If I were a political cartoonist

I've tried.  Tried not to blog politics, because that is all I seem to do.  But I have to get all of my thoughts out of my head and onto something so I can do what my kids ask when they said today, "turn off the radio. you keep you keep talking to it and it's just making you angry."

If I were a political cartoonist it my entry for today's paper would be this:

Scene:  Obama standing at the pulpit of his acceptance speech.

Words bubble:  "I hope to sit down with Mitt Romney and see what ways we can work together"  (I'd use his exact quote)

Scene 2:  Obama sitting down with Mitt Romney on a couch.

Words bubble:  Obama speaking, "So what was your plan for the the next 4 years?  Because as you probably figured out,  I don't have one."


I listen to NPR. Everyday.  And so that is where my statistics and commentary come. And this is what I gleaned today from their political correspondents.

The overwhelming majority of people (NPR's exact term not mine) exit polled stated that "They do not like the way America is headed."

The majority of people said that the economy was the most important issue in this election.

Over 50% off those exit polled stated that they thought Romney would do a better job on the economy than Obama.

Hispanics overwhelming voted for Obama despite their unemployment being double that of the rest of the nation.

What stood out most to me was the Economist.  His words were:

American companies are sitting on stockpiles of cash. They were waiting to see how the election would pan out.  Their concern was the effect that Obamacare has on their business and how much it would cost them. And also the impending Tax on the rich.  What businesses will do now will be to try to expand their businesses without having to hire any employees.

That is from NPR--not FOX.


The political commentators went on to say that Obama played better politics and that is how he won.  They said that he took the national conversation away from his dismal four year record and focused his energy on negative attack ads on Romney.  Character ads that made him out to be a bad person.  Especially in places like Ohio.  They even admitted that he never talked about what he would do in the next four years.

Like I said, these are not my words. You can go back and listen to Talk of the Nation and hear the same words I heard.


So what does this mean?

They suggested a possible deeper recession.

Bring it on.


I'm off--to plant my garden, buy a gun and to Costco to stockpile some food.

That is how much I believe in HOPE & CHANGE.

Spy on the Mormons

Have you eve wanted go to a Mormon church just to see what it really is about?  Not that you want to join, you just want to be an onlooker.  But you don't want to go because someone will see you, or the missionaries will talk to you, or you just dont want any attention brought to you.

Well, Now is your chance!

Twice a year Mormons across the globe gather in front of the TV or computer for General Conference.  The leadership of the church both men and women, speak on varied topics. There are two sessions on Saturday at 9 am and 1 pm and then again on Sunday, 9am and 1pm. That is AZ time.  But you can always watch the recording.

So if you want to spy--no one will know. And then you get to see what us crazy Mo's believe.

Here some topics you will probably here:

Don't view pornography
The world is lacking in moral values.
Read the scriptures.
Families should spend more time together.
Mormons should spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Jesus Christ is our Savior.
Repent and do better.
Strengthen your marriage.
Be a better neighbor, community member and friend.
Stand up for what you believe.
Dare to stand alone in your beliefs.
Be an example of the believers.
Youth should choose modesty and follow church standards.

So just go.  Check it out.  If you know anyone who dogs on Mormons--tell them to spy.  Most people I know who talk bad about the church don't know much about it.

So watch, you'll hear good messages from good people with good intentions. And probably here a funny story--we Mo's like to laugh.

LINK HERE

or

HERE

Dear France, THANK YOU

DEAR FRANCE,

THANK YOU!!

SINCERELY,

ME

You could read my statement and think that I want to stick it to the rich, because they have the money and should be  handing it over for the good of the country.

WRONG

I want to say a BIG FAT THANK YOU to France.  Because this is going to be the case study of the century.  Economists at Universities all across the country er, the world, are biting their nails in anticipation of what happens next. 

Because you slap a 75 percent tax on the wealthy and business and what happens?  The wealthy and the business leave. In droves.  Because guess what, if I am rich enough to be slapped with that tax, I am also rich enough to take my money and my business across the border to say,  economically stable Germany perhaps?  Or even relocate to South America--where business is growing like crazy.

I bet other European countries are just giddy with excitement.   Much like colleges court the most talented of High School football players--sending in their recruiter with promises of this or that just to get them to cross the border to their university--so will be the countries trying to win over France's disgruntled rich.

Mark my words--the rich will flee.

And hopefully, just hopefully, America will get it.

If they pull their head out of their asses long enough to read the paper.

F.M. Radio

I yell at the radio. EVERY MORNING. I talk outloud in my car and the kids says--"Who are you talking to?"

I'm talking to the radio. The hosts of NPR's morning edition have had some words from me. Well, more it's the people the are talking to, and most importantly--what they are talking about.

This morning's edition: Politics.

 I am starting to call it Anger 2012. At least that is what it is for me.

Today's piece was on businesses leaders on opposite ends of the spectrum, one that ran and op. ed article in the Washington Post and another who took out a full page ad in the Times.

 The ad read--if "Obama is elected I am going to shut down my business and lay off my 12 employees". They interviewed him and he told a story of how he built the business he has and has worked his butt off for, and with Obama's idea of taxing the rich--they will be taking 50% of what he makes. That pushes him over the edge.

 The other man's piece supported Obama's taxing of the rich. Stating that Jesus took care of the poor and that is our duty. He had received Government grants to put him through school, therefore the Government is good

. . . and that is when I yelled at the radio.

Being a good Jesus follower myself, I agree--Jesus wants us to take care of each other. But since when does that mean through the Government? Jesus also wants us to freely give of our time, talent and yes--MONEY. But forcing the rich to pay the government more than everyone else in the name of "helping our fellow men"--not what Jesus had in mind. Did he read the Bible? Jesus is not too keen on corrupt Governments. Who do you think killed the man? And no one is going to get into heaven stating that they paid their taxes. Come on, for real??

And yes, I think our Government is corrupt.

 Does the first man hate the poor and want to squish them under his feet? No. Actually I don't know his opinion, they didn't ask him. But I tell you this--what I know of the wealthy are not those kind of people, although the media and Obama's political team would love for you to think that.

Remember my degree from college--Non-Profit Health and Human Service Administration. Those stiff and formal words mean--I know about taking care of the poor--and the sick--and the unfortunate. And all of those places exist because of . . . THE WEALTHY. *GASP!* Those horrible people that make so much money and keep the little guy down. They provide funds to establish an entity that allows collaboration among horrible rich men and the normal middle class and the poor man. Together they to help those who need it most. And their financial books? Public record. And if you don't like what they are doing--you go down to the board meeting and say so. Or you take your time, talents and MONEY elsewhere. It provides a choice. And throws red tape beaurocracy out the window.

People need to see that those left wing hippy socialists and the right wing capitalist pigs and anyone in between actually agree on that the poor need help.

 They just differ on who should provide it.

 And me? Where do I fall? The government has it's role and place--limited but also essential. Let the rich, poor and anyone in the middle be taxed equally so no one can cry foul to the other. (flat tax people--and get rid of the Tax season)

Increasing tax on the rich will cause two things.
1. The rich will leave the country (as evidenced in France)
2. They will give less to non profits--who are far more efficient and effective than the government at taking care of those in need.

Both will hurt our country, create more need by loss of jobs, and excacerbate the current state of those in need.

Why does the Government think that because someone makes a certain amount of money--then they are entitled to part of it? Does that scare anyone else other than me? The Government could someday choose something I own or earn and say they are entitled to it "for the greater good". And if you think the government won't--you have been duped by the powers that be.

Wow. I feel better now. And I didn't even make it too long. That is just one thing that got me talking to the radio.

 Don't even get me started on the national debt. 6 trillion in four years, when all of the previous presidents combined spent 10 trillion. Does this not scare the pants off of anyone else than me? How is that possible? Who can spend that much--and on what??

 Oh no, I said don't get me started.

There are times when I think that my kids will only remember my scolding, and reprimanding. And then sometimes, I find pictures like this one. And I think--maybe times like this will trump all the others. Cuz--this is a good one.

I can cure warts!

My oldest daughter had a big patch of ugly warts on her knee--and although she didn't notice or care, I knew that someday she was going to absolutely HATE them.

So while I was at a well visit about 2 years ago I asked the Nurse Practitioner what to do.

And she gave me a natural remedy.

And it totally worked!  We have used it so many times and it's worked on all three girls and Hyrum.

I'm too perfect to have warts ;)

Check out my natural blog HERE to find out what we did.

Did you know the governor has a summer reading program? If your kid reads 5 books from her list then they get free admission to the AZ Science Center.

Check it HERE.

Mi Amigos sweet deals!

People!!!!  Mi Amigos is hooking up some sweet deals for their 35th Anniversary.

Support your locally owned restaurant (my brother in laws! :))

Go.

Spread the word.

Eat.

Love it.

Spread the word some more.

If you can't read the flier then go  here:

http://www.miamigos.com/58.html

I have sharing time on tithing tomorrow, and as usual I have so far prepared .. .um . .


NOTHING.

Any ideas out there?

You say it Reagan

Stuff

My Canadian photography friend posted this on her blog--and I have heard it before, but loved to see it as a reminder.

“We invest a great deal in the acquisition of stuff. Companies bombard us with slick, relentless propaganda as to why we must have their stuff and judge an individual’s success by their stuff’s sheer quantity and supposed quality. I like stuff. I especially like the word stuff. But consumption never was creativity; it brings few lasting satisfactions and can bring burdensome debts. Stuff beyond our basic needs does not liberate. Consider the overall investment of your time. You have to shop for stuff. You have to clean, maintain and organize stuff. You lose stuff. You look for stuff. You polish stuff. Secure it against theft, trip over it, recharge it, upgrade it, accessorize it, pack it, move it, unpack it, insure it, fix it, and eventually sell, trash or bequeath it. Stuff has no use beyond this life and it takes a lot from us. Very much unlike stuff, knowledge has few such liabilities. Knowledge does not depreciate but grows deeper, stronger and more valuable with each use.”
                        - Shawn W. Miller, BYU Devotional, August 3, 2010 (punctuation altered)

I am blessed to have many friends who subscribe to this way of life.

I am not a stuff person.  In fact, my poor kids have often asked where their toys went--because they just up and disappeared on them.

I hate paying for bullcrap. Toys, clothes that kids will outgrow, Pajamas--does anyone else hate paying money for pajamas??

But what I will spend a bazillion dollars for is memories.  Road trips, camping, outings.  Now that to me is where I have to watch myself with money.

We are still in the middle of trying to buy a car. I just can't bring myself to spend that much money on a vehicle.  It seems ridiculous.

The only thing that I have realized that is going to make me do it----road trips. Having a car with no mileage on it, a good engine and a warranty.  So in short--memories.

That major deciding factor on which vehicle we choose--cargo room. How many coolers and suitcases can we fit back there??

I am already planning our east cost trip for next summer, and the West coast to Canada trip for the summer after that.

I love the reminder this quote gives me. 

Now I am going to go throw away some STUFF.

Fuse

My girls are performing and it's AWESOME. You should go.

Bahhahaaa

I didn't hear the conversation leading up to this--I just heard this:

 3 year old cousin: "My buttocks"

 Kizzy:   "You're butt talks????"

Ford Flex

Does anyone know someone who owns one of these? And do they like it? I'm considering this instead of the minivan. Let me know.

Ballet shoes?

Does anyone have a pair of these lying around? About size 12 or 11?  Josie lost one of  hers and her dance performance is Saturday and I am NOT going to buy her a new pair.