On the Precipice

I was fortunate recently to receive a gift from a close friend of a marvelous work of biographical documentary by Lou Cannon, an authority on the life and work of Ronald Reagan. The illustrated portfolio of Reagan's contributions to America is truly an inspiring piece of literature, as well as a powerful historical reference of his accomplishments. The accompanying audio CD containing excerpts of his speeches, including the famous "Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate! Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!" Berlin speech of June 12, 1987, is a stimulating flashback to the times when American strength and influence was able to change the world in dramatic ways.

Moving page by page through this exceptional work one finds it difficult to not return in one's mind to the culminating years of the 20th century and remind oneself of the edge of the precipice on which the world stood in those days. The escalating arms race between the USSR and the United States was truly the one event in world history which, had it not been ultimately conquered, might have lead to our annihilation; the end of our civilization and as a human race.

Our options were limited but remarkably clear. Succumbing to the influence of Soviet domination would have changed, and indeed destroyed our way of life as a free society. This was not an acceptable option. Movements to appease the Soviet aggressor were growing, emanating both from within the US and many countries with liberal-leaning democracies. Cries of "better dead than read," the rallying cry of anti-communist forces within the US were being elsewhere reversed, and "better red than dead" was increasingly heard around the world. It seemed as if the US was the last and only obstacle to the Soviet's imposition of their social and economic order on the world. Yet still many around the world naively believed that, if only left alone and not challenged, the Soviet Union would necessarily do the same and retreat to its ancient borders and withhold further communist encroachment into their countries.

Reagan, however, saw this as it truly was - a war of ideas where in the end there had to be a victor and there had to be a defeated. He stated it very clearly - "Peace is so easy to achieve. I can give it to you in one second. All you have to do is surrender."

The war had to be won. The consequences of anything other than victory were unthinkable. Astute in recognizing the perfectly aligned circumstances of the support of Pope John Paul II, the Solidarity uprising in Poland, and an opening presented by a slightly more realistic than his predecessors General Secretary Gorbachev, Reagan fearlessly confronted the Soviet regime and at the perfect moment dealt the final blow. His words of defiance against the Soviet empire, like a match, lit the fire of counter revolution throughout Eastern Europe, and the Soviet regime soon collapsed of its own weight and inability to defend its flawed ideals.

With the disintegration of the Soviet Union, most of the countries previously under its communist vice have since become prosperous market societies, and the American principles of freedom and liberty spread widely across these newly emerging free market democracies. Reagan left behind a legacy of a world much safer and economically viable. Bells of liberty and freedom had been made to ring louder and clearer than ever before. With his legacy we were also reminded of the power of liberty over tyranny and conviction over appeasement.

And here we are, no more than 20 years later faced with circumstances ominously similar to those during Reagan's presidency. Though there may no longer be a Soviet Union, yet today's Russia is increasingly becoming emboldened to act with the same dictatorial patterns as the Bolsheviks of half a century years ago. Socialism (or in reality a contorted and deformed version thereof) has been adopted by a number of dictatorial regimes like Venezuela's Chavez and is spreading to other countries not far from our doorstep (Honduras). Islamic terrorism continues to be an unresolved threat and in fact may be strengthening its roots across the world.

But this time the United States lacks the leadership and conviction it did during the Reagan presidency. Indeed, our ideological infrastructure has been so severely infected with socialist principles and ideology that we cannot even be certain whether we are opposed to the progressive encroachment of hard core collectivism and government control into our way of life. Voices of mainstream political figures uttering words such as "we must accept the increased role of government in our lives" and "it takes a village to raise a child" all point to our increasing acceptance of government as a paternal figure in our lives. This is in complete conflict with our founding principles. It repaints our country with an ideology that is foreign to the core of our beliefs and in many ways invalidates the experiment that had created our country in the first place.

It is important to understand the chain of events that the world socialist envisions. It begins at an individual and national level, where the abandonment of personal liberties leads to the socialization of the society within the respective nation. Once enough individual societies have succumbed to the socialist ideology, this in turn becomes the seed toward globalized socialism, where individual nations forgo their national individuality and interests for the benefit of the global order.

While troubling within the context of our nation, the ramifications on the future of our world are extremely profound. If America is absorbed into the "community" defined by the world-wide socialist agenda, its leadership role will cease, leaving the world to be led by a dysfunctional conglomerate of nations. As evidenced by the total ineffectiveness of the United Nations, the resulting inaction at a global level can be nothing less than terrifying.

Imagine a world without leadership, with the United States playing an equal partner role with all other countries of the world. A true "to each according to their needs, from each according to their abilities." Equal sharing of all resources. No conflict. No wars. No boundaries.

Utopia, you say? I say absolutely. Then I add. No food. No progress. No innovation. No invention. No individual - only the collective.

To create a world society which completely uproots and ignores the basics of the human behavioral DNA is excellent material for science fiction, but in the real world it is folly. By natural law man strives to become more than what he is. He does so because he anticipates this will improves his life. When he does, by so doing, he contributes to the progress of society.

Man is flawed (thank our Creator for that) and desires more than what he needs. And greed is as much a part of his character as is his need to breathe. Man is also benevolent, and once his needs are generally met, he gladly shares of his goods, first with family, then with others of his choosing.

You can no more remove these traits from man than you can make him refuse food or water. To remove them is to devoid him of the desire to create and improve.

The United States is at the crossroads of determining the shape of its future. While the socialist agenda has been active here for the better part of the 20th century (Lyndon B. Johnson's Great Society, Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal), at no time has the pace of radical change been so rapid as during the first 9 months of Barack Obama's presidency. As if realizing that inconvenient truths must sooner or later catch up with his agenda, the breakneck speed of socialist reforms undertaken by him are intended to reach as far as possible before the electorate realizes the consequences of his actions.

With each such reform the relevance of the individual fades further and the objective of the statist is closer to being realized.

While no credible single leader has emerged in opposition to this agenda, the electorate is clearly catching on and beginning to establish beachheads in pushing back on many of the reforms. But the voice of a leader in the tradition of Ronald Reagan is yet to be heard. When he/she emerges, the battle will extend to winning back the statist's gains and aiming our attention on the world stage, where America's leadership desperately needs to be reestablished.

The United States has earned the right to be the dominant nation. It has done so by succeeding where others have failed, by creating a society and system of government which recognizes and aligns with man's desire for freedom and liberty. By so doing it has created great prosperity and a standard of living for its citizens unmatched throughout the world. It has earned the right to lead because of its benevolence toward less prosperous nations, having provided more positive influence and material support for them than any other country and, in fact, more than all other nations under the United Nations banner.

Now our future is far from clear, our destiny far from being secure. The strength and effect of the mounting opposition to Barack Obama's agenda will determine how far our nation swings in the direction of collectivism and how reversible (if at all) these effects will be. What is at stake is nothing less than the heart of our national identity, the principles of our 200+ year old democracy and the success of the experiment that is the United States of America.

Will history show the era of Ronald Reagan to be just a temporary relapse in the statist's march toward the eventual imposition of socialist order upon the world? Or will it serve as a lasting testament of the power of conviction and the strength of our ideals that we once again now need to exhibit in defense of our liberty, freedom and national identity?

The answer may very well determine the course of our next 200 years as either Americans or as citizens of the world.

We welcome your comments and suggestions which you may direct via email toeditor@nakedliberty.com. To subscribe to Naked Liberty Articles by Email, please visit Naked Liberty at http://nakedliberty.com * * * * * Norbert Sluzewski is the editor of the Naked Liberty blog to which he contributes articles that focus on societal issues, particularly those related to the founding principles as contained in the United States Constitution. He is a successful business leader and entrepreneur. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Norbert_Sluzewski http://www.pippoproducts.com

"The Great Bust Ahead" - A Book Review

This concise description of the analysis of demographics and the correlation to markets, leads one invariable to the same conclusion as is reached by the author. No words are minced by Daniel A. Arnold as he goes about explaining that we are at or near then next great economic depression. Recent events have shaken consumer confidence, but after you read this book you will be confident that the greatest depression of all time is around the corner.

Mr. Arnold expertly lays out the facts and correlates prior recessions and depressions to a demographic he calls the big spenders, a sub-demographic of 45-54 year olds. Charts and Graphs are expertly used to illustrate each correlation of the demographic to the stock market history. At the end of the book to conclusion is irrefutable. Economic conditions are mostly dictated by population distribution and as the 100,000,000 baby boomers move toward retirement and slow down their spending, the economy will slow also. "The boomers as a group approach in size the entire population of Japan - every man woman and child! Think of it. Try to get your mind around the magnitude of it." The analysis is crisp, clear and concise. The conclusion is a stark realization of an economic inevitability, a depression longer and deeper than has ever occurred in our history is immanent.

The book is based on demographic data gathered in the Vorago Database and historical data stock market data. If you are concerned about your economic future this is a must read.

Without an understanding of political, economic and social principles we are inadequate employers unable to discern the proper qualifications for leadership and doomed to lead the ship of state on a course to destruction. Ignorance is our greatest enemy. I encourage you to take a few minutes out of your day to learn more about your countries history and politics. http://www.PippoProducts.com is here to help you discover where we were and where we are going as a country and as a people. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joseph_Conigliaro

John Quincy Adams On a Nations Power.

"Individual liberty is individual power, and as the power of a community is a mass compounded of individual powers, the nation which enjoys the most freedom must necessarily be in proportion to its numbers the most powerful nations." -- John Quincy Adams, from a letter to James Lloyd [October 1, 1822] also from Bartlett's Familiar Quotations

E-Mail Going Around: Robin Williams's Plan for World Peace

HE MADE THIS SPEECH IN NEW YORK ... The Plan! ? Robin Williams, wearing a shirt that says, 'I love New York ' in Arabic. You gotta love Robin Williams... Even if he's nuts! Leave it to Robin Williams to come up with the perfect plan. What we need now is for our UN Ambassador to stand up and repeat this message. Robin Williams' plan... (Hard to argue with this logic!) 'I see a lot of people yelling for peace, but I have not heard of a plan for peace. So, here's one plan.' 1) 'The US will apologize to the world for our 'interference' in their affairs, past & present. You know, Hitler, Mussolini, Stalin, Tojo, Noriega, Milosevic, Hussein, and the rest of those 'good 'ole' boys', we will never 'interfere' again. 2) We will withdraw our troops from all over the world, starting with Germany ,South Korea , the Middle East, and the Philippines . They don't want us there. We would station troops at our borders. No one allowed sneaking through holes in the fence. 3) All illegal aliens have 90 days to get their affairs together and leave. We'll give them a free trip home. After 90 days, the remainder will be gathered up and deported immediately, regardless of whom or where they are. They're illegal!!! France will welcome them. 4) All future visitors will be thoroughly checked and limited to 90 days, unless given a special permit!!!! No one from a terrorist nation will be allowed in.. If you don't like it there, change it yourself and don't hide here. Asylum would never be available to anyone. We don't need any more cab drivers or 7-11 cashiers. 5) No foreign 'students' over age 21. The older ones are the bombers. If they don't attend classes, they get a 'D' and it's back home baby. 6) The US will make a strong effort to become self-sufficient energy wise. This will include developing nonpollutingsources of energy but will require a temporary drilling of oil in the Alaskan wilderness. The caribou will have to cope for a while 7) Offer Saudi Arabia and other oil producing countries $10 a barrel for their oil. If they don't like it, we go someplace else. They can go somewhere else to sell their production. (About a week of the wells filling up the storage sites would be enough.) 8) If there is a famine or other natural catastrophe in the world, we will not 'interfere.' They can pray to Allah or whomever, for seeds, rain, cement or whatever they need. Besides most of what we give them is stolen or given to the army. The people who need it most get very little, if anything. 9) Ship the UN Headquarters to an isolated island someplace. We don't need the spies and fair weather friends here. Besides, the building would make a good homeless shelter or lockup for illegal aliens. 10) All Americans must go to charm and beauty school.. That way, no one can call us 'Ugly Americans' any longer. The Language we speak is ENGLISH... learn it... or LEAVE... Now, isn't that a winner of a plan? 'The Statue of Liberty is no longer saying ' Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses.' She's got a baseball bat and she's yelling, ' You want a piece of me?' If you agree with the above, forward it to friends... If not, and I would be amazed, DELETE it!!

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Book Review - The Judge Talks Politics by Judge Francis J Donovan

Judges are supposed to be impartial and should never get involved in politics. Right? Well, not exactly; and it is the "not exactly" part that makes Francis J Donovan's book, The Judge Talks Politics so interesting to read. Francis J. Donovan grew up as a poor Irish American who entered the arena of Long Island politics shortly after earning his law degree from St John's University. During his decades of public service, he rose through the ranks from deputy county attorney in Nassau County to a district court judge from 1959 to 1973. It was a successful and illustrious career that almost didn't get off the ground; primarily because by his own admission that, "he was never told how the political game was played." Donovan's problems began when he stood for reelection to a third term as a district court judge. Given that he had received the endorsement of the Republican, Democratic, and Conservative parties his reelection seemed virtually assured. But there was one small problem.

Joseph Margiotti, the all powerful Republican Party boss of Long Island, demanded that he reject the Conservative endorsement. Donovan refused to do this on the grounds that doing so violated the Canon of Judicial Ethics. He also felt that the Liberal and Conservative parties of Nassau County should not be forced to give up their power to possibly swing the vote to nominate a rival party in an upcoming election. Margiotti's response to Donovan's act of disobedience was quick and brutal. First he had him stricken from the Republican ticket and then he set out to remove him from office with the declaration, "it is Donovan, his family, and friends against the organization." What ensued next, was a tough and bloody battle that Donovan won against insurmountable odds, primarily because of his dogged determination, an in depth knowledge of how the judicial system works, and a well organized network of loyal friends and colleagues.

In many ways the famous Margiotti vs. Donovan case was a watershed for politics in Nassau County. It was also a tipping point in the career of Francis J Donovan. From that point forward he understood how the political game was played and he played the game masterfully, winning one battle after another as he worked within the system to achieve his personal goals. Characterizing The Judge Talks Politics as a tell-all book about Long Island politics does not do it justice. Between the covers of this compact, well written book a reader can find a snapshot of Nassau County history during a most important time; details on how politics really work; tips on how to analyze issues; advice on how to seek political office; and much more. Whether you are a casual reader, or a political junkie seeking snippets of information politicians don't normally want to discuss, The Judge Talks Politics is a worthwhile read. I strongly recommend it.

Ron Standerfer is a freelance writer and photographer who is a frequent contributor to Ezine Articles as well as numerous other online news sites. His latest novel, The Eagle's Last Flight chronicles the life of an Air Force fighter pilot during the Cold War and Vietnam years. Details of his book can be found at http://www.ronstanderfer.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ronald_Standerfer http://www.pippoproducts.com

Free Speech - Except About Health Care Reform

The first amendment to the United States Constitution reads;

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. Ratified 12/15/1791

In direct contradiction to that right, here is part of a press release from the Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services, issued Sep 21, 2009;

"Medicare today called on Medicare-contracted health insurance and prescription drug plans to suspend potentially misleading mailings to beneficiaries about health care and insurance reform. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently asked Humana, Inc. to end similar mailings. Humana has agreed to do so."

The problem started when the huge insurance company Humana, Inc. had the audacity to send an informational letter to its health insurance customers. Humana is the company that manages health plans for Medicare beneficiaries. In the letter, the customers were informed that "millions of seniors and disabled individuals" could lose "important benefits and services" under the reform proposals being considered by Congress. The customers were urged to contact their congressional representatives over their concerns.

Well, that explains it. We can't have all the common citizens running around all over the place with actual information. They must accept what they are told by Washington and be happy with it.

These are private companies, owned and operated by private American citizens. The federal government has told those companies, operated by those United States citizens, to shut up. Apparently the first amendment doesn't protect their speech, unless that speech agrees with the government.

Media Research Center President Brent Bozell asks - "Where is the outrage from the media on this abuse of power? Here we have an orchestrated and deliberate attempt to keep American citizens in the dark, particularly vulnerable seniors. Their very health is at risk, yet all but ABC have chosen to keep their audiences in the dark about this abuse. If they aren't willing to probe and at least question the administration on this blatant offense, what else are they shoving under the rug"?

I can't believe this is happening here in the Land of the Free. America had better wake up in a hurry.

http://commonconservativesense.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_Faulk

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Lenin On How to Distroy Capitalism

"Lenin is said to have declared that the best way to destroy the capitalist system was to debauch the currency. By a continuing process of inflation governments can confiscate, secretly and unobserved, an important part of the wealth of their citizens. ... Lenin was certainly right." -- John Maynard Keynes, Essay in Persuasion [1931] from Bartlett's Familiar Quotations

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The 2012 Prophecy - Should We Prepare For the Worst

The year 2012 has recently gained a lot of popularity in our culture. However, it isn't exactly considered a good thing. Several ancient civilizations have predicted that the world will end in December of 2012. A movie has even been made on this exact subject. It's almost scary to read about how many different civilizations have come up with this same date. The Mayans, the ancient Chinese, and even Nostradamus have predicted the end of the world in December of 2012. Of course, we should always be prepared for the worst, but how do we do that?

Recently, we've been having earthquakes that have created tsunamis in the Pacific Ocean. Experts are saying that recent hurricanes are following a more powerful trend, and even volcanologists are saying that Yellowstone National Park could erupt in our lifetime. The Mayans have predicted that many different natural disasters will all occur at the same time on December 21st of 2012. What does this mean for us? It means possible worldwide devastation, that's what.

However, there is always a way to prepare ourselves. We can't predict most of these events for sure, and even if we could we wouldn't be able to stop mother nature. What we can do is prepare ourselves and our families with the information and supplies needed to survive these very possible and deadly events.

For instance, if a tsunami were to be headed for the Pacific coast of the United States, people should be informed to head inland or to high ground. Of course, there is more to it than just that, but that's the gist of it.

In the event of a catastrophic earthquake in Southern California, citizens would have to have days, if not weeks worth of food and water for themselves and their families. However, it's a fact that this type of preparation is rare among the American population. If anyone plans to survive disastrous events like this we should be preparing ourselves as best we can. Just imagine having earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes, countless tornados, and volcanoes erupting all at the same time. Not a pretty site, and that's exactly what the Mayan's have predicted.

With December 2012 only three years away, we need to be considering the fact that these predictions might actually be true. If they are, then big deal, we can still say we were prepared for the worst. But if this date does bring an Apocalypse, then we will be prepared.

If you want to get this possible life-saving information for you in your family, visit the December 2012 Official Countdown website. We can never be to prepared when it comes to the lives of ourselves and our loved ones. The2012 Prophecy is not to be messed with when our lives could actually be in danger. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Cooke http://www.pippoproducts.com

Olympic Bid Slap in the Face - What's New?

Our nation does a very good job of helping out the rest of the world. We always have. Most citizens here in the USA feel it is our God given duty to be generous to others since we are so blessed.

I have learned (just as you probably have) that many people around the world hate America anyway. Many will take our help and then bite the hand that feeds them. Why?

Many are just jealous of our way of life. Some despise us for our military efforts to help countries like Iraq. Some think we are the devil. Some think we don't deserve our success even though we earnestly come to the aid of people all over the world.

So, I just expect it because it's not going to change. People all over the world come to this country every year to escape these same dictators who dislike the United States.

Some countries build fences to keep people from leaving... we cannot handle the influx of those trying to get in. You figure it out.

I don't know if the Olympic Committee was trying to embarrass President Obama and the United States by eliminating Chicago but I wouldn't put it past them.

It probably makes some sense for the Olympic Committee to pick a new location like Rio. Many people, however, fear traveling to Rio anymore because of the crime and danger to travelers. So be it.

I guess my point is that this selection does not surprise me at all. We will often be on the short end because of ill will towards us. As long as we continue to do what we think is the right thing for other people and other nations around the world we will just have to live with it.

We can never make serious decisions based on popularity alone.

Phil McMillan is a writer who maintains a daily blog entitled "Baby Boomer Baloney" (http://www.babyboomerbaloney.com). He provides daily humor videos for his readers as well as music videos from the 60's through the 80's along with his own comments. In addition to movie videos and comments, he produces political humor blogs and invites reader feedback. His daily posts will also highlight funny commercials, videos of Johnny Carson, David Letterman and Jay Leno. The blog will also feature clips of "Candid Camera," the sit-com "Cheers!" and other TV comedy shows (past and present). Phil's personal blogs will cover issues that are important in his mind that day. This is a fun site to visit... come on over and have a blast! Phil McMillan http://www.babyboomerbaloney.com ptmcmillan@gmail.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Phil_McMillan http://www.pippoproducts.com/healthfitness

Black Belt Patriotism - How to Reawaken America by Chuck Norris

I have been a fan of Chuck Norris for years. His early movies helped motivate me to study martial arts, and now as an instructor myself, I respect and admire the accomplishments he has achieved, and especially like how he has helped so many kids through his youth programs. It was an honor to meet Chuck Norris, his wife, and the late Howard Jackson a few years ago when he was signing copies of "Against All Odds: My Story."

I also like that Chuck Norris has firm convictions and beliefs and is not afraid to stand by them. His entry into political commentary and endorsing causes and candidates illustrates that he is not content with sitting on the sidelines, but is more than willing to stand up and be counted and voice an opinion. Some people criticize celebrities for endorsing causes or candidates, but I don't. I respect people who stand up for what they believe in and take ACTION. Regardless if you agree or disagree with Norris, you have to respect the fact that he is taking action regarding problems he sees in America.

I've been looking forward to "Black Belt Patriotism: How to Reawaken America" ever since I learned it was coming out. Being a black belt and a patriot, I love the title. But more importantly, I respect Chuck Norris and his views, not just because he is a fellow martial artist, but because he is sincere, honest, and makes a lot of sense. I've been looking forward to his insights and suggestions on how to rebuild our country and ensure the pursuit of the American Dream is available for everyone. The book was released yesterday and I left work and immediately stopped at the bookstore to pick up a copy.

I was not disappointed!

I spent the night reading "Black Belt Patriotism" and was quite impressed. It was not what I thought it was going to be. It had much more research than I expected. In fact, there are over thirty pages of notes, containing more than three hundred references from the text. Norris did his homework!

Before I go any further, I'll address the elephant in the room. (pun intended) It is no secret that Norris is a conservative. On the cover of the book, he is described as a martial arts master, actor, and political activist. This book falls in the political activist realm and the solutions that Norris provides are rooted in his Christian faith and belief in the Constitution and those Constitution Framers and founders of our great nation. If you share his conservative views, you are going to love this book. You might even stand up and yell, "You tell 'em Chuck!" If you are liberal, you are going to disagree with many of the solutions Norris provides, and you might even be insulted because he pulls no punches with his beliefs. If you are an independent, or fall somewhere in the middle, you will probably learn a few things and ponder on others. Regardless of which camp you fall into, I believe the book has value in pointing out the problems that Norris does. If you don't agree with his conservative solutions, so be it. Figure out solutions that you back. But think about the problems and work toward solutions!

The first line of this book is, "I love America: always have, always will." It is clear from reading this text that Norris really does love America and the principles it was founded upon. He has researched the history of our country and government much more than the average person, and goes so far as to include in the Appendices; The Declaration of Independence, The Constitution of the United States, and The Ten Commandments. If you study the more than three hundred references I mentioned earlier, without a doubt you will have a better understanding of our country and government, and a better understanding of where Norris is coming from. I applaud his inclusion of such material, rather than him just saying, "this is what I believe, so there." He gives us the why behind what he wrote. That still does not mean you have to agree with him, but it will most certainly education you and open your eyes to the conservative perspective in a different light.

The first chapter then goes on to lay out eight problems with America that Norris believes something must be done about. Then, it the next eight chapters he goes into solutions to these problems. These problems he addresses are: 1. Norris believes we have forgotten our roots and have drifted from the principles and beliefs that our country was founded upon. 2. America's debt. The dept by Both by the government and individuals is a major problem and as Norris points out, we must not spend what we don't have. 3. America has failed to enforce our nation's borders. Norris shares some of the Founder's recommendations regarding immigration as well as some of his own recommendations for the illegal immigration problem. 4. Norris believes the fourth major problem is that America has lost its moral compass. This is probably one of the most "religious" chapters because Chuck's moral compass is guided by his Faith. 5. The next problem is that we have devalued human life. Again, this chapter is influenced by his faith, but we must also remember that in his early movies, life was not valued that much with the high body counts of the 80s action genre. But then Norris has changed since then and is the first to admit it. What I like is that he does not try to change or hide his past, and he openly discusses that he made mistakes in his past and is ashamed of some of what he has done. 6. The sixth problem Norris takes on is what he claims is the failing of our children. Children bear the brunt of cultural decay and Norris sets out to help protect our children from predators as well as provide for them and teach them values. 7. The next problem he sees is the dissolution of the family. This chapter again focuses on a Christian model for family, and Norris also makes a case for homeschooling. 8. The eighth problem of America's is apathy: physical, mental, and spiritual. In this chapter Norris takes on the declining health and obesity of Americans and calls for healthy living including nutritious eating and exercise. He also very briefly adds that he believes people need to feed themselves spiritually as well.

As I stated, if you share conservative beliefs with Norris, you will love his solutions, if you don't, you won't find this book nearly as enjoyable. However, regardless of your beliefs, you should find this book educational.

The book is more than educational, it is also motivational. The love for our country that Norris holds is clear, and he is optimistic that Americans can solve the problems the country is facing. This is not a doom and gloom look at troubles. This is a call for action to make our country better, to make our country stronger. Norris wants all Americans to get involved. He closes the book by saying, "I've committed the rest of my life to assure that the America of yesteryear becomes the America of tomorrow. My wish is that you will now join me, and encourage others to do the same."

I highly recommend this book to all Americans. You don't have to be a Chuck Norris fan like I am to gain some valuable insights from Chuck's research into our country's history and government. You don't have to share conservative values and ideals to still learn and be motivated by his optimistic view that we can continue to make America great despite the problems we are facing as a country. You don't even have to agree that these eight problems are the primary problems of the country, even though we must admit they are issues that need to be addressed.

Chuck Norris did an impressive job with this book. It was much more researched than I thought it would be, and it has encouraged me to do even more regarding getting involved. Read this book and become a Black Belt Patriot!

Alain Burrese, J.D. is a mediator/attorney with Bennett Law Office P.C. and an author/speaker through his own company Burrese Enterprises Inc. He writes and speaks about a variety of topics focusing on the business areas of negotiation and success principles as well as self-defense and safety topics. He is the author of Hard-Won Wisdom From the School of Hard Knocks, several instructional dvds, and numerous articles. You can find out more about Alain Burrese at his websiteshttp://www.burrese.com or http://www.bennettlawofficepc.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alain_Burrese http://www.pippoproducts.com

E-Mails Going Around: Conservative vs Liberal

If a conservative doesn’t like guns, he doesn't buy one.
If a liberal doesn't like guns, he wants all guns outlawed.

If a conservative is a vegetarian, he doesn't eat meat.
If a liberal is a vegetarian, he wants all meat products banned for everyone.

If a conservative sees a foreign threat, he thinks about how to defeat his enemy.
A liberal wonders how to surrender gracefully and still look good.

If a conservative is homosexual, he quietly leads his life.
If a liberal is homosexual, he demands legislated respect.

If a black man or Hispanic are conservative, they see themselves as independently successful.
Their liberal counterparts see themselves as victims in need of government protection.

If a conservative is down-and-out, he thinks about how to better his situation.
A liberal wonders who is going to take care of him.

If a conservative doesn’t like a talk show host, he switches channels.
Liberals demand that those they don’t like be shut down.

If a conservative is a non-believer, he doesn’t go to church.
A liberal non-believer wants any mention of God and religion silenced. (Unless it’s a foreign religion, of course!)

If a conservative decides he needs health care, he goes about shopping for it, or may choose a job that provides it.
A liberal demands that the rest of us pay for his.

If a conservative slips and falls in a store, he gets up, laughs and is embarrassed.
If a liberal slips and falls, he grabs his neck, moans like he's in labor and then sues.

If a conservative reads this, he'll forward it so his friends can have a good laugh.
A liberal will delete it because he's "offended".

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It's Politics As Usual For Bernard Goldberg

The amount of political banter in this nation is quite humorous at times, and yet, so much of the reality we use in comedy is muffled due to the politically correct nonsense. After all, in America there are still things you just cannot say, even though we are afforded "free speech" in our founding documents.

Perhaps, this is why I enjoy reading a book that is not politically correct, that goes after both sides and their ridiculous shenanigans. One author I love to read, because he is hilarious and for the most part he is right on target in Bernard Goldberg the once famous news commentary guy from CBS. In fact, his latest book is great. You should indeed read;

"Crazies to the Left of Me, Wimps to the Right; How One Side Lost its Mind and the Other Side Lost its Nerve," by Bernard Goldberg (also author of "BIAS; 100 People Who Are Screwing Up America"); HarperCollins Publishers; New York, NY; 2007, (271 pages). ISBN: 978-0-06-12527-0 and/or ISBN-10: 0-06-12527-3

He holds nothing back when it comes to religion, terrorists, or the world media that works so hard to shape our minds and alter our political views and opinions. Goldberg explains the absurdity of it all and the underlining problems that all this sound and fury is causing. This book is not for the angry limousine liberal or the staunch Obama-Rama in my estimation.

Nor is this book for the steadfast Republican that will go along with the flow of spending from their ranks. If you cannot laugh at yourself or this crazy thing we call politics, this is not the book for you. But if you can a 1,000 laughs await you, so I highly recommend it. Please consider it, and this book will indeed be a good gift for the right leaning libertarian or true conservative in your family.

Lance Winslow is a retired Founder of a Nationwide Franchise Chain, and now runs the Online Think Tank. Lance Winslow believes calling it like it is and always hiring the best Handyman Note: All of Lance Winslow's articles are written by him, not by Automated Software, any Computer Program, or Artificially Intelligent Software. None of his articles are outsourced, PLR Content or written by ghost writers. Lance Winslow believes those who use these strategies lack integrity and mislead the reader. Indeed, those who use such cheating tools, crutches, and tricks of the trade may even be breaking the law by misleading the consumer and misrepresenting themselves in online marketing, which he finds completely unacceptable. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lance_Winslow Crazies to the Left of Me, Wimps to the Right; How One Side Lost its Mind and the Other Side Lost its Nerve http://www.pippoproducts.com/products.html

Adolf Hitler on Propaganda

"All propaganda has to be popular and has to adapt its spiritual level to the perception of the least intelligent of those towards whom it intends to direct itself." -- Adolf Hitler (1888-1945) from Bartlett's Familiar Quotations

Senator Ted Kennedy - His Senate Seat

On September 22nd, 2009, The Washington Post ran an article entitled "Massachusetts Senate Votes to Fill Kennedy Seat." The article explains that a week after the Massachusetts House voted to allow the governor to fill the position left vacant when Teddy Kennedy died, the Senate voted the same way.

But why did the Massachusetts legislature have to vote to give the governor this power? Just five years ago, the governor possessed the power. Indeed typically, a state governor does appoint a new senator when a vacancy becomes available.

If you recall, Massachusetts Senator John Kerry ran against George W. Bush for the presidency in 2004. At that time the Democratic controlled legislature realized that if Senator Kerry won the presidency, a Republican governor would get to appoint his successor. They didn't want this to happen. So, they rushed through legislation requiring a general election to fill the vacancy. Now that both the governor and legislature are Democratic, the state's political leaders don't want to wait for a general election. It's politically safe to allow the governor to appoint a successor.

President Obama is likely thrilled that policymakers in Massachusetts have acted in this way. After all, a vote will soon be coming on the President's healthcare initiative. One additional Democratic senator will ensure that Republicans cannot prevent the legislation from coming to the floor through a filibuster. Without this additional vote, a single Senator could prevent the legislation from coming to the floor by simply refusing to stop speaking. Occasionally senators have read from phone books in order to fill up time, preventing important legislation from coming up for votes.

Senator Kennedy knew the importance of his seat and he recognized that if he died before the healthcare legislation was adopted, Republicans could use the empty seat to prevent a vote. Therefore, his last political wish was for the Massachusetts legislature to grant the governor the power to appoint a successor.

Andrew Pass blogs athttp://www.lessontech.blogspot.com His main web address is http://www.pass-ed.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Pass http://www.pippoproducts.com

If All Men Are Created Equal Why Do I Pay More Taxes Than You?

The issue is clear. The Federal Government wants us to act in a certain way, for the public good, and in order to facilitate that they give us incentives and disincentives through the tax code. They say every American should own a piece of the rock, so you get a tax break if you buy a home. They say smoking is bad for you, so they tax cigarettes. They say we are all to fat, so now they want to tax soft drinks. I am wondering, what ever happened to individual responsibility. Are the insurance companies running the country or are we? Personally I am fed up with looking for every little tax break to save a few dollars. It seems, if the fed doesn't get my money the accountant does. Not to mention the piles of receipts I have to keep.

But, that's not the worst of it. The worst is that it is that it is terribly unfair. It is also not the federal governments preview to try to control what we do as individuals. They are interfering with our pursuit of happiness and redistributing income when they use the tax code to incentivize us to act in the manor of their choosing. Why, should people who rent homes subsidize people who own homes? Why should farmers get paid for not growing crops? Look I have nothing against farmers and home owners; I just don't think I should be subsidizing someone else's risk or investment. Capitalism is a wonderful thing if you let it work.

The Federal Government prints money, so regulating banks and monitoring anti trust activity is where they should limit its influence. The Federal Government should give us a flat tax so that all men are treated equally under the law. Otherwise, defend me from enemies foreign and domestic and stay out of my life and my pocket. I am very happy to do my own income redistribution without the help of the government.

Without an understanding of political, economic and social principles we are inadequate employers unable to discern the proper qualifications for leadership and doomed to lead the ship of state on a course to destruction. Ignorance is our greatest enemy. I encourage you to take a few minutes out of your day to learn more about your countries history and politics.http://www.PippoProducts.com is here to help you discover where we were and where we are going as a country and as a people. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joseph_Conigliaro

IRAs, 401(k)s & Other Retirement Plans - Taking Your Money Out by Twila Slesnick and John Suttle

There are many books on investing that include chapters on IRAs, 401(k)s, and other retirement plans. However these books usually give the advice to ensure you are contributing to these plans and offer suggestions on what investment vehicles to use to help save a nest egg for a person's retirement years. This book is different. "IRAs, 401(k)s & Other Retirement Plans: Taking Your Money Out 9th Edition" by Twila Slesnick and John C. Suttle is not for the person wanting to invest for retirement, it is for the person who has reached retirement, or about to, and wants to take money out of these types of accounts. There are various rules, and this Nolo legal guide helps the reader navigate them.

Nolo calls this book a retirement companion, and in a sense, that is what it is. It is a very good guide on a subject that is becoming more important all the time as more and more people look to use the money they have been saving.

Chapter One covers types of retirement plans. Included are qualified plans such as profit-sharing plans, stock bonus plans, and money purchase pension plans. Individual Retirement Accounts such as Traditional IRAs, Rollover IRAs, and Roth IRAs are among those included. There is also a little on almost-qualified plans and nonqualified plans. Good brief overview of the plans.

Chapter two contains an overview of tax rules. While it won't take the place of your professional tax preparer, this chapter does provide some general guidance on the tax rules. Retirement plans are all about saving and using as much of your money as you can with as little taxes being paid as legally possible. To do this, you want to know the tax laws that are relevant, and this chapter does give the basics related to your retirement plans and funds.

To get some of the benefits certain retirement plans provide, you must keep funds in them until you reach a certain age. What if you need the money before that? Chapter three discusses early distributions and taking your money out before the law allows. If you need your retirement money early, this is a good chapter to read before talking it over with your financial and tax advisors.

Chapter four covers substantially equal periodic payments. This is a complicated exception to the early distribution tax. It is something some people may need when taking an early distribution. This again is a good chapter to read so you have a basic understanding of the concept before discussing with your financial and tax professionals.

While retirement plans have stipulations on when you can withdraw funds, they also have certain required distributions. Chapter five covers these and taking money out when you have to. Things such as special rules for Roth IRAs, penalties, and waivers are covered in this chapter.

Chapter six continues with required distributions during your lifetime. This is a good chapter for everyone to be familiar with since it discusses when you are required to start taking money out of your retirement plan or IRA.

Unfortunately, not everyone lives long enough to use their retirement money. Chapter seven focuses on distributions to your beneficiary if you die before age 70 1/2. Distribution methods, spouse beneficiary, nonspouse beneficiary, and no designated beneficiary are some of the topics in this chapter. If you don't care what happens after you die, this chapter won't mean much. But if you want to know what will happen with your accounts if you pass on without using them up, this chapter provides that information.

Chapter eight continues with distributions to your beneficiary if you die after age 70 1/2. Yep, it matters how old you are when you pass away as to what might happen with your funds. This chapter explains the differences. Like chapter seven, read it if you want to know what happens with your money if you die. These two chapters can help you prepare and plan to ensure your money goes where you want it to.

Chapter nine focuses on Roth IRAs. The book calls the Roth IRA one of the biggest sugarcoated carrots out there to encourage people to save for retirement. Personally, I believe them to be a great investment vehicle for many people. If you have a Roth IRA or are thinking about one, this chapter provides some good guidance and advice.

Chapter ten covers Roth 401(k) plans. If you have one and are under 59 1/2 years old and want to withdraw money from it, this chapter has some useful advice.

Appendix A contains some IRS forms, Notices, and Schedules. Appendix B has life expectancy tables. These are things to be familiar with when planning, and are included as a reference.

This is a very good reference for those that have this kind of investment and want to know the rules regarding getting their money out and using it, while minimizing taxes and not incurring penalties. It is especially important for those nearing retirement age as they prepare to transition from earning and saving to withdrawing and spending. There are some very good strategies and suggestions regarding what to do before and after retirement with your retirement plans and saving vehicles.

Alain Burrese, J.D. is a performance and personal development expert who teaches how to live, take action, and get things done through the Warrior's Edge. Alain combines his military, martial art, and Asian experiences with his business, law, and conflict resolution education into a powerful way of living with balance, honor, and integrity. He teaches how to use the Warrior's Edge to Take Action and Achieve Remarkable Results. Alain is the author of Hard-Won Wisdom From The School Of Hard Knocks, the DVDs Hapkido Hoshinsul, Streetfighting Essentials, Hapkido Cane, the Lock On Joint Locking series, and numerous articles and reviews. You can read more articles, over 100 reviews, and see clips of his DVDs as well as much more at http://www.burrese.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alain_Burrese http://www.pippoproducts.com/familyfinance