As per some of my recent tweets, a discussion must be had regarding Romney's wealth. The links below prove there is some discussion out there and I'm glad it is putting some context around this issue.
For instance, Romney's wealth is calculated to be around $220 million, while Washington's wealth is rated at over $500 million. JFK comes in second according to some reports.
USA Today.
The Atlantic: "The Net Worth of the US Presidents"
And the Washington Post has a nice article on candidates and their wealth that I couldn't link because I don't want to sign up in order to read the article. Their loss.
On a similar note, here's a link to an article by a rabbi in the Wall Street Journal called "What the Bible Teaches About Capitalism."
Monday, January 30, 2012
Friday, January 27, 2012
A Thought
I just realized I did two mindless posts in a row.
So here's something I've been thinking about lately with a little more thought to it (although far from complete) than Star Wars dogs or wooly mammoths.
A few weeks ago, a pastor at my church was preaching on justice (“shalom” in Hebrew: the restoration of Creation) and how we as Christians must work towards justice (shalom) because restoration is the essence of the Good News (Christ coming to redeem humanity separated from God). It was a few weeks ago, so I don't remember all of the details, but I do remember at the end he gave a blessing to those in the congregation who work to end injustice through non-profits, government, law enforcement, etc. However, I noticed businesspeople were inadvertently left out his blessing. That omission is a symptom of the current conversation in the Church today--or perhaps lack of conversation--about the businessperson’s legitimate role in doing justice.
Scripture talks about businessmen and women, how the Lord both blesses them (the businesswoman described in Proverbs 31, Abraham) and takes away from them (Job). An entrepreneur is by definition someone who is others focused. Of course, what people call “needs” may be perverse, but that is the fallen nature of human beings and why the work of Jesus' death and resurrection was necessary. To be "little Christs" (Christians) means to work towards restoration in this fallen world in the context of His Grace. I fully believe business people can do that in their business.
So business in and of itself is not an evil thing. Just like any human endeavor, the content of our heart is what matters to God. In Matthew 7, Jesus talks of those who will meet Him after all is said and done, telling Him they did many miracles, cast out demons, prophesied, and He will tell them He doesn't know them. If doing something as "holy" as miracles isn't good enough, then surely that means our heart is what matters to Him. Likewise, merely being a non-profit employee, or even a pastor, does not automatically make one closer to the ideal of "justice worker" or a true Christian.
As the pastor said, God uses non-profit employees, government workers, et al to do amazing things for this world. However, I encourage you to think of all the needs God meets in your own life and other’s lives through business people: the clothes you wear, the food you eat, technology, etc, etc: The many things that can make our life more wholesome (closer to shalom). However, this is not to say our greatest Need is met in things. Physical restoration or need-filling is only a slice of the justice pie. Restoration is met through Christ’s work.
Both Scripture and experience demonstrate that Christians in business can be conscious and successful in their duty to do justice through trade. There may be many Christians who are missing out on living a more fulfilled life because the message the church so often gives is that business is somehow outside the realm of what it means to do justice.
A note: I don't consider business the end all be all of correct Christian living, but merely an aspect of what we were created for. Each person will be called to a different vocation as parts of "a Body with many members."
So here's something I've been thinking about lately with a little more thought to it (although far from complete) than Star Wars dogs or wooly mammoths.
A few weeks ago, a pastor at my church was preaching on justice (“shalom” in Hebrew: the restoration of Creation) and how we as Christians must work towards justice (shalom) because restoration is the essence of the Good News (Christ coming to redeem humanity separated from God). It was a few weeks ago, so I don't remember all of the details, but I do remember at the end he gave a blessing to those in the congregation who work to end injustice through non-profits, government, law enforcement, etc. However, I noticed businesspeople were inadvertently left out his blessing. That omission is a symptom of the current conversation in the Church today--or perhaps lack of conversation--about the businessperson’s legitimate role in doing justice.
Scripture talks about businessmen and women, how the Lord both blesses them (the businesswoman described in Proverbs 31, Abraham) and takes away from them (Job). An entrepreneur is by definition someone who is others focused. Of course, what people call “needs” may be perverse, but that is the fallen nature of human beings and why the work of Jesus' death and resurrection was necessary. To be "little Christs" (Christians) means to work towards restoration in this fallen world in the context of His Grace. I fully believe business people can do that in their business.
So business in and of itself is not an evil thing. Just like any human endeavor, the content of our heart is what matters to God. In Matthew 7, Jesus talks of those who will meet Him after all is said and done, telling Him they did many miracles, cast out demons, prophesied, and He will tell them He doesn't know them. If doing something as "holy" as miracles isn't good enough, then surely that means our heart is what matters to Him. Likewise, merely being a non-profit employee, or even a pastor, does not automatically make one closer to the ideal of "justice worker" or a true Christian.
As the pastor said, God uses non-profit employees, government workers, et al to do amazing things for this world. However, I encourage you to think of all the needs God meets in your own life and other’s lives through business people: the clothes you wear, the food you eat, technology, etc, etc: The many things that can make our life more wholesome (closer to shalom). However, this is not to say our greatest Need is met in things. Physical restoration or need-filling is only a slice of the justice pie. Restoration is met through Christ’s work.
Both Scripture and experience demonstrate that Christians in business can be conscious and successful in their duty to do justice through trade. There may be many Christians who are missing out on living a more fulfilled life because the message the church so often gives is that business is somehow outside the realm of what it means to do justice.
A note: I don't consider business the end all be all of correct Christian living, but merely an aspect of what we were created for. Each person will be called to a different vocation as parts of "a Body with many members."
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Presidential Standards
I saw a headline today on Twitter about Romney and how he gave a ridiculous answer to something about moose hunting. It reminded me of how people often get down on presidential gaffs. Candidates and presidents do say some silly things, I do not deny that. What I have issue with is our attitude toward them.
We Americans want our presidents to be men of the people, but completely flawless, all at the same time. So in other words, not really men. More like perfect angels. But not too perfect! Because then you end up with Romney Syndrome: your good looks/demeanor prove to be a detriment.
Inconsistent standards, I say.
Along those lines, I thought there was gross overreaction to Perry's gaff when he couldn't name all the agencies he'd eliminate. People called him an idiot and that forever stigmatized his campaign. Maybe he really is dumb, I'm not sure. I just know a little more about the atmosphere those men and women are in when they run for president is non-stop and incredibly high pressure. Candidates are rehearsed for hours on all the possible answers they can give in a debate. Lapses in memory are excusable, I think.
Also, from what I know of myself, if someone like the media were recording my words like they record for the candidates and presidents, I would look like an idiot. Statistics point to stupid things inevitably being said, just from sheer volume. So the Romney and moose thing, sure, it sounded stupid. However, he is a human being who will inevitably say dumb things. I wish for our president to be very intelligent, like anyone, but for us all to have a far more realistic attitude toward those flubs in language we are all prone to make.
We Americans want our presidents to be men of the people, but completely flawless, all at the same time. So in other words, not really men. More like perfect angels. But not too perfect! Because then you end up with Romney Syndrome: your good looks/demeanor prove to be a detriment.
Inconsistent standards, I say.
Along those lines, I thought there was gross overreaction to Perry's gaff when he couldn't name all the agencies he'd eliminate. People called him an idiot and that forever stigmatized his campaign. Maybe he really is dumb, I'm not sure. I just know a little more about the atmosphere those men and women are in when they run for president is non-stop and incredibly high pressure. Candidates are rehearsed for hours on all the possible answers they can give in a debate. Lapses in memory are excusable, I think.
Also, from what I know of myself, if someone like the media were recording my words like they record for the candidates and presidents, I would look like an idiot. Statistics point to stupid things inevitably being said, just from sheer volume. So the Romney and moose thing, sure, it sounded stupid. However, he is a human being who will inevitably say dumb things. I wish for our president to be very intelligent, like anyone, but for us all to have a far more realistic attitude toward those flubs in language we are all prone to make.
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Eminent Domain and Columbus
Last night I went with some others to see this screening of "Battle for Brooklyn," a documentary about one neighborhood's fight against a large real estate developer and all the injustices that go along with eminent domain. It was a well done documentary that was filmed over a span of nearly seven years, following the salient characters of the story the whole way through. It was very gripping and rich story. I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in issues of injustice because it was so blatant an abuse of government power. (That probably covers a wide swath of people).
At the end, during the Q&A with the directors, a lady made a statement along the lines of this eminent domain issue not being a current or modern problem of the last 100 years, but something that's been going on since 1492.
For some reason, when people diss on Columbus, it gets my blood flowing a little. To be fair, in the heat of the moment, that was probably the first date that popped into her mind, so I don't think she's a full-time Columbus hater. However I think it odd, perhaps unfortunate, that Columbus has been cast as the symbol of Western abuses. Eminent domain abuse (or loosely defined as taking other people's property) has been going on since way before 1492. And it's not just a Westerner problem but a human problem.
The documentary highlights the vast problems that arise when government colludes power and then private firms cozy up to politicians and encourage laws or acts of force in order to gain an edge in the market. Unfortunately injustice is rarely in such plain language and that was clear to see in the film. Check it out if you have the opportunity.
At the end, during the Q&A with the directors, a lady made a statement along the lines of this eminent domain issue not being a current or modern problem of the last 100 years, but something that's been going on since 1492.
For some reason, when people diss on Columbus, it gets my blood flowing a little. To be fair, in the heat of the moment, that was probably the first date that popped into her mind, so I don't think she's a full-time Columbus hater. However I think it odd, perhaps unfortunate, that Columbus has been cast as the symbol of Western abuses. Eminent domain abuse (or loosely defined as taking other people's property) has been going on since way before 1492. And it's not just a Westerner problem but a human problem.
The documentary highlights the vast problems that arise when government colludes power and then private firms cozy up to politicians and encourage laws or acts of force in order to gain an edge in the market. Unfortunately injustice is rarely in such plain language and that was clear to see in the film. Check it out if you have the opportunity.
Friday, January 13, 2012
Relgion and Politics
This article by a Cato scholar also appeared in the Huffington Post. I think it's balanced, and incorporates good history, economics and Biblical citations/theology.
Doubtless, having a person who seeks to obey God (in the fullest sense of what it means to obey, not just culturally moral uprightness) would be a good thing. However it is very easy for politicians to stretch the meaning of the phrase, "I obey God" or even lie about it, in order to attract votes. So it is therefore a shaky foundation on which to base one's voting decisions and can often lead us to make poor choices since we cannot know the heart of anyone.
Some excerpts:
"Yet today some Christian activists seek a Christian candidate. TV personality Jim Bob Duggar urged Iowans to vote for Rick Santorum: "We are asking all the Christians throughout America to get behind him so we can have a godly Christian man as president.""
Not a competent, smart, effective president. Not a realistic, thoughtful, or even principled president. Not a president with good policy answers for big questions, such as economic growth, international conflict, and social division. Just "a godly Christian man.""
"Good Christians should be good citizens. But being a good citizen (or good government official) does not require being a good Christian."
Doubtless, having a person who seeks to obey God (in the fullest sense of what it means to obey, not just culturally moral uprightness) would be a good thing. However it is very easy for politicians to stretch the meaning of the phrase, "I obey God" or even lie about it, in order to attract votes. So it is therefore a shaky foundation on which to base one's voting decisions and can often lead us to make poor choices since we cannot know the heart of anyone.
Some excerpts:
"Yet today some Christian activists seek a Christian candidate. TV personality Jim Bob Duggar urged Iowans to vote for Rick Santorum: "We are asking all the Christians throughout America to get behind him so we can have a godly Christian man as president.""
Not a competent, smart, effective president. Not a realistic, thoughtful, or even principled president. Not a president with good policy answers for big questions, such as economic growth, international conflict, and social division. Just "a godly Christian man.""
"Good Christians should be good citizens. But being a good citizen (or good government official) does not require being a good Christian."
Friday, January 6, 2012
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Cooking or Eating Your Money
Yesterday, as I was winding down at work, I felt like eating something else for dinner than my usual frozen fare. So I searched for some easy recipes on the web. No problem.
Saw a recipe for a tasty looking Mexican Lasagna: cheese, taco sauce, chicken, tortillas, cheese, what's not to like? I got stoked. Printed out the menu even so I could go to the store and buy the ingredients.
For those who know me or have read previous blog posts of mine on how much I dislike cooking, this is a huge step. I actually planned to cook and buy ingredients. I felt pretty good about myself.
All went well until I saw that ground cumin was $5.29 a thing. That was a buzzkill. I could buy a whole frozen pizza for that much, no preparation required. So I went to check to how much 2lbs of ground chicken was. That was like $10. Already the price tag was up to $15.29 for ground cumin chicken.
No gracias.
So I ate a frozen pot pie that night.
My experience was an indication to me that 1. there is a high entry cost into good cooking, such as buying a thing of cumin and 2. that utter culinary boredom with heat and eat foods will most likely drive me into actually cooking for myself someday. I will start saving now.
Saw a recipe for a tasty looking Mexican Lasagna: cheese, taco sauce, chicken, tortillas, cheese, what's not to like? I got stoked. Printed out the menu even so I could go to the store and buy the ingredients.
For those who know me or have read previous blog posts of mine on how much I dislike cooking, this is a huge step. I actually planned to cook and buy ingredients. I felt pretty good about myself.
All went well until I saw that ground cumin was $5.29 a thing. That was a buzzkill. I could buy a whole frozen pizza for that much, no preparation required. So I went to check to how much 2lbs of ground chicken was. That was like $10. Already the price tag was up to $15.29 for ground cumin chicken.
No gracias.
So I ate a frozen pot pie that night.
My experience was an indication to me that 1. there is a high entry cost into good cooking, such as buying a thing of cumin and 2. that utter culinary boredom with heat and eat foods will most likely drive me into actually cooking for myself someday. I will start saving now.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Rate of Disillusionment
While I don't have quantitative data to back me up, I believe I have anecdotal and qualitative data to back me up.
I think there are far more people disillusioned with the promises of Collectivism than Individualism. What do those words mean?
Collectivism being socialism, communism, fascism, nationalism, etc. The State (government) knows best. Individualism being capitalism, constitutionalism, limited government, etc. The individual knows best.
Think of all the most oppressive governments in history and they promised prosperity and well-being through coordinated efforts on the part of the government. The prosperity and well-being only lasted a short while at the cost of freedom and in the end, poverty and no freedom.
Think of the freest governments in history and they promised to protect life, liberty and property and you have the most prosperous, healthy populations in history. And they are free.
Even when the government is seemingly motivated by the best of intentions to use the force it has in order to secure "well-being" for the poor, 99/100 times it ends up back firing and creating a long running institution that does perpetual harm to the poor while rewarding those in power.
People knock capitalism all the time, but capitalism rightly understood and implemented works in reality while collectivism, even when rightly understood and implemented (!), does not work in reality. History shows that.
I think there are far more people disillusioned with the promises of Collectivism than Individualism. What do those words mean?
Collectivism being socialism, communism, fascism, nationalism, etc. The State (government) knows best. Individualism being capitalism, constitutionalism, limited government, etc. The individual knows best.
Think of all the most oppressive governments in history and they promised prosperity and well-being through coordinated efforts on the part of the government. The prosperity and well-being only lasted a short while at the cost of freedom and in the end, poverty and no freedom.
Think of the freest governments in history and they promised to protect life, liberty and property and you have the most prosperous, healthy populations in history. And they are free.
Even when the government is seemingly motivated by the best of intentions to use the force it has in order to secure "well-being" for the poor, 99/100 times it ends up back firing and creating a long running institution that does perpetual harm to the poor while rewarding those in power.
People knock capitalism all the time, but capitalism rightly understood and implemented works in reality while collectivism, even when rightly understood and implemented (!), does not work in reality. History shows that.
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