Random Thoughts

Today at Starbucks, there was an elderly, stooped gentleman with a cane sort of wandering around after he had ordered his drink. Since I was standing right there I asked him if he needed help finding anything. He said he was just "nosing around," and that he would just "nose around as long as I can walk." Let us all talk advantage of our ability to walk independently, for it does not last forever.

I am reading George W. Bush's new book, "Decision Points." It is a page turner, as all the reviews said it would be. One interesting tidbit was in his chapter about Afghanistan. I have often heard his policy in Afghanistan criticized because the Afghan people usually kick out conquerors/occupiers. People say that Bush was stupid because he obviously didn't know about Afghanistan's history of repelling occupiers, and that's why the US should not have invaded. Whether we should have or not is beside the point. What Bush said in his book was early on he wanted to avoid a quagmire because Afghanistan's history was known by both he and his staff. He knew about that side of Afghan history before it was hip to know about that side of Afghan history.

Well Done, Mr. President

Usually I have something to be down about on this blog. In honor of Thanksgiving I wanted to do something different. Offer a point of encouragement about our government. At first I didn't know what to do, but then the headlines offered something.

Obama Freezes Pay for Federal Workers

It was a hard decision to make, no doubt. And a worthy gesture (at the very least) that he is serious about our government's over spending. "“The hard truth is that getting this deficit under control is going to require some broad sacrifice and that sacrifice must be shared by employees of the federal government,” Mr. Obama said at a White House news conference"

So, some good news from the White House.

When is Enough, Enough?

There seems to be a stink being raised nationwide about the new TSA airport security measures. At least the Drudge Report is all over it. A member of the House spoke on the floor about it. The New York Times talks about it too.

As a government formed by the people, our leaders are in place because, directly or indirectly, we the people had some say in them getting where they are. This government was designed (I believe as evidenced by the Constitution) to be in existence as only by consent of the governed. Simply, the gov is there because we put it there.

Back to this TSA invasiveness issue: when we feel a government entity is overstepping its bounds, even in the name of keeping us safe from terrorists, can our opinions as citizens be overridden by the "expertise" of a Security Agency? I also read that Germany raised its security level based upon evidence of a suspected terrorist attack. It is the experts taking care of the normal people.

Of course I don't think it inappropriate for government to be involved in national defense. That is one of the enumerated roles of government. But can our voices be overridden in the name of security? Will we be subjected to safety procedures of which we have no say in? The names of Safety and Security have been used before-good intentions or not-to grow the power of the government and shrink the influence of the people. There is a reason to be suspicious and I am glad there is a national outcry against the TSA methods. We will see what happens.

Is Obama Keynesian?

I'm glad someone did this. It was done at the Jon Stewart rally that recently happened.