Opressive Overreaching Mandate Update:
Here a Homeschooling Mother in North Carolina [click to read] is being ordered to send her children to public school. Like many homeschooled kids they test better than a lot of their public school peers. She should just obey the law, right?
Thursday, March 12, 2009
'Of the People'
A Representative's First Mandate is to Represent
Here is the big take-away from last night's board of supervisors meeting. At one point we were lectured that our distaste for following laws was why we have so many problems as a Nation. Wrong! Isn't our distaste for opressive mandates the reason we have a Nation in the first place? Not that I am advocating wanton civil disobedience here but it is clear that our founding fathers saw unchecked government as a major problem. In fact, it was seen as disobedience of a more basic set of laws, the rights and dignity asserted by our Creator.
Tracy Pyles and Jeremy Shifflett are following in the finest tradition of our representative government when they seek to give us a voice in the face of unclear State mandates that result in shoddy and unfair tax policy. They are to be commended for recognizing the higher law that binds us together as a free people.
A patriot from the past.
Here is the big take-away from last night's board of supervisors meeting. At one point we were lectured that our distaste for following laws was why we have so many problems as a Nation. Wrong! Isn't our distaste for opressive mandates the reason we have a Nation in the first place? Not that I am advocating wanton civil disobedience here but it is clear that our founding fathers saw unchecked government as a major problem. In fact, it was seen as disobedience of a more basic set of laws, the rights and dignity asserted by our Creator.
Tracy Pyles and Jeremy Shifflett are following in the finest tradition of our representative government when they seek to give us a voice in the face of unclear State mandates that result in shoddy and unfair tax policy. They are to be commended for recognizing the higher law that binds us together as a free people.
A patriot from the past.
Massive Protest of Mass Appraisal
Augusta Supervisors Reject Motion to Scrap Assessment
Augusta residents filled two meeting rooms and a hallway as many more were turned away for lack of space. Over forty people spoke to the board asking how land values were being raised 30 to 100% at a time when Nationwide they have declined an average of 18%! Clearly few were comfortable with how the process had played out and the rush by the board to certify the results. Most people I talked to had gone for a hearing. None had heard back from Blue Ridge Mass Appraisals. Clearly the work was not finished and the hasty certification raised questions.
Frustration was in the air but the crowd was friendly. Strong sentiments were expressed and crowd reaction was strong enough to be gavelled down a few times but the large number of deputies on hand for the event ended up functioning as ushers for what turned out to be a very orderly group.
Francis Chester had 10,047 Signatures [click to read] to his petition and he brought up some clear conflicts of interest on the part of the Assessment company. The owner, David Hickey and his family do own considerable properties in Augusta. Hickey Defends the Reassessment [click to read] in a News-Leader editorial. He is quick to point out how the bubble grew but cannot seem to come to terms with the bubble's burst. Unfortunately the best comparables are the ones that have sat on the market for over a year even at greatly reduced prices. They don't become statistics on Mr. Hickey's computer model, as they have not been recorded as sales.
Supervisor Tracy Pyles motioned to set aside the 2008 assessment and was seconded by Beverly Manor Supervisor Jeremy Shifflett . Riverheads Supervisor Nancy Sorrells said she didn't think Virginia code allowed them to touch the assessment and spoke in opposition to Pyles' motion. In the end it was a 5 to 2 vote with Pyles and Shifflet standing alone.
Here is the News Virginian Story [click to read]
Every seat was filled. Another meeting room was filled and people sat in the hallways.
How big was the crowd? The Largest Ever for A BOS Meeting [click to read] as reported by SWAC Girl. A thousand or more! Francis Chester had asked the County to provide a larger venue and it was obvious that people were turned away in the end.
Augusta residents filled two meeting rooms and a hallway as many more were turned away for lack of space. Over forty people spoke to the board asking how land values were being raised 30 to 100% at a time when Nationwide they have declined an average of 18%! Clearly few were comfortable with how the process had played out and the rush by the board to certify the results. Most people I talked to had gone for a hearing. None had heard back from Blue Ridge Mass Appraisals. Clearly the work was not finished and the hasty certification raised questions.
Frustration was in the air but the crowd was friendly. Strong sentiments were expressed and crowd reaction was strong enough to be gavelled down a few times but the large number of deputies on hand for the event ended up functioning as ushers for what turned out to be a very orderly group.
Francis Chester had 10,047 Signatures [click to read] to his petition and he brought up some clear conflicts of interest on the part of the Assessment company. The owner, David Hickey and his family do own considerable properties in Augusta. Hickey Defends the Reassessment [click to read] in a News-Leader editorial. He is quick to point out how the bubble grew but cannot seem to come to terms with the bubble's burst. Unfortunately the best comparables are the ones that have sat on the market for over a year even at greatly reduced prices. They don't become statistics on Mr. Hickey's computer model, as they have not been recorded as sales.
Supervisor Tracy Pyles motioned to set aside the 2008 assessment and was seconded by Beverly Manor Supervisor Jeremy Shifflett . Riverheads Supervisor Nancy Sorrells said she didn't think Virginia code allowed them to touch the assessment and spoke in opposition to Pyles' motion. In the end it was a 5 to 2 vote with Pyles and Shifflet standing alone.
Here is the News Virginian Story [click to read]
Every seat was filled. Another meeting room was filled and people sat in the hallways.
How big was the crowd? The Largest Ever for A BOS Meeting [click to read] as reported by SWAC Girl. A thousand or more! Francis Chester had asked the County to provide a larger venue and it was obvious that people were turned away in the end.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Augusta Meeting Tonight
7:00pm at the County Government Center
I plan to be there by 6:30 as there should be a bit of a crowd. Here is a Map [click to read] if you need it.
There is Much More Information Here [click to read].
Together, Augusta ... we can make a difference!
I plan to be there by 6:30 as there should be a bit of a crowd. Here is a Map [click to read] if you need it.
There is Much More Information Here [click to read].
Together, Augusta ... we can make a difference!
Albemarle County Town Meeting
"Who Want's a Tax Increase?"
From Albemarle Truth in Taxation Alliance (ATTA)....
The Albemarle Board of Supervisors is hosting a series of Town Hall Meetings this month. At the March 3rd town hall meeting in Earlysville, 45 attendees overwhelmingly rejected the so-called "rainy day fund" being promoted by some supervisors.
Watch a short video of this poll by CLICKING HERE.Understanding the "rainy day fund" is merely a 3.6% tax increase, the straw poll taken by Supervisor David Slutzky clearly indicates Albemarle Citizens feel a tax increase this year is a "bad idea."Please forward this email to your friends, family, neighbors, co-workers -- anyone who wants to know the true public sentiment about the proposed tax increase. We need this video to "go viral" on YouTube, to get as many people as possible to watch it and forward it on!
Some Observations:
Albemarle County is an interesting place. It is fairly wealthy and has become a favored place to live by at least two movie stars who have portrayed farm wives. They have big farms of their own there. Charlottesville was written up about twenty years ago as "one of the ten best places to live in the US" and an influx of new residents [largely from Northeastern states] followed.
In the 2004 election, Albemarle went from Red to Blue, largely reflecting its new demographics. Still it is a well documented fact that many of these new residents were leaving states and localities with very high local tax rates. It's pretty obvious that a lot of them sought tax relief along with a beautiful place to live.
ht/SWAC Girl
From Albemarle Truth in Taxation Alliance (ATTA)....
The Albemarle Board of Supervisors is hosting a series of Town Hall Meetings this month. At the March 3rd town hall meeting in Earlysville, 45 attendees overwhelmingly rejected the so-called "rainy day fund" being promoted by some supervisors.
Watch a short video of this poll by CLICKING HERE.Understanding the "rainy day fund" is merely a 3.6% tax increase, the straw poll taken by Supervisor David Slutzky clearly indicates Albemarle Citizens feel a tax increase this year is a "bad idea."Please forward this email to your friends, family, neighbors, co-workers -- anyone who wants to know the true public sentiment about the proposed tax increase. We need this video to "go viral" on YouTube, to get as many people as possible to watch it and forward it on!
Some Observations:
Albemarle County is an interesting place. It is fairly wealthy and has become a favored place to live by at least two movie stars who have portrayed farm wives. They have big farms of their own there. Charlottesville was written up about twenty years ago as "one of the ten best places to live in the US" and an influx of new residents [largely from Northeastern states] followed.
In the 2004 election, Albemarle went from Red to Blue, largely reflecting its new demographics. Still it is a well documented fact that many of these new residents were leaving states and localities with very high local tax rates. It's pretty obvious that a lot of them sought tax relief along with a beautiful place to live.
ht/SWAC Girl
Straight Talk on Stem Cells
What Happens When Faith and Science Agree?
It is a known fact that much scientific discovery has been made in stem cell research. The promise of cures for a host of ills drives that research -- all derived from work with Adult Stem Cells. Embryotic stem cell research has simply not produced the results seen with the adult stem cell studies.
Yesterday the President reversed a long standing policy banning federal funds for embryonic stem cell reseach. But those who cheered this move were not scientists. They are members of the pro-choice movement. Those who deride Christian beliefs as 'restrictive' have their own set of beliefs that guide them. Even when the facts suggest that embryonic stem cell research is a long shot and adult stem cell research is actively providing cures, the notion that unborn humans are due the same protection as those who have made it into the world seems to be their real stumbling block.
Here is a Piece by Kathleen Parker [click to read] that provides a lot of insight into the whole matter.
Update:
Victoria Cobb of Virginia Family Foundation Has This to Say [click to read].
It is a known fact that much scientific discovery has been made in stem cell research. The promise of cures for a host of ills drives that research -- all derived from work with Adult Stem Cells. Embryotic stem cell research has simply not produced the results seen with the adult stem cell studies.
Yesterday the President reversed a long standing policy banning federal funds for embryonic stem cell reseach. But those who cheered this move were not scientists. They are members of the pro-choice movement. Those who deride Christian beliefs as 'restrictive' have their own set of beliefs that guide them. Even when the facts suggest that embryonic stem cell research is a long shot and adult stem cell research is actively providing cures, the notion that unborn humans are due the same protection as those who have made it into the world seems to be their real stumbling block.
Here is a Piece by Kathleen Parker [click to read] that provides a lot of insight into the whole matter.
Update:
Victoria Cobb of Virginia Family Foundation Has This to Say [click to read].
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
No Rest Areas for the Weary
VDOT Wants You to 'Feel Their Pain'
The Virginia Department of Transportation has just announced plans to close 25 Interstate Rest Areas as a cost saving move. I wish I was making this up.
Ride up Interstate 81 in the wee [forgive me]! hours of a Monday Morning and you will see for yourself the folly of CLOSING such facilities. Many interchange ramps become 'unofficial' parking areas as drivers simply need a place to... um, ...rest! As one driver 'unoficially' pointed out, that trailer provides a pretty good privacy screen for... um, ...other needs, but its a pretty poor alternative considering the thousands these guys and ladies [professional drivers] pay in road use tax.
VDOT seems to have learned this from the Education sector, it has been pointed out on SWAC Girl and elsewhere. Your favorite Art and Music teacher get the axe first, then your aids and custodians... but tell me, when's the last time you heard of them downsizing the Central Office first? Anyhow, back to VDOT.
VDOT could take a few cues from their more sucessful projects. The Dulles Toll Road, for example, shows that market solutions can be brought to bear in high utilization scenarios. Dulles Toll Road to Virginia Route 7 is a wonderful alternative to the odd configuration of Interstate 66 during high traffic periods. If the portion of I 66 inside the beltway were to be made a toll road and 'demand' tolls charged, and let trucks on it like a real interstate, look at the profit center it could become.
Now lets look at those rest areas. Instead of closing them, why not look at developing some of them into service plazas similar to those on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Let private contractors bid for the priviledge of operating limited fuel and food service. Use concession revenues to expand parking areas and perhaps consider pay parking for periods longer than two hours.
I would imagine that many of the operators of existing travel facilities would be the winners of such concessions and would operate them as an extension of their large interchange facilities. If you remember the Pilot Travel Plaza traffic problem at the Greenville interchange this might start to sound appealing.
A truck on Interstate 81 heading North.
The Virginia Department of Transportation has just announced plans to close 25 Interstate Rest Areas as a cost saving move. I wish I was making this up.
Ride up Interstate 81 in the wee [forgive me]! hours of a Monday Morning and you will see for yourself the folly of CLOSING such facilities. Many interchange ramps become 'unofficial' parking areas as drivers simply need a place to... um, ...rest! As one driver 'unoficially' pointed out, that trailer provides a pretty good privacy screen for... um, ...other needs, but its a pretty poor alternative considering the thousands these guys and ladies [professional drivers] pay in road use tax.
VDOT seems to have learned this from the Education sector, it has been pointed out on SWAC Girl and elsewhere. Your favorite Art and Music teacher get the axe first, then your aids and custodians... but tell me, when's the last time you heard of them downsizing the Central Office first? Anyhow, back to VDOT.
VDOT could take a few cues from their more sucessful projects. The Dulles Toll Road, for example, shows that market solutions can be brought to bear in high utilization scenarios. Dulles Toll Road to Virginia Route 7 is a wonderful alternative to the odd configuration of Interstate 66 during high traffic periods. If the portion of I 66 inside the beltway were to be made a toll road and 'demand' tolls charged, and let trucks on it like a real interstate, look at the profit center it could become.
Now lets look at those rest areas. Instead of closing them, why not look at developing some of them into service plazas similar to those on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Let private contractors bid for the priviledge of operating limited fuel and food service. Use concession revenues to expand parking areas and perhaps consider pay parking for periods longer than two hours.
I would imagine that many of the operators of existing travel facilities would be the winners of such concessions and would operate them as an extension of their large interchange facilities. If you remember the Pilot Travel Plaza traffic problem at the Greenville interchange this might start to sound appealing.
A truck on Interstate 81 heading North.
Monday, March 9, 2009
'New Math'
Tracy Pyles Does the Numbers for Us
I realize that people don't follow numbers well anymore but this Letter to the Editor [click to read] by Supervisor Tracy Pyles makes it pretty clear that not addressing Augusta County's sudden 'increase' in value might have at least one unintended consequence.
ht/SWAC Girl
First daffodil
I realize that people don't follow numbers well anymore but this Letter to the Editor [click to read] by Supervisor Tracy Pyles makes it pretty clear that not addressing Augusta County's sudden 'increase' in value might have at least one unintended consequence.
ht/SWAC Girl
First daffodil
Frontier Industry
Many Skills Built Our Country
In the mid-Nineteenth Century the Ellicott Brothers were milling wheat and mining limestone to enrich the fields. Charles Carrol of Carollton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, was an advancer of their new methods and a patron of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company. Shown above is the model of Ellicotts' Mills I built showing the town around 1854.
In the mid-Nineteenth Century the Ellicott Brothers were milling wheat and mining limestone to enrich the fields. Charles Carrol of Carollton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, was an advancer of their new methods and a patron of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company. Shown above is the model of Ellicotts' Mills I built showing the town around 1854.
A Time for Faith and Action IV
News from the Augusta Tax Revolt
I've added my thoughts [in red text in parentheses].
1. Time to Turn In Assessment Petitions [TODAY]!
Petitions should be returned this week with a March 9 deadline. We are busy counting signatures before turning in petitions to the Board of Supervisors at Wednesday's meeting. There are three ways to return petitions:-- Mail to Francis Chester (address on petition).-- Drop off at Francis Chester's law office (address on petition)-- Let us know you need petitions picked up by responding to this email.
2. March 11, 2009 - Board of Supervisors Meeting [This Wednesday, 7:00pm]
The petitions that are being circulated around Augusta County will be turned into the Board of Supervisors on Wednesday March 11, 2009, at 7 pm at the Government Center in Verona. All are urged to attend. This will also be the opportunity for those who want to address the Board. Churchville attorney Francis Chester will turn in the petitions asking the board to turn back assessments to 2005 values.
3. Parking
It would help if parking closest to the door could be left for our elderly residents and the handicapped. [A real opportunity to show our class as citizens of this great County]!
4. Seating
You may want to arrive early on March 11 for good seating and to sign up if you wish to address the board.
5. Petitions available
Petitions are still available asking the Board of Supervisors to roll back real estate assessments to 2004 levels:-- Online: Here is the location of the online petition.-- Hard copy: Contact us if you want an emailed petition.
Together, Augusta ... we can make a difference!
I've added my thoughts [in red text in parentheses].
1. Time to Turn In Assessment Petitions [TODAY]!
Petitions should be returned this week with a March 9 deadline. We are busy counting signatures before turning in petitions to the Board of Supervisors at Wednesday's meeting. There are three ways to return petitions:-- Mail to Francis Chester (address on petition).-- Drop off at Francis Chester's law office (address on petition)-- Let us know you need petitions picked up by responding to this email.
2. March 11, 2009 - Board of Supervisors Meeting [This Wednesday, 7:00pm]
The petitions that are being circulated around Augusta County will be turned into the Board of Supervisors on Wednesday March 11, 2009, at 7 pm at the Government Center in Verona. All are urged to attend. This will also be the opportunity for those who want to address the Board. Churchville attorney Francis Chester will turn in the petitions asking the board to turn back assessments to 2005 values.
3. Parking
It would help if parking closest to the door could be left for our elderly residents and the handicapped. [A real opportunity to show our class as citizens of this great County]!
4. Seating
You may want to arrive early on March 11 for good seating and to sign up if you wish to address the board.
5. Petitions available
Petitions are still available asking the Board of Supervisors to roll back real estate assessments to 2004 levels:-- Online: Here is the location of the online petition.-- Hard copy: Contact us if you want an emailed petition.
Together, Augusta ... we can make a difference!
A Time for Faith and Action III
Prayer and Providence have Shaped our Destiny
Washington Praying.
Our American Revolution almost was snuffed out by superior British strength. The survival of Wahington's little army is in itself a miracle. Only about a third of the population actually supported the Revolution but the small and determined patriots won a new way of life for us with their legacy of personal sacrifice and prayer. Yes, Prayer! If you read your child's public school history book you might miss this important keystone in American independence. Men and Women who flocked to these shores came largely out of a desire to worship freely. And worship they did. Divine providence was so evident in the early colonists' very survival so it should be no surprise to discover that faith played an integral part in the eveyday life of many who shaped this Nation at its beginnings.
Scripture tells us to pray for our leaders. 2 Chronicals 7:14 tells us: "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."
Let us not forget the most important work of prayer as we seek healing for our land.
Washington Praying.
Our American Revolution almost was snuffed out by superior British strength. The survival of Wahington's little army is in itself a miracle. Only about a third of the population actually supported the Revolution but the small and determined patriots won a new way of life for us with their legacy of personal sacrifice and prayer. Yes, Prayer! If you read your child's public school history book you might miss this important keystone in American independence. Men and Women who flocked to these shores came largely out of a desire to worship freely. And worship they did. Divine providence was so evident in the early colonists' very survival so it should be no surprise to discover that faith played an integral part in the eveyday life of many who shaped this Nation at its beginnings.
Scripture tells us to pray for our leaders. 2 Chronicals 7:14 tells us: "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."
Let us not forget the most important work of prayer as we seek healing for our land.
Robert and Cyrus McCormick
An 'International' Revolution in Agriculture Began Right Here
Cyrus McCormick is credited with inventing the reaping machine.
The story begins with Cyrus McCormick's Grandfather Robert, who settled near the Augusta County border with Rockbridge County in 1779. The property was the site of sawmill, a cider mill, a distillery, two grain mills, and a smokehouse. The elder Robert had a son, also Robert, who was the father of the famous Cyrus who was born in 1809.
Around 1815 Robert McCormick began tinkering with the idea for a mechanized harvester. Working in the estate's blacksmith shop he came up with a prototype but never got it to a practical machine. Young Cyrus McCormick showed his inventive streak at age 24 when he perfected a lightweight cradle for harvesting grain.
By the time of the 1831 harvest, Robert had given up on his harvester and put it aside. Then young Cyrus picked up the project. Burning the midnight oil he worked feverishly on his father's concept and produced a working harvester in a mere six week period. In 1831 he was able to demonstrate his machine and it was patented in 1834. The original machines were produced in the blacksmith shop at Walnut Grove but demand soon outpaced the little shop's ability to produce reapers. Cyrus proved to be a strong businessman as well as an inventor and he moved the whole operation to Chicago in 1847. At the 1851 London World's Fair the reaper was shown and won the Gold Medal at the Crystal Palace Exhibition.
Cyrus McCormick's name was now known around the world. The International Harvester Company revolutionized agriculture. Fewer workers could harvest more crops in a timely manner and modern agriculture was born. In 1831 about 90% of the population was involved in farming. Today fewer than 2% produce food for the entire population.
The McCormick Family Mill at Walnut Grove.
Mill Machinery photos by Bob Kirchman.
Cyrus McCormick is credited with inventing the reaping machine.
The story begins with Cyrus McCormick's Grandfather Robert, who settled near the Augusta County border with Rockbridge County in 1779. The property was the site of sawmill, a cider mill, a distillery, two grain mills, and a smokehouse. The elder Robert had a son, also Robert, who was the father of the famous Cyrus who was born in 1809.
Around 1815 Robert McCormick began tinkering with the idea for a mechanized harvester. Working in the estate's blacksmith shop he came up with a prototype but never got it to a practical machine. Young Cyrus McCormick showed his inventive streak at age 24 when he perfected a lightweight cradle for harvesting grain.
By the time of the 1831 harvest, Robert had given up on his harvester and put it aside. Then young Cyrus picked up the project. Burning the midnight oil he worked feverishly on his father's concept and produced a working harvester in a mere six week period. In 1831 he was able to demonstrate his machine and it was patented in 1834. The original machines were produced in the blacksmith shop at Walnut Grove but demand soon outpaced the little shop's ability to produce reapers. Cyrus proved to be a strong businessman as well as an inventor and he moved the whole operation to Chicago in 1847. At the 1851 London World's Fair the reaper was shown and won the Gold Medal at the Crystal Palace Exhibition.
Cyrus McCormick's name was now known around the world. The International Harvester Company revolutionized agriculture. Fewer workers could harvest more crops in a timely manner and modern agriculture was born. In 1831 about 90% of the population was involved in farming. Today fewer than 2% produce food for the entire population.
The McCormick Family Mill at Walnut Grove.
Mill Machinery photos by Bob Kirchman.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
A Time for Faith and Action II
The Richmond Tea Party, April 15, 2009
TAX DAY TEA PARTY, RICHMOND, VA
April 15, 20096:00 - 8:00 pm
Kanawha Plaza, South 8th Street *
Near Richmond Federal Reserve Downtown Richmond
TAX DAY TEA PARTY, RICHMOND, VA
April 15, 20096:00 - 8:00 pm
Kanawha Plaza, South 8th Street *
Near Richmond Federal Reserve Downtown Richmond
Saturday, March 7, 2009
A Time for Faith and Action
A New Season of Realistic Optimism is Upon Us
I was driving to Washington yesterday. I always consider the nicest part of that trip to be the return to our beautiful valley but it was a lovely spring day so I was soaking it in. Sean Hannity did a financial advice show and as I listened I was prepared for a real depressing discussion. But that's not how it played out. His guests, one was from The Heritage Foundation, painted a picture looking far past the current crisis to see markets doing what they do -- rebounding.
Of course the strength of the financial engine's rebound will depend on our collective will to resist the failed policies that prolonged the Great Depression. You know Rush, they've already failed. We need to make sure some of them are headed off at the pass. A lot of the 'stimulus' spending could be defunded before it happens by a new Congress elected in 2010.
But someone wants you discouraged. They want you out of the game. They think you are dangerous to the America that they envision -- and they're right! Otherwise they'd ignore Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity and Glenn Beck.
Glenn Beck! He's about to turn Friday the Thirteenth into a day of Optimism and Action. Look for a local Meetup event near you Friday, March 13 from 5:00 to 6:00pm.
Richmonders: Sara of Sarah for America[click for details] is hosting an event in the Midlothian area. Visit her site for details as she's just combined events with another group.
SWAC Folks: Meet at the Sidelines Sports Pub[click for details] located in Waynesboro across from the Wal-Mart.
Finally, don't forget to show up for the Augusta Tax Revolt at the County Government Center in Verona, March 11 at 7:00pm. If we want representative government to represent us we need to show up!
I was driving to Washington yesterday. I always consider the nicest part of that trip to be the return to our beautiful valley but it was a lovely spring day so I was soaking it in. Sean Hannity did a financial advice show and as I listened I was prepared for a real depressing discussion. But that's not how it played out. His guests, one was from The Heritage Foundation, painted a picture looking far past the current crisis to see markets doing what they do -- rebounding.
Of course the strength of the financial engine's rebound will depend on our collective will to resist the failed policies that prolonged the Great Depression. You know Rush, they've already failed. We need to make sure some of them are headed off at the pass. A lot of the 'stimulus' spending could be defunded before it happens by a new Congress elected in 2010.
But someone wants you discouraged. They want you out of the game. They think you are dangerous to the America that they envision -- and they're right! Otherwise they'd ignore Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity and Glenn Beck.
Glenn Beck! He's about to turn Friday the Thirteenth into a day of Optimism and Action. Look for a local Meetup event near you Friday, March 13 from 5:00 to 6:00pm.
Richmonders: Sara of Sarah for America[click for details] is hosting an event in the Midlothian area. Visit her site for details as she's just combined events with another group.
SWAC Folks: Meet at the Sidelines Sports Pub[click for details] located in Waynesboro across from the Wal-Mart.
Finally, don't forget to show up for the Augusta Tax Revolt at the County Government Center in Verona, March 11 at 7:00pm. If we want representative government to represent us we need to show up!
Friday, March 6, 2009
Thursday, March 5, 2009
First Crocus 03/05/09
Spring Follows Winter Snow
Crocus emerging.
Bradford Pear Blossoms Frame the Moon.
More flowers on the way.
Willow Moon.
Crocus emerging.
Bradford Pear Blossoms Frame the Moon.
More flowers on the way.
Willow Moon.
Save us from the 'Saviors'
(Except of Course, the REAL One)
If Obama's 'salvation' is fully funded and paid for, our grandchildren are broke! Arnold Ahlert Has This to Say About It [click to read]. He outlines steps we should take to take back our destiny. It's time for the Augusta Tea Party [click to read] to go national.
If our Nation's Religious Freedom [click to read] could find its beginnings here, why not our Financial?
We need to make our voice heard with our representatives like never before. If you don't believe me, read Lynn's Posts by Guest Blogger D. Sherman Okst [click to read]. Let them know we know about the waste in Washington. A lot of us have seen our retirement literally disappear and we're frustrated further knowing that 'government oversight' didn't save us from the meltdown's governmental causes. In fact it frustrates some of us more to think that the timing of everything is too close to the election to ignore. When Rahm Emmanuel Says He Doesn't Want this Crisis to Go to Waste [click to read], let's just say I'm suspicious.
Reconstructed Original Meeting house of Tinkling Springs Church.
If Obama's 'salvation' is fully funded and paid for, our grandchildren are broke! Arnold Ahlert Has This to Say About It [click to read]. He outlines steps we should take to take back our destiny. It's time for the Augusta Tea Party [click to read] to go national.
If our Nation's Religious Freedom [click to read] could find its beginnings here, why not our Financial?
We need to make our voice heard with our representatives like never before. If you don't believe me, read Lynn's Posts by Guest Blogger D. Sherman Okst [click to read]. Let them know we know about the waste in Washington. A lot of us have seen our retirement literally disappear and we're frustrated further knowing that 'government oversight' didn't save us from the meltdown's governmental causes. In fact it frustrates some of us more to think that the timing of everything is too close to the election to ignore. When Rahm Emmanuel Says He Doesn't Want this Crisis to Go to Waste [click to read], let's just say I'm suspicious.
Reconstructed Original Meeting house of Tinkling Springs Church.
Ursus Americanus
The Black Bear
Ursus Americanus, Black Bear
Of course this photo is from Summer. I've seen tracks in snow in Winter but I've never encountered a bear out in this time of year. Right now the mothers are in their dens nursing cute little bear cubs.
Ursus Americanus, Black Bear
Of course this photo is from Summer. I've seen tracks in snow in Winter but I've never encountered a bear out in this time of year. Right now the mothers are in their dens nursing cute little bear cubs.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
The Educator
Fearing School Choice's Success, Politicians Seek to Axe It
The Washington DC public schools have long been a source concern. With one of the Nation's highest per-pupil expenditures the results are still falling short. An innovative voucher program has enjoyed the support of two mayors and is seen as a ticket to better things by many parents.
John P. Avlon Writes Save D.C.’s Voucher Program [click to read] as seen in City Journal. With Billions of dollars being allocated for just about everything, a noteable cut was made in the $410 Billion passed last week. The School Choice program was $18 Million a year, a bargain when you consider the highly successful program costs a fraction of the larger D.C. School System. The problem is that School Choice cuts into the influence of constituency groups like the United Federation of Teachers (UFT). The Wall Street Journal says: “The reason unions want to shut the program down immediately isn’t because they’re afraid it will fail. They’re afraid it will succeed.” Saving children is obviously not as important as preserving monopoly.
Light on the World, a globe at Crozet's Field School.
The Washington DC public schools have long been a source concern. With one of the Nation's highest per-pupil expenditures the results are still falling short. An innovative voucher program has enjoyed the support of two mayors and is seen as a ticket to better things by many parents.
John P. Avlon Writes Save D.C.’s Voucher Program [click to read] as seen in City Journal. With Billions of dollars being allocated for just about everything, a noteable cut was made in the $410 Billion passed last week. The School Choice program was $18 Million a year, a bargain when you consider the highly successful program costs a fraction of the larger D.C. School System. The problem is that School Choice cuts into the influence of constituency groups like the United Federation of Teachers (UFT). The Wall Street Journal says: “The reason unions want to shut the program down immediately isn’t because they’re afraid it will fail. They’re afraid it will succeed.” Saving children is obviously not as important as preserving monopoly.
Light on the World, a globe at Crozet's Field School.
The Entrepreneur
Big Government's Chilling Effect on Innovation
"Higher tax burdens raise the price of entrepreneurship. When you raise the price of something, then, all else held equal, you usually get less of it."
In The Innovation Squelch [click to read] James Manzi states the obvious. A cash hungry government will undoubtedly look to the creative sector of the economy for new revenues and in the process will weaken it if it does not kill it outright.
Henry Ford
"Higher tax burdens raise the price of entrepreneurship. When you raise the price of something, then, all else held equal, you usually get less of it."
In The Innovation Squelch [click to read] James Manzi states the obvious. A cash hungry government will undoubtedly look to the creative sector of the economy for new revenues and in the process will weaken it if it does not kill it outright.
Henry Ford
'The Entertainer'
Underestimate Rush Limbaugh at Your Own Peril
Rush Limbaugh
When Rush Limbaugh created a new format for talk radio in the eighties a lot of people where quick to dismiss it as something less than serious. 'He's an entertainer' was the mantra then. Lately President Obama has told members of Congress: "Don't listen to Rush Limbaugh if you want to get along with me." RNC leader Michael Steele recently distanced himself from Limbaugh, calling him an 'entertainer.'
The president spends an awful lot of time trying to discount Rush Limbaugh and the RNC is running from association with him. Some media pundits are arguing awfully hard that am radio is a dying medium.
For an entertainer in a dying medium, Rush is getting an awful lot of free publicity.
So what is Rush really? I have long held the opinion, based on something Rush once said, that he is something more. Limbaugh likes to talk about "those teachers you remember, the ones who challenge you... ...they make you stretch your mind and think." Yes, they are the ones you never forget. So may I humbly offer this opinion, that Rush is one of those master teachers.
I have taught adults and middle school boys. Each time I have assumed the mantle of teacher I consider it a sacred trust. It is important to present information of course. But information alone is often dry and unchallenging in its raw form. To engage students and wrap them into the learning process, that is a skill and a gift. Having shamelessly crafted some of my own methods after those of Limbaugh [imitation being the sincerest form of flattery] I must conclude that he possesses both the skill and the gift.
I was given the task of teaching the Old Testament book of Nehemiah. To break the barrier of thinking it a book about a bunch of old guys in robes I came up with the "Nehemiah of the Week" feature. Entertaining, yes, but the use of modern examples of Nehemiah's way of thinking created a dialogue that would not otherwise have happened. Some of my "Nehemiah of the Week" people have become "Milestone Monday" stories on this blog. I freely admit that I have seen Rush masterfully use similar methods to make the complex understandable.
Having used some of his methods has only convinced me further that the man is brilliant. If he were to switch off the golden EIB microphone today and spend his days on the golf course, his legacy would live on. Hannity, Ingrahm and a host of others have taken the medium and shaped it into a variety of engaging forums. Virginia Congressman Eric Cantor made it a point to show up on Rush's show after we were told not to listen to him. President Obama himself points to Bob Michel, minority leader during the years of Democrat dominance as his example of 'bipartisanship.' Michel couldn't really do anything with the deck stacked as it was so he was decidedly non-adversarial. Limbaugh used Mr. Obama's description of Michel as a 'great Republican' to show us that the president clearly wants to stifle the discussion of opposing viewpoints.
Which brings me to the 'Fairness' Doctrine. Why is it even an issue if am radio and its 'entertainers' are dying?
Update: Constitution or Dclaration?
This morning I received some "news" update email talking about Rush mixing up his source. May I humbly suggest, as one who has so flubbed himself, that this merely suggests that Mr. Limbaugh is so conversant with the founding documents as to unthinkingly rattle off the concept and missplace it. I wonder how many people are triumphantly revelling in this "news brief" who have never read our Constitution themselves?
Past Milestone Monday Features:
Dr. June McCarroll and the White Line
Henry "Box" Brown Ships Himself to Freedom
Richard Ankrom's 'Guerrilla Signage'
Preston Tucker and John DeLorean
General Theodore Roosevelt Jr. [1], [2], [3]
Meta Warwick Fuller
Franklin Graham [Son of Billy]
Francis Collins and Jedadiah Hotchkiss
Motherhood and Invention
Eric Liddell
Bob Childress
William H. Howland [Mayor Who Made a Difference]
Tolbert S. Dalton
Davy Crockett and Mark Warner
Noam Bedein
The Nehemiah Project
Perley A. Thomas
Warning: The above articles might prove inspirational to "Dangerous" Home Schoolers, as described in my piece: Public Servants Should Remember Who They Serve.
Rush Limbaugh
When Rush Limbaugh created a new format for talk radio in the eighties a lot of people where quick to dismiss it as something less than serious. 'He's an entertainer' was the mantra then. Lately President Obama has told members of Congress: "Don't listen to Rush Limbaugh if you want to get along with me." RNC leader Michael Steele recently distanced himself from Limbaugh, calling him an 'entertainer.'
The president spends an awful lot of time trying to discount Rush Limbaugh and the RNC is running from association with him. Some media pundits are arguing awfully hard that am radio is a dying medium.
For an entertainer in a dying medium, Rush is getting an awful lot of free publicity.
So what is Rush really? I have long held the opinion, based on something Rush once said, that he is something more. Limbaugh likes to talk about "those teachers you remember, the ones who challenge you... ...they make you stretch your mind and think." Yes, they are the ones you never forget. So may I humbly offer this opinion, that Rush is one of those master teachers.
I have taught adults and middle school boys. Each time I have assumed the mantle of teacher I consider it a sacred trust. It is important to present information of course. But information alone is often dry and unchallenging in its raw form. To engage students and wrap them into the learning process, that is a skill and a gift. Having shamelessly crafted some of my own methods after those of Limbaugh [imitation being the sincerest form of flattery] I must conclude that he possesses both the skill and the gift.
I was given the task of teaching the Old Testament book of Nehemiah. To break the barrier of thinking it a book about a bunch of old guys in robes I came up with the "Nehemiah of the Week" feature. Entertaining, yes, but the use of modern examples of Nehemiah's way of thinking created a dialogue that would not otherwise have happened. Some of my "Nehemiah of the Week" people have become "Milestone Monday" stories on this blog. I freely admit that I have seen Rush masterfully use similar methods to make the complex understandable.
Having used some of his methods has only convinced me further that the man is brilliant. If he were to switch off the golden EIB microphone today and spend his days on the golf course, his legacy would live on. Hannity, Ingrahm and a host of others have taken the medium and shaped it into a variety of engaging forums. Virginia Congressman Eric Cantor made it a point to show up on Rush's show after we were told not to listen to him. President Obama himself points to Bob Michel, minority leader during the years of Democrat dominance as his example of 'bipartisanship.' Michel couldn't really do anything with the deck stacked as it was so he was decidedly non-adversarial. Limbaugh used Mr. Obama's description of Michel as a 'great Republican' to show us that the president clearly wants to stifle the discussion of opposing viewpoints.
Which brings me to the 'Fairness' Doctrine. Why is it even an issue if am radio and its 'entertainers' are dying?
Update: Constitution or Dclaration?
This morning I received some "news" update email talking about Rush mixing up his source. May I humbly suggest, as one who has so flubbed himself, that this merely suggests that Mr. Limbaugh is so conversant with the founding documents as to unthinkingly rattle off the concept and missplace it. I wonder how many people are triumphantly revelling in this "news brief" who have never read our Constitution themselves?
Past Milestone Monday Features:
Dr. June McCarroll and the White Line
Henry "Box" Brown Ships Himself to Freedom
Richard Ankrom's 'Guerrilla Signage'
Preston Tucker and John DeLorean
General Theodore Roosevelt Jr. [1], [2], [3]
Meta Warwick Fuller
Franklin Graham [Son of Billy]
Francis Collins and Jedadiah Hotchkiss
Motherhood and Invention
Eric Liddell
Bob Childress
William H. Howland [Mayor Who Made a Difference]
Tolbert S. Dalton
Davy Crockett and Mark Warner
Noam Bedein
The Nehemiah Project
Perley A. Thomas
Warning: The above articles might prove inspirational to "Dangerous" Home Schoolers, as described in my piece: Public Servants Should Remember Who They Serve.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Never Forget
Remembering the Cost of Freedom
Xaver Wilhelmy's beautiful glass organ pipes form an American flag.
Lynn at SWAC Girl has been writing about Run for the Fallen, [click to read], a beautiful tribute to some great American heroes. We used to be pretty good at remembering why we enjoyed such freedom as we do. We made movies like The Longest Day [click to read] and the story of Alvin York. The men and women who serve today deserve the same honor.
The War Memorial in Richmond is one place I would recommend anyone visit. Every name is a life worth remembering.
Xaver Wilhelmy's beautiful glass organ pipes form an American flag.
Lynn at SWAC Girl has been writing about Run for the Fallen, [click to read], a beautiful tribute to some great American heroes. We used to be pretty good at remembering why we enjoyed such freedom as we do. We made movies like The Longest Day [click to read] and the story of Alvin York. The men and women who serve today deserve the same honor.
The War Memorial in Richmond is one place I would recommend anyone visit. Every name is a life worth remembering.
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