Category: Cerebrations

#HaveTheDiscussion: Free Markets & Capitalism

Rachel Brevard wrote, what I thought, a great piece titled Hawley is Asking the Right Questions About the Dollar. I posted a few snippets from her article on Twitter and one quote brought out a quick comeback from my favorite Capitalist Pig, Jonathan Hoenig. Jonathan was short and to the point in his response.

Please note: It was late last night when I posted Rachel’s piece. I actually fell asleep with my phone in hand prior to finishing posting the thread so did feel a little slighted that Jonathan seemed to unjustly reprimand me. (It is all good. Water off a duck’s back, really. I truly adore him.)

Jonathan talks a lot about free markets, capitalism, and Wall Street. He has an online show about Objective Investing most Saturdays, usually around 10 a.m. Central. There have been a few times when I recall him saying “defend Capitalism” and once, when a viewer pummeled the timeline with contrary opinions, Jonathan responded with, “come on, help me out here [audience].” as he defended his capitalist pig position.

He is right. Defend Capitalism.

In Rachel’s article, I like how she goes through a thought process. Using questions, she addresses the language, the phraseology that is used in the media today. I have heard those terms and phrases used for years but she asks questions and then is clear to state:

Maybe the answer to both these questions is yes, and maybe Hawley’s pursuit of these policy corrections is misguided. But the conversation he is starting is not out of line. Their dismissal of it is.

And it’s to the benefit of everyone on the Right to welcome an honest assessment of the realities in the current marketplace, test whether old assumptions still apply, and either attack or defend them with the intellectual rigor our politics deserve.

The conversation is not out of line. Their dismissal of it is.

I know what Jonathan thinks. He is a follower of Ayn Rand. He promotes Objectivism and as mentioned previously, has his own twist in how he applies her theory to being objective in his investment philosophy, which I find useful as an investment philosophy.

What I love about Jonathan is his expertise in the markets. I love that he generously shares what he has learned, his personal experience with others. He is quick witted. His mind is agile, filled with information and he is, usually, quick on the draw with his encyclopedia-like capitalist pig knowledge.

Like Jonathan and Rachel, I agree that discussions and defense of the free market, true capitalism, must be had to correctly influence those beguiled by the anti-capitalist sophists in American culture today. Influencing the public by answering anti-capitalist questions with better questions and then following up with true, free market principles in the discussion seems a more effective way to educate those within our spheres of influence.

Why not defend Capitalism by acknowledging it is based upon principles that Matt Kibbe so eloquently discusses in Don’t Hurt People and Don’t Take Their Stuff? Could we then  better defend Capitalism by acknowledging that Taxpayers are not responsible for corporate or government bailouts? And what would happen if we defend Capitalism by discussing bad practices and correctly labeling criminal behavior as anti-capitalist instead of blaming Wall Street collectively?

Miscreants who lie, cheat, steal, and abuse the Capitalist System are not Capitalists. They are what they are, liars, cheaters, thieves and system abusers or basically, anti-capitalists.

I think in reaching out to the common man and woman, and I include myself in that statement, gentle persuasion, asking questions, and offering suggestions is a more effective way to win friends and influence people. And I say that as a screamer, one who has blood shooting out of her eyes, and my head popping off from having had to listen to the sophistry of socialists and totalitarians and anti-capitalists and watching RINOs for many years.

Suggested Reading & Viewing: 

 

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#FrameTheDebate: Criminal & Crazy Control

A brilliant friend of mine, Joe Walker, took a 365 challenge to post a graphic every day. His work is fabulous and he is a fantastic man to boot. Following his 365 example I tried to write every day for a year on this blog. I did it, making a mess of my daily count (#mathimpaired) but I did indeed complete the challenge.

One piece I wrote included homage to Daniel Greenfield. I LOVE Daniel Greenfield. Truly. I love him for his brilliantly reasoned writing. The flow and tone in his articles move through my soul and very often settle my frenetic thoughts on a subject. In fact, I wish I had seen this before posting my thoughts on #RedFlagLaws for I certainly would have added it to the reading list:

WE NEED CRIMINAL AND CRAZY CONTROL, NOT GUN CONTROL

When criminals and psychos aren’t locked up, then everyone ends up in jail.

Gun controllers insist that the Founding Fathers never anticipated the problem of mass shooters. That’s probably true. But they would have also never tolerated the conditions that brought them into being, a permissive criminal justice system, a failure to institutionalize the mentally ill, and a media that promotes these acts of violence under the guise of condemning them and clamoring for gun control. 

This piece by Michelle Malkin is an excellent read in the demonizing of the Military whistleblowers. False allegations and labeling, or red-flagging those who oppose government bureaucrats who have a little authority as the bureaucrats suppose, is nothing new. Just ask anyone falsely accused of anything by a bureaucrat. This article is proof of how Red Flag Laws will work if instituted across America.

BEWARE THE GUN-GRABBING CRISIS VULTURES

How the VA 'red-flags' patriots.

Understanding abuse of power by bureaucrats makes it easy to fully appreciate this segment with Eric Brakey on the rationale of the Second Amendment.

Erick is right! “If the people are not allowed the means to self-defense then we are not citizens, we’re subjects.”

Taking guns away from law abiding gun owners is NOT the solution if it does not include due process. Under today’s Red Flag Laws Thomas Massie and John R. Lott, Jr. point out:

‘Red Flag’ Laws Are the Wrong Solution to Mass Shootings

“During the first nine months after Florida passed its red-flag law last year, judges granted more than 1,000 confiscation orders. In the three months after Maryland’s law went into effect on October 1, more than 300 people had their guns confiscated. In one case in Arundel County, a 61-year-old man died when the police stormed his home at 5 a.m. to take away his guns. Connecticut and Indiana, which have had these laws in effect for the longest time, have seen increasingly large numbers of confiscation orders.” 

 

If you do not know who Jonathan Dunne is, then please check out his website and podcasts. As Freedom’s Disciple, he truly understands how to #FrameTheDebate as he discusses the:

Roots of Gun Control & The Solutions

 

One of the greatest mass killings took place on 9/11 2001, and as Jonathan points out (around 20:22 minutes) it had nothing to do with guns. Neither did the Oklahoma Bombings. Dunne attributes these heinous acts to a “health, heart and head problem” that needs be solved.

The Social Elitists and their minions have been pushing for gun control for more than thirty years. Red Flag Laws are the most disturbing push for the subjective nature of accusations that can or might be leveled to usurp the unalienable right to keep and bear arms.

Criminals and Crazy people will always circumvent the law, the rules, the norms or a moral society. And almost always, it is the liars, deceivers, and power seekers demanding and influencing the crazies to take #Control by hurting people and taking their stuff.

So yeah. We definitely need Criminal and Crazy control.

 

Additional reading on Gun Control:

 

 

Red Flag Laws: Opposing Freedom

I just got off the telephone comment line to the Whitehouse to make sure my voice is heard about preserving the 2nd Amendment by opposing Red Flag Laws. I also sent an email to President Trump on the subject. (Tip: call the Switchboard, 202-456-1414, if the comment line is busy.

Aside from my personal experience in listening to the Gun Control debate for the last 40 years+, I thought it prudent to list some of my current reads and favorite video clips that have firmed my stance on why I am concerned over who’s watching the watchers, against additional background checks, and the importance of fighting off those who wish to control this issue through emotional rhetoric.

Today Front Page Magazine put out a fabulous article that clearly articulates the need for discussion:

FROM EL PASO TO FORT HOOD

When the FBI failed to prevent a mass murder they knew was coming.

Glenn Beck’s book CONTROL is the best when it comes to documentation on the issue, and then some. His company, BlazeTV.com has many hosts who have raised the warnings, and you should hear from their guests!

 

Dana Loesch is one of the best when it comes to articulating and fighting for the Second Amendment:

Why Red Flag Laws Are Not A Good Solution To Mass Shootings

Do you feel comfortable giving up a cornerstone of our republic for a safety dependent upon enforcement by a government that has failed at this before?

Great segment here with Simon Sinek: “It’s not about guns, it’s about kids being lonely…”

Here are two wonderful educational videos with the late and great Charlton Heston:

In a clarion call to action here is a reminder about the importance of making sure President Trump hears your voice in defense of the Second Amendment and opposition to Red Flag Laws:

Additional Sources: 

  1. Mark Levin: The Media and the Mass Shootings
  2. Conservative Review: Gun Control
  3. Daily Wire: Gun Control 
  4. Glenn Beck: Gun Control
  5. The Blaze: Gun Control

 

 

Term Limits and why I support CPI

In case you missed Jim DeMint on The Byron York Show #20: Jim DeMint–Remember Him?–Talks Biden, Pelosi, Trump please listen to it. Pay special attention beginning at the 12:00 minute mark.

Jim did what he said he would do which was to step down at the end of two terms. He has always been a proponent for #TermLimits. He is the Chairman of Conservative Partnership Institute (CPI).  And Jim, for his term limit example, is one of many reasons why I donate monthly to CPI. 

I believe in #TermLimits. And here is how I put my money where my mouth is:

 

Imagine Your Name Here,

My name is Jody and like you, I am a Patriot and a member of the Conservative Partnership Institute (CPI). 

As an Active Duty Air Force Spouse, I am a monthly donor to the Conservative Partnership Institute and I’d like to share with you why I donate and invite you to consider doing the same. 

After working for many years to get and keep Conservatives in office, it has been disheartening to see so many men and women immediately forget their campaign promises. Even worse, too many have become part of the Swamp machine. 

It is infuriating how the Washington Establishment uses every carrot and stick in the book to corrupt good men and women.

Like you, I am continually encouraged as I watch CPI’s mission unfold. 

CPI’s mission is to support conservatives on Capitol Hill and help teach them how to become more effective in advancing our shared values. More importantly, CPI helps keep good people oriented toward and steeped in the foundational principles of good governance.

When Senator Jim DeMint was in Congress he saw first-hand exactly how the Establishment keeps conservative policy victories from being achieved. 

He identified three key areas where the Establishment was hamstringing Conservatives:  

1. Most Congressional staff were establishment stooges not conservative fighters. 

2. Very few Members of Congress or their staff knew how to use Congressional rules to advance conservative policies. 

3. Conservatives – by and large – were not unified in purpose.

I loved that CPI was created to address each of these specific obstacles and  it’s exciting to know that Jim DeMint and his staff do the following to effect change: 

1. Surround Members of Congress with conservative staff who are dedicated to the same principles as their boss. 

2. Train Congressional staff and Congressmen in the tactical skills and parliamentary procedure necessary to advance our shared conservative values. 

3. Unite the conservative movement by providing office and meeting space to over two dozen conservative organizations and Members of Congress. It is thrilling to see how they are literally bringing the conservative movement together under one roof. 

Over the last two years CPI has proved to be one of the most effective and truly conservative organizations in Washington, D.C. 

I love this quote from House Freedom Caucus Congressman Ken Buck, and it’s a key reason why I contribute monthly to CPI: 

“CPI is the only organization providing weapon’s grade trainings on the tactics required to advance good conservative policy. My staff and I are more effective because of CPI’s trainings.” 

(Your Name Here), by donating monthly, you and I ensure that CPI has the ability to provide these critical resources to our fighters in Congress. 

Will you please join me in making a monthly donation to the Conservative Partnership Institute, even if it is only $5 a month? (And if you can give more, please do!) 

Sincerely, 

Jody Wardell 
CPI Monthly Donor 

I know I posted this email solicitation the other day but reading about #TermLimitsLegislation today made me want to place emphasis on CPI as a way to move members of Congress and staff members in that direction. We are the bottom up. Congress is the top down. CPI can help open an effectual door with our support. 

#FreeThePeople with great conversations

I have been a fan of Matt Kibbe since he headed up FreedomWorks. In fact I was pleased to attend a fantastic FreedomWorks event in Florida where I got to shake his hand, get a photo, and signed copy of Hostile Takeover. (And I must mention the wonderful Deneen Borrelli from whom I got a signed copy of Blacklash and a photo.)

When FreedomWorks edged out Kibbe I was pretty irritated. He was able to work with Conservative-Libertarians and shake up the alleged conservative establishment to create a movement of the masses that helped reign in government power, only to have the proverbial rug yanked out from under his feet.

So now on to the great news portion of the story. Matt Kibbe moved forward by writing Don’t Hurt People and Don’t Take Their Stuff, another fab book. He has developed his video/podcast program on the BlazeTV titled Kibbe On Liberty. He is a fantastic interviewer of very interesting people sharing ideas.

I hope you will be enticed to view a few of my favorite Kibbe video/podcasts below and follow his new political organization at FreeThePeople.org.

That stinkin’ dissertation…

At 4:20 p.m. on December 6th the Honey-do hit the send button on his email program. He has been working on a stinkin’ Computer Science dissertation for a few years and finally, FINALLY, he sent in his package to be reviewed by his advisor. It felt too good to be true. It was almost as though I was in some time bubble where my mind was completely fogged over as in a dream.

Is it truly almost over? 

Almost. Almost. Almost. There will be some feedback, some more writing, and then, of course, there will be a scheduled time to defend his work with his committee. The stinkin’ dissertation process is not over. It is merely in the pipeline. 

Hallelujah. Close enough for me.

The Honey-do came home around 5ish yesterday. We sort of wandered about the house in a stupor, as if not knowing what to do next. For the last two years all we have done is talk about IT on a daily basis, well except on Sundays. (Ours is a no-homework-Sundays house.) We regularly talked about how much effort, energy and focus he needed to exert to get IT finished. And feeling the intense pressure of staying focused to get IT done he has, for the last six months, giving me a nightly recap of his day regarding how he was or was not progressing on IT getting done. 

It took about 30 minutes of discussing our shock and awe about IT being sent through the electronic delivery system until we discussed his need to remember to call his advisor to let him know IT was sitting in his inbox. (He sent it after school hours.)  Then we started to breathe. 

It was not until about 7 p.m. when Honey-do realized the day’s date. He was  commissioned in the Air Force on December 6, 1996. He served 11 years and 2 and 1/2 months enlisted prior to that so realizing that he had turned in that stinkin’ dissertation 33 years after he signed up as a little Airman No Class, well… he fell asleep with a wonderful sense of satisfaction. After all, he accomplished his goal at a point in his career when many others have already retired. 

#NeverQuit #OldDogsNewTricks #GoldHawks #GoVertical #5yearPayBack

41: My moment with G.H.W. Bush

Former President George H. W. Bush came to Great Falls, Montana in 2000 to stump for his son’s campaign for President of the United States of America. It was fortunate for me that I was very involved with the Great Falls Pachyderm Club, the Cascade County Republican Party and actively volunteering in the local campaign headquarters to elect conservatives at the local, state, and national levels. Those connections afforded me the opportunity to attend the special campaign event that took place on 4 November. It was my good fortune to have been invited to stand front and center at the event with my homemade sign.

Crammed in the room like sardines, standing side to side and practically back to belly, it seemed like an eternity waiting for the event to start. I had worn a cotton velvet blue dress. It was a great looking color, very comfortable outfit but it certainly was not a good choice considering the temperature in the room with all of the body heat sucking up the air, not to mention the incredible energy and excitement that naturally heightened the experience.

Finally, a lean man, he seemed much smaller in person than I had imagined, entered the room. I thought he would be taller. Still, I watched 41 stride in to wave to the thunderous crowd, working his way across the stage to take his place on the stand. I was gobsmacked. He was every bit as delightful and charming as he appeared to be on television.

When it was time for the former president to leave he began to work his way downstage right of the front row, it was with great anticipation that I looked forward to shaking his hand, hoping he would have time to do so without being rushed off before getting to me. Having used up my camera, the kind that used film, I put its strap on my left wrist in preparation to shake his hand. 

Quickly he moved down the line. It was my turn! I looked Bush 41 in the eye, shook his hand mentioning how my husband served in the Gulf War, that it was a true honor under his presidential command and that Dean was unable to be at the event as he was still active duty.

The former president surprised me with a most sincere reply as he reached for the camera swinging on my wrist, saying we should take a picture. When I informed him I was out of film his smile turned down saying, “Oh. That’s too bad.” 

His shoulders drooped for a moment. He tilted his head. His face seemed pained that he could not do that small act of service for me, emanating a sincere sorrow that I had not expected. He seemed, perhaps, disappointed that I was out of film to take that photo.

George H. W. Bush accepted my comment with the utmost humility. He wanted to serve me in return. There was no arrogance. His was not the photo op obligation response. It was a sincere, genuine act of kindness to take that moment with me. I will always remember him touching my life as a #PointOfLight.

Cut the losers and let the winners run

Since taking the 10 Day Social Media Fast I realize I am beyond bored with Facebook and Twitter. I also have a Gab account however find that I do not use it as much as I do Twitter of which my usage is somewhat waning. The other social media accounts I have at Instagram, Periscope, and Snapchat are rarely used anymore either.

As far as news portals go I am still thrilled with The Blaze and I recently went back to checking Drudge Report. Of course there are the smattering of sites I enjoy and a few Tweeple I check out regularly to see what interests them.

After many years of watching politics and working for alleged Conservative causes I have backed out of all but a few sites. Having tuned out the National Republican Senate Committee, the House Republicans, I still follow the Senate Conservatives Fund and Conservative Partnership Institute.

For years David Horowitz has warned and forewarned and discussed how to fight against the socialist movement. And look where the squatters in the GOP have left us: Kevin McCarthy as Minority Leader in the House with Mitch McConnell as the Majority Leader in the Senate. To borrow the phrase from my friend, Jonathan Hoenig (CapitalistPig.com), “Cut the losers and let the winners run”.

McCarthy and McConnell are losers for a true Conservative-Libertarian agenda. Their record proves it.

The winners are The House Freedom Caucus and Senators like Mike Lee, who hold sacred the divinely inspired Constitution, who continuously and tirelessly work to affect change as Statesmen.

To simplify and reduce the time I spend on keeping up with the GOP, my choice is now to focus on The Winners, the men and women who truly walk on the Constitutionally Conservative path. There are simply not enough hours in the day to waste time on the Losers, the Liars, or the Loyally Misguided Progressives in the Republican Party. The focus must remain on those willing to #FrameTheDebate for the Conservative Agenda, for that which takes us away from enslavement ideology to that of being free to govern ourselves.

I really like the Conservative Reform Agenda that Mike Lee laid out on his site:

Freedom doesn’t mean “you’re on your own.” It means “we’re all in this together.”

This conservative vision for society is not anti-government. Civil society depends on a just, transparent, and accountable government to enforce the rule of law.

But a government that tries to do too many things can end up stifling human cooperation instead of enabling it. Big government turns citizens into supplicants, capitalists into cronies, and cooperative communities, into competing special interests.

~ Senator Mike Lee, Utah

Government is doing too much. It ought to be downsized. It ought to be significantly downsized. Government ought to be setting a budget, living on a budget and doing without just like families do.

Good luck with that come January 2019 for apparently the Socialist Democrats, the #NewTotalitarians (same as the #OldTotalitarians), will  continue to run down the failed and abusive path of Marxism, smirking and smiling and making love to us all (Jane Austen, Pride & Prejudice).

ADDITIONAL READING: 

So beyond disgusted I could, ya know…

Jeff Flake running his sorry mouth is about the last straw today. Why will he not gracefully shut up and go away now that he has quit his campaigning? Or is he hedging his bets, perhaps auditioning, for something in the future?

Spit. 

And then the stupid secret voting for Kevin McCarthy to continue on with the pathetic House agenda is the straw before the last straw.

Spit. 

“On the Senate end, the GOP chose Mitch McConnell (Ky.) to continue to serve as majority leader, and promoted John Thune (N.D.) to the position of whip.”

~ The Blaze, previous link

Spit, and spit again.

Not sure what I will do next but I will continue to doing something to not support these men in their misplaced loyalties and misguided agendas.

Not that they care about me or my opinions, Not that my blog matters to them.

Spit. 

LIBERTY SCORE CARD – Top 25 RINOs

 

 

Just ask any two year old

Years ago a question was posed by the speaker in a meeting I attended:

What is the greatest power in the universe? 

His answer:

Freedom to Choose. Just ask any two year old. 

So what and who are you voting for? Freedom or bondage?

Vote Person not Party. Know the issues, know the person, know the people who surround and advise the person/s you choose to vote for. Be not deceived.

Vote. Choose wisely.

Choose Freedom.

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