2008 New Year or Same 'Ol, Same 'Ol?

New Year 2008! Old man 2007 is gone (and I am glad), but here we go into 2008... an election year.. . So, Julie asked for a new year blog, she may regret asking.

As I have said before, my mother was an immigrant (legal one, thank you). She loved America and worked diligently in the political system ~ always voting, worked at the polls, etc. The only time she ran into trouble was on July 12 of each year, she ran the Union Jack above the American flag because it was "Orangeman's Day". I'll let you look that up. Anyway, she was reprimanded and sometimes ticketed each year for putting another country flag over her native one. That IS illegal. Did you know that? Probably not, because they don't enforce that law anymore. Too many other laws to take their attention. But, this was during the Cold War and post WWII, so things were a bit different back then.

Anyway, when I turned 18 I registered to vote. And voted for a number of years and even worked the polls a time or two. But, over time, I, like many others, became disillusioned and apathetic over the status quo. I turned to my faith, which says to "pray for your leaders" and, so, spent about 15 years, (give or take a few), not voting and just praying. Nothing changed in the system, but while I stayed "informed", I saw nothing much different between the two parties... really. But I could say, "I didn't vote for 'em." I remember the Carter years well. Man, did we make some interest in our savings. Inflation was rampant, but you didn't hear ANYTHING about lowering interest rates or other artificial ways of slowing the inevitable. The free market played out, we had an election and things slowed down a bit. But the reality is, our salaries then bought ALOT more than the same money does today. Status quo - changes come that you don't see. They're hidden. The more things change, the more they stay the same. I well remember the joy of the Berlin wall coming down and a variety of other world wide "wonders" coming forth. But, here... well... nothing much changed.

Then came September 11, 2001. I remember where I was and what I was doing. I was on I68 in Western Maryland on my way to my part time job and Justin called the cell. While you may not notice it, alot changed then. A short time later Henry and I saw a blinking road sign on that Interstate. It said, "Police may request identification at any time", or something to that effect. I remember a sick kind of feeling. Because having to give over ID when arbitrarily asked, is not the American way, really. There were/are many times I'm in the car with the husband and I have no ID with me. Being anonymous is not illegal here. Or is it? Like I said, alot changed that day ~ much more than most people realize. Don't forget, we added a whole new level of government ~ Homeland Security. Another country once used the word "Homeland" to get their people excited. Again, you look it up if you are interested. 9 years before that there was another questionable action, but I won't talk about that... too much radical thinking isn't good. One might think me a conspiracy theorist... I'm not.. Just ecclesiastical.

But, here I sit in January, 2008. Where are we now? Well, gas has gone up about another 20 cents a gallon in the last few days. Fuel oil is over the $3.00 mark. The dollar is worth less than ever. (And, folks, since it's based on nothing... it's only worth what the market will bear.. can you say "Amero") Our reputation, as a country, is no better and the war in Iraq wages while we meddle in the affairs of Pakistan in light of the Bhutto assassination. Our schools aren't any better and we just keep throwing money at the situation. Medical costs are soaring and we just received our yearly increase for Medical Insurance... 19% this year.

I AM registered to vote now and I plan on it.. on one condition. This condition is such that my oldest son thinks I'm crazy, but he's not paying attention. Rather than looking at his wallet or other opinions, he needs to be looking at the facts. I love you son.

The condition. Well, if Dr. Ron Paul is on the ballot, I will vote. If he is not, I won't. It'll just be the same 'ol, same 'ol. Dr. Paul has some ideas as to how this country got into this mess and how we can work our way out ~ you know... kind of like "united". He is against "war" unless it is declared by the Congress. What a "novel" idea... I mean, it's only in the Constitution, after all. He believes the U.S. Government has gotten too big... and he is too, too right. He's known on Capitol Hill as "Dr. No". Bout time somebody said, "no", to spending my money. And don't forget, lest you think he'll go massive radical.. Congress has to approve his moves or lack thereof. There's alot of false info floating around about him.. Fox News is treating him like a "red-headed step-child" (to coin a phrase) and his views have been unfairly ridiculed and misquoted over and over. If you are interested in a fair handed interview... here's one
See Part 1 at youtube.com/watch?v=ceoCx_wTDUg

See Part 2 at youtube.com/watch?v=87zLW04zee8

If you are only interested in the status quo, well, never mind. You won't listen anyway. I told our most recent son-in-law, that I believe those who vote should have to pass a test to be sure that they are well enough informed to vote. Too many vote with something rather than their brains. Everyone likes "free stuff" from the government, right? But, we have forgotten WHO PAYS for it. Everything we touch is taxed to help pay for government stuff. Gas tax to pay for the highways.. Seen any pot holes lately? Of course you have. Social Security to "secure the elderly". That plan is filled with IOU's from those who require us to pay it. 15% of every dime Husband makes is sent to Uncle Sam for the Social Security his wife will probably never collect.

Manufacturing jobs are becoming non-existent. The illegals are being hired where they do exist, so they don't have to pay a living wage or living benefits. (Boycott Marshalls and chicken factories.) Nanny government is trying to legislate what kind of LIGHT BULBS you use, for God's sake. This will result in a lighting plant that my husband used to work in, to close, because it costs to much to change from incandescent. What RIGHT does the government have to tell me how to light my house? Why should I have to pay $3 for a bulb instead of $.50?

Ethanol. Studies show that more fossil energy is used to produce ethanol than the energy contained within it and in many cases, it effects mpg to the negative. Ethanol... made from food. Food for animals and food for people. Ironic, yes? So, the price of ALL food went up when Archer Daniels bought the corn. High fructose Corn Syrup? Now sugar is cheaper, but do see things going back to sugar? And who's paying? You are... in more ways than one... Can you say "Government subsidies"? Anyway, I could ramble on and on, but won't. You are either interested, or not and ... to my chagrin, most are not.

So, 2008 will bring about a new President. I figure it won't be Dr. Paul because the majority of people are lemmings. But, this year, on February 12... Abe Lincoln's birthday, I have an opportunity that I haven't had in some time. And that opportunity is to vote for a man of integrity; a man that has shown his stand by a past voting record; a man that has stood fast and not wavered; and a man who doesn't care about the status quo and a pro-life Christian to boot. Dr. Paul... Godspeed! May America get a gut and vote for you! (but they won't...)

Happy New Year?