Tag / America

by Greg

Modern Parallels In 50-Year-Old Novel

Altas Shrugged by Ayn RandI am currently reading a book from the 1950s called “Atlas Shrugged”. It’s a novel about government and business, and the various interactions between regulations and “the public good” versus free market (and individual freedom), capitalism and profits and such. It’s quite intriguing on many levels (also very long!)

I had heard Ayn Rand’s name mentioned a time or two—it’s quite a memorable name—but I actually decided to read her novel based on seeing that a friend on Facebook had “liked” a group titled, “Plugging the Gulf oil leak with the works of Ayn Rand.” (Really? That’s really worth “liking”?)

Sufficiently intrigued, I looked up some information on Rand, and discovered her most notable—and controversial—title was the fictional story, Atlas Shrugged. I borrowed a copy from the library and have been reading it over the past several weeks. (I got the audio book as that is my favorite way to “read” fiction…)

As I was listening yesterday, these paragraphs stuck out to me as amazingly parallel to current events:

They had not heard the text of directive #10-289, but they knew what it would contain. They had known it for a long time. In that special manner which consisted of keeping secrets from oneself and leaving knowledge untranslated into words. And, by the same method, they now wished it was possible for them not to hear the words of the directive. It was to avoid moments such as this that all the complex twistings of their minds had been devised.

They wished the directive to go into effect. They wished it could be put into effect without words, so that they would not have to know that what they were doing was what it was.

Nobody had ever announced that directive #10-289 was the final goal of his efforts, yet for generations past men had worked to make it possible, and for months past every provision of it had been prepared for by countless speeches, articles, sermons, editorials; by purposeful voices that screamed with anger if anyone named their purpose.

Replace “directive #10-289” with the health care bill, and remember things spoken by our politicians like: “…we have to pass the [health care] bill so that you can find out what is in it,” or, “…read the bill… What good is reading the bill if it’s a thousand pages and you don’t have two days and two lawyers to find out what it means after you read the bill?”

Fascinating. And I do believe it’s true that for many generations we have systematically removed God from the foundation of our country and our lives, and then the family—the one main social structure of our society—began to crumble. And add to that the various social agendas of the various political groups… yuck.

I know that Atlas Shrugged is just fiction, but those paragraphs just jumped out at me. Food for thought, and perhaps discussion.

(See ya in the comments…)

by Greg

Ten Rules To Live By – Thomas Jefferson

Saw this on a friend’s blog today and had to repost here. If ever there was an intelligent, wise man… well most of them seemed to live in the late 18th century! Thomas Jefferson being chief among them. You may remember I posted here awhile ago that I found a collection of Jefferson’s writings in one book (Thomas Jefferson: In his own words) … it really is fantastic.

So, here are your 10 rules to live by, from Thomas Jefferson:

1. Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today.
2. Never trouble another for what you can do yourself.
3. Never spend your money before you have earned it.
4. Never buy what you don’t want because it is cheap.
5. Pride costs more than hunger, thirst and cold.
6. We seldom repent of having eaten too little.
7. Nothing is troublesome that we do willingly.
8. How much pain the evils have cost us that never happened.
9. Take things always by the smooth handle.
10. When angry, count ten before you speak, if very angry, count a hundred.

by Greg

Economic Turnaround? Eliminate Fuel Taxes.

US Gas Taxes by StateThis weekend, as I was pumping fuel into our family’s minivan, I had an idea.

I know that our economy is not great. (In fact, I realize that there’s absolutely no way we can actually “recover” from our debt without a seriously radical change in thinking regarding cashflow, in and out… but that’s a different story entirely.) People all across our nation are concerned about their jobs (or lack of jobs), concerned about higher costs, and the ever-present uncertainty of things like the stock market and other financial fixtures.

Well I had an idea that would most assuredly boost our entire economy. And though, as I mentioned, it wouldn’t eliminate the iunsurmoutable debt we have accumulated—and continue to add to—it would provide, in my estimation, a considerable “boost.”

Without delay, federal and all state fuel taxes (gasoline and diesel) should be completely eliminated. Period.

According to the American Petroleum Institute (API), in April 2010, the Federal tax on gasoline is $0.184/per gallon, and State taxes then range from ~8¢/gallon to around 49¢/gallon!. (My state, New York, comes in at a whopping 44.9¢/gallon (on TOP of the Federal tax).

Rather than continuing to tax US citizens, to generate funds that likely could come from other sources, why not allow the economy to thrive by reducing the cost of the “fuel” that runs it. (Pun intended, of course.)

If gas prices were reduced in NY by $0.63/gallon, that would be a savings of roughly $15.00 per tank of gas for our vehicle. $15 per tank full. So, $15 per week, sometimes more. Let’s say we fill up slightly more than once per week, that’s about $900/year that we are getting back, just for our family.

Now, think about how the reduced fuel cost will affect every other part of our economy.

First, consumers have more money to invest in the economy. Buying more things that they need. That’s good. AND, the governments (at least state governments) will make some of the lost fuel tax revenue back from the increased sales tax revenue, right?

Then, added to that, would be the lower cost of goods. The main way we get stuff to where it needs to go—and to the consumers—in our country is the trucking industry. If the cost of fuel was dramatically reduced by eliminating tax, it would have a “ripple” effect on the prices of every other good that was being transported. Food prices would go down, clothing, and whatever other materials are being shipped, and this would allow for more commerce: more buying.

Travel prices would go down, allowing more people to spend their saved money in the travel industries. Companies who use shipping companies to move their products would be able to invest their savings from fuel costs into other areas, which might include providing more jobs.

I can not see how this is not an absolute “win” for everyone involved. Can you? What am I missing here? As I said, there are plenty of other sources of funding that governments could pull from, and some of those would likely be increased by the true “stimulus package” of eliminating this one tax.

Really, this needs to be done in so many areas, but I think if our governments would take this first step, it would be a huge step toward a stronger, healthier American economy.

by Greg

Are You Feeling Apathetic?

One thing I’ve been thinking about quite a lot lately is our current posture as a nation, as a people. From studying forms of education, and specifically researching the lives of the founders of this country by reading from their own writings, I’ve just been challenged by their devotion to learning and their fascinating courage of convictions. And in contrast, been saddened by what appears to me as not only a lack of courage (or even perhaps, a lack of convictions altogether) but really a palpable apathy.

But I could really be wrong.

What I mean is this: Many of us go about our daily lives, really just trying to get by. We go to our jobs to “pay the rent,” we probably have some TV shows we like to watch, maybe some music we like to listen to (though it seems I have fewer conversations about good music than I remember having in the past…), and there are all sorts of video games that keep us entertained (read: busy), but then that’s it. Several of us, if we’re not students or parents of students, belong to some sort of group (maybe Scouts, community sports, a church, even perhaps a political group). But, at the end of the day (literally) we are not very motivated to (1) know what is going on with our neighbors, and in our community, and (2) even less likely to know what’s going on in our country and in our world.

Is that true? Do you notice that, too? Am I just surrounded by incredibly unmotivated people???

Of course, that’s unfair to say. In fact, I know many people who are very motivated to first better themselves, then their kids, then to be actively involved in the lives of their neighbors and friends, and even on a wider scale as a citizen of their state and country. However, they sure seem like the exception.

Why is that? What has bred this sense of apathy into our nation? Apathy about the deterioration of our marriages and families. Apathy about us “settling for less” in so many arenas of life (in our jobs, in the marketplace in general, in politics, in our churches, even in our own life with God)… to me, it seems we just don’t care to fix it.

If you are, what is your motivation? What spurs you on to better yourself and to “love your neighbor as yourself?” I think that’s what we’re doing when we “get involved” in our neighborhoods and communities. It’s the “Golden Rule” in action. If you’re living that, why do you? Why are you not content to just play video games and watch TV and go to your job when you have to?

My sense is that our culture is much more defined by the latter than the former. What I’m hoping to instill in our kids is a strong foundation of being loved by God (just as they are loved by Mom & Dad, but better), being people of character and integrity (knowing what is right, and doing it even at their own personal expense), and being actively involved in loving people as they have been loved (equally without favorites, unconditionally, and selflessly). That’s what we (Jen & I) are doing with every ounce of energy that we have on every day. At least, that’s what we’re trying to do.

But some continue to slovenly linger in apathy.

Is that you? Why? Is that someone you know? Ask them why they don’t care to better themselves, if you’re so bold. (If you do, please do so with a humble, non-judgmental attitude. None of us is inherently better than another, some are just perhaps more self-aware and aware of others, in a good way.)

I’m very intrigued by the character of the people who founded our country. Some may argue, “But they had slaves!” Well, if you read history, there were many who flat out wanted it ended, and others (including George Washington) who “owned” slaves, but never bought any slaves, nor treat them as property, and made sure they were freemen when he died. Slavery is certainly an ugly blemish on our nation’s history, but as with all things there are many “sides” to the story. (Of course I don’t ever condone anyone owning any other person. However, it is also true that there are always more “sides” to the story.)

The courage these guys showed in the face of insurmountable odds. The integrity they displayed in standing up for what they knew to be right, despite the fact that it likely meant losing everything they had, including their lives. And to do it, not just for themselves or their families, but for their fellow countrymen.

I don’t think we have people like that today. At least, I’m not sure I’ve met them.

(No offense to any of my friends who may be reading this.) 😉

I’m not sure I’m them.

So, how do we get past the generations of ingrained apathy? Something like 9-11 perhaps? Maybe. That did seem to draw us all together, and perk up our ears to the current events of the day. We were all one people then, rather than a country divided by “left” and “right” leanings. I would hope that wouldn’t be necessary, but I’m not sure how we lift that (apparent) heavy blanket of apathy, and motivate and inspire each other to betterment of ourselves, our marriages, our families, and our communities. Do you?

More questions than answers here today, but it’s the stuff that is currently ruminating in Greg’s Head. Thanks for reading along, and do add your thoughts to the stew, if you’re so inclined.

by Greg

You’ll Be Seeing More of Me…

Yesterday was the last class day for a home school group that we’ve been part of this year. Every Monday a couple dozen families or so come together for three classes, a talk about life with God, and some extra time in the gym. (The kids love that part!) It’s a place to connect with lots of other families who are also not sending their kids through the public school system, which is really nice.

If you’re a regular reader of GregsHead.net, you’ll already know this about me, but for those who may have just happened by, or are new here…

I’m very weird. 🙂

So, I notice funny things. One such thing was from a conversation yesterday that seemed to suggest that because it was the last day of Monday classes, I would not be seeing a particular person from our group again, presumably until the classes resume again in September!

That was actually so odd to me (since I am, in fact, the one who is odd) that I didn’t even understand that possibility! But after thinking about it a bit, I replied, “But… we’ll still get together…”

What struck me about it afterwards was that I know I used to think that way. I totally did. The sadness (if there indeed was any) of a school year coming to an end was that you wouldn’t see your friends again till the next year. Same with any other programs we are part of. We wish they wouldn’t end, because it means we won’t see those people any more for a while… at least, not regularly.

But why? Why do we live that way? Is it our culture? Our very individualistic society? Are we intentionally only allowing relationships to happen through structures that we have created? What about dropping by a neighbor’s house just to say hello? What about inviting those friends over for dinner? What about inviting them to meet you at a park, or out for a walk with your family, or at the ice cream place?

How about just a friendly phone call for no particular reason at all? Might find out about something that’s going on that you could help with, or just join in on. (With mutual consent, of course… not recommending “crashing” someone’s party.) 😉

I’m fascinated by the way we relate to each other in our society, our culture. We have forgotten the days of knowing and doing life beside our neighbors. We drive to every social club/event/gathering that we do, because they are often not in our local community. And our social interactions are nearly all “scheduled”. Schedules aren’t bad, necessarily, but where’s the freedom to just be friends? Does every interaction have to be for a reason?

Sadly, I think somewhere along the way, I learned that to be true.

Thankfully, somewhere later along the way, I unlearned that.

One thing we try to do as the Campbell family is be available. We really try hard not to plug in to too many things because it will just drive us crazy. Sure there will be fun parts. Seeing lots of people on a regular basis is one of those parts. But the drawbacks are too great. Do you ever feel like your days are all about getting to the next thing or getting the next thing done? Where are the moments to enjoy life? Alone, with God, or together with family and friends?

Not that events are not part of life. That’s not at all what I am saying. But our tendency (at least, speaking for our family a few years back, and even now when we don’t pay attention!) is to say “yes” to every fun opportunity, or even seek out things to be doing. I won’t go into all the possible reasons we busy ourselves so, but it is certainly true of most everyone that I know. So, I’m guessing it is true of you, too.

Groups and events and scheduled gatherings are super great. There are good memories made, and often, good relationships developed. But it just doesn’t end there. In fact, if it does, I contend that you don’t have good relationships (with those people). A friendship is more, deeper. Through good and bad, in meaningful and completely meaningless times. It’s always on. There’s no summer break.

So, to any of our home school group friends who may be reading this… I know that our last day of classes was yesterday, but, I’m fairly certain that if our families have connected, you’ll be seeing more of me. 😉

by Greg

To Whom Are The Politicians Responsible?

Holy cow… this is nuts.

But it’s not recent.

Best I can tell, this occurred on August 3rd, 2007. (Check this link for some more info, context, and subsequent links.)

I am continually saddened by the untouchable, unaccountable attitude that seems to be so present in our political system, especially Washington. It’s certainly not relegated to just one party. It’s a prevailing attitude. And as you can tell from the date of this video, it’s been around for a long time now. (Much longer than 2 years! Bill Clinton, anyone? And it goes way past that.)

The only way our country has a chance to pull out of the ridiculous state we are in (financially, politically, even spiritually) is to allow more freedom to the people (which includes accepting the responsibility for and the consequences of that freedom). The government is clearly not going to solve our problems. (Look where it has gotten us!!)

This country is based on the idea that all are created equal, and that all have the right to, “life, liberty, and the pursuit of …” happiness is the word they chose. However, it was originally property. The people who broke away from a government which they felt was only using them, and with no representation, in order to live freely, each man responsible for his own life and choices (but each also knew that they were also more together). That is what we are lacking today. That and this crazy notion that you can spend money that you don’t have!

Much must change. However, one caution in this age of easy information exchange. The video I posted above is/was shocking. But I am seeing it used as though it is happening now, and unchecked. It was checked. There is still some accountability.

Ultimately, that’s what it is about. Rather than playing political games, speak the truth. Do some research (Google is your friend!) and then make sure you are telling the whole story. I wish that would become the “norm” in Washington. What if not only did everyone speak the truth and hold to an ethical standard that always had the best interest of their constituents as paramount… what if we actually knew what we were talking about, and believed it. For real.

We’re definitely not there yet. But until our economy completely collapses, and/or our liberty is completely legislated away… we can still get there.

by Greg

Theodore Roosevelt: This Will Destroy America

The things that will destroy America are prosperity-at-any-price, peace-at-any-price, safety-first instead of duty-first, the love of soft living, and the get-rich-quick theory of life.
Theodore Roosevelt

Got that from my dad via email today, and I’d say it’s pretty spot on. Unfortunately, it also seems to describe our current culture in America.

I copied that quote from a website with lots of quotes. Including, more from Teddy Roosevelt.

by Greg

ParentalRights.org – Time To Stand Up

ParentalRights.orgI’m really not much of an activist. I’m really not an activist at all. I love the freedom that we have in the United States (or, at least, should have) to be diverse. To be different. I don’t need to convince you to see and do it “my way” in any area of life. We can discuss our opinions and beliefs, even passionately. But in the end, we all get to choose.

Today I was referred to a site representing a group that is trying to defend our rights in this country to parent our children best we know how. ParentalRights.org lays out the threats to that freedom, namely the UNCRC (The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child) which the Obama administration is attempting to ratify. In short, ratification of this treaty would allow the government to decide what is “best” for a child, without any proof of wrong doing by the parents. It also would allow international law and UN policies to supersede the rights granted by the US Constitution and Bill of Rights.

Really? Really??

It’s getting ridiculous. We won’t be able to recover from the decades and decades of out of control spending by so many politicians in Washington. I can’t imagine how we won’t eventually succumb to our insane national debt. (And maybe sooner than later?) But, can’t we at least hold on to what makes us Americans?

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.

The quote above is from the second paragraph of the Declaration of Independence. Independence declared from an oppressive government that had trampled on people’s liberty for too long. Theoretically, we still have a representative government that listens to the people. But perhaps it is time to once again do as Jefferson penned in that paragraph a few sentences later:

But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.

It’s pretty crazy times we are in, folks.

Click through to the website for more, but if you are so inclined, call the White House comments line at 202-456-1111 and leave a message there, voicing your opinion. There are a few other things mentioned at this recent news post.

Be heard.

NOTE: The White House comment line is apparently not a place you can leave a message. Their outgoing message says you can call anytime 9:00am ET till 5:00pm ET Monday through Friday.

by Greg

Polygamists and Government

I wanted to comment on the incident that took place recently in Texas, where authorities stormed a private ranch and took everyone by force, separating kids from their families, and all sorts of very not-American things. It just made me sick when I heard about it.

I am not a polygamist. But I am a “libertarian”. Not by political affiliation, by principle. We here in America (according to the Declaration of Independence) feel that all are created equal and should inherently be free. Especially freedom of religion. Now, that can make you do some kooky things. And you should have the freedom to do kooky things. You can’t force other people to, and there are weird lines there when religion is involved, but in general, I’m against the government deciding what’s too kooky.

For the second time this week I am linking to a column by Bob Lonsberry, local radio talk show personality. He’s abrasive and a bit crazy sometimes, but sometimes can be poignant and present very valid points. He wrote what I wanted to (with much more information that I had) regarding the state seizing not only the ranch and the people, but their children and “relieving” the parents of their parental rights. All of them. As a group. Before proving any sort of guilt.

Yikes.

We’re pretty kooky in our own right. We Campbells. We don’t do things like most people. In most ways, I think that makes us stand out in a good way. But what if the government were to catch wind of our crazy thinkings? You mean, they don’t really do school (like we do) with their kids… they just learn from every day as it unfolds?? or… Well, this won’t happen yet, but, You mean they are Christians, but they don’t attend any church services of any kind??? There are many more ways we’re “different”… and we are raising a family of people to be “different”. Where is it OK for the government (local, state, federal) to decide that our “different” has crossed some line and now our children are unsafe?

I might be drawing conclusions that are too extreme, but really… it’s scary. What happened in Texas should not have happened in America, and I think we will continue toward this style of governing until all of our liberties are taken away. That’s quite pessimistic, coming from my mouth… but unfortunately it’s not just our politicians, it seems decades of cultural thought has already moved us far down that path of trusting “experts” and “institutions” more than individuals.

Quite sad.

So, for now, we Campbells will keep being kooky, and loving everyone God places in our path. (Including each other!) 🙂

related links
ABC News

by Greg

Living In America

Earlier tonight while I was cleaning off our table after a meal, I just thought how crazy lucky we were to have it. It’s a great table. I hope it’s in our family for a long time. No matter where we may roam.

Then I thought… how crazy is it that we got to be born here?? This country where I can have this table. This time, where life is so incredibly wealthy, materially speaking. We are so, so lucky.

As far as I know, it’s not within our control to determine where we are born… 😉

Then I was struck by the fact that I was thinking these things when financially, things have never been less certain. Strangely, I am not overwhelmed by it at the moment. It’s certainly not peachy keen. (Like that great sweet tea with peach I brewed up tonight!!) It’s very uncertain. But, knowing God will always take care of us… we’re ok with it.

OK enough to be blown away with how amazingly great we have it.

So, perhaps just a touch of perspective for me. And as I post it here, perhaps it is also that for you.