The Latest from RuminationsBlog.comhttp://ruminationsblog.com/cover/The Latest RuminationsBlog Updateen-US2012-02-13T20:38:31ZSquarespace Site Server v5.11.81 (http://www.squarespace.com/)Shamehttp://ruminationsblog.com/cover/2012/2/12/shame.htmlKyle Pratt2012-02-13T05:28:47Z“It is a blow to a freedom that you have fought to defend and for which you have seen your buddies fall in battle.” Those are the words of Archbishop Timothy Broglio, the head of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese for the Military Services, from a letter he recently wrote regarding the Obama Administration healthcare regulation that requires employers provide coverage that includes procedures that the church has long opposed. read more…>
Red Light Cameras Have you heard about the appalling number of deaths caused by people running red lights, how an every growing number of people just ignore traffic signals and speed through intersections, prompting authorities to erect red light cameras to catch the reckless drivers who endanger us all. Neither have I. These cameras are not about safety, they are about revenue for cash strapped states and cities. Some studies even show more accidents occur because motorists slam on their brakes to avoid receiving a ticket. Since I dislike red light cameras and enjoy a good citizen revolt, I thought I would share this video.
Gay Marriage in Washington State Governor Gregoire is scheduled to sign the gay marriage bill into law Monday morning. The law would normally take effect 90 days after the session ends next month, but I’m counting on conservative and religious groups to challenge this in the courts and for a referendum to be brought before the voters. Every time gay marriage is voted on by the people it is rejected, but liberal politicians and activist judges continue to force the issue upon a reluctant electorate. Gov. Gregoire to sign gay marriage bill on Monday
Show me the money Newt Gingrich just is not winning and Sheldon Adelson, the money man behind much of Newt’s campaign has turned off the flow of money. Tomorrow is the Maine caucus and I don’t expect Newt to do well. If he can’t produce a big win in the next few weeks the money will dry up and, I suspect, he will be forced to drop out. Gingrich Group Looks for New Money
American Redoubt The American Redoubt, an idea proposed by prepper, author and blogger James Wesley Rawles, is the subject of the linked article. As the article states, “it's the designated point of retreat when the American economy hits the fan. When banks fail, the government declares martial law, the power grid goes down…” Decades ago those who prepared for disaster were disparagingly called survivalists, but today they call themselves “preppers.” The vast majority of preppers are just average people trying to ensure the safety of their loved ones by preparing, hence the name, for whatever might come. Usually the mainstream media labels us (yes, I consider myself a prepper) as redneck gun nuts and racists. This article is fairer than most. The American Redoubt, where survivalists plan to survive
]]>The Mission of Planned Parenthoodhttp://ruminationsblog.com/cover/2012/2/8/the-mission-of-planned-parenthood.htmlKyle Pratt2012-02-09T06:11:06ZJoycelyn Elders Prize
The Joycelyn Elders Prize for leftwing folly goes to Washington State Senator Patty Murray.
The Elders Prize, named in honor of Joycelyn Elders, surgeon general during the Clinton administration, is awarded as warranted to political and cultural figures who live up to her high standards of support for outlandish lefty ideals. Elders had the liberals running for political cover as she advocated for abortion rights, condoms in schools, drug legalization, and more that would not be appropriate for this blog. read more (with video)…>
]]>Wars and Rumors of Warshttp://ruminationsblog.com/cover/2012/2/7/wars-and-rumors-of-wars.htmlKyle Pratt2012-02-08T06:53:49Z The United States has about 360,000 military personnel spread around the globe in 150 countries.
Many of those troops were deployed to Iraq and many are currently engaged in Afghanistan. Now there is talk of war with Iran. At such times the phrase “wars and rumors of wars” comes to mind. Those words, from Matthew 24 also speak of the end times and of a great tribulation in Israel, “such as were not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.” read more (with video)…>
]]>Thinking about Vice Presidentshttp://ruminationsblog.com/cover/2012/2/6/thinking-about-vice-presidents.htmlKyle Pratt2012-02-06T08:07:32ZCathy McMorris RodgersThe next U.S. vice president could come from Washington State. Since we haven’t even picked a Republican nominee it is a bit early to be talking about possible vice presidents, but the talking has already begun. Among the names being discussed are Governor Bobby Jindal of Louisiana and Governor Mitch Daniels of Indiana. If Romney is the nominee he might want to strengthen his Tea Party and conservative base with someone like Michelle Bachmann as his choice for vice president. However, another name being discussed Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers from Washington's 5th congressional district. read more…>
]]>Worse than a Liberal Democrathttp://ruminationsblog.com/cover/2012/2/5/worse-than-a-liberal-democrat.htmlKyle Pratt2012-02-05T09:13:00ZThere are things worse than a liberal Democrat. Albeit misguided, a Democrat can be a person of principle. I have Democrat co-workers who proudly defend abortion and gay rights. They are misguided and their arguments are often punctuated with emotions, but I know exactly where they stand. They are honest with me as I am with them and with that sincerity and honesty comes respect for authentic and openly held believes. However, there are four Washington State Republicans for whom I have no respect. read more (with picture and video)…>
]]>The Worth of a Dollarhttp://ruminationsblog.com/cover/2012/2/4/the-worth-of-a-dollar.htmlKyle Pratt2012-02-04T08:14:48Z “What is a dollar really worth?” This is a question I have asked my students many times over the years. With a dollar bill in hand I walk back and forth. “It’s only ink on paper. What is it really worth?”
“A dollar,” someone always answers.
“What does that mean? Why would you trade food or gas for this piece of paper?”
“Because we can use it to buy other things.”
“So this paper dollar is only worth something if you can buy other things with it?”
At this point most of the students are nodding yes.
Often someone will ask, “Isn’t our money backed by gold or silver?”
At one time it was, but not today. In 1970 President Richard Nixon unilaterally cancelled the convertibility of the dollar to gold. This became known in economic circles as the Nixon Shock. read more (with picture and video)…>
]]>Not Enough Debthttp://ruminationsblog.com/cover/2012/2/1/not-enough-debt.htmlKyle Pratt2012-02-02T05:04:30Z Washington State has a multi-billion dollar budget deficit so, now would be a good time to reduce spending. Apparently some in the Washington State legislature just can’t understand that concept. Recently Representative Hans Dunshee of Snohomish and state Senator Derek Kilmer of Gig Harbor, both Democrats, revealed plans to create jobs by spending $1.1 billion dollars of your money. You remember how well the federal job stimulus program worked don’t you?
Government cannot create real, lasting, jobs by spending tax dollars on projects. All this bill will create are temporary jobs that will vanish when taxpayer money evaporates. The Washington State minimum wage, the highest in the nation, burdensome regulation, prevailing wage rules, closed and agency shop requirements, along with a slow permit approval process hamper growth in the state. read more (with video)…>
]]>Odds & Endshttp://ruminationsblog.com/cover/2012/1/30/odds-ends-1.htmlKyle Pratt2012-01-31T04:22:48ZDebolt & Deregulation Democrats have proposed a 1.1 billion dollar “jobs” bill for Washington State. Representative Richard Debolt (R – Chehalis) is offering his support at a price. He wants “cooperation on bills that soften Washington’s state land-use rules and soften requirements for utilities to buy green power” and state permits issued within 90 days. That sort of horse trading is typical in politics, but I fear the Democrats will just take the money and claim it was all their idea anyway or, and this is more likely, will spend the money and do nothing to help business. Don’t do it Richard. House GOP wants deregulation to go with $1billion job plan
Soros Warns of Riots in America Billionaire George Soros warned that the current economic system could collapse and we could see riots on the streets of America in the near future. He stated, “The situation is about as serious and difficult as I’ve experienced in my career. We are facing now a general retrenchment in the developed world.” In a blogpost titled The Establishment Backs Romney, I mentioned that Soros doesn’t see much difference between Obama and Romney. I don’t agree with Soros’ politics, but that comment and the article cited here made me wonder, is Soros engaging in fear mongering or does the wealthy financier see problems ahead? There will be riots on the streets of America
Good Government Jobs The average federal worker now earns as much in pay and benefits as workers for one of America's most prestigious and highest paying employers. The average government worker earns $133,000 about the same as a worker at Microsoft. I picked the wrong career. Average Compensation For Federal Workers
Global Cooling According to the Daily Mail of Britain we can all forget about global warming. The new threat is global cooling! For me global cooling is easier to believe in than warming. I split my time between Washington State and Alaska and recently both have had significant cold temperatures. Right now outside my home in Eek, Alaska the temperature is -45F. Fairbanks is reporting similar temperatures. However, before Al Gore gets too excited, according to the Daily Mail article, if global cooling is in our future it is caused by the sun, not by man. Forget global warming – it’s Cycle 25 we need to worry about
]]>The Establishment Backs Romneyhttp://ruminationsblog.com/cover/2012/1/28/the-establishment-backs-romney.htmlKyle Pratt2012-01-29T07:03:07Z Stuck in the mold of moderation the Republican establishment anoints candidates like Bob Dole and John McCain. They told us that these candidates were winners and that we should back these wealthy moderates with our hard earned dollars. They told us that George W. Bush was a conservative, but he regularly signed budget busting appropriations bills. When it comes to the difference between Mitt Romney and President Obama even ultra-liberal George Soros has trouble differentiating. Soros recently said, “If it’s between Obama and Romney, there isn’t all that much difference except for the crowd that they bring with them.”
They Republican elites largely go along to get along with the liberal Democrats because they’re all heading in the same general direction. These moderate Republicans want a little less spending, a bit lower taxes, but nothing that will rock the boat. That the ship of state is sinking in debt, government regulation and cultural collapse is something that the GOP leadership seems incapable of grasping. read more (with video)…>
Cathy McMorris RodgersThe next U.S. vice president could come from Washington State. Since we haven’t even picked a Republican nominee it is a bit early to be talking about possible vice presidents, but the talking has already begun. Among the names being discussed are Governor Bobby Jindal of Louisiana and Governor Mitch Daniels of Indiana. If Romney is the nominee he might want to strengthen his Tea Party and conservative base with someone like Michelle Bachmann as his choice for vice president. However, another name being discussed Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers from Washington's 5th congressional district. read more…>;)
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