected by the constitution, and the limits of government.
-Learn about the founding of our nation and get to know the founders
in greater detail.
-Get a copy of the constitution to keep with you and read.

"Nevertheless, when the wicked rule the people mourn. Wherefore,
honest men and wise men should be sought for diligently, and good men
and wise men ye should observe to uphold; otherwise whatsoever is less
than these cometh of evil." (D&C 98:9-10)

2. We must become involved in civic affairs to see that we are
properly represented.
- The Lord said that "he holds men accountable for their acts in
relation" to governments "both in making laws and administering them"
(D&C 134:1). Note the qualities that the Lord demands of those who
are to represent us. They must be good, wise, and honest.
- Get to know your legislators personally. If they are good, wise and
honest work with them but if they are not then work to replace them
with someone who is.
- Run for office.

3. We must make our influence felt by our vote, our communications,
our teaching, our advice, and our service.
- We must become accurately informed and then let others know how we
feel. The Prophet Joseph Smith said: "It is our duty to concentrate
all our influence to make popular that which is sound and good, and
unpopular that which is unsound. 'Tis right, politically, for a man
who has influence to use it.... From henceforth I will maintain all the
influence I can get" (History of the Church, 5:286).
- We must make time and find a place for public service, there are
always places open on City, County, Township and State boards and many
other opportunities to serve in the community. Contact leaders and
offices and ask how you can get involved.
- Attend City Council meets, political party meetings and activist
meetings and speak up for what is right and true.
- Keep current with, and have a good understanding of, legislation at
the State and Federal levels and make an active and vocal stand for
what is right. Issues are either constitutional or they aren't -- there
is no compromise --"whatsoever is more or less than this, cometh of
evil."
- Get to know your legislators personally. Support the good they do
and respectfully and thoughtfully challenge constitutionally unsound
actions and positions.

4. We must live the gospel and keep our covenants.

- "Behold, this is a choice land, and whatsoever nation shall possess
it shall be free from bondage, and from captivity, and from all other
nations under heaven, if they will but serve the God of the land, who
is Jesus Christ." (Ether 2:12)
- "For of him unto whom much is given much is required; and he who
sins against the greater light shall receive the greater
condemnation." (D&C 82:3)

It's time for us as citizens, to become the voice of reason and the
fostering force for conscience in the mind of every congressman and
senator, and in the mind of our president. We must drown out the
chaos of the lobbyists and the special interest groups with a firm and
uninterrupted flow of communication and with united purpose and
resolve. We The People have allowed the creation of the government,
and have through inaction, fostered it's growth to become a blight on
the body of freedom, the constitution and the founding ideals of
America.

We can no longer simply enjoy our freedoms and idly leave the
governance of our nation to others. Nor can we tolerate the ignorance,
disregard and inaction of our elected officials. If they will not
serve honorably, they must be pulled down ignominiously. If they
cannot hold aloft the torch of freedom for fear they cannot hide, then
we must hold it up and bring to light every concealed action and
closed door conversation.

For the last hundred years our federal government has eroded our
constitutional rights and we have allowed it to be because we have
believed the lie that we are giving up something for the greater good.
In the last nine years we have seen a deliberate acceleration of this
erosion.

Now is the time we must act to save our constitution. Indeed, now is
the time "According to the laws and constitution of the people, which
I have suffered to be established, and should be maintained for the
rights and protection of all flesh, according to just and holy
principles; That every man may act in doctrine and principle
pertaining to futurity, according to the moral agency which I have
given unto him, that every man may be accountable for his own sins in
the day of judgment. (D&C 101:77-78)

Registering trees

noreply@blogger.com (John Fisher) — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 16:17:00 +0000

Many places require permits to cut down trees on government land. Do
you know of any places that require permits for cutting trees on
personal property? When we get to that point is the next step going
to be registering trees so the government controls when and how many
trees we can cut down? If you know anything about either of these
possibilities, please comment.

Phone state

noreply@blogger.com (John Fisher) — Sun, 17 May 2009 05:11:00 +0000

I'm in Greece for a few days before going to Macedonia. I spoke to a Greek man who described the differences between the United States and Greece. He said when he was in Washington DC, a friend started to wash his car. Within minutes the police arrived. A neighbor had called the police. He said that is the same thing in Albania. Neighbors reporting on neighbors. That doesn't happen in Greece. Greek's make less money, but they enjoy life more.

Pull out of Washington

noreply@blogger.com (John Fisher) — Thu, 07 May 2009 17:07:00 +0000

An interesting letter in the Australian Shooter Magazine this week:
"If you consider that there has been an average of 160,000 troops in
the Iraq theater of operations during the past 22 months, and a total
of 2112 deaths, that gives a firearm death rate of 60 per 100,000
soldiers.

The firearm death rate in Washington, DC is 80.6 per 100,000 for the
same period. That means you are about 25 per cent more likely to be
shot and killed in the US capital, which has some of the strictest gun
control laws in the US, than you are in Iraq.

Conclusion: The US should pull out of Washington."

The Oprah Winfrey Show/Kentucky Grilled Chicken Two-Piece Meal Coupon

noreply@blogger.com (John Fisher) — Wed, 06 May 2009 18:23:00 +0000

Dear Oprah, My wife sent me your webpage with an offer for a KFC meal.
She couldn't get it to print from her computer. Not only would the
coupon not print on my computer, but it required me to download a
garbage software before making my attempt. Now I have to uninstall
the software. How many other people had a similar experience? I
wonder.
Ah, finally my wife got the coupon to print. She went to a KFC and they had posted a sign saying "no more coupons accepted." A customer who came in at the same time said he had been to three KFCs and none were honoring the coupons. This is a PR nightmare. Sometimes too much promotion doesn't work.

Support CCW on campuses

noreply@blogger.com (John Fisher) — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 03:58:00 +0000

The faculty senate where I work opposes a state bill that would allow
the carrying of concealed weapons (CCW) by permit holders on campus.

I support the legislation. Even the awareness that responsible
citizens may be carrying a weapon serves as a deterrent. Otherwise we
are left unprotected from the "weirdoes and wackos" of the world.
Experience has shown that it is not possible for our security forces
to protect universities and other public facilities from attack. The
examples are legion where citizens have been able to protect
themselves and their property when they are armed. "States with the
largest increases in gun ownership also have the largest drops in
violent crimes," according to John R. Lott who has studied the
relationship between crime and gun control laws.
http://www.press.uchicago.edu/Misc/Chicago/493636.html

Although I do not have a concealed weapons permit, I know many people
who do. The process of obtaining one requires training and a security
check, similar to the requirements for police to be permitted to carry
a weapon. I wouldn't think of asking the police to give up their
firearms, because of the possibility of an accident or of one
irresponsible officer in thousands. Campus safety could know who has
concealed weapons permits so a "tactical nightmare" becomes a safety
net that the police can call upon. What we should be looking at is
strengthening the requirements for obtaining a permit, if there are
legitimate concerns.

I taught for three years in a maximum security prison. I say that,
not because I draw parallels from the experience, but rather because
it shows I have been in some very dangerous situations. I understand
what it is like to be concerned about one's safety and I appreciate
the work and protection of our police forces.

Group successful in protecting family language at CSW

noreply@blogger.com (John Fisher) — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 18:55:00 +0000

We were successful!!! Two weeks of concentrated negotiating,
conjoling, writing, lobbying, and supporting have come to an end. At
the conclusion of the 53rd Commission on the Status of Women (CSW),
many in the pro-family coalition had slept less than four hours during
the final 48 hours. But, it was worth it! We were able to remove the
six references to "reproductive health services" (abortion) and insert
six references to "family"!! This was a significant success! At one
point there were no references to the family at all!

The final three days were blurred into one long day as the delegates
worked until 2 a.m. on Wednesday and until 7:30 a.m. on Thursday. The
delegates, and those of us who had stayed up all night with them, had
only two hours to prepare for the final round of negotiations on
Friday. Negotiations became so intense on Thursday night that
delegates from pro-family nations would need to leave the room to get
rejuvenated by the support and nourishment brought by our small
coalition of pro-family organizations. The large International
Planned Parenthood Federation had employed a large, imposing man to
represent them. Several times United Families International
representatives had to block the door to the negotiating room so he
would not enter to influence the proceedings.

It was amazing to watch the intimidation tactics that were used in an
attempt to force small countries, who want to protect families and the
unborn child, to change their votes. It was apparent that the
European Union and the United States were attempting to use various
persuasive means to convince smaller, pro-family countries to join
them in supporting abortion language. One delegate from a small
country told us that he finally yelled at the other delegates, "I
cannot join you! It would go against the instructions from my
capital! It would go against ideals of the people in my country!
And, it would go against my own personal beliefs! I will not change
my vote!" This brave delegate continued to stand strong despite the
agonizing, tortuous attacks he was getting. At times, he came out of
the room to talk to us and to vent his feelings before going back in
to face the opposition again.

During the two weeks of CSW, we saw many delegates abandon the
principles of their country and their citizens. We saw delegates
fawning over the EU and the US in an attempt to gain favor and money
from them by supporting their ideas. We also saw delegates who came
from small countries stand up against the tidal wave of pressure that
was exerted against them.

The Commission on the Status of Women lasts for two weeks. It is hard
to believe that in two weeks so much can happen that affects families.
There were many tears shed at the conclusion. It is wonderful to know
that because a small group of pro-family organizations teamed up with
a small group of pro-family delegates, the family was protected one
more time.

Thank you for your support. It was for your family that we worked so
hard and slept so little.

Thank You,
beverlyssignature.jpg
Beverly Rice
President
United Families International

Juval Aviv correctly predicted upcoming terrorist attacks on the U.S.

noreply@blogger.com (John Fisher) — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 13:13:00 +0000

Someone sent me predictions about terrorists attacks in the U.S.
(http://www.snopes.com/rumors/soapbox/juvalaviv.asp) The person said
she was afraid to take a trip because she might be in the midst of a
terrorist attack that has been predicted for the next few months.
Terrorists, government, sales people all use the fear factor to get
what they want.

I agree with Aviv (see Snopes) that airport security is a farce.
However, will there be large scale terrorist attacks in crowded places
in the U.S.? I don't think so. Maybe one or two as happened in
England and Spain. Why don't more terrorist attacks happen in England
and Spain? Terrorists don't need to do more. One attack is enough to
make the population afraid.

Sales people and advertisers learned a long time ago that fear is a
major motivator in making a sale. Alex Jones thinks governments were
complicit in the attacks in England and Spain. Governments use fear
to get what they want. Fear brought the Patriot Act. Fear has
brought government bailouts amounting to trillions of dollars.
Environmentalists and government are using fear of global warming to
push another agenda.

An informed public is best able to deal with crises. However, this
kind of misinformation doesn't help. Neither does government
disinformation.

This is what Snopes wrote about Mr. Aviv's predictions:

"More important, though, the above-quoted predictions Aviv made about
terrorists hitting the U.S. in "six, seven, or eight cities
simultaneously" sometime "within the next 90 days" are outdated, as he
issued them back in July 2005. It seems safe to say from this vantage
point that those predictions were not correct, as no such attacks
occurred."

Eagles feeding on geese

noreply@blogger.com (John Fisher) — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 12:47:00 +0000

Eagles feed on geese at the National Wildlife Refuge near Mound City,
Missouri. Conservationists reported about 150 eagles among the 1.6
migratinng geese at the refuge this past weekend. Photo by John
Fisher.

The importance of being honest

noreply@blogger.com (John Fisher) — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 00:23:00 +0000

Integrity is fundamental to being.... Integrity means being truthful,
but it also means accepting responsibility and honoring commitments
and covenants. President N. Eldon Tanner, a former counselor in the
First Presidency [of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]
and a man of integrity, told of someone who sought his advice:
"A young man came to me not long ago and said, 'I made an agreement
with a man that requires me to make certain payments each year. I am
in arrears, and I can't make those payments, for if I do, it is going
to cause me to lose my home. What shall I do?'
"I looked at him and said, 'Keep your agreement.'
"'Even if it costs me my home?'
"I said, 'I am not talking about your home. I am talking about your
agreement; and I think your wife would rather have a husband who would
keep his word, meet his obligations, … and have to rent a home than to
have a home with a husband who will not keep his covenants and his
pledges.'"
D. Todd Christofferson, "Let Us Be Men," Ensign, Nov 2006, 46–48

President Tanner said: "Just imagine the reversal that would take
place if full integrity were to rule in family life. There would be
complete fidelity. Husbands would be faithful to wives, and wives to
husbands. There would be no living in adulterous relationships in lieu
of marriage. Homes would abound in love, children and parents would
have respect for one another. … [How else will our children come to]
value honesty and integrity?" (Ensign, May 1977, p. 16.)

He suggests, "The choice to serve God, worthily made, does not
necessarily preclude a home or sufficient money or income, or the
things of this world which bring joy and happiness, but it does
require that we must not turn away from God and the teachings of Jesus
Christ while in the pursuit of our temporal needs." (Ensign, June
1971, p. 14.)

Mitt Romney on the economy

noreply@blogger.com (John Fisher) — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 16:16:00 +0000

In a speech yesterday to the House Republic Conference, Mitt Romney
outlined six proposals to get the economy moving. Here is a summary
with my comments:

"First, there are two ways you can put money into the economy, by
spending more or by taxing less. But if it's stimulus you want, taxing
less works best. That's why permanent tax cuts should be the
centerpiece of the economic stimulus."

"Second, any new spending must be strictly limited to projects that
are essential. How do we define essential? Well, a good rule is that
the projects we fund in a stimulus should be legitimate government
priorities that would have been carried out in the future anyway, and
are simply being moved up to create those jobs now.... As we take out
non-essential projects, we should focus on funding the real needs of
government that will have immediate impact" He mentions replacing and
repairing military equipment, as an example.

"Third, sending out rebate checks to citizens and businesses is not a
tax cut. The media bought this line so far, but they've got it wrong.
Checks in the mail are refunds, not tax cuts. We tried rebate checks
last year and they did virtually nothing to jump-start the economy.
Disposable income went up, but consumption hardly moved. Businesses
aren't stupid. They're not going to invest in equipment and new hires
for a one time, short term blip."

"Fourth, ... as soon as this economy recovers, we have to regain
control over the federal budget, and above all, over entitlement
spending."

"Fifth, we must begin to recover from the enormous losses in the
capital investment pool. And the surest, most obvious way to get that
done is to send a clear signal that there will be no tax increases on
investment and capital gains."

"And finally, let's exercise restraint in the size of the stimulus
package." He had proposed $233 billion last year. He really doesn't
define what he means by a stimulus package. Is that the new spending
he is talking about in number 2? He doesn't talk about bailouts. Is
that what he means by a stimulus package? Where does he stand on
bailouts to his Wall Street and banker friends?

Here is some analysis that makes sense. He says, "Predictions that we
are almost out of the woods, based on the length of prior recessions,
are wishful thinking. Americans have lost some 11 trillion dollars in
net worth. That translates into about 400 billion dollars less annual
consumer spending in the economy.

"There's something else people don't talk much about: The pool of
investment capital—all the money available for new investments,
business start-ups, business expansions, capital expenditures, and new
hiring. The size of that pool has shrunk by trillions of dollars. This
was a huge loss in value, and the effect could be felt for years—in
businesses that don't start up or grow, in jobs that don't get
created."

I agree with much of what Romney says, but I still have some lingering
questions. Mostly I'm concerned that he still believes in a federal
government that takes care of people, rather than one that let's
people take care of themselves.

Romney says, "The difference between us and the Democrats is this:
they want to stimulate the government, and we want to stimulate the
economy." However, Romney still wants to preside over big government -
and he still proposes government that is unconstitutional.

Read his whole speech at
http://www.freestrongamerica.com/blog/item/2009/01/30/overnoromneysemarktotheouseepublicanonferenceetreat