The Real Deficit

The national deficit is a big deal…a really big deal. Our nation has spent $14 Trillion more than receipts. That huge figure, however, does not include the state and local government indebtedness with is usually in the form of municipal bonds. The bottom line is that our governments are in the hole and continue to dig. Over the decades that they have been irresponsibly spending, our lives have not improved because of government action or intervention. They have used borrowed funds to implement programs that are costly and ineffective as well as generally unconstitutional. They have spewed out promises and commitments that will be impossible to fulfill. They have radically distorted the nature of the United States by taking assets from many to give to others in a wanton effort to buy their votes. They have violated the public trust by being untrustworthy.

Despite the fact that our financial debts and deficits are so massive, they do NOT represent the greatest deficits for our nation. We have a huge deficit of character and leadership. The people whom we have selected or elected to guide our nation through good times and bad have been miserable failures. Their lack of character has prompted them to take the easy paths when confronting difficult issues and problems. Their absent character has led them to mislead the people time after time when they know that what they were saying was false. Their lack of character has caused them to create problems where none exist, and then, to offer unrealistic solutions for those mythical difficulties. Lacking character, they return to us every two, four or six years and ask to return to their respective offices so that they can continue to hoodwink us while they plunder our wealth and the national treasury.

The leadership deficit is nearly as damaging as the one for character. I say “nearly” because if we had people of character in positions of responsibility, our need for inspired leadership would not be so great. Given that character is in such short supply, our need for sound, honest leadership is an absolute necessity. Leaders are willing to face the arrows when difficulties arise. Leaders give the people honest appraisals when the situation is dim. Leaders truthfully identify the problems and offer reasonable realistic remedies. Leaders do not ask the people to sacrifice more to cover the politicians’ mistakes. Leaders do not propose solutions that undermine the liberty of those they lead.

Lest we become too partisan in this discussion, please think of this. When someone proposes spending a billion dollars of money we do not have, remember that the person who suggests spending only half of a billion shows no character or leadership…just cowardice and sleaziness. The politician is sleazy because she or he wants you to congratulate them for holding down deficit spending. Both types lack character and leadership. Both types are dishonest. Both should be denounced and defeated. Our country, our states, our communities and our schools have reached the point where we can no longer afford half measures. Either those who consider themselves leaders…act like leaders…with honesty, integrity and character, or get out of the way because we’ll run you over as we take back our country.

People of character must step forward. Citizens of character must vote for them, work for them and pray for them. Good looks and intelligence are not enough anymore. Cunning politicians who know how to win locally then move on to state and national office are not the formula for redeeming our nation and its honor. We need candidates who tell the truth, and who are not afraid to face the music. We need candidates who cherish the Constitution and personal liberty. We must end the character and leadership deficits that we have today. We must not linger. We must do it now.

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Ownership Issues

So you work, day in and day out, and manage to set aside some property to generate an income for you and your loved during your golden years. Along comes the local government which increases the taxes on your property. The local political leaders come again and tell you that certain activities are forbidden on your property. Another local government decides to run a new sidewalk and sewer line across your property thereby presenting you with an invoice for $17,500.00. You had a mortgage on the property. You made timely payments for twenty years, yet your rights to your property are limited and usurped by the whims of local governments and other property owners. So, who owns YOUR property?

In addition to its better known prohibition against forcing one to testify against one’s own interests, the Fifth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States clearly states “nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.” The Framers generally agreed that a citizen owned his or her life, her or his own labor, and his or her property. They understood that true freedom was a pipe dream if people could not hold and control those three fundamental elements. It is obvious that freedom has no value if your life can be forfeited at any time. Likewise, if someone or some government can force you to labor for their interests, you have become a slave. Property, the harvested fruit of your labor, must be protected from immoral and illegal “takings,” or you can be likened to a serf or share cropper.

Frederic Bastiat in his magnificent essay, The Law, writes that “a transmission of wealth imposed by force…is…a violation of property” and the law is guilty of “organizing injustice.”  As Bastiat expresses so clearly, because something is legal doesn’t necessarily make it moral or just. Laws that fail to recognize property rights are as unjust and immoral as those that would enslave us or murder us. There are those among us who believe that property does not hold the same exalted position as our lives and labor. They may argue that property should be held in common….that all people should have access to all property so that no one would hold a distinct advantage in wealth and property over others who were not so fortunate. Liberty, however, is the ability to live one’s life the way that one desires without negatively impacting the lives of others in harmful ways. The freedom to live as one desires necessarily requires access to and ownership of property to assure that the individual is truly liberated.

It may be true that every citizen may not be capable of acquiring meaningful property, but the state and his fellow citizens should not restrict his capacity to do so, and should never impair his ability to hold and manage that which he has accumulated. If, dear reader, you believe that property is a minor consideration, take a drive through the inner city and observe the homeless with their shopping carts and bundles. These are people who by normal standards have nothing, yet they cherish and cling to their property with a passion rivaled by the most venal rich person. Their property means something to them. It has value for them.  God understands the importance of property in our lives. Exodus 20:15, “you shall not steal,” (NIV) says enough. When someone steals, it is preceded by someone “has.”

When the government at any level takes or controls your property, it is theft. When another person takes your property, they are often prosecuted. Government, however, exempts itself from morality and justice by passing laws to allow theft. It’s still theft. It’s still wrong. For example, let’s imagine that you have a beautiful grove of trees in your front lawn, and your neighborhood association decided that everyone should share your trees. Each of your neighbors would stop by with a shovel in hand and take a tree. After a time you would have no more trees, and the neighborhood association would vote to compel you to buy more trees. Of course, it’s a stupid scenario…but not all that farfetched. Government steals…sometimes with the consent of the majority. It is theft, and it occurs at every level of government. I’ll save a discussion of the Estate Tax for another time, but you get the idea. It is theft.

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Frosty Rules

When I face an extraordinarily difficult problem while writing a column, I often “talk it out” with Frosty, my faithful and ever-present Golden Retriever. Sometimes he surprises me.

If Frosty were the president,

Of this great wondrous land.

He would be fair and just

Governing with a level hand (paw).

If Frosty were the president,

He’d follow the Constitution

And make the government

Pay out some restitution.

If Frosty were the cat in charge,    (I did that to annoy him)

Of every agency and bureau

The dollar would be firm and strong

And worth more than the euro.

“Hey, Frosty,” I said to the CinC,

“What about the economy?”

“It’s Mr. President to you,” he said,

“Don’t dump that crap on me.”

“But you’re the leader,” said I

To the exalted critter.

“You should have the answers,

The sweet and the bitter.”

“I’m just a figurehead”, said he,

“Others screw the people.

I just wear a happy face

While fooling all the sheeple.”

Stunned, I struggled to reply.

“Don’t you want to do what’s right”

Echoed my plaintive cry.

“Won’t you wage the virtuous fight?”

He shrugged and shook his head,

“It doesn’t matter any more.

The people do not know or care

What is worth their fighting for.”

“They have given up

And now they mail it in.

They won’t fight for liberty.

They’ll let the tyrants win.”

The noble mutt continued,

“It’s like they don’t really care

About their freedom and all,

What’s so reasonable and rare.”

I was shocked at my puppy’s critique.

“You must take action,” said I aloud,

“you cannot let this situation ride.

You must energize the crowd.”

“Oh no,” he replied with a shake.

“It’s not my job,” with a canine smile.

“Humans must motivate themselves.

It’s really not the doggie style.”

“If they indeed want liberty,

And the benefits it brings.

They’ll get off their lazy butts

And fight for important things.”

“But you’re the leader of the pack,

The President of the whole land.

Isn’t your job to rally us all

To be firm and take a stand?”

“No,” said Frosty, “I no can do.”

Like a mischievous little elf.

He said, “I am but a dog.

I can teach them to lick themselves.”

His loony answer startled me,

And I shook my head in wonder.

Isn’t he being a little nonchalant?

I began to ponder.

Reality came back to my reverie.

Frosty was snoozing on the floor,

And I was sitting at my keyboard.

He was the President no more.

He had a valid point.

The people must decide

To ensure their liberty

From politicians who have lied.

Frosty is not so different

From a politician the people calls.

He lacks the courage to do the job

Cause Frosty has no …

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Leadership

One of the common themes surrounding extraterrestrial aliens visiting Earth is “Take me to your leader.” Many people in the United States are asking, “Where is our leader?” Leadership is a rare and precious commodity. Good leaders inspire us and motivate us. Excellent leaders lead by example with character and humility. Leaders are neither anointed nor appointed. They emerge. They lead. They are not elected, but when we see one, she or he is detected. We know a leader when we encounter one. Some leaders are charismatic, but not all of them are. Some leaders look as if they were from central casting, but not all leaders look that way. As I examine our political “leadership,” I note a paucity of authentic leaders. When I look for leadership in the civil affairs of our nation, state and communities, here’s what I’m seeking.

When I look for a leader, I want a W.H.I.P….a person with wisdom, honesty, integrity and principles. If a cause is just, a leader will advocate for it even if the prospects are dim. A true leader does not wait for the sentiment of the audience or the public as a cue for becoming involved. The leader knows what is right and what is not. A leader chooses the right. A true leader does not look for the expedient way of doing something. Expediency is often confused with true leadership because the mass media and many citizens confuse leadership with “getting something done.” Historically, that approach has not served our nation as the expedient route has often led to unprincipled compromise.

This column is not intended to be the definitive word on leadership. Literally thousands of books, treatises  and columns have addressed the subject. Most have focused on a utilitarian approach wherein the leader‘s accomplishments are more important than the underlying principles that guide her or him. When selecting writers who believe that principled leadership is critical for organizations or governments, I prefer to read John C. Maxwell. Dr. Maxwell has penned more than 50 books while primarily focusing on principled and effective leadership. As a result of his work, I have no need to duplicate nor expand upon his ideas and formulas. My attempt to zero in on principle as a core function of leadership is simply to cast some light on how our nation and corporations have drifted into the present morass.

Wisdom, it seems to me, is sorely lacking among the so-called leaders in the United States today. It may be because of our nearly fanatical praise of youthful energy and zeal. It may be a result of our amazingly fast-paced technological innovation. The underlying assumption being that if you don’t “tweet,” you’re a dolt. Wisdom is a product of faith, discernment, knowledge and experience. Real wisdom is rarer than saber tooth tigers or dodo birds. Among our self-appointed leaders we find those who say the first thing that comes to mind as they pander to their listeners, but there is another group who hesitates to say anything definitively for fear of offending voters or constituencies. Wisdom includes the ability to speak truthfully in a manner that makes the truth unassailable. Wisdom doesn’t seek consensus. Wisdom generates consensus.

Honesty is honesty. There are no gray areas, no fudging. Honest leaders work with honest people, and honest people do not compromise principles for short term gain. Honesty is a major structural component of integrity which includes sincerity as well. It seems to me that we must have sincerely honest leadership for our nation to survive and thrive. Most of us are familiar with the old joke that a good politician can “sincerely fake sincerity.” As our people become more cynical and more skeptical, true leaders will find it difficult to shatter the clutter. That is the cost we pay for allowing our leaders to “fake it” without challenging them.

Principles are vital for a true leader. They must be deeply ingrained in her or his essence…core…being. Principles are more than ideas and certainly more enduring than feelings. Principles are rock solid, unmovable fundamental truths upon which one anchors his or her life. Principles create the platform from which all decision making begins. Principles are not the answers for most issues, but they are the starting point for discovering the solutions. Principles help the leader during stressful times by providing the basis for sound, honest and wise decisions. Let’s find true leaders, and let’s WHIP them into shape.

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Birth in the Nation

So, was President Barrack Obama born in the United States? I don’t know. Was he born in Kenya? I don’t know? Was he born in Indonesia? I don’t know? Is he a “pod baby” from the Planet Nimrod? I don’t know. Was he born? Apparently he was. A number of people in our nation are feverishly attempting to prove that Barrack Obama is a natural born United States citizen. Constitutionally he would not be qualified to hold the office of president if he were not born as a citizen of the nation. That’s the rub…the bone of contention. Will the past two years be rewound if it can be proven that the president was not born in the U.S.? For the moment I don’t care.

If were proven beyond a shadow of doubt that Barrack Obama was not born in the United States, then he would illegally serving in the Office of the President. He would also be subject to some penalties including perjury and fraud.  So, if it were to be revealed tomorrow (3/8/2011), that the President was not qualified to serve, what is the remedy? Will he resign? That’s a laughable proposition. If he and his minions have worked so hard to hide the facts of his birth, it is highly unlikely that he would meekly resign and return to Chicago. Besides, his messiah complex has him convinced that only he can save the nation by destroying it and all the inequities that he believes are present. He would battle to the bitter end, issuing Executive order after Executive order in an effort to remake the country. His behavior would, in essence, be a non-military coup. I suspect that he might even consider suspending the election of 2012 or issue an Executive order changing the qualifications for president.

If the President will not resign given proof of his being a non-citizen, then the clear cut remedy is for the House of Representatives to initiate Articles of Impeachment. The process would not be lightning fast as an investigation would be required plus numerous hearings. I make be assuming too much here because I sincerely doubt that the GOP House leadership has the stomach for an impeachment effort. “Too divisive,” too close to the election,” too many difficult issues that require our attention,” will be the plaintive cries to justify House inaction. Oh yes, one more,”the Senate won’t convict, so why bother?”

That last excuse…about the Senate… may have merit. The dynamic dim bulb from Searchlight, Nevada, Harry Reid still holds the reins of control in the Senate.  In addition many of the Republican senators are less courageous than their cohorts in the House. The numbers and the reality of politics indicate that impeachment would be long shot and conviction would be extremely unlikely. The unresolved nature of the issue would divide the country even further than it is now. In addition, the impeachment process however meritorious it might be would energize the Obama defenders.

To me it seems that the best alternative if it were proven that Obama was not legally qualified to be president is to have the various state boards of elections and legislators to prevent him from getting ballot access. In the meantime, the full weight and power of the Congress could be focused on thwarting and repealing any of his orders. In essence, he would be isolated at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. I realize how risky it may be to leave the Marxist-leaning Democrat in office for the next 20 months, but given the painful lack of leadership in the Congress, it may be the least corrosive strategy.

For those who are chasing the holy grail of a missing birth certificate…forge on, work hard, get proof. For the Congress…blockade, repeal, de-fund. For the rest of us…pray, pray, pray.

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