Media Ethics?
Posted by Peter Strom on June 15, 2011 at 7:17pm
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Now that is an oxymoron! "Media Ethics". With so much divisiveness in the world today, religious wars, ethnic infighting, political differences, and my morality versus yours, we don't need the media to fuel the fires of hatred and ignorance with derision.
The Tea Party is often the target. Media often portrays the Tea Party, and those who support those views, as right wing fanatics. But, that also means we are getting more attention these days. We are no longer the little kid on the block - we are a force to be seriously reckoned with. Liberals and the RINOs, Republicans In Name Only, realize that we mean business and are serious about returning our government to the principles laid out by the founders and defined by the Constitution.
Our face to the public must be clear. We must stand united in principle and in action. We need to overcome the slander and lies by being steadfast and open in our base principles of smaller government, fiscal responsibility, and free markets. No one would deny those values. However, as expected in politics, the "other guys" are the bad guys regardless of which side of the political fence they are on. And when people on either side of that fence need a scapegoat, we are it. But do not be dismayed. I am sure that our founding fathers had many disagreements on policies and procedures, but they stuck to the truths that defined our nation to this day: Freedom, Government of, by, and for the people, and Free market Capitalism. Government needs to step back and get out of the way of the people who want to restore this country to those principles. Corruption, greed, and divisiveness have no place in government, and the Tea Party is willing to lead toward that goal.
Division among the Republican candidates is greatly weakening the chances for Conservatism. We need a strong, responsible leader who can rise above the rest. And that leader must abide to the Constitution as stated in the Oath of Office of the President. And that person must have as a primary goal during his or her administration, to get this economy back on track to solvency, and reject the socialist agenda of more government.
As with any grass roots movement, the Tea Party needs to be united in our core principles. That is what the public needs to see if we are to effect positive changes in government. That is what we stand for, and without those fundamental core principles we are just another radical fringe group to be ignored.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Capitalism is NOT a dirty word!
This great country was founded on Capitalism where people have the right, and the privilege, to create wealth for themselves and others through creative enterprise. It is the antithesis of socialism where government controls and stifles economic growth through unwieldy legislation and taxes.
We are the envy of the world because we have those freedoms engendered by Capitalism. Our Constitution was written by patriots who had the courage and foresight to see a great opportunity for a free and open society. They stood up against tyranny and control by a monarchy which would deny us those freedoms. We should not forget that many lives were lost in support of those freedoms for ourselves and other people around the globe.
Now we are returning to tyranny by a government bent on greater taxation, spending, and socialist policies. Do we need to again fight for our freedom? The early founders of our government anticipated that those in power would forget the principles laid out in our Constitution and even suggested that revolution would be necessary from time to time. Freedom of speech and public demonstration hopefully preclude the need for physical confrontation and bloodshed. But corruption and greed is still rampant in government at all levels and cannot be tolerated! We must continue to fight for our freedoms with each election and weed out those who ignore the will of the people. READ OUR LIPS ... NO NEW TAXES! Government spending must be reduced by getting rid of special interests, pork, and corruption.
Capitalism grows our economy, and wealth is not evil. Wealth acquired through hard work and entrepreneurship is what built this country. To destroy incentives of entrepreneurship by excessive taxation and our growing dependency of foreign money leads to increased welfare and the weakening of our economy.
The basic principles of good government are: Fiscal responsibility, free markets through Capitalism, and much less dependency on welfare. We are nearing the precipice of fiscal collapse. Government needs to understand that they are here primarily for the national defense, and to support the economy by ensuring fiscal responsibility. They are not here for the purpose of legislating morality, nor to pad their pockets with legislation to ensure their comfortable retirement and special privileges. Unions and government employees are citizens as well and must abide by the same laws and forgo special treatment.
The voters are angry, and will be watching as we approach the 2012 elections.
We are the envy of the world because we have those freedoms engendered by Capitalism. Our Constitution was written by patriots who had the courage and foresight to see a great opportunity for a free and open society. They stood up against tyranny and control by a monarchy which would deny us those freedoms. We should not forget that many lives were lost in support of those freedoms for ourselves and other people around the globe.
Now we are returning to tyranny by a government bent on greater taxation, spending, and socialist policies. Do we need to again fight for our freedom? The early founders of our government anticipated that those in power would forget the principles laid out in our Constitution and even suggested that revolution would be necessary from time to time. Freedom of speech and public demonstration hopefully preclude the need for physical confrontation and bloodshed. But corruption and greed is still rampant in government at all levels and cannot be tolerated! We must continue to fight for our freedoms with each election and weed out those who ignore the will of the people. READ OUR LIPS ... NO NEW TAXES! Government spending must be reduced by getting rid of special interests, pork, and corruption.
Capitalism grows our economy, and wealth is not evil. Wealth acquired through hard work and entrepreneurship is what built this country. To destroy incentives of entrepreneurship by excessive taxation and our growing dependency of foreign money leads to increased welfare and the weakening of our economy.
The basic principles of good government are: Fiscal responsibility, free markets through Capitalism, and much less dependency on welfare. We are nearing the precipice of fiscal collapse. Government needs to understand that they are here primarily for the national defense, and to support the economy by ensuring fiscal responsibility. They are not here for the purpose of legislating morality, nor to pad their pockets with legislation to ensure their comfortable retirement and special privileges. Unions and government employees are citizens as well and must abide by the same laws and forgo special treatment.
The voters are angry, and will be watching as we approach the 2012 elections.
Fiscal Responsibility
Fiscal Responsibility -- What part of that statement is unclear to our governments - Federal, State, and Local?
Why are in this position to begin with? Where was Congress the last several years? This crisis has not just suddenly appeared and could not have been anticipated long ago. Congress, regardless of which party had control, continued to tax and spend for their favorite "pork" projects to help ensure their reelection and used taxpayer money at will for their special interests and perks, and to pad their retirement.
Yes, there are wars, and there were debts incurred, and there were "bailouts" (a whole 'nuther topic on stupidity). So let's blame the "other guy" whether a prior President, prior Congress, or the "other party"). Pogo said in one of the comic strips, "We have met the enemy, and it is us!" How true! WE are the cause of our failures, either through neglect, inattention, or just disregard for the rising problems.
Now we have reached a debt crisis point at ALL levels of government. Now, suddenly, as if there was no prior awareness, we (the unwary citizens) are being told that unless we allow the Federal government to raise the "debt ceiling", that we will be punished (my word) by higher taxes, stopping or limiting Social Security and Medicare payments (let's scare the elderly and disabled), face a financial crisis and economic recession with rising mortgage rates, higher food costs, more job loss (scare the rest of the public), and having our country's credit status downgraded.
The people of the United States, at each election, hope for the best. We put our faith and trust in those we elect to look out for us, and to vote for what is best for the people and NOT what is best for the party or self interest. I am sure that I express the feelings of the majority of intelligent voters, that our governments, at all levels, have let us down. It is up to Congress and the President to fix this problem with minimal impact to the citizens of this country, and to place fiscal responsibility as one of the primary goals of government in the future. That is why we elected you, so get on with it!
Why are in this position to begin with? Where was Congress the last several years? This crisis has not just suddenly appeared and could not have been anticipated long ago. Congress, regardless of which party had control, continued to tax and spend for their favorite "pork" projects to help ensure their reelection and used taxpayer money at will for their special interests and perks, and to pad their retirement.
Yes, there are wars, and there were debts incurred, and there were "bailouts" (a whole 'nuther topic on stupidity). So let's blame the "other guy" whether a prior President, prior Congress, or the "other party"). Pogo said in one of the comic strips, "We have met the enemy, and it is us!" How true! WE are the cause of our failures, either through neglect, inattention, or just disregard for the rising problems.
Now we have reached a debt crisis point at ALL levels of government. Now, suddenly, as if there was no prior awareness, we (the unwary citizens) are being told that unless we allow the Federal government to raise the "debt ceiling", that we will be punished (my word) by higher taxes, stopping or limiting Social Security and Medicare payments (let's scare the elderly and disabled), face a financial crisis and economic recession with rising mortgage rates, higher food costs, more job loss (scare the rest of the public), and having our country's credit status downgraded.
The people of the United States, at each election, hope for the best. We put our faith and trust in those we elect to look out for us, and to vote for what is best for the people and NOT what is best for the party or self interest. I am sure that I express the feelings of the majority of intelligent voters, that our governments, at all levels, have let us down. It is up to Congress and the President to fix this problem with minimal impact to the citizens of this country, and to place fiscal responsibility as one of the primary goals of government in the future. That is why we elected you, so get on with it!
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Stop the Piracy!
Why haven't we learned from Thomas Jefferson, Adams, and Madison when they had enough of the Barbary pirates and sent the Marines to end the intimidation and ransoming of ships on the high seas. The only difference is, before it was Libya on the shores of Tripoli, and today it is Somalia. In both cases, it is predominantly Muslim, and the same sort of ransoming was the modus operandi. And, undoubtedly, much of the ransom or booty is being used to fund Al Qaeda.
I strongly feel that we need to fight back. We first need to rescue the more than 400 hostages to prevent them of being victimized in retaliation. We are a powerful country but we are perceived as weak due to inaction. Since this is really an international issue, we need to include the support of other democracies.
We need to arm the merchant ships, and provide them with experienced Marines if necessary. If the ship is approached by pirates, just blow them and the 'mother ship' out of the water. Perhaps they will get the message as they did in the early 1800's off the Barbary coast.
It is time to end the piracy, and end our support of Al Qaeda!
I strongly feel that we need to fight back. We first need to rescue the more than 400 hostages to prevent them of being victimized in retaliation. We are a powerful country but we are perceived as weak due to inaction. Since this is really an international issue, we need to include the support of other democracies.
We need to arm the merchant ships, and provide them with experienced Marines if necessary. If the ship is approached by pirates, just blow them and the 'mother ship' out of the water. Perhaps they will get the message as they did in the early 1800's off the Barbary coast.
It is time to end the piracy, and end our support of Al Qaeda!
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
The End of Hatred? ... Not While Labels Exist
With the welcome demise of Bin Laden, the world is rid of one more source of evil, but he is not the last. There are other warped minds who are ready and willing to take his place. They cannot see the world for it's beauty and wonder. Their obsession is to destroy all of humanity who do not agree with their miserable view of life. Those unfortunate beings are sores on humanity that will continue to fester and grow unless the source is addressed.
Hatred is not inborn; it is learned. Hatred is engendered by ignorance, cruelty and neglect of basic needs. Hatred begets hatred; ignorance begets ignorance. It allows religion or race to become a weapon that is exacerbated by power and greed. When people live in a society that preaches hatred for others 'not like them', whether based on religious, cultural, ethnic, or racial differences, it engenders hatred, and encourages those like Bin Laden, Hitler and others.
We need to stop labeling ourselves and others. Labels are different from attributes. An attribute is a description without emotional attachment. Male, female, blond, brunette, tall, short are examples of attributes; it is simply what we are. But when we apply negative feelings toward an attribute, it becomes a label which separates us. Skin color is an attribute; religion is an attribute. But when strong negative emotions are attached, it becomes a label and labels are learned. And labels separate us from each other.
Every society needs to reflect on its values. Every society needs to eradicate those labels. Every society needs to stop isolating its people from others who have different attributes. I believe that the United States is the beacon of freedom because we are an amalgam of many races, cultures and religions.
Every society needs to look upon the earth as a small speck in the universe that has the incredible ability to sustain life. Regardless of your religious views, or even if you are an atheist, you are here, and it is your responsibility to ensure that this planet is left at least as it was when you were born, if not better for your having been here. Bin Laden, and some other purveyors of hatred may be gone, but until this world no longer labels people and hates them for their differences, we will never be truly free.
Hatred is not inborn; it is learned. Hatred is engendered by ignorance, cruelty and neglect of basic needs. Hatred begets hatred; ignorance begets ignorance. It allows religion or race to become a weapon that is exacerbated by power and greed. When people live in a society that preaches hatred for others 'not like them', whether based on religious, cultural, ethnic, or racial differences, it engenders hatred, and encourages those like Bin Laden, Hitler and others.
We need to stop labeling ourselves and others. Labels are different from attributes. An attribute is a description without emotional attachment. Male, female, blond, brunette, tall, short are examples of attributes; it is simply what we are. But when we apply negative feelings toward an attribute, it becomes a label which separates us. Skin color is an attribute; religion is an attribute. But when strong negative emotions are attached, it becomes a label and labels are learned. And labels separate us from each other.
Every society needs to reflect on its values. Every society needs to eradicate those labels. Every society needs to stop isolating its people from others who have different attributes. I believe that the United States is the beacon of freedom because we are an amalgam of many races, cultures and religions.
Every society needs to look upon the earth as a small speck in the universe that has the incredible ability to sustain life. Regardless of your religious views, or even if you are an atheist, you are here, and it is your responsibility to ensure that this planet is left at least as it was when you were born, if not better for your having been here. Bin Laden, and some other purveyors of hatred may be gone, but until this world no longer labels people and hates them for their differences, we will never be truly free.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Letter to Mark Kirk Regarding Current Fiscal Policies
Senator Kirk
First of all, I want to express my appreciation for your efforts to control government spending and waste. After all, the government is here to serve the people, not to 'Fleece' them by continuing tax and spend policies. I do not blame either the Democrats or the Republicans, since each has their pet agendas, but rather the pork and special interest projects obfuscated by being tacked onto bills that are assured passage.
I support the efforts by those Senators who are fighting to reduce spending. The multitude of taxes by various levels of government have gotten way out of control to the point that Chicago has placed a sales tax on the price of gasoline which already has included taxes. A tax on taxes! My understanding is that at $4.00 a gallon, about $0.90 goes to tax - that amounts to a 22.5% tax.
I will be attending a rally in Springfield this Friday to protest the fiscal policies of Governor Quinn and the State Legislature. It should be obvious to all levels of government that the people of this country are fed up with 'business as usual' and will support those in government who understand the upwelling of dissatisfaction with current policies.
As Thomas Jefferson passionately noted in his speech in Paris in November, 1787:
" ... God forbid we should ever be 20 years without such a rebellion. The people can not be all, and always, well informed. The part which is wrong will be discontented in proportion to the importance of the facts they misconceive. If they remain quiet under such misconceptions it is a lethargy, the forerunner of death to the public liberty. We have had 13 states independent 11 years. There has been one rebellion. That comes to one rebellion in a century and a half for each state. What country ever existed a century and a half without a rebellion? And what country can preserve it's liberties if their rulers are not warned from time to time that their people preserve the spirit of resistance? Let them take arms. The remedy is to set them right as to facts, pardon and pacify them. What signify a few lives lost in a century or two? The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants. It is it's natural manure. Our Convention has been too much impressed by the insurrection of Massachusetts: and in the spur of the moment they are setting up a kite to keep the hen yard in order. I hope in god this article will be rectified before the new constitution is accepted." - Thomas Jefferson to William Stephens Smith, Paris, 13 Nov. 1787
Rebellion does not imply bloodshed, but thanks to our freedom to gather and demand change, perhaps we can move toward a more fiscally responsible government, freer of corruption and waste. A government of, by, and for the people.
Thank you again for your support of better government.
Peter Strom
First of all, I want to express my appreciation for your efforts to control government spending and waste. After all, the government is here to serve the people, not to 'Fleece' them by continuing tax and spend policies. I do not blame either the Democrats or the Republicans, since each has their pet agendas, but rather the pork and special interest projects obfuscated by being tacked onto bills that are assured passage.
I support the efforts by those Senators who are fighting to reduce spending. The multitude of taxes by various levels of government have gotten way out of control to the point that Chicago has placed a sales tax on the price of gasoline which already has included taxes. A tax on taxes! My understanding is that at $4.00 a gallon, about $0.90 goes to tax - that amounts to a 22.5% tax.
I will be attending a rally in Springfield this Friday to protest the fiscal policies of Governor Quinn and the State Legislature. It should be obvious to all levels of government that the people of this country are fed up with 'business as usual' and will support those in government who understand the upwelling of dissatisfaction with current policies.
As Thomas Jefferson passionately noted in his speech in Paris in November, 1787:
" ... God forbid we should ever be 20 years without such a rebellion. The people can not be all, and always, well informed. The part which is wrong will be discontented in proportion to the importance of the facts they misconceive. If they remain quiet under such misconceptions it is a lethargy, the forerunner of death to the public liberty. We have had 13 states independent 11 years. There has been one rebellion. That comes to one rebellion in a century and a half for each state. What country ever existed a century and a half without a rebellion? And what country can preserve it's liberties if their rulers are not warned from time to time that their people preserve the spirit of resistance? Let them take arms. The remedy is to set them right as to facts, pardon and pacify them. What signify a few lives lost in a century or two? The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants. It is it's natural manure. Our Convention has been too much impressed by the insurrection of Massachusetts: and in the spur of the moment they are setting up a kite to keep the hen yard in order. I hope in god this article will be rectified before the new constitution is accepted." - Thomas Jefferson to William Stephens Smith, Paris, 13 Nov. 1787
Rebellion does not imply bloodshed, but thanks to our freedom to gather and demand change, perhaps we can move toward a more fiscally responsible government, freer of corruption and waste. A government of, by, and for the people.
Thank you again for your support of better government.
Peter Strom
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Labels
Discussions of politics, religion, and race define people as classes irrespective of their individual differences. You are either one of "them" or you are not. You are a Republican, or a Democrat, or possibly a member of the Tea Party. You are white, black, Hispanic, or "another person of color". You are born into or convert to a religion of choice. However, if you are of a minority faith you are in need of "being saved" by converting to "their" way of believing. What is the necessity of labeling people, other than to differentiate "THEM" from "US"?
I need to point out that everyone has attributes, and to differentiate that from labels. Attributes are physical features we are born with or acquire, (e.g. deafness, blindness, or other physical disability). Gender is an attribute. Although sexual preference is not a physical attribute, I must state that I believe, based on evidence, that people are born with a sexual preference as they are with handedness, it is not a "choice". Race is an attribute even when it is "mixed", and it is not a function of skin color. Politics or religion, however, are not attributes but affiliations. When we define a group based on one or more physical attributes or affiliations in order to discriminate, those attributes or affiliations then become labels. In cases when I refer to a label instead of an attribute of affiliation, I show that in italics.
Labels negatively affect much of our daily lives by emphasizing our differences rather than our commonalities. Divisiveness caused by labels becomes a wedge between people and separates each of us from getting things done for the common good. It should NOT be a matter of what is best for ME or my class, but what is best for ALL. Each group or class who want those things which are only to their advantage, or demean others, are contributing to that wedge.
For example, Congress often gets bogged down in "what is best for my Party" that they lose sight of "what is best for the people of this country". Blacks or other minorities want THEIR RIGHTS even if it means reducing the rights of others. Often Christians and Muslims feel righteous to look down on Jews and others 'not of their faith' who won't get into Heaven unless they convert. Religions split into sects which often differ in minor ways. And Fundamentalist Muslims seem to want EVERYONE to follow Sharia Law and refuse to consider the laws of the United States or other Democracies. Even Sunnis and Shiites kill each other in the name of Allah. Religious wars are endemic throughout the world and throughout history.
The world is fractured into ideological pieces. As long as people are "labeled" based on their differences, this world will never see peace. It will always be "US" against "THEM".
I need to point out that everyone has attributes, and to differentiate that from labels. Attributes are physical features we are born with or acquire, (e.g. deafness, blindness, or other physical disability). Gender is an attribute. Although sexual preference is not a physical attribute, I must state that I believe, based on evidence, that people are born with a sexual preference as they are with handedness, it is not a "choice". Race is an attribute even when it is "mixed", and it is not a function of skin color. Politics or religion, however, are not attributes but affiliations. When we define a group based on one or more physical attributes or affiliations in order to discriminate, those attributes or affiliations then become labels. In cases when I refer to a label instead of an attribute of affiliation, I show that in italics.
Labels negatively affect much of our daily lives by emphasizing our differences rather than our commonalities. Divisiveness caused by labels becomes a wedge between people and separates each of us from getting things done for the common good. It should NOT be a matter of what is best for ME or my class, but what is best for ALL. Each group or class who want those things which are only to their advantage, or demean others, are contributing to that wedge.
For example, Congress often gets bogged down in "what is best for my Party" that they lose sight of "what is best for the people of this country". Blacks or other minorities want THEIR RIGHTS even if it means reducing the rights of others. Often Christians and Muslims feel righteous to look down on Jews and others 'not of their faith' who won't get into Heaven unless they convert. Religions split into sects which often differ in minor ways. And Fundamentalist Muslims seem to want EVERYONE to follow Sharia Law and refuse to consider the laws of the United States or other Democracies. Even Sunnis and Shiites kill each other in the name of Allah. Religious wars are endemic throughout the world and throughout history.
The world is fractured into ideological pieces. As long as people are "labeled" based on their differences, this world will never see peace. It will always be "US" against "THEM".
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