The lesson on being a controversial politician

The recent primary results from Georgia has Congress Rep. Bob Barr and Cynthia McKinney looking for another job. It seems that voters are less concerned with dynamic advocacy, and prefer a low key style or a novice approach of an ex judge. John Linder and Denise Majette are hardly household names, but now they will get a ticket to ride the wave of non polemical representation. Just the latest sign of the times, or is it just another example of business as usual? At least John Linder has a voting record, RIGHT? But who can say that he won because of a stark theoretical difference from Barr? 

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Chaos - the only growth industry

The current condition of society can best be summed up - if it is working, chances are it won't be for much longer. It is so easy to find consolation in the notion that progress is real, but even the most optimistic has to relegate, Pollyanna to a former generation. Sure computers can provide functions not even imagined a few short years ago and cars come with gadgets that offer creature comforts that indulge and enhance the traveler, but inventions don't guarantee the eradication of turmoil. The only way to judge the direction society to moving is to take the long view and make comparisons to the way systems, institutions and organizations functioned in the past. 

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Interest Rates, Risk and Rulers

Most people are comfortable with the concept of earning interest on capital. They conclude that it is natural for money to be invested in financial instruments that will generate a return. Throughout history the idea that banking is based upon a justifiable relationship that money deserves to accrue that magical reward, called interest - has driven the behavior of societies and the fate of nations. Is there anyone who is immune to the effects of usury? Obviously not. Individuals know all too well the reality that your money is not really yours. 

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Clear for all to see, face facts

During the 60's the term "The Establishment", was the phrase that represented the entire system. The political and economic order became suspect, not because its core foundation principles were invalid, but because the hypocrisy of deceit and betrayal was the practice of the day. Then during the 90's the name "New World Order" was finally spoken openly and preached as the inevitable wave of the future. Today, all we need to do is fuse the meaning of the two, its simple "The Established Order".

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Who Sank the Economy?

Opportunity galore is the pitch that you will begin to hear from the talking heads. The bottom of the stock market has been reached, this is the buying chance of a lifetime. Well, anyone who has ever been asked to make financial forecasts and was foolish enough to make any, will know how wrong they can be. Prophecy is left for prophets, ordained from on high. Mere mortals know their own mortality, or should. But that won't stop the financial gurus going on about how smart they were to get out before the carnage in world equities. Implying that their projections need to be heeded, could be as dangerous as having all your funds in WorldCom. 

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Which War Will Be Waged?

As the world sinks into a black hole of financial market uncertainty, business continues as usual for the New World Order. The Pentagon in a long-delayed annual report to Congress, warns that the Chinese threat for both Taiwan and the United States has increased. "China's doctrine is moving toward the goal of surprise, deception and shock effect in the opening phase of a campaign," said the annual report on Chinese military power. "China is exploring coercive strategies designed to bring Taipei to terms quickly." 

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Corporate Business has little to do with commerce

As the era where "it's nobody's business but my own" unwinds, the price that is being paid is a melt down in the equity markets. Well, it is about time! Is there any serious person that is surprised with this outcome? It's long overdue and the cries for reform will only give cover to more crazed regulation. The lesson is really a simple one. You don't reform a system that has evolved into a contradiction of free enterprise. The practices of many corporate executives have more in common with snake oil barkers than inventive innovators. 

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Jean-Paul Sartre Properly Understood

The question is often posed: Why does a conservative use the nom de plume of a Communist? Embedded within this query is the need to clarify the significance, positions and actions of the most famous designate for Existentialism. Jean-Paul Sartre (1905-1980) the French novelist, playwright, existentialist philosopher, and literary critic was always certain of his own value to society as a philosopher and writer, never avoiding an opportunity to demonstrate his superior mind. The audacity of his own worth should not be confused with pomposity of conceit. Sartre resisted fatigue, treated pain as if it were a challenge, repudiated personal vanity and took immeasurable pride in his intellect. He was an original, as Ronald Hayman said in his biography of Sartre - A Life "I've got a golden brain." 

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Steward of the Public Trust

Martha Stewart, is a public figure, but her accountability does not extend to becoming a trustee, for the well being of the economy. Her responsibility is to her stock holders, her customers and fulfilling her business obligations. With the recent hullabaloo over insinuations that she benefited from inside information on a stock sale of ImClone, we are supposed to believe that this diva of wall street is an incarnation of Jay Gould. Well, you don't have to like Martha, but you sure don’t have to take delight in the 'national sport' that revolves around an executioner press. 

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Open Appeal to Conservatives

A deep confusion has overtaken our land. A lack of understanding of our own history and its meaning is epidemic. A conveyance of personal identity has been transposed into a frenzy for Statism. And a dependence in allegiance to unquestioned leadership has replaced common sense. No wonder that those who view themselves as conservatives, are bewildered. It has customarily been accepted that conservative thinking is mostly associated with the Republican Party. 

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Natural Disasters and National Cataclysm

Droughts, earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, volcanoes and wildfires are just some of the examples that mother nature uses to put balance back into the earthly environment. Most people consider these natural catastrophes conditions to fear. Others respond with an out pouring of help and generous assistance. Government aid and support are marshaled to meet the challenge. And future plans are designed to reduce the risk for future disasters. 

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Ten Points for Sensible Government

Those of you who want answers, here they are . . . Now before you send your comments, answer our poll. Your main objection will say it’s just not possible! Consider why you will arrive at that conclusion? Is it because you disagree or disapprove with the specifics? Or is it because you are one of those practical guys? Maybe you have a vested interest in keeping this sick status quo alive? Or maybe it is because you are unwilling to rock the boat? Could it be that you are one of those recipients of government checks? 

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The Season for Graduates

When the time of the year turns to honoring the graduates that will become the hope for our future, we sometimes forget what we should be celebrating. From the age of Heraclitus we have been faced with a condition that change is one of the few constants. Today the form of that change may well have forgotten from where we have come and what we have endured. The titanic struggle of the last century has transformed into a different version of the same beast. What happened to all the hope and promise of a mere half century ago? 

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Intrinsic Reality of the State

Inevitably, political discourse reverts to discussions on the nature of government. It is impossible to ignore the historic record that the "State" has succeeded in fostering the misery of humanity. The legitimate need to organize society is rooted in the desire of man to achieve reason and order to his community. But in practice, the means to accomplish sensible organization - always turns to the most sinister side of human nature. It is because of this base character, that the inescapable abuse of government - is the fate of the human condition. 

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Remembering that Big Tent

Republicans are facing a crisis of identity. When Lee Atwater coined the "Big Tent" perspective for the future of the party, he was lauded as a visionary.  Conservatism as the all inclusive welcome wagon for the populace! Or was it about making room in the party for people of all views? Depending on your viewpoint and objective, its meaning would shift. But what is the nature of this awning that promised us shelter and protection from the political storms? 

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What Price We Pay For Incompetent Education

Many Americans would contend that few areas of public policy are more important than the education of our children. For those who are ardent supporters of the public schools, they will go to any lengths to defend the system. Some even live in a world where they claim that the structure and institution is not broken. Well, reality has a cruel way of setting the record straight. Public education has become government schooling by the ignorant, administered by the incompetent. 

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