Every So Often the Nation Gets GREAT News!...

by: Les Carpenter
Rational Nation USA
Liberty-vs-Tyranny

Life is Grand! If You're a Multi- Millionaire Collectivist Progressive

Hot damn! A great thing for the nation... ! Looking to the likely future realities (based on the recent past) of the no doubt Republican failure to reclaim political relevancy.

NationalJournal - NJ Do you want to be speaker again?

PELOSI No, that's not my thing. I did that. {Read the Full Interview Here }

Perhaps we will be so lucky as to see her next announce retirement? Naw, likely not. She's a power broker and no doubt loves the rush.

Via: Memeorandum

For a Change Conservatives and Liberals Coming Together...

by: Les Carpenter
Rational Nation USA
Liberty -vs- Tyranny

This is a day I have long waited for. A day that gives me great satisfaction. Reasoned and reasonable liberals and conservatives in a bi-partisan fashion have sent a strong and constitutionally correct signal to the President.

Perhaps most rewarding for me is that these conservatives are finally acting like conservatives ought to be acting every time it comes to ordering military action against another sovereign nation. With extreme skepticism and caution.

Liberals, to their great credit are "bucking" their party leader. Good news from both sides of the aisle. Perhaps the ultimate outcome will be as the President seems to favor. If the President listens to the peoples representatives, whether they give or withhold Congressional approval for intervention the people have won. Just as our Founders intended.

Maybe this mood will take hold and last? Naw, not likely given the republican tendency to be the consummate party of the contrary.

The Hill - The opposition to President Obama launching unilateral military operations in Syria exploded on Thursday when dozens of liberal Democrats joined scores of conservative Republicans in warning the administration that any strikes without congressional approval would violate the Constitution.

In a letter to Obama, 53 liberal Democrats — including a long list of Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) members — argued that, while the human rights atrocities being committed by the forces of Syrian President Bashar Assad are "horrific," they alone "should not draw us into an unwise war – especially without adhering to our own constitutional requirement."

"While we understand that as Commander in Chief you have a constitutional obligation to protect our national interests from direct attack, Congress has the constitutional obligation and power to approve military force, even if the United States or its direct interests (such as its embassies) have not been attacked or threatened with an attack," reads the letter, which was spearheaded by Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.), a former head of the CBC.

"As such, we strongly urge you to seek an affirmative decision of Congress prior to committing any U.S. military engagement to this complex crisis."

The message comes on the heels of a similar letter, released Wednesday by Rep. Scott Rigell (R-Va.), warning Obama that "national interests" alone are not enough to authorize military force without Congress's stamp of approval.

"If you deem that military action in Syria is necessary, Congress can reconvene at your request," reads the Rigell letter, which has been endorsed by 140 House lawmakers, including 21 Democrats.

There is some overlap between the two campaigns; 12 of the Democrats signing the Rigell letter have also endorsed Lee's message.

The congressional pushback highlights the dilemma facing Obama as he tries to bring an end to Syria's bloody and long-running civil war.

On one hand, Obama faces increasing pressure to intervene on behalf of civilian victims amid escalating attacks, particularly since last week's alleged toxic gas assault by Assad's forces. On the other, Obama ran his first campaign for president largely on a platform of ending conflicts, not starting them. And an attack on Syria risks alienating the voters who are still holding him at his word — especially if it's done without congressional approval. {Read More}

A Sampling of the Day's News...

by: Les Carpenter
Rational Nation USA
Liberty -vs- Tyranny

Feeling like posting something tonight but at the same time I am feeling a bit lazy. So, following are some today's stories. Click to read.

“Experts” Who Are Always Wrong About Everything Want to Bomb Syria

Obama’s third war
The folly of striking Syria

White House: We're not seeking 'regime change' as goal in Syria

Exclusive: Syria strike due in days, West tells opposition - sources
Obama, race and class

Robertson: Gay People Deliberately Spread HIV/AIDS By Cutting People With Special Rings
Obama source predicts Summers will be named Fed chief soon

How Louie Gohmert Is Fueling An Anti-American Conspiracy Theory In Egypt

Rogue IRS Shamefully Targets Nation’s Veterans

Iranian Official: Israel to Be ‘First Victim’ of U.S. Attack on Syria

Boehner visits Boise; vows to succeed with entitlement reform this fall

Taking a Scientific Look at Surveillance and Big Brother...

by: Les Carpenter
Rational Nation USA
Liberty -vs- Tyranny
















The Patriot Act and all that it brought with it, including and especially the NSA, has arguably taken the USA a few steps closer to the dystopian world portrayed in George Oswell's novel 1984.

Some, perhaps many may find this over dramatic and hold the belief that it can't really happen here. And, perhaps these people might very well be right. Or, they could possibly be very wrong.

The following is an interesting article, and it is backed up by more than hyperbole or a political agenda. Recommended reading and food for thought. The ultimate determination as to whether it becomes an eventual reality or not is of course up to us, We the People or, Something Else.

The Guardian - Recent disclosures about the scope of government surveillance are staggering. We now know that the UK's Tempora program records huge volumes of private communications, including – as standard – our emails, social networking activity, internet histories, and telephone calls. Much of this data is then shared with the US National Security Agency, which operates its own (formerly) clandestine surveillance operation. Similar programs are believed to operate in Russia, China, India, and throughout several European countries.

While pundits have argued vigorously about the merits and drawbacks of such programs, the voice of science has remained relatively quiet. This is despite the fact that science, alone, can lay claim to a wealth of empirical evidence on the psychological effects of surveillance. Studying that evidence leads to a clear conclusion and a warning: indiscriminate intelligence-gathering presents a grave risk to our mental health, productivity, social cohesion, and ultimately our future.

Surveillance impairs mental health and performance

For more than 15 years we've known that surveillance leads to heightened levels of stress, fatigue and anxiety. In the workplace it also reduces performance and our sense of personal control. A government that engages in mass surveillance cannot claim to value the wellbeing or productivity of its citizens.

Surveillance promotes distrust between the public and the state

People will trust an authority to the extent that it is seen to behave in their interest and trust them in return. Research suggests that people tolerate limited surveillance provided they believe their security is being bought with someone else's liberty. The moment it becomes clear that they are in fact trading their own liberty, the social contract is broken. Violating this trust changes the definition of "us" and "them" in a way that can be dangerous for a democratic authority – suddenly, most of the population stands in opposition to their own government.

Surveillance breeds conformity

For more than 50 years we've known that surveillance encourages conformity to social norms. In a series of classic experiments during the 1950s, psychologist Solomon Asch showed that conformity is so powerful that individuals will follow the crowd even when the crowd is obviously wrong. A government that engages in mass surveillance cannot claim to value innovation, critical thinking, or originality. {Read More}

Via: Memeorandum

How A Nation Can and Does Change...

by: Les Carpenter
Rational Nation USA
Liberty -vs- Tyranny

"Before a standing army can rule, the people must be disarmed; as they are in
almost every kingdom of Europe. The supreme power in America cannot enforce
unjust laws by the sword; because the whole body of the people are armed, and
constitute a force superior to any band of regular troops that can be, on any
pretence, raised in the United States."

–Noah Webster, An Examination of the Leading Principles of the Federal
Constitution, 1787

That was then.

In an interview with the Daily Times Herald in Carroll, Iowa, state Rep. Dan Muhlbauer said governments should start confiscating semi-automatic rifles and other firearms.

Muhlbauer, a Democrat from the western Iowa town of Manilla, is a cattleman and farmer. The newspaper reported that he owns a .410 shotgun, a .22 rifle and a .22 pistol.

“We cannot have big guns out here as far as the big guns that are out here, the semi-automatics and all of them,” Muhlbauer told the newspaper during a December 19 audiotaped interview. “We can’t have those running around out here.

Dan Muhlbauer, Iowa State Representative.

This now.

Will an eventual call for confiscation and a complete ban on owning firearms be made by our statist national leaders? Perhaps only the Shadow Knows for sure. But, don't count it out because a bit of internet searching will turn up a lot of individuals who would be perfectly happy with just such actions being taken.

America Becoming Progessively More Accepting of Big Government Statism...

by: Les Carpenter
Rational Nation USA
Liberty -vs- Tyranny

An interesting poll out by pollster David Winston clearly shows that American's, by a wide margin, favor ObamaCare and big statist government. Not at all surprising as this is the way America has been heading over the last 113 years. It is indeed a slow simmering process to the utopian gates of the Progressive Kingdom.

Washington Examiner - A new poll done for Republican members of Congress has found huge public opposition, and solid opposition among Republicans, to the idea of shutting down the government over the issue of funding Obamacare.

In a national survey of 1,000 registered voters done July 31 and August 1, the question, from pollster David Winston, said, “Some members of Congress have proposed shutting down the government as a way to defund the president’s health care law” and asked respondents whether they favored or opposed that plan.

Overall, 71 percent of those surveyed opposed a shutdown, while 23 percent favored a shutdown. Among Republicans, 53 percent opposed, versus 37 percent who favored. (Emphasis Mine)

Winston found a huge gender gap among Republicans. Republican men favored a shutdown by a narrow 48 percent to 44 percent margin. But Republican women opposed it by an enormous 61 percent to 29 percent margin.

Among Republicans who called themselves conservative, those who said they are very conservative favored shutdown by 63 percent to 27 percent, while those who said they are somewhat conservative opposed shutdown by 62 percent to 31 percent. Overall, Republicans who call themselves conservative were evenly split on the issue, 46 percent to 46 percent.

Conservative Republicans make up about 19 percent of the entire electorate. Of that number about nine percent call themselves very conservative, while ten percent say they are somewhat conservative. What the poll suggests is that even that conservative cohort is deeply split on the defunding initiative. {Read More}

Yes indeed. Changing times. Time for some popcorn.

Via: Memeorandum

The Best and the Worst..

by: Les Carpenter
Rational Nation USA
Liberty -vs- Tyranny

If being considered a great president is defined as effective leadership during times of great change or challenging circumstances the following list of the United States top ten presidents may very well be accurate.

10) Lyndon Baines Johnson
9) Thomas Jefferson
8) Franklin Delano Roosevelt
7) William Howard Taft
6) Dwight David Eisenhower
5) James Madison
4) Andrew Jackson
3) George Washington
2) Theodore Roosevelt
1) Abraham Lincoln

Count the number of statist presidents in the top ten. By my count it is five, or 50%.

Now on to the worst American presidents. If ineptitude and lack of leadership is the marker the following list may might be accurate as well. I say might be because it was compiled by U.S. News and World Report.

10) Zachary Taylor
9) (Tie) Herbert Hoover
9a) Richard Nixon
8) William Henry Harrison
7) Ulysses S. Grant
6) John Tyler
5) Millard Fillmore
4) Franklin Pierce
3) Andrew Johnson
2) Warren G. Harding
1) James Buchanan

My personal view is top two best 1) Tomas Jefferson, 2) James Madison and bottom two worst 1) Richard Nixon, 2) Ulysses S. Grant. Of course I'm quite biased not being a proponent of statism in any form.

An Exercise in Definitions and Concepts...

by: Les Carpenter
Rational Nation USA
Liberty -vs- Tyranny

Definition of COLLECTIVISM:

1: a political or economic theory advocating collective control especially over production and distribution; also : a system marked by such control

2: emphasis on collective rather than individual action or identity

Definition of INDIVIDUALISM:

1: a. Belief in the primary importance of the individual and in the virtues of self-reliance and personal independence. b. Acts or an act based on this belief.

2: a. A doctrine advocating freedom from government regulation in the pursuit of a person's economic goals.
b. A doctrine holding that the interests of the individual should take precedence over the interests of the state or social group.

3: a. The quality of being an individual; individuality. b. An individual characteristic; a quirk.

Definitions posted for the benefit of those who have difficulty in understanding the
the subtle differences. Example from a prior blog post: " Why is "collectivism" and "individualism" considered polar opposites?

Individualist

Collectivist

Rand and Hitchens in Agreement...

by:Les Carpenter
Rational Nation USA
Liberty -vs- Tyranny

An interesting matching...

The Last Lecture...

by: Les Carpenter
Rational Nation USA
Liberty -vs- Tyranny

A Breath of Fresh Air From the Past...

by: Les Carpenter
Rational Nation USA
Liberty -vs- Tyranny

As we continue to find ways to advance collectivism in America and diminish individuality this Ayn Rand interview on the Johnny Carson show is indeed a welcome respite. Even if only for a brief 26 1/2 minutes.



I find it interesting how little the republican party represents the principles of Objectivism. Irrespective of what many have said.

As Midnight Approaches...

by: Les Carpenter
Rational Nation USA
Liberty -vs- Tyranny

... Those earlier cases have given the police broad discretion to search possessions on the person of an arrested suspect, including notebooks, calendars and pagers. The government contends that a cellphone is no different than any other object a suspect might be carrying. (Emphasis mine)

As the government of the people, by the people, and for the people under President Obama continues and even accelerates the march to the military state. As the people sleep.

Sadly the people of this once great and free nation are allowing the pompous, elitist. and thoroughly statist minded politicians and lawmakers of both parties to bamboozle us and in the process destroy the freedom and liberties this nation was built on.

All the political correct bullshit and pablum cannot change that which this nation has FREELY CHOSEN to inflict upon itself. It is midnight in America, one we chose to accept and settle for. The responsibility is ours. Sleep well America.

Continuing as the lights dim and soon go out...

The Washington Post - If the police arrest you, do they need a warrant to rifle through your cellphone? Courts have been split on the question. Last week the Obama administration asked the Supreme Court to resolve the issue and rule that the Fourth Amendment allows warrantless cellphone searches.

In 2007, the police arrested a Massachusetts man who appeared to be selling crack cocaine from his car. The cops seized his cellphone and noticed that it was receiving calls from “My House.” They opened the phone to determine the number for “My House.” That led them to the man’s home, where the police found drugs, cash and guns.

The defendant was convicted, but on appeal he argued that accessing the information on his cellphone without a warrant violated his Fourth Amendment rights. Earlier this year, the First Circuit Court of Appeals accepted the man’s argument, ruling that the police should have gotten a warrant before accessing any information on the man’s phone.

The Obama Administration disagrees. In a petition filed earlier this month asking the Supreme Court to hear the case, the government argues that the First Circuit’s ruling conflicts with the rulings of several other appeals courts, as well as with earlier Supreme Court cases. Those earlier cases have given the police broad discretion to search possessions on the person of an arrested suspect, including notebooks, calendars and pagers. The government contends that a cellphone is no different than any other object a suspect might be carrying.

But as the storage capacity of cellphones rises, that position could become harder to defend. Our smart phones increasingly contain everything about our digital lives: our e-mails, text messages, photographs, browser histories and more. It would be troubling if the police had the power to get all that information with no warrant merely by arresting a suspect.

On the other hand, the Massachusetts case involves a primitive flip-phone, which could make this a bad test case. The specific phone involved in this 2007 incident likely didn’t have the wealth of information we store on more modern cellphones. It’s arguably more analogous to the address books and pagers the courts have already said the police can search. So, as Orin Kerr points out, if the Supreme Court ruled on the case, it would be making a decision based on “facts that are atypical now and are getting more outdated every passing month.”

It has been said that ignorance is bliss. It seems ignorance and blindness can be synonymous.

Via: Memeorandum

The Obama Administration's Expansion of Domestic Surveillance...

by: Les Carpenter
Rational Nation USA
Liberty -vs- Tyranny

The Obama administration has legally justified the National Security Agency's collection of phone data from every American by citing a provision of the Patriot Act that applies to business records. Above, President Obama is seen at a news conference on Aug. 9 in which he discussed NSA surveillance and terrorist threats. (Drew Angerer / EPA )

The Congress, under President George W. Bush, on the heels of the 2001 - 911 terrorist attacks on American soil, ushered in a new and enhanced surveillance state. Upon enactment of the Patriot Act, bringing about the great expansion of the government intelligence bureaucracy that gave us the Department of Homeland Security, NSA, and TSA, we now find ourselves in the midst of a growing discussion/debate as to whether the government has crossed the line with it's super surveillance of every phone call made by individuals in the USA.

The machinations spawned by a Republican administration, are now being used the Obama administration has to violate our right to privacy. This expansion of power, a grave threat to all American's right to privacy was inevitable. However, it should be highlighted that regardless of the party sitting in the seat(s) of power abuses of the nature are witnessing are inevitable. Once granted sweeping powers government bureaucracies almost never give them up. Rather the abuse of power generally continues as a willing Congress finds ways to justify the expanded governmental powers. A republican President invited the abuse, a Democratic President grows the abuse.

Los Angeles Times - On Aug. 9, the Obama administration released a previously secret legal interpretation of the Patriot Act that it used to justify the bulk collection of every American's phone records. The strained reasoning in the 22-page memo won't survive long in public light, which is itself one of the strongest arguments for transparency in government. As the late Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis wrote, "Sunlight is said to be the best of disinfectants."

Recent revelations by the Washington Post emphasize the need for greater transparency. The National Security Agency failed to report privacy violations that are serious infringements of constitutional rights. Beyond these blatant violations, the foundation of the programs is itself illegal.

Section 215 of the Patriot Act authorizes the collection of certain business records — in this case, phone records — when there are reasonable grounds to believe that the records are relevant to an authorized investigation into international terrorism. The key legal term is "relevance."

Under this relevance standard, the administration has collected the details of every call made by every American, even though the overwhelming majority of these calls have nothing to do with terrorism. Since first learning of the program this spring, I have been a vocal critic of such dragnet collection as a gross invasion of privacy and a violation of Section 215.

The administration's memo begins by acknowledging that its interpretation of the statute is at odds with the plain meaning of "relevance." It argues there is a "particularized legal meaning" of relevance, but it ultimately concedes that it fails to meet this standard as well.

The legal definition grew out of case law related to grand jury subpoenas and civil discovery. In these areas, courts have adopted a somewhat broader concept of relevance, finding that documents can be relevant not only when they directly bear on the subject matter at hand but also when they could reasonably lead to other information that directly bears on that subject matter. Think of it as second-degree relevance.

The memo correctly points out that Congress was familiar with this legal standard when it adopted the Patriot Act and therefore intentionally invoked this legal interpretation when passing the act. That's true as far as it goes, but the administration's bulk-collection program goes far beyond this broader definition of relevance. The phone records of innocent Americans do not relate to terrorism, and they are not reasonably likely to lead to information that relates to terrorism. Put simply, the phone calls we make to our friends, families and business associates are private and have nothing to do with terrorism or the government's efforts to stop it. {Read More}

"Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both."

Benjamin Franklin


Via: Memeorandum

Ted Cruz, A likely Tea Party Republican Candidate for Pesident Holds Dual Canadian/USA Citizenship...

by: Les Carpenter
Rational Nation USA
Liberty -vs- Tyranny

Well I'll be damned! A possible Birthergate 2?. Not likely.

Sen. Ted Cruz's birth certificate shows he was born in Canada in 1970. It was released exclusively to The Dallas Morning News.

WASHINGTON — Born in Canada to an American mother, Ted Cruz became an instant U.S. citizen. But under Canadian law, he also became a citizen of that country the moment he was born.

Unless the Texas Republican senator formally renounces that citizenship, he will remain a citizen of both countries, legal experts say.

That means he could assert the right to vote in Canada or even run for Parliament. On a lunch break from the U.S. Senate, he could head to the nearby embassy — the one flying a bright red maple leaf flag — pull out his Calgary, Alberta, birth certificate and obtain a passport.

“He’s a Canadian,” said Toronto lawyer Stephen Green, past chairman of the Canadian Bar Association’s Citizenship and Immigration Section.

The circumstances of Cruz’s birth have fueled a simmering debate over his eligibility to run for president. Knowingly or not, dual citizenship is an apparent if inconvenient truth for the tea party firebrand, who shows every sign he’s angling for the White House.

“Senator Cruz became a U.S. citizen at birth, and he never had to go through a naturalization process after birth to become a U.S. citizen,” said spokeswoman Catherine Frazier. “To our knowledge, he never had Canadian citizenship.”

The U.S. Constitution allows only a “natural born” American citizen to serve as president. Most legal scholars who have studied the question agree that includes an American born overseas to an American parent, such as Cruz.

The Constitution says nothing about would-be presidents born with dual citizenship. {Read More}

Via: Memeorandum

Julian Assange Hitting the Nail On It's Head...

by: Les Carpenter
Rational Nation USA
Liberty -vs- Tyranny

Julian Assange may very well be correct. However, his recent statement that "The only hope as far as electoral politics… presently, is the libertarian section of the Republican party,..." will undoubtedly displease the liberal progressives democratic party as well as the the republican party, perhaps especially the RINO's and the militaristic MIC wing of the GOP. Which of course gives one EVERY rational reason to believe Assange is absolutely RIGHT.

Campus Reform - “The only hope as far as electoral politics… presently, is the libertarian section of the Republican party,” said Assange, in response to a question about the recent swell of college-aged and youth-based support for libertarianism.

“The libertarian aspect of the Republican Party is presently the only useful political voice really in the U.S. Congress,” said Assange. “[I] am a big admirer of Ron Paul and Rand Paul for their very principled positions in the U.S. Congress on a number of issues.”

Assange, who was speaking in an online video forum, hosted by the transparency organization OurSay.org, also praised American Journalist Matt Drudge saying he is responsible for breaking down the “self-censorship” of the American mainstream media.

"Matt Drudge is a news media innovator... It is as a result of the self-censorship of the establishment press in the United States that gave Matt Drudge such a platform and so of course he should be applauded for breaking a lot of that censorship,” said Assange.

Assange is refreshing in his honesty and understanding of the fatal flaw present in not only the American political landscape but the politics of nations in the universal sense.

The story's completion.

Via: Memeorandum

The New Modern Republican Party?...

by: Les Carpenter
Rational Nation USA
Liberty -vs- Tyranny

Perhaps the following is a big reason the Republican party, aka the Tea Party, is losing credibility.

Given Steve Lonegan's self identified "callous disregard" for presumably every conceivable (unfortunate) situation maybe the party of which he is a member should take a look at how the majority of Americans view his callousness, and by extension the callousness of the party he represents.



Only a blind person could shoot themselves (and their party) in the foot as thoroughly as this dunderhead.

Read the story HERE.

Via: Memeorandum

Gingrich Speaking Out, In Criticism Of His Own Party...

by: Les Carpenter
Rational Nation USA
Liberty -vs- Tyranny

I have not been a advocate of Newt Gingrich these past few years. I mean during his presidential campaign and all.

I guess though the guy deserves credit for having the capacity to work with Bill Clinton when he was Speaker of the House and Mr. Clinton was the President.

Now, during these times of rancor and discontent between brothers and sisters (conservatives and liberals, republicans and democrats) Mr. Gingrich is advising his more recalcitrant Republican brethren to, well, can I safely say THINK?

The ex Speaker is sounding an quite a bit like, well, an elder Statesman chastising his own party for their lack of idea's nonetheless. Who would've thought?

I ain't no backer of the ACA has written and poured down our throats. But given the opposition party has come up with no alternative, other than repealing the ACA (and impeaching President Obama) I give the Speaker high fives for speaking out.

From CNN Politics here is some of what the Speaker had to say.

Former House Speaker and presidential candidate Newt Gingrich reprimanded his fellow Republicans in unusually harsh terms Wednesday, blaming GOP members of Congress for developing "zero" alternatives to President Obama's health care reform law.

Gingrich, who was speaking at the opening session of the Republican National Committee's summer meeting, fielded a question about "Obamacare" and recalled that Republicans were able to block Bill Clinton's health care reform effort in 1994 because they had "a positive alternative approach" to health care.

But Republicans today have nothing comparable to offer, Gingrich told nearly the 200 state party chairs, operatives and activists gathered in Boston for the conference.

"I will bet you, for most of you, you go home in the next two weeks when your members of Congress are home, and you look them in the eye and you say, 'What is your positive replacement for Obamacare?' They will have zero answer," Gingrich said.

Gingrich blamed the problem on Republican culture that rewards obstruction and negativity instead of innovation and "being positive."

"We are caught up right now in a culture, and you see it every single day, where as long as we are negative and as long as we are vicious and as long as we can tear down our opponent, we don't have to learn anything," Gingrich said, acknowledging the "totally candid" nature of his remarks..."

In a moment of candor that represented COMPLETE RATIONAL HONESTY, Mr. Gingrich summed up the MAJOR problem facing republicans and conservatives today. Whether or not it will have any impact remains to be seen. For all you reasonable conservatives, republicans, and libertarians now is the time to pressure your leaders in the House and the Senate as well as at the state level to do SOMETHING that can be seen as both POSITIVE and WORKABLE.

Continue reading Mr. Gingrich's remarks HERE.

Via: Memeorandum

Mayor Bob Filner, Getting it Shoved Up His by Hooters!...

by: Les Carpenter
Rational Nation USA
Liberty -vs- Tyranny

Not big news. Yet is is indicative of our nation and the general moral fiber of said nation. A very appropriate response to a VERY sick individual.

SLATE - Earlier today, the executive director of the San Diego Republican Party tweeted this image (above) from in front of the Hooters in Rancho Bernardo.

According to the manager of that restaurant, all of the Hooters locations in the city (Rancho Bernardo is in the zone) have taken up this policy. "The signs went up at our four locations in San Diego this morning," said Melissa Fry, director of marketing for HootWinc, the west coast Hooters franchise. "It's not a political move for us in any way, shape, or form. We're strictly taking a stand for the fair treatment of women. At our franchise alone, we employ 1100 beautiful, talented women." And so Mayor Bob Filner, who has been locked out of city hall, has just been locked out of this fine family restaurant.

UPDATE: Randy Dotinga informs me that this poster uses a text and design suggested by Glenn Beck. Who says he's lost his cultural cachet?

While generally a detractor of the "Beckman's" rather idiot and overheated hyperbole the guy nailed this one. God going Beckman!

Via: Memeorandum

Oy Vey, Louie G. ... Idiocy Personified!

by: Les Carpenter
Rational Nation USA
Liberty -vs- Tyranny



Perhaps the best comedy show in America!

Here's the Story.

Via: Memeorandum

It is Becoming Clearer Methinks...

by: Les Carpenter
Rational Nation USA
Liberty -vs- Tyranny

I was just reading Thomas Paine. I was actually amazed at how much I had FORGOTTEN about the man and galvanizing force for the American Revolution over the past 43 years since I actually read and studied a bit about his life and social views. I was warmly reminded that aside from NOT being a religious zealot he actually bought into the whole notion that there is, and out to be a social contract between the people and the government they have a right to choose. Damn I feel stupid (it's either that or I'm suffering from dementia) right about now. I guess advancing age can have that effect. I can't speak for the young-ins in the The Party movement of course, nor would I want to.

WASHINGTON — In another setback for President Obama’s health care initiative, the administration has delayed until 2015 a significant consumer protection in the law that limits how much people may have to spend on their own health care.

The limit on out-of-pocket costs, including deductibles and co-payments, was not supposed to exceed $6,350 for an individual and $12,700 for a family. But under a little-noticed ruling, federal officials have granted a one-year grace period to some insurers, allowing them to set higher limits, or no limit at all on some costs, in 2014.

The grace period has been outlined on the Labor Department’s Web site since February, but was obscured in a maze of legal and bureaucratic language that went largely unnoticed. When asked in recent days about the language — which appeared as an answer to one of 137 “frequently asked questions about Affordable Care Act implementation” — department officials confirmed the policy.

The discovery is likely to fuel continuing Republican efforts this fall to discredit the president’s health care law {emphasis mine}. (Read More)

Yeah, I believe (for reasons of my own), that the ACA or ObamaCare is a badly flawed law that actually benefits primarily the insurance companies and the the large national pharmaceuticals, while throwing a bone to the very poor and the indigent.

Again I'm reminded of Thomas Paine and the outdated notion of a social contract. Damn it's all so confusing. But I'm convinced that after the special interests Get together (AGAIN), and work out the ideal compromise everything will come out bright and sparking white in the end.

Via: Memeorandum

All In Good Fun Or...

by: Les Carpenter
Rational Nation USA
Liberty -vs- Tyranny

Perhaps this was just a bit over the top. But kinda funny nonetheless. Beside, political caricatures and comedy have been around a very long time. But this is President Obama and therefore requires a greater degree of sensitivity.

(AP Photo/Jameson Hsieh)

AP - A clown wearing a President Barack Obama mask appeared at a Missouri State Fair rodeo this weekend and the announcer asked the enthusiastic spectators if they wanted to see "Obama run down by a bull."

The antics led the state's second highest-ranking official, Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder, to denounce the performance in a tweet Sunday. He said it was "disrespectful" to the president.

"We are better than this," the Republican tweeted.

State Fair officials said the show in Sedalia was "inappropriate" and "does not reflect the opinions or standards" of the fair. "We strive to be a family friendly event and regret that Saturday's rodeo badly missed that mark," they said in a statement Sunday.

It wasn't clear if any action will be taken against the performers. {Read More}

Wondering what the reaction would have been from the left had it been a Bush mask. Just sayin given the enunciated and immense hatred the left has for GWB.

Via: Memeorandum

It Just Makes Common Sense... To The Rational Thinking Anyway

by: Les Carpenter
Rational Nation USA
Liberty -vs- Tyranny

RALEIGH — Gov. Pat McCrory Monday signed into law a bill requiring voters to produce a photo ID when they go to the polls, a measure that was hailed by Republicans as a means for heightening ballot security but which was criticized by Democrats as a thinly disguised effort at voter suppression.

The measure signed by McCrory also reduces the early voting period by a week, ends early voting on Sunday, ends same-day voter registration, and does away with pre-registration of 16 and 17-year olds.

“North Carolinians overwhelmingly support a common sense law that requires voters to present photo identification in order to cast a ballot,” McCrory said in a statement. “I am proud to sign this legislation into law. Common practices like boarding an airplane and purchasing Sudafed require photo ID and we should expect nothing less for the protection of our right to vote.” {Read More}

Only the far left, those with a political agenda beyond reasoned thought oppose this common sense law.

Via: Memeorandum

As Ricky Keeps on Keeping On...

by: Les Carpenter
Rational Nation USA
Liberty -vs- Tyranny

Brought to you from the Santorum universe. A special place were you learn alternative reality.



Via: Memeorandum

It is So Comfortble to Not Need to Give a Rat's Arse Anymore About What Idiots Think...

by: Les Carpenter
Rational Nation USA
Liberty -vs- Tyranny

I have my share of disagreements with the progressive mindset. Especially, and particularly with the far out leftists that haven't a clue about what liberty and individual freedom means or the value of retaining the same.

However, every once in a while a person with a considerably (and I mean considerably as in a boatload of) more overall progressive viewpoint than my own comes along that makes a whole lot of sense. When these occasions arise I think I would be remiss if I did not consider the author's views as well as passing them on to a different and broader conservative libertarian audience than might be otherwise reached.

Tao Speaks - I am not a big fan of either of the two major political parties that exist today in the United States and the minor parties that do exist seem to cherish being extreme and exist for no other reason.

I do understand the economic policies of the Republican Party and I believe they are fundamentally flawed. I honestly can say that as far as the Democratic Party goes its policies are not all that much different.

In all honesty I think the concept of “fundamentally flawed” is based on the fact that I believe that an economic system, especially capitalism, has at its core a goal of creating wealth, creating an opportunity for wealth, and creating an environment for economic equality, that is equal to none.

Jobs should be a pathway to wealth and increasing income equality; our economy cannot create jobs.

Do you realize that from December 1999 until December 2009 our economy created a net of ZERO JOBS? Did you know that since December 1999 to December 2008 that middle-income households suffered a NET INCOME LOSS, when adjusted for inflation?

With the passage of NAFTA and the repeal of Glass-Steagall coupled with the supply side economics and anti-unionism of the 1980′s we have witnessed to slow but total destruction of our economic system in our country. This is reflected in our GDP where corporate, after tax profits, make up 11.1% of our GDP while wages and benefits have dropped to 43.5% of our GDP: Corporate profits have been growing and wages have been shrinking as a percentage of our GDP and there is no way to change that trend.

I want to know whose side are we on? {Read More}

After reading Tao's article this fiscally conservative social libertarian site would be most interested in your comments.

Being reasonable and of active mind is far superior to being locked into any ideological dogmatic drumbeat.

At a Loss for Words...

by: Les Carpenter
Rational Nation USA
Liberty -vs- Tyranny

Planning on a lot of popcorn from now until 2016.



Oy Vey!!!

Article at HuffPo

Via: Memeorandum

An Up and Coming Progressive Site...

by: Les Carpenter
Rational Nation USA
Liberty -vs- Tyranny

Today's blog entry is a very special entry. It is special in that it features a relatively new, yet up and coming spokesperson for the progressive minded in blogistan general. There are too few words to describe the potential impact this canine lover could have on the progressive movement.

As I said there are too few words to describe this gentleman of the left. So, rather than try I will leave you with just a brief description of his talents. He is very focused on melodrama, fancies himself a sort of Sherlock Holmes, and he has an apparent obsession with misplaced periods.

The volume of his thought is voluminous, and his edgy razor sharp analysis is as blunt as a hoe. But nonetheless the herculean efforts he has put forth in developing his following has been impressive. For this he deserves recognition, and from the conservative (not republican) and libertarian thinkers and bloggers a huge thank you. Check out the links provided and then spend some time perusing the balance of his creative work. You will I believe be, well... I'll leave that for you to decide.

Without further ado, the left's up and coming Blogger Extraordinaire

Intellectually Honest? .... Oops misplaced periods! The prior is open to debate. Hope you enjoy your perusal.

The Second Amendment and Security...

by: Les Carpenter
Rational Nation USA
Liberty -vs- Tyranny

What Say You?

I know what I say. It may not be exactly what you're thinking.
 

Oh the Hyperbole of the Progressives...

by: Les Carpenter
Rational Nation USA
Liberty -vs- Tyranny



A panacea as this gentleman w/out facts would have you believe or the road to the reality Greece, Portugal, and Cuba et all have experienced?.

I report, you be the ultimate judge...

Via: Memeorandum

Just Some Thoughts and Reflections...

by: Les Carpenter
Rational Nation USA
Liberty -vs- Tyranny

I am a PROUD AMERICAN. I am proud that this nation's founders, even given all the faults and history of injustices, created a nation of laws based on the concept that the rightful powers of governance rested with the people governed. The American Revolution, and indeed it was a violent revolution in every sense of the word, was the culmination of the rational thought developed during The Age of Reason and the Age of Enlightenment. The English colonies of North America, ruled by a tyrannical monarch and his tax policies rebelled in the name of LIBERTY from oppressive government in which they had no resresentation. History will bear out the reality free people, given control amd liberty over their own destiny can, and do accomplish great things. Look to the United States of America up to approximately 1964 AD for validtion of these facts.

Manny great speakers and orators have expounded on the greatness of the American experience. On how this nation of ours created the greatest wealth and amassed the greatest power this small planet has ever known, with perhaps the possible exception of Ancient Rome. After all all things are relative. However, I find myself refecting on something my secnd son Patrick D. Carpenter, who by the way is pursuing his doctoral degree at Northeastern University once said to me. He said, and I paraphrase, 'Dad, every great and powerful nation in history reached it's zenith and receeded into relative obscurity.' Something for our nation and it's leaders to think about.

By the way son you are right and I am very proud of you.

Indicating Once Again Why the Republican Party Will Become Irrelavent...

by: Les Carpenter
Rational Nation USA
Liberty -vs- Tyranny

E.W. Jackson (Credit: AP/Jacquelyn Martin)

And they wonder why their membership is declining. This is just one reason among many.

SALON
- In a local radio interview this morning, Virginia Republican lieutenant governor nominee E.W. Jackson said the Democratic Party is “anti-God” and that Christians should leave it.

Jackson has said in the past that he thinks believing in God and voting Democratic are fundamentally incompatible, so WLEE host Jack Gravely asked if he still believes it. Gravely explained that he’s a Christian and tends to vote Democratic, just like his parents and family. Jackson didn’t back down.

“You are saying for us, we’re all wrong, leave that party. And all I’m saying to you is, if you said it before, you still have to believe it, why did you say it?” Gravely asked. “Oh, oh, oh I do believe it,” Jackson responded.

He continued: “I said it because I believe that the Democrat Party has become an anti-God party, I think it’s an anti-life party, I think it’s an anti-family party. And these are all things I think Christians hold to very dearly.”{Read More}

Find the audiohere.

Oy Vey, the republican fundie hyperbole.

Via: Memeorandum

A Insightful Young White Man Stirring Controversy or Just Making Valid Observations?...

by: Les Carpenter
Rational Nation USA
Liberty -vs- Tyranny

A young freshman at Georgia Georgia State has started a White Student Union to celebrate Euro and Euro-American heritage and culture. White students make up 38% of the student body and Patrick Sharp is of the mind that whites (being a minority), as well as students of other ethnic backgrounds and cultural heritage should enjoy the same right of association as the rest of the students do in their Student Union organizations. The young man has a valid argument. Excerpts from The Raw Story.

“If we are already minorities on campus and are soon to be minorities in this country why wouldn’t we have the right to advocate for ourselves and have a club just like every other minority?” Sharp told the paper. “Why is it when a white person says he is proud to be white he’s shunned as a racist?”

“You know, to say this is some closeted or curtained white supremacy, it’s pretty — and I’ll go ahead and turn their words around on them — it’s pretty ignorant and closed-minded,” he explained to WXIA. “It’s a pride organization, it’s a cultural organization, what we have is not hate for any other group… Whites are becoming a minority… We have a voice, we’re unique people, and we have every right to make that voice heard.”

Video from WXIA, Aug. 1, 2013.

Will this young man's beliefs and actions spur honest and open discussion as it well should or will it be ignored? Or even worse, used by the race hustlers Sharpton and Jackson et all to fuel controversy and their agenda? Via: Memeorandum