Again, it's been too long since I blogged. One of the curses of being involved in a myriad of activities and groups and functions, etc., etc.
In the past 7 months I've started a new band (Silver & Spice), my wife and I hosted a WebTV show for a couple of months (The Voorheesian Empire), until that simply got to be too time-consuming, and I've been involved in the Central Committee for the Polk County Republican Party.
In my "spare time", I've still managed to continue to teach Taekwondo, play in the band at church, enjoy our church small group, celebrate my grandson's 1st birthday, and spend time (not nearly enough) with my wife.
So, what is today's topic? Parenting.
I was at the Ankeny Summerfest last evening (working at the Ankeny GOP booth). There were a handful of young teenage boys that had somehow pilfered a box of replacement light bulbs from the carnival's ferris wheel. They were walking along the sidewalk and occasionally throwing them at people's feet, where they would "pop" and scare folks.
The youths were stopped and subjected to the auspices of Ankeny PD. Ankeny's finest had these children go back and pick up the broken glass by hand, then come back and sweep up any remaining glass. The entire length of the concourse. Good for them!
When one of the kids was asked, "Where are your parents?", they informed that they had been "dropped off" by a parent.
In the defense of at least one of the parents, I witnessed one of the boys walking away with apparently his father, and Dad was giving the boy an earful.
A couple of us were talking...if we had done something like that when growing up...not only would we have been cleaning the entire grounds for the entire weekend, our lives would have been a living hell at home for quite some time.
Glad to see that at least one of those kids' parents still remember how to "parent", rather than to be their kid's "friend". It's called "tough love" for a reason. Children need their parents to BE their parents, not their friends. They have enough kids their own age to be friends with.
My two cents worth today.
Friday, July 13, 2012
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Catching up and catching flak
Wow. I hadn't realized how long it's been since I blogged, until I actually came out to post again. Obviously, TOO long. Yes, I can use the excuse that I've been busy...as has everyone. But the bottom line is, I've gotten too used to just pitching out a little tidbit here and there on my Facebook status. Then, every now and then, I'll put out as a "note" or "status update" something that really should be here, in my blog.
Case in point: a couple days ago, my wife and I volunteered at the Iowa Straw Poll. We worked for Michelle Bachmann's campaign, and had a wonderful time. We met some awesome people. It was our first time at a Straw Poll, and...well, I heard one person describe it as part country fair and part political party. And it really seemed just like that. The vast, overwhelming majority of people were smiling, laughing, having a grand time. Polite, helpful, engaging....it was just the most awesome display of....well, of being "Iowan"... that I had seen in a long time. Even though lines were long for some events or people or whatever, very rarely did we run across the crabby person, or the whiner or whatever. It was just plain awesome.
With a few minor exceptions. And this is what set me off, and brought me to post a fairly long diatribe on Facebook.
Why is it that some people can hold a rational discourse on differing viewpoints, while others resort immediately to negativity and generalized name-calling? I had people calling me a whack-job and that I should be locked into a mental institution, simply because I was wearing a "Bachmann Volunteer" t-shirt. I heard others referring to supporters of other candidates as "radical closet fascists" (whatever THAT means).
Then, there were the protesters. Those who yell things like "bigot" and "racist", because of the t-shirt I'm wearing. Really? I don't see myself as a bigot or a racist. And the media...sometimes they just drive me nuts. If a person has a socially conservative viewpoint, they are immediately labeled an "evangelical". Really? The connotation of that word has now become laced with negativity by the media. Why? Because some seriously disturbed person that kills innocent people is found to have a Bible in their home, with various passages circled. And the media labels him as having "evangelical leanings". Really? Exactly what are "evangelical leanings"?
So, I posted a tome about how I was getting fed up with the whole labeling thing. I pointed out that if I were to say something bad publicly about illegal aliens, I would be labeled a "racist". I pointed out that if I were to say something bad publicly about Islam, I could possibly be charged with a "hate crime". I said that if I spoke up against same-sex marriage, I'd be labeled a homophobe or bigot. But if somebody bashes a Christian...well, there are no consequences. It happens on a daily basis. So, in the interest of being "fair", I suggested that if/when I am labeled any of those things simply because I hold socially and fiscally conservative values, and profess my faith, I would counter by calling those folks "Christo-phobes" ... a made-up term, true...but it's the best I could come up with on short notice.
The point of my rant was that dumping people into a "bucket" and sticking a label on them is ridiculous, and simply not right. But nobody gets after people for dumping Christian conservatives into buckets or sticking labels on them. But people get chewed on for doing that to anyone else. And I'm not disagreeing with the fact that people get chewed on for that. I think doing that to people....ANYbody...is wrong. But in my opinion, the door doesn't swing both ways on this. And why is that? Why is it now a 'bad thing', for a person to be white, male, middle-aged, Christian, and outspoken? When did that happen?
People are going to disagree with me on things. From a political standpoint, I fully expect people to be vehemently opposed to some of the things that I believe are the foundation of this country. And they will loudly state that what they hold dear are foundational to this country. That is called "freedom". Fortunately, we have that liberty in this country. Isn't it wonderful?
When we were at the Straw Poll, my wife commented to me that she was not only amazed, but extremely grateful, because we CAN have events like that. We CAN have a forum for potential leaders to state their viewpoints. We CAN have people of like-mindedness gather. We CAN have people with differing viewpoints gather, discuss, and debate. There are, unfortunately, a lot of places in this world where folks cannot do that.
I know I probably offended people, especially some close friends, with my Facebook post. That was not my intent, and if they are offended, I apologize. My intent was simply to point out two things: the dichotomy that exists, and the fact that any of that name-calling, sticking a label on people simply because they disagree...well, it's pointless, and does nothing to help anything. It merely shows that a person has run out of intelligent things to say.
Am I going to go around calling people "Christo-phobes"? Probably not...it's just not my style. I'll probably continue to do what I do now, when people call me names. Look at them, raise an eyebrow, shrug, and walk away. I read somewhere that you shouldn't argue with a fool, because eventually people will get confused as to who is who.
One more thing, totally different topic. Speed camera going up on I-235. I read that it's going to be set to issue tickets when a car is clocked at going 9 mph over the posted speed of 60 mph. Hmmm....so what you're really saying is that the posted speed limit of 60 mph doesn't really apply. The enforced speed limit is actually 69 mph. So, why not change the signs to read 69 mph, since that's what the real speed limit is going to be?
OR....wait for it...how about setting the camera so that it issues a ticket when it clocks a car going at 61 or 62 mph? That is, IF the speed limit in that spot really is supposed to be 60 mph.
Am I making too much sense with that one? Probably. But then again....that's just something I'm cursed with sometimes. Trying to apply common sense to problems that we can make really difficult and convoluted, if we really put our minds to it.
That, dear readers, is my two cents worth for today.
--Larry Voorhees
Case in point: a couple days ago, my wife and I volunteered at the Iowa Straw Poll. We worked for Michelle Bachmann's campaign, and had a wonderful time. We met some awesome people. It was our first time at a Straw Poll, and...well, I heard one person describe it as part country fair and part political party. And it really seemed just like that. The vast, overwhelming majority of people were smiling, laughing, having a grand time. Polite, helpful, engaging....it was just the most awesome display of....well, of being "Iowan"... that I had seen in a long time. Even though lines were long for some events or people or whatever, very rarely did we run across the crabby person, or the whiner or whatever. It was just plain awesome.
With a few minor exceptions. And this is what set me off, and brought me to post a fairly long diatribe on Facebook.
Why is it that some people can hold a rational discourse on differing viewpoints, while others resort immediately to negativity and generalized name-calling? I had people calling me a whack-job and that I should be locked into a mental institution, simply because I was wearing a "Bachmann Volunteer" t-shirt. I heard others referring to supporters of other candidates as "radical closet fascists" (whatever THAT means).
Then, there were the protesters. Those who yell things like "bigot" and "racist", because of the t-shirt I'm wearing. Really? I don't see myself as a bigot or a racist. And the media...sometimes they just drive me nuts. If a person has a socially conservative viewpoint, they are immediately labeled an "evangelical". Really? The connotation of that word has now become laced with negativity by the media. Why? Because some seriously disturbed person that kills innocent people is found to have a Bible in their home, with various passages circled. And the media labels him as having "evangelical leanings". Really? Exactly what are "evangelical leanings"?
So, I posted a tome about how I was getting fed up with the whole labeling thing. I pointed out that if I were to say something bad publicly about illegal aliens, I would be labeled a "racist". I pointed out that if I were to say something bad publicly about Islam, I could possibly be charged with a "hate crime". I said that if I spoke up against same-sex marriage, I'd be labeled a homophobe or bigot. But if somebody bashes a Christian...well, there are no consequences. It happens on a daily basis. So, in the interest of being "fair", I suggested that if/when I am labeled any of those things simply because I hold socially and fiscally conservative values, and profess my faith, I would counter by calling those folks "Christo-phobes" ... a made-up term, true...but it's the best I could come up with on short notice.
The point of my rant was that dumping people into a "bucket" and sticking a label on them is ridiculous, and simply not right. But nobody gets after people for dumping Christian conservatives into buckets or sticking labels on them. But people get chewed on for doing that to anyone else. And I'm not disagreeing with the fact that people get chewed on for that. I think doing that to people....ANYbody...is wrong. But in my opinion, the door doesn't swing both ways on this. And why is that? Why is it now a 'bad thing', for a person to be white, male, middle-aged, Christian, and outspoken? When did that happen?
People are going to disagree with me on things. From a political standpoint, I fully expect people to be vehemently opposed to some of the things that I believe are the foundation of this country. And they will loudly state that what they hold dear are foundational to this country. That is called "freedom". Fortunately, we have that liberty in this country. Isn't it wonderful?
When we were at the Straw Poll, my wife commented to me that she was not only amazed, but extremely grateful, because we CAN have events like that. We CAN have a forum for potential leaders to state their viewpoints. We CAN have people of like-mindedness gather. We CAN have people with differing viewpoints gather, discuss, and debate. There are, unfortunately, a lot of places in this world where folks cannot do that.
I know I probably offended people, especially some close friends, with my Facebook post. That was not my intent, and if they are offended, I apologize. My intent was simply to point out two things: the dichotomy that exists, and the fact that any of that name-calling, sticking a label on people simply because they disagree...well, it's pointless, and does nothing to help anything. It merely shows that a person has run out of intelligent things to say.
Am I going to go around calling people "Christo-phobes"? Probably not...it's just not my style. I'll probably continue to do what I do now, when people call me names. Look at them, raise an eyebrow, shrug, and walk away. I read somewhere that you shouldn't argue with a fool, because eventually people will get confused as to who is who.
One more thing, totally different topic. Speed camera going up on I-235. I read that it's going to be set to issue tickets when a car is clocked at going 9 mph over the posted speed of 60 mph. Hmmm....so what you're really saying is that the posted speed limit of 60 mph doesn't really apply. The enforced speed limit is actually 69 mph. So, why not change the signs to read 69 mph, since that's what the real speed limit is going to be?
OR....wait for it...how about setting the camera so that it issues a ticket when it clocks a car going at 61 or 62 mph? That is, IF the speed limit in that spot really is supposed to be 60 mph.
Am I making too much sense with that one? Probably. But then again....that's just something I'm cursed with sometimes. Trying to apply common sense to problems that we can make really difficult and convoluted, if we really put our minds to it.
That, dear readers, is my two cents worth for today.
--Larry Voorhees
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
New Year's Revolution
Ah, it's that time. Time for the big plans, the goal-setting, the New Year's Resolutions...
or not.
Personally, I don't believe in them. I think they're a complete and total waste of time. Why? Because a "resolution" is merely a statement of decision. It is merely me saying, "I think I'm too fat." or whatever. "I want to lose weight." Great.
As a martial arts instructor, I get to see lots of "New Year's Resolutions". They sign up for class, they buy the uniform, and they're really hard-core about coming to class and working out, and all that. Retention rate after January 31st? About 10%. Because it's hard. It's not easy. It's not a magic bullet. You don't come to Taekwondo class, and simply by showing up, the pounds come off, your body becomes hardened, and you learn all the really cool things that people with years of experience and training have learned.
As any black belt how they got there. They got there by coming to class week after week, month after month, year after year, and sweating their little hearts out. It takes time, it takes effort, it takes dedication, it takes discipline, and it takes being smart enough to have someone else along to help hold you accountable. Without any of those...good luck! You'll need it.
Personally, I prefer New Year's "Revolutions". Yes, it's a play on words, but in my opinion, an important one. You see a "revolution" is a radical change. It's not a wishful thought, or a wannabe decision. It's a complete and total alteration of what "is". We didn't have an American "resolution", we had an American REVOLUTION. We radically changed not only the system of government we were under, we radically changed ALL systems of government, for ALL time. The whole idea of a democratic Republic, while it had been tried in a couple of backhanded ways before, never had been systematically thought out and so thoroughly planned and executed. And government in this world has never been the same since. The American "experiment" has been held up as the gold-standard of self-governance for over 200 years. That's how radical it is. That's how much of a "revolution" it was, and still is today.
My family came to this continent in 1660 -- over 100 years before the Declaration of Independence. My ancestors decided to make a radical change from their old life, to life in this New World. Well, you don't make radical changes -- revolutions -- by doing the same thing the same way, over and over again. You put yourself into a position where you HAVE to do things differently. Why? Because we're human...we LIKE our patterns, we LIKE doing things the same way, we don't LIKE to change very much.
Fast-forward to today. Are you overweight? Great. FORCE yourself to do it differently. FORCE yourself to eat differently, to exercise differently, to approach weight-loss differently. Sure, you've tried to lose weight before, etc. But that obviously didn't work, or you wouldn't be looking at that again this year. So? Do it differently! Don't make a "resolution", create a "revolution".
We had a mini-revolution in a political sense this past November. People have been coasting along these past 2 years after the 2008 elections, thinking that if they just rode with the tide, everything would be ok. But this past year, they've noticed that the boat is getting awful close to the rocks. And, no matter what they (meaning "the people") say, those in charge of the boat keep saying, "don't worry, we know what we're doing. Trust us."
Well, the passengers in the boat finally decided that they no longer trusted the people that were in charge of the boat. They finally decided that since they (the people) are the paying customers cruising in this boat, that maybe, JUST MAYBE, they have some say in how close to the rocks the boat should come.
In short, "The People" remembered that THEY are the ones in charge of governing this state and this country, and that elected officials, and the government, as a whole, report to "the People", not the other way around. Yay!
My prayer for the year ahead is that "The People" remember that they were successful in their mini-revolution this past November, and that they now have an obligation to hold their elected officials on-course. I want to encourage you all...do NOT trust the boat completely to those you've elected. No matter WHO they are, they are still human, and they need to be constantly reminded WHO THEY WORK FOR. Doesn't matter if they're liberal or conservative. If we don't keep a constant eye on them, they will (again!) forget who they work for, and get arrogant, and try to do what they think is best for us, because they know better than we do what's best for us.
Fortunately for us all, the majority of the people were able to read through that lie in November. I'm praying that the "revolution" continues, and that we continue to have an active, informed and accountable electorate.
One last thing....what is my main New Year's Revolution this year?
...yeah....it's got something to do with my weight.... :)
...my two cents worth today.
--Larry Voorhees
or not.
Personally, I don't believe in them. I think they're a complete and total waste of time. Why? Because a "resolution" is merely a statement of decision. It is merely me saying, "I think I'm too fat." or whatever. "I want to lose weight." Great.
As a martial arts instructor, I get to see lots of "New Year's Resolutions". They sign up for class, they buy the uniform, and they're really hard-core about coming to class and working out, and all that. Retention rate after January 31st? About 10%. Because it's hard. It's not easy. It's not a magic bullet. You don't come to Taekwondo class, and simply by showing up, the pounds come off, your body becomes hardened, and you learn all the really cool things that people with years of experience and training have learned.
As any black belt how they got there. They got there by coming to class week after week, month after month, year after year, and sweating their little hearts out. It takes time, it takes effort, it takes dedication, it takes discipline, and it takes being smart enough to have someone else along to help hold you accountable. Without any of those...good luck! You'll need it.
Personally, I prefer New Year's "Revolutions". Yes, it's a play on words, but in my opinion, an important one. You see a "revolution" is a radical change. It's not a wishful thought, or a wannabe decision. It's a complete and total alteration of what "is". We didn't have an American "resolution", we had an American REVOLUTION. We radically changed not only the system of government we were under, we radically changed ALL systems of government, for ALL time. The whole idea of a democratic Republic, while it had been tried in a couple of backhanded ways before, never had been systematically thought out and so thoroughly planned and executed. And government in this world has never been the same since. The American "experiment" has been held up as the gold-standard of self-governance for over 200 years. That's how radical it is. That's how much of a "revolution" it was, and still is today.
My family came to this continent in 1660 -- over 100 years before the Declaration of Independence. My ancestors decided to make a radical change from their old life, to life in this New World. Well, you don't make radical changes -- revolutions -- by doing the same thing the same way, over and over again. You put yourself into a position where you HAVE to do things differently. Why? Because we're human...we LIKE our patterns, we LIKE doing things the same way, we don't LIKE to change very much.
Fast-forward to today. Are you overweight? Great. FORCE yourself to do it differently. FORCE yourself to eat differently, to exercise differently, to approach weight-loss differently. Sure, you've tried to lose weight before, etc. But that obviously didn't work, or you wouldn't be looking at that again this year. So? Do it differently! Don't make a "resolution", create a "revolution".
We had a mini-revolution in a political sense this past November. People have been coasting along these past 2 years after the 2008 elections, thinking that if they just rode with the tide, everything would be ok. But this past year, they've noticed that the boat is getting awful close to the rocks. And, no matter what they (meaning "the people") say, those in charge of the boat keep saying, "don't worry, we know what we're doing. Trust us."
Well, the passengers in the boat finally decided that they no longer trusted the people that were in charge of the boat. They finally decided that since they (the people) are the paying customers cruising in this boat, that maybe, JUST MAYBE, they have some say in how close to the rocks the boat should come.
In short, "The People" remembered that THEY are the ones in charge of governing this state and this country, and that elected officials, and the government, as a whole, report to "the People", not the other way around. Yay!
My prayer for the year ahead is that "The People" remember that they were successful in their mini-revolution this past November, and that they now have an obligation to hold their elected officials on-course. I want to encourage you all...do NOT trust the boat completely to those you've elected. No matter WHO they are, they are still human, and they need to be constantly reminded WHO THEY WORK FOR. Doesn't matter if they're liberal or conservative. If we don't keep a constant eye on them, they will (again!) forget who they work for, and get arrogant, and try to do what they think is best for us, because they know better than we do what's best for us.
Fortunately for us all, the majority of the people were able to read through that lie in November. I'm praying that the "revolution" continues, and that we continue to have an active, informed and accountable electorate.
One last thing....what is my main New Year's Revolution this year?
...yeah....it's got something to do with my weight.... :)
...my two cents worth today.
--Larry Voorhees
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Moral and Civic Obligation
Do you know what I mean if I say the phrase “moral and civic obligation?” It means that someone is bound by an obligation or duty to some ideal or societal group that transcends the individual.
Those of you that are parents, you have a moral obligation to raise up your children “in the way they should go, so that when they grow old, they will not depart from it.” You have a civic obligation to raise your children with a firm knowledge and understanding of our country, it’s history, and each person’s role and duties within our society.
But I want to challenge ALL of the adults in our family…not just the parents…with one of our “moral and civic obligations”.
What is that particular obligation? The upcoming elections.
I know…I can hear your collective groans. “I hate election.” “I hate politics.” “I hate political ads.” “They’re all crooks.” “The liberals are destroying our country.” “The conservatives are destroying our country.” Blah, blah, blah, blah…I’ve heard them all. Heck, at one time or another in my life, I’ve probably said them all, too.
But I want to examine this … “thing”…this event we have every so often, called an “election.”
In our country, each individual citizen that is aged 18 and over, has the right to vote. I would also submit to you, that those people have the “moral and civic obligation” to vote. Do you realize how PUNY the numbers are for voter turnout, especially in what one calls an “off-year election” like the one this year? If there were a 40% voter turnout, people would be shocked and amazed. That would be considered a HIGH turnout! To me, THAT is what is shocking and amazing! That less than 40% of the population that is eligible, actually takes the trouble and time to VOTE.
Let’s look at a few things.
Are you happy/unhappy with the federal government bailouts?
Are you happy/unhappy with the new financial regulations?
Are you happy/unhappy with the ruling by the Iowa Supreme Court on the DOMA law passed by the Iowa Legislature?
Are you happy/unhappy with the ban of texting while driving?
Are you happy/unhappy with the change in the “carry permit” law?
Are you completely clueless on any/all of these particular issues?
Are you happy/unhappy with what the Iowa Legislature did or did not discuss and pass legislation on during the past 2 session?
Are you happy/unhappy with the way your tax dollars are being spent/misspent by the federal/state/county/local government?
These are just a few of the topics that have crossed our paths in the past two years. What else? Universal healthcare. Raising retirement age. State of the economy. State of the Social Security Administration. Free trade agreements. Cap-and-trade. Border security. Illegal immigration. Protectionist tariffs.
PICK YOUR TOPIC. In some way, shape or form, some government entity or group has had their hands on it, in it, or at least talked about it, in the past two years.
So, do you LIKE what has been going on in the past 2 years? If you don’t vote in the upcoming elections, and vote to support the candidates that have been responsible for those things, you are taking the risk that they will be voted out of office, and things could change in ways you don’t like.
So, are you NOT LIKING what has been going on in the past 2 years? If you don’t vote in the upcoming elections, and vote to support candidates running against those that are responsible for those things, you are taking the risk that those people will stay in office, and things will stay exactly as they are, or get worse.
What I’m saying is: ultimately, YOU AND I are responsible for what goes on in our government. WE are responsible, whether we voted in the last election or not. Because our government is a “representational republic”, we actually have a voice in who represents us. And if they don’t represent us the way we think they should, we have a MORAL AND CIVIC OBLIGATION to vote them out of office. Essentially, fire them. They are supposed to work for US…you and me. We, the people.
But what if you didn’t vote last time? Yeah, you’re just as responsible as the rest of us. Or perhaps I should use the term “irresponsible”. Because you did NOT participate in the last election, YOUR voice wasn’t heard. But that doesn’t remove you from responsibility. We, the people, are a TEAM. What happens to one of us, happens to all of us. We, as a team, are responsible for everything, good, bad and ugly. So if you didn’t vote…you’re just as culpable as those of us that did. You can’t duck your responsibility that easily, I’m afraid.
Finally, let me address those of you that will say, “But I don’t know anything about these people, or these issues, or…”. I would say that you have some homework to do, then. You owe it to yourself, your children, your friends, your community, to BE informed. To get the facts. No, I don’t mean to blithely listen to the political rhetoric that is spouted by the talking heads on either the mainstream media or the conservative rants. But by actually doing the research, reading everything you can, and applying YOUR common sense, and YOUR beliefs and values to the issues, then making a decision, and sticking to it. Talk about things. Have conversations with people. Lean over the back fence and actually say “howdy” to the person next door. Develop “community”, and explore the people, policies, and issues.
So, in conclusion, I am asking you, adults...no, I am BEGGING you…please get involved in the election process this year. You owe it to your children (if you’re a parent), you owe it to your friends, you owe it to me, and everyone else in our community, county, state and nation. We really don’t want to do this without your input. We will, if you force us to, but we’d really rather that your voice was heard.
That’s my two cents for today.
--Master V.
Those of you that are parents, you have a moral obligation to raise up your children “in the way they should go, so that when they grow old, they will not depart from it.” You have a civic obligation to raise your children with a firm knowledge and understanding of our country, it’s history, and each person’s role and duties within our society.
But I want to challenge ALL of the adults in our family…not just the parents…with one of our “moral and civic obligations”.
What is that particular obligation? The upcoming elections.
I know…I can hear your collective groans. “I hate election.” “I hate politics.” “I hate political ads.” “They’re all crooks.” “The liberals are destroying our country.” “The conservatives are destroying our country.” Blah, blah, blah, blah…I’ve heard them all. Heck, at one time or another in my life, I’ve probably said them all, too.
But I want to examine this … “thing”…this event we have every so often, called an “election.”
In our country, each individual citizen that is aged 18 and over, has the right to vote. I would also submit to you, that those people have the “moral and civic obligation” to vote. Do you realize how PUNY the numbers are for voter turnout, especially in what one calls an “off-year election” like the one this year? If there were a 40% voter turnout, people would be shocked and amazed. That would be considered a HIGH turnout! To me, THAT is what is shocking and amazing! That less than 40% of the population that is eligible, actually takes the trouble and time to VOTE.
Let’s look at a few things.
Are you happy/unhappy with the federal government bailouts?
Are you happy/unhappy with the new financial regulations?
Are you happy/unhappy with the ruling by the Iowa Supreme Court on the DOMA law passed by the Iowa Legislature?
Are you happy/unhappy with the ban of texting while driving?
Are you happy/unhappy with the change in the “carry permit” law?
Are you completely clueless on any/all of these particular issues?
Are you happy/unhappy with what the Iowa Legislature did or did not discuss and pass legislation on during the past 2 session?
Are you happy/unhappy with the way your tax dollars are being spent/misspent by the federal/state/county/local government?
These are just a few of the topics that have crossed our paths in the past two years. What else? Universal healthcare. Raising retirement age. State of the economy. State of the Social Security Administration. Free trade agreements. Cap-and-trade. Border security. Illegal immigration. Protectionist tariffs.
PICK YOUR TOPIC. In some way, shape or form, some government entity or group has had their hands on it, in it, or at least talked about it, in the past two years.
So, do you LIKE what has been going on in the past 2 years? If you don’t vote in the upcoming elections, and vote to support the candidates that have been responsible for those things, you are taking the risk that they will be voted out of office, and things could change in ways you don’t like.
So, are you NOT LIKING what has been going on in the past 2 years? If you don’t vote in the upcoming elections, and vote to support candidates running against those that are responsible for those things, you are taking the risk that those people will stay in office, and things will stay exactly as they are, or get worse.
What I’m saying is: ultimately, YOU AND I are responsible for what goes on in our government. WE are responsible, whether we voted in the last election or not. Because our government is a “representational republic”, we actually have a voice in who represents us. And if they don’t represent us the way we think they should, we have a MORAL AND CIVIC OBLIGATION to vote them out of office. Essentially, fire them. They are supposed to work for US…you and me. We, the people.
But what if you didn’t vote last time? Yeah, you’re just as responsible as the rest of us. Or perhaps I should use the term “irresponsible”. Because you did NOT participate in the last election, YOUR voice wasn’t heard. But that doesn’t remove you from responsibility. We, the people, are a TEAM. What happens to one of us, happens to all of us. We, as a team, are responsible for everything, good, bad and ugly. So if you didn’t vote…you’re just as culpable as those of us that did. You can’t duck your responsibility that easily, I’m afraid.
Finally, let me address those of you that will say, “But I don’t know anything about these people, or these issues, or…”. I would say that you have some homework to do, then. You owe it to yourself, your children, your friends, your community, to BE informed. To get the facts. No, I don’t mean to blithely listen to the political rhetoric that is spouted by the talking heads on either the mainstream media or the conservative rants. But by actually doing the research, reading everything you can, and applying YOUR common sense, and YOUR beliefs and values to the issues, then making a decision, and sticking to it. Talk about things. Have conversations with people. Lean over the back fence and actually say “howdy” to the person next door. Develop “community”, and explore the people, policies, and issues.
So, in conclusion, I am asking you, adults...no, I am BEGGING you…please get involved in the election process this year. You owe it to your children (if you’re a parent), you owe it to your friends, you owe it to me, and everyone else in our community, county, state and nation. We really don’t want to do this without your input. We will, if you force us to, but we’d really rather that your voice was heard.
That’s my two cents for today.
--Master V.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Random thoughts on taxation
I couldn't sleep last night, so was up, sitting in the dark in the living room, pondering the universe. I've been having some conversations over the past month or so with David Funk, who is a candidate for the 3rd Congressional District in Iowa. During one of those conversations, the concept of "flat tax" or "fair tax" came up. We didn't dwell on it much, as we were focused on something else at the time, but this is the concept that came to circle my brain in the wee hours of the morning.
Being who I am, I almost always have to ask questions of what is considered the status quo. My usual questions are "why" and "what if". I look at our current tax structure, and I simply have to go to "why?" Why is it so darned convoluted? Why does it seem to penalize a person for working hard and being successful? Why does it seem to be a de-motivator to the person who is motivated, and at the same time, is a de-motivator to the person who is already less-than-motivated?
Then, I got started on the "what if" mode.
What if:
Crazy? yeah....just crazy enough it could work!
"Regressive tax!" I can already hear the battle cry. I would disagree. The person that makes $17,500...they're only going to pay the transaction tax on the goods and services they purchase. I don't see them going out and buying a boat. Or a Lexus. Just the things they need. And they pay the transaction tax on those items that they are the end-user on. The person that makes $250,000....they're going to pay the transaction tax on the goods and services they purchase. Are they going to ONLY buy the goods and services that the person making $17,500 does? Not hardly. They probably ARE going to buy that boat, that Lexus, those stocks and bonds, that new computer, use that lawyer's services...and EVERYthing...all goods and services...are subject to the transaction tax. So, I don't see it as being regressive. Those that spend more, they pay more. Those that spend less, they pay less. If you make less, you tend to spend less. If you make more, you tend to spend more.
But what's this about cutting the IRS by 90%?
Ah, that's the beauty of this....we don't NEED the IRS at their current levels.
In my little world, I would have the seller of the good or service collect the transaction tax from the end-user/purchaser. The seller would submit these collected funds to the State Dept. of Revenue, just like many states currently do with sales tax (yes, I know, there are some states with no sales tax, but there are NO states without ANY taxes).
The State distributes the appropriate shares to the local city, the county, and retains what the State's share is. On a monthly basis, the States all submit the Federal Government's "share" to DC...to the now-pared-down IRS. Or, heck, directly to the Treasury Dept., for all I care.
That way, the STATES can handle what the STATES are supposed to do, and help get the Federal Gov't's hands out of those things it shouldn't be handling. For instance, who knows better how to handle education in Iowa....Iowans, or elected representatives from 49 other states over in DC? And just because something works really well for high school students in South Dakota, does that mean it would be a panacea for high school students across the country?
In this manner, we are returning control of the purse strings and the caring of the citizens of the country to the governmental entities that should be in control of them...the states legislatures, the county elected officials, the city elected officials. Rather than the cookie-cutter, one-size-fits-all approach we have at the Federal level. Or, worse yet, the 47,987-page attempts to micro-manage something that is best handled by local governments.
Another advantage...the Federal Gov't won't always know exactly how much money they're going to get every month from the tax. So they will have to be more concerned with intelligent cash-flow management, and not be given to negative budgeting.
and that is my two cents worth for today.
--Larry Voorhees
Being who I am, I almost always have to ask questions of what is considered the status quo. My usual questions are "why" and "what if". I look at our current tax structure, and I simply have to go to "why?" Why is it so darned convoluted? Why does it seem to penalize a person for working hard and being successful? Why does it seem to be a de-motivator to the person who is motivated, and at the same time, is a de-motivator to the person who is already less-than-motivated?
Then, I got started on the "what if" mode.
What if:
- we eliminated ALL taxes. Sales tax, liquor tax, income tax (both individual and corporate), property tax, inheritance tax, road-use tax, vehicle tax (also known as "licenses"), hunting tax (also known as "licenses"), gasoline tax...everything. Dump them all.
- we reduced the IRS by 90%.
- we had each state retain their present Dept. of Revenue.
- we had everyone pay a "transaction tax" on everything. Every good or service they purchased. The end-user pays the tax.
- we allowed no exceptions, no exemptions, no credits, nor trade-offs, no way whatsoever for ANYone, individual or business, of not paying this transaction tax on every single transaction.
Crazy? yeah....just crazy enough it could work!
"Regressive tax!" I can already hear the battle cry. I would disagree. The person that makes $17,500...they're only going to pay the transaction tax on the goods and services they purchase. I don't see them going out and buying a boat. Or a Lexus. Just the things they need. And they pay the transaction tax on those items that they are the end-user on. The person that makes $250,000....they're going to pay the transaction tax on the goods and services they purchase. Are they going to ONLY buy the goods and services that the person making $17,500 does? Not hardly. They probably ARE going to buy that boat, that Lexus, those stocks and bonds, that new computer, use that lawyer's services...and EVERYthing...all goods and services...are subject to the transaction tax. So, I don't see it as being regressive. Those that spend more, they pay more. Those that spend less, they pay less. If you make less, you tend to spend less. If you make more, you tend to spend more.
But what's this about cutting the IRS by 90%?
Ah, that's the beauty of this....we don't NEED the IRS at their current levels.
In my little world, I would have the seller of the good or service collect the transaction tax from the end-user/purchaser. The seller would submit these collected funds to the State Dept. of Revenue, just like many states currently do with sales tax (yes, I know, there are some states with no sales tax, but there are NO states without ANY taxes).
The State distributes the appropriate shares to the local city, the county, and retains what the State's share is. On a monthly basis, the States all submit the Federal Government's "share" to DC...to the now-pared-down IRS. Or, heck, directly to the Treasury Dept., for all I care.
That way, the STATES can handle what the STATES are supposed to do, and help get the Federal Gov't's hands out of those things it shouldn't be handling. For instance, who knows better how to handle education in Iowa....Iowans, or elected representatives from 49 other states over in DC? And just because something works really well for high school students in South Dakota, does that mean it would be a panacea for high school students across the country?
In this manner, we are returning control of the purse strings and the caring of the citizens of the country to the governmental entities that should be in control of them...the states legislatures, the county elected officials, the city elected officials. Rather than the cookie-cutter, one-size-fits-all approach we have at the Federal level. Or, worse yet, the 47,987-page attempts to micro-manage something that is best handled by local governments.
Another advantage...the Federal Gov't won't always know exactly how much money they're going to get every month from the tax. So they will have to be more concerned with intelligent cash-flow management, and not be given to negative budgeting.
and that is my two cents worth for today.
--Larry Voorhees
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Christmas Eve-eve, 2009
Today is December 23rd. Tomorrow is Christmas Eve. The day after is Christmas. People are scrambling all over the place buying last-minute Christmas gifts. The Christmas light displays are beautiful, and people are traveling all over the place to spend Christmas with their families. Tonight, our church has a "Christmas Eve-eve" service. Tomorrow night, churches all over the world will be holding Christmas Eve services.
What's my point?
OK, here's my point: Christmas. Not "holiday", not "winter solstice" not "mass-marketing event", but CHRISTMAS.
At this time of year, I CELEBRATE. I celebrate the greatest gift that has ever been given...the gift of God's Salvation, through the birth of His Son. Yes, I've heard them all..."but if you do the math, Jesus was most likely born in the summer, like June or so."
Big freakin' deal.
Martin Luther King, Jr., was not born on the 3rd Monday of January, yet we celebrate "his day" then (so we can get another 3-day Federal holiday weekend out of the deal). And, as sacriligious as it may sound, MLK was not the Son of God, nor was he Divine, nor was he the Savior of the World. He was merely a man who WORKED for the Son of God.
So, here it is. I am CELEBRATING CHRISTmas. I absolutely refuse to apologize for being Christian, for desparately attempting to live my life in a Christ-like manner.
I fall, I fail miserably the vast majority of the time. However, with the grace of God, Christ picks me up daily, dusts me off, pats me on the rear and says, "Back into the game with you, my child. Give it another go."And back I go. Not that I am perfect, nor will I ever be perfect in this lifetime.
But at this time of year, I want everyone to know WHAT and WHOM I am celebrating.
I know that My Redeemer lives. I know who my King is. I know where my Salvation comes from.
It's not from the government, it's not from good works on my part, it's not because I'm wonderful and I deserve it.
Government is made up of men, and men are corrupt and sinful.My works are as filthy rags.The only thing "wonderful" about me is that I am "fearfully and wonderfully made".
And I am the most undeserving of men.Yet, HE came to this world, HE lived a sinless life, HE suffered and died on the Cross for my sins, HE rose from the dead and defeated Death and Satan for all time.
And He would have done it even if I were the only person in the world.
I am a blessed Child of the Most High, the Living God. I am an heir of the King of Kings.
I will not apologize, but will stand and proudly proclaim, from one heir of the Kingdom to all the other heirs of the Kingdom, and wish everyone a very, MERRY CHRISTMAS.
What's my point?
OK, here's my point: Christmas. Not "holiday", not "winter solstice" not "mass-marketing event", but CHRISTMAS.
At this time of year, I CELEBRATE. I celebrate the greatest gift that has ever been given...the gift of God's Salvation, through the birth of His Son. Yes, I've heard them all..."but if you do the math, Jesus was most likely born in the summer, like June or so."
Big freakin' deal.
Martin Luther King, Jr., was not born on the 3rd Monday of January, yet we celebrate "his day" then (so we can get another 3-day Federal holiday weekend out of the deal). And, as sacriligious as it may sound, MLK was not the Son of God, nor was he Divine, nor was he the Savior of the World. He was merely a man who WORKED for the Son of God.
So, here it is. I am CELEBRATING CHRISTmas. I absolutely refuse to apologize for being Christian, for desparately attempting to live my life in a Christ-like manner.
I fall, I fail miserably the vast majority of the time. However, with the grace of God, Christ picks me up daily, dusts me off, pats me on the rear and says, "Back into the game with you, my child. Give it another go."And back I go. Not that I am perfect, nor will I ever be perfect in this lifetime.
But at this time of year, I want everyone to know WHAT and WHOM I am celebrating.
I know that My Redeemer lives. I know who my King is. I know where my Salvation comes from.
It's not from the government, it's not from good works on my part, it's not because I'm wonderful and I deserve it.
Government is made up of men, and men are corrupt and sinful.My works are as filthy rags.The only thing "wonderful" about me is that I am "fearfully and wonderfully made".
And I am the most undeserving of men.Yet, HE came to this world, HE lived a sinless life, HE suffered and died on the Cross for my sins, HE rose from the dead and defeated Death and Satan for all time.
And He would have done it even if I were the only person in the world.
I am a blessed Child of the Most High, the Living God. I am an heir of the King of Kings.
I will not apologize, but will stand and proudly proclaim, from one heir of the Kingdom to all the other heirs of the Kingdom, and wish everyone a very, MERRY CHRISTMAS.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Dana Hee
Just wanted to do a little promo piece for a friend of mine, Miss Dana Hee. Master Hee is an international motivational speaker, and was 1988 Olympic gold medalist in Taekwondo. She is also an award-winning Hollywood stuntwoman. I could go on for several pages, but I just want to encourage everyone to experience Master Hee for themselves.
She has begun to write her own blog, containing inspirational and motivational messages. I'd like to encourage you all to check it out: www.danahee.blogspot.com.
Hoping I can post more tomorrow. Up to my eyeballs in alligators today. Today IS Thursday, isn't it?
my two cents worth today. :)
--Larry Voorhees
She has begun to write her own blog, containing inspirational and motivational messages. I'd like to encourage you all to check it out: www.danahee.blogspot.com.
Hoping I can post more tomorrow. Up to my eyeballs in alligators today. Today IS Thursday, isn't it?
my two cents worth today. :)
--Larry Voorhees
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