11 posts tagged “news”

  The little boy needed 100 dollars to help his parents pay bills. and prayed for weeks, but nothing happened. So, he decided to write God directly.

When postal authorities received a letter addressed to to God they decided to send it to President Obama.

President Obama  felt sorry for the young boy, his family  and instructed the Treasury Secretary to send  him a $5.00 bill.

The President thought what is five dollars out of a 8 trillion dollar budget. A good use of tax money to make a small boy happy. Not to mention, the boy would think he was using his own money and being a good citizen by helping his parents.

Delighted to get 5 dollars, the young boy noticed, it was postarked Washington DC.  He decided to send God a thank you note. 

              Dear God,

              Thank you for sending the money,

                   my parents can use the help,

                  But, why did you send it thru Washington, DC,

                   Those assholes took $95 dollars in tax !!!!!!

                 Thanks again,

                  Bobby

Alfred the Ordinary wrote:Mar 3, 2009    Good one!

Original author unknown. Rewritten by Lightfoot Letters

=

Cato Letters." - cir. 1721

Too many of us today do not understand these two simple concepts. Too many of us today think somehow, someway, we, the United States of America, can not fail by either concept.

For the last fifty years or so we seem to have learned nothing from history. Are, more likely, we teach nothing of or about history.  Therefore we learn nothing from history.  Anything we can build, we may also tear down. That is the nature of history and the nature of all human kind.

The first letter from Cato (pseudonym for John Trenchard and Thomas Gordon, honoring Cato the Younger, whose dedication to principles of liberty led him to oppose Julius Caesar) appeared in the London Journal -1720.

 http://mises.org/story/1355

                                                                                      Notable Quotes for the Times

“As Joseph Lowery, a civil rights icon said, ‘White will embrace what is right.’ I hope so. I am embracing Obama. I don’t fear any longer. I, too, have seen the glory,” Karla Paniagua said in the Jan. 4 news story, “Now a citizen, now proud of America.”

Sometimes one person’s glory is another person’s fear.

During the inauguration ceremony, the reverend got smiles and applause from Obama for a future when “white would embrace the right.”
An economic advisor to the president says he is concerned, as many of you are, that no money from the stimulus package will go to “white male construction workers.”

It is as though the marches of Martin Luther King Jr. never happened. The Underground Railroad was never on track.  Frederick Douglass never lived. The Quakers never existed. Abraham Lincoln never spoke. D-Day was just a child’s story. Our history of sacrifice to end injustice only began with the election of President Obama.

It is acceptable in the politics of today just to give lip service to the liberal concepts of tolerance and natural rights. And then continue the policies and words of the past, that separate us along racial, cultural and economic lines.

One has to wonder if those who risked their fortune, honor and life was all in vain. Especially, from those among us who have no history nor do they remember the past.
Those of the past who embraced what was right are forgotten. Those of the past laid the foundations of the nation that allows Paniagua to enjoy the benefits of which some do not know.

There is “change” but it is not the kind of progressive change I hoped for. I had hoped for progressive change that would rescind all federal laws and programs and policies that reward or punish citizens based on race, culture, language or religion, in the likeness of King, not the Klan or La Raza.

Commentary by Lightfoot  Published inpart-whole Jan. 29 - LA Times/Daily Pilot, Feb 6 - Sacramento Bee,   Feb. 9 Greta Wire Fox News, Post-Fax-eMail White House Feb. 14,  Sacramento Union Feb. 23.

Alfred the Ordinary wrote: Feb 2  Discrimination, positive or negative, is very dangerous territory, IMO. Often it achieves the opposite of that intended. It is probably too early to tell, in the life of Obama's administration, but the signs are worrying.       Auntyfemenist wrote: Apparently, Eliza, it will be true soon since Obama's economic advisor said the government will make sure they don't get a break. Racism only bothers you when it is against your pet class or what?   Silverthorn wrote on Feb 4, 2009 5:24 PM: " Been on a job site lately? You won't find it filled with "white workers". Targeting any group is still racism. But if Obama wants to surround himself with racists, tax cheats, etc, he has that right. I hope the economy/country survives his "redistribution of wealth" and pork laden so called stimulus package. I hope I'm wrong about the direction I see this heading. It's still too early to tell but the signs so far aren't encouraging. It looks like another Jimmy Carter era. And we all know how that turned out. Time will tell. I hope you're right.   JohnP wrote on Feb 4, 2009 4:43 PM: " It seems we are getting the spin of the Obamanoids here. First, James Young has to put Rush Limbaugh's name into the discussion. Apparently that should convince everyone that that should be the end of the discussion. Then, Eliza writes, "Reich said that he didn't want jobs going ONLY to white male workers." I don't know where that qualifier "only" came from. It wasn't in Reich's little speech. Are we to assume that that is what Reich MEANT to say. The Obama spin machine spins on.   Jbillwarmington wrote on Feb 4, 2009 4:02 PM: " Those who have followed Robert Riech, have been subject to a class act: called "how to go down the spiral stairs" in politics. This individual has a goal to be on some news bite every day, even if the subject is of no value. From his first days on the hill, he has been involved in the promotion of himself and his abilities. Sadly for the hungry press, they give him a paragraph here and there. In any particular subject that he participates in, the substance is lacking and mostly non existant.Kinda reminds me of a few city council individuals"   JOANNKENTON wrote on Feb 4, 2009 2:56 PM: " FOR JAMES YOUNG: APPARENTLY YOU DO NOT WATCH MUCH TV OR YOU WOULD HAVE SEEN ROBERT REICH GIVE THIS OPINION. BUT THE PREVIOUS REPLIES HAVE GIVEN THE YOUTUBE. LINK THAT HE CAN SEE. I HAVE BEEN MOST IMPRESSED WITH  LIGHTFOOT'S ARTCLES AND LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING MORE OF THEM. "   Rob Dickson wrote on Feb 4, 2009 7:34 AM: " Mr. Young, you are right - it has begun! President Obama's administration has openly promoted policies that will intentionally discriminate against white Americans. The blatantly racist and highly indicative remark Mr. Lightfoot referred to was made by Obama economic advisor Robert Reich, as seen here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opxuUj6vFa4 It will be truly fascinating to watch the usual Daily Pilot Obamapologists try to explain this one away. " James Young wrote on Feb. 3:  The commentary published Thursday by  Lightfoot was blatantly prejudiced and alarmist about what Obama is doing. “Change not as progressive as hoped”). It is to be expected that when one’s ideology is challenged, one needs to strike back no matter how ridiculous the argument. Lightfoot was more subtle in that he appeared to champion equality, but his statement “An economic advisor to the president says he is concerned as many of you are, that no money from the stimulus package will go to ‘white male construction workers.’” It is disingenuous for someone to put a statement in quotes without naming the speaker.   Eliza wrote on Jan 30, 2009 10:13 PM: " Silverthorn, I wasn't talking about your comment; I was referring to Lightfoot's melodramatic letter, which deserved exactly as much seriousness as I accorded it. As Upton points out, Lightfoot seems to labor under the misconception that the initiative in question would deny assistance to ANY white male. Obviously that's not the case. That Reich's attempt to ensure that the program is NOT racist has reflexively been labeled 'reverse racist' is no accident; it's a function of long-established and oft-unearned privilege that suddenly doesn't feel so secure anymore. That's not punishment---it's equality. "   Silverthorn wrote on Jan 30, 2009 6:58 PM: " I'm not obliquely implying anything. I'm just tired of reverse racism by closet bigots that think it's ok to make cute racist comments as long as it's toward the politically correct target. Spin it however you want, you made the oh so funny remark. Yes whites have had an advantage for a very long time. And progress is being made to fix that. But trying to punish people for past wrongs based on their race is still wrong. So "snort" all you want. Your comment wasn't cute, it was racist. Equality means everyone, even whites. Rambling enough for you? "   Upton wrote on Jan 30, 2009 6:02 PM: " Reich's advocating for stimulus that has the highest social return and believes the stimulus package is large enough to include high-skilled tech and construction workers (regardless of color) and a boost for those in greatest need. Targeting more people with the stimulus will be better for the country because it will create more consumer spending which is one of the major problems we're experiencing right now. It also may help arrest the debilitating cycle of poverty that minorities and women experience in greater percentages than white males. "   Upton wrote on Jan 30, 2009 5:59 PM: " Reich (the economic advisor) never promoted the idea that no money should go to white male construction workers, which is what I think Lightfoot was trying to state. Reich is concerned that the stimulus will bypass people in greatest need, i.e., the poor and the long-time unemployed. They tend to be minorities and women in greater percentages than white males. Also, he is not advocating hiring low-skilled workers for high-skill jobs, as Stratton seeems to imply. http://mediamatters.org/items/200901230015?f=h_latest " Eliza wote on Jan. 30  " No, Silverthorn, I'm not 'OK with racism' of any stripe. I'm also not OK with rambling, high-toned letters that imply obliquely that straight white men are the REAL victims in today's world. It's an idea that is as ludicrous as it is offensive. "   Silverthorn wrote on Jan 29 " So I guess you're OK with racism as long as it's white people getting discriminated against? All the talk about "it's not about race or color" goes out the window when you target any group. Closet racists make me sick. If that's the change you want you're no better than the people you look down on. I just hope America survives the hypocrites. "   Eliza wrote on Jan 29  " It's true, isn't it? White guys just can't catch a break in this country.

AND TODAY - Jan. 29, 2009......Nothing has changed....
 
  In the early 1900's, most educational leaders, as well as the rank and file of teachers argued that the unionization of teachers was prompted by selfish devotion to self interest.  The affiliation with the A.F. and L. was the prostitution of the well-being of all children. The main assertion was NO WORTHY TEACHER would ever feel justified in going ON STRIKE.
 

 Today we hear; Our new budget is only 193 million over last years budget of 56.6 billion. "We have to be out here (picketing) for the kids." LAUSD teacher the day of the mini-strike. 30,000 teachers stayed-out, on the picket line. That's 30,000 hours times approximately 700, 000 students lost time that will never be regained, never returned.  Again,  "we have to be out here for the kids." Just what kids are they talking about.  

 
 And, the LAUSD and The California Teachers Union wonder why some of us think the public schools are failing and set a bad example for all our kids, grandkids and future generations. Don't be surprised the next time you hear close the public schools for a year and just start over. A good time to start over might be 1904.  I do not think those teachers would pick D-Day to hit the picket line! 
 
Then again,  I wonder if  these students or teachers even know it's D-DAY.
 
  Not to be less corrupt than the LAUSD, the Nevada Teachers Union's threatened to use of the initiative process to increase taxes on casinos by approximately (44%)forty four percent. That's right forty four percent! If passed all the new taxes would only be used for teachers salaries. 

 
  And then, with the help of Assembly Speaker Barbara Buckley (D) a secret meeting was held between the Public Teachers Union and the casinos resulting in a bizarre plan that almost as corrupt as the original initiative. Nevada counties are to put the question of tax increases on the November ballot. 

 
Threats, blackmail and secret back room deals of the past have become the present for teachers unions. To use the initiative process to for a personal tax grab, not improve education, is corrupt  to the core. An act  only worthy of self serving selfish greedy individuals, but not public employees...especially teachers!

Not to be outdone by Nevada Teachers. The District Attorney charged Capistrano School Board (CUSD) held closed door meetings in violation of the Brown Act. While, voting the CUSD Super a 58 thousand per year pay raise. I'm sure it was all for the little kids.

Again, just what kids are they talking about?

Brian Gilbert wrote; "The teachers union, tenure and promotion, out of the classroom, who should be fired, represents everything that is wrong with America."

Additional Notes: Sept. 6 -  In all areas of academic ability, half of the children are below average. This fact has implications for education and public policy, and yet it's something most politicians and public intellectuals would rather not talk about. It amounts to educational romanticism. At its heart is a glib presumption that every child can be anything he or she wants to be if only the schools do their job properly. No one really believes it, but we approach education's problems as if we did. We are phobic about saying out loud that children differ in their ability to learn the things schools teach. Not only do we hate to say it, we get angry with people who do. We insist that the emperor is wearing clothes, beautiful clothes, and that those who say otherwise are bad people.”

Dr. Charles Murray

 

Dec. 5 -  Our public education system is a slow-motion car crash, driven the same union special interests that brought the auto companies to the brink of bankruptcy. Townhall

 

 

Jan. 29 2009 - Maldonado-12 grade, concluded by calling on students to actively support the teachers' struggle: "The only way we are truly going to see change is for the students and teachers to come together and organize to build power and demand quality education. We must unite our voices and see that the change we deserve becomes reality: more opportunities for students to go to college, lower classroom sizes and better pay for teachers and a strong student, parent and teacher voice. All power to the teachers!"  Voiced byThousands of Los Angeles Unified School District public teachers in a demonstration in central Los Angeles. WSWS

 

 
ref: LA Times,  ABC News 2008,  School and Society 1918, 1956, Sac. Union, Tahoe Bonanza, World Socialist Web Site, KABC News

 
Photo - Sacramento Union

Letter to Editor by Lightfoot Published in part June 29 -  Sacramento Union,  Jan 31 - OC Register 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

orig. post Sept. 2008

 

What is the first thing you'd like to see Barack Obama do as President of the United States?

AFTER BREAKFAST:  Rescind all Federal Laws and Programs that reward or punish citizens based on race, culture, language or religion. AFTER LUNCH: Rescind the Prescription Drug Bill passed by Congress and signed by President Bush. Not bad for a days work, Even for President Obama.

 George and Sharlee McNamee bought their home 32 years ago in Corona del Mar, California.   In 2001 the California Coastal Commission decided to tell  George and Sharlee how and under what circumstances they could use their property which amounts to    constructive eminent domain without just compensation. In fact no compensation what so ever, only threats.
 
 The Coastal Commission creates policy, rules and regulations that carry the weight of law, with fines and punishment,  but do not follow the 'rule of law.'  In this case fines of six thousand dollars per day. This is a clear violation of the 'seperation of powers' doctrine.  That is; to make policy (legislate) with the weight of law  and enforce the same policy with the force of law (judicial) by the same agency.
 
 If there was ever a time for the City of Newport Beach to step up to the plate for a citizen, that time is now! The City should do whatever it can thru legal action or otherwise to deal with the Coastal Commission in defense of George and Sharlee. Especially, since the Coastal Commission is accountable to no one. Not the County of Orange, The City of Newport Beach and especially not mere senior citizens in their 70s.
 
 If the City of Newport Beach can not or will not go to bat for one of its own we have elected the wrong people. People who can not tell right from wrong and have  no respect for the 'rule of law. These seem like strong words and they are intended to be so regarding the Coastal Commission that acts like the King or a Banana Republic with the force of a dictator. And, I do realize Newport Beach is between a rock and a hard place with few options because the Coastal Commission treats the City no better than the McNamee's. But that can be overcome, if we as a people, support  efforts by the City to retain control by local government for local citizens. Yes, this could cost lots of money, blood, sweat and some tears. But to rid the community of an un-elected king, tyrant or dictator will always be worth the cost.
 
                I think John Phillips of KABC Radio said it best, "Joseph Stalin is back in charge."
 
 

NEWS STORY - LA Times - Daily Pilot    Gay-rights activists plan to picket the Mormon temple in Newport Beach on Sunday to protest Mormon support for Proposition 8, which banned gay marriage in California. Another protest is planned Saturday at South Coast Plaza.

“I think it is a registering of how upset we are about it,” said Sandra Hartness, a member of the board of directors for the Human Rights Campaign, a national group that lobbies for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender rights. Hartness is one of the organizers of the Sunday protest planned at the Newport temple.

“It reinforces that we are not going to go away, and we’re going to continue to seek equal rights,” she said.

Hartness said she and other opponents of Proposition 8 are angered at claims by the Proposition 8 campaign that homosexuality would be taught in public schools if gay marriage were to remain legal.

“It’s not so much the fact that they donated but the manner that the campaign was conducted and the misinformation that was spread,” Hartness said. “To not expect people to be upset when you take away a right from a group of people is probably naive.”

Protesters have swarmed Mormon churches and temples across the state after the passage of Proposition 8 last week. Opponents of the ballot measure claim members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints bankrolled the Proposition 8 campaign. A website created by gay-rights activists tracked campaign finance records during the course of the Proposition 8 campaign and claimed Mormons donated more than $20 million in support of the ballot measure.

Another anti-Proposition 8 protest also is planned for 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Bear Street and South Coast Drive near South Coast Plaza as part of a nationwide day of protest against Proposition 8.

Many Mormons feel they are being singled out from the numerous churches in the state that supported Proposition 8, said Joseph Bentley, Orange County director of public affairs for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Church leaders encouraged Mormons in California to donate to the Proposition 8 campaign on a voluntary basis, he said.

“We’re shocked,” Bentley said. “Everyone I know is really quite surprised, and we find it quite deplorable that these are more than peaceful protests.”

                                                          Michigan Protests

Church members across the state have been subjected to vandalism and threats after the passage of Proposition 8, Bentley said.

“We have gay friends we love and care about and support in every way, but we don’t understand why there has been such a horrific backlash,” Bentley said.

The protest is planned for 10 a.m. Sunday, but the Newport Beach temple, 2300 Bonita Canyon Drive, is usually closed on Sundays, Bentley said.

“We usually try to keep the gates open so people can walk peacefully through the grounds,” Bentley said. “We try to keep it beautiful and inviting, but whether they will be able to do that this weekend, I don’t know.”

"This WEEK'S Quote: "No, not in politics, No I'm going to get an honest job." Mayor Debbie Cook (D), Huntington Beach, Ca., Nov. 4, 2008, referring to her future after losing a bid for Congress.
 I really like this quote by Mayor Cook. It reminds me of a quote by President Harry Truman. Something about a piano player in a house of ill repute being more reputable than a politician.
 
 
 
 
 
Comment by Lightfoot - Published Dec. 27, 2008 - Liberty Views

and The Egineers -

It’s a House divided —  not so much, because both Democrats and Republicans support the financial policies that has brought us to where we are. Our financial problems are caused by the injection of “socialist engineering concepts” into the business model (and education model).

 Herbert Hoover       These socialist concepts began with the Hoover and  FDR administration and have grown, with increased power and failure under each administration. 

The core problem is the federal government acting as the “Great White Father” using socialist engineering concepts applied to a free market. This must be addressed and stopped. They are not only unconstitutional — they have failed every time they have been applied or used.

Any current bailout, rescue package or payout without a ban on future government sponsored enterprises, GSE's Fannie/Freddie adventures is not acceptable. Without such a ban, we are continuing the same policy no matter how much the Democrats and Republicans claim this will never happen again. If we have the programs and support the policy, it will happen again and again and again.

Senator  Obama or Senator McCain will keep stoking the fires of the socialist train,..  we must take their shovels away from them — permanently!

Commentary by Lightfoot - Published Nov. 4, 2008 - LA Times/DP

donkrotee wrote on Nov 4, 2008  

" This writing is so wrong it is a little surprising the Pilot printed it. Deregulation, not socialism, and bipartisan greed are the culprits for crisis. Banking wanted to deregulate itself since 1933. Financial institutions got their big start when Phill Gramm (R) collected more than $1.5 million in lobbying cash (he needed for his senate re-election) to push through (narrow margin) relief from a banking/finance regs of the Glass-Steagall Act, one of the pillars of Roosevelt's New Deal. Final collapse was Paulson convincing Cox/ and SEC to exempt investment banks from maintaining reserves to cover losses. "

timothy wrote on Nov. 29

This is good!