Self Talk Analysis » Politics

Food Police–Taxes and Regulation

rwcreasy — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 16:39:27 +0000

Salt, sugar, trans-fats, have all been in the news lately as Michelle O leaves her backyard vegetable garden and takes to the mean streets on her crusade against body fat. In her wake, there’s a deluge of federal, state, and local law initiatives rising up against obesity. What I refer to as the “food police” others call progress. OK, we are probably the fattest developed nation in the world. We have access to a wide variety of colas, cakes, breads, cookies, candy bars, chips, carbs and sugars limited only by our grocery budget. But never fear, our great protector and omnipotent caretaker, the all knowing, all seeing, government will swoop in and save us all from plaque buildup, strokes, and a wide assortment of heart ailments.

How will this angel of mercy extend a healing touch? First, they’ll use stimulus funds (aka our tax dollars) to label menus and advertisements with the danger of calories, and perils of sodium, sugar, and fats. Recently Massachusetts was awarded over $12 million in stimulus funds to do just that. Secondly, the government vilifies and demonizes the food industry from Kraft to Crispy-Creme, to big Macs, Frito-Lay to Outback threatening to levy taxes on the cost of their ads unless they place warnings on unhealthy foods. You’ve seen the warning disclosures currently required by the FDA on TV for pharmaceutical ads that run for 3 minutes listing every risk, every side effect known to mankind, that could ever possibly show up by taking this medication. Picture it now, a 30 second TV ad for Hellman’s Mayonnaise would run 5 minutes in length; 30 seconds about the great taste and 4 minutes and 30 seconds warning you of diabetes, coronary artery disease, allergic reaction to eggs, rash, hives, diarrhea, glaucoma, nose bleeds, hyper-pigmentation and an erection lasting more than 24 hours. Please see your doctor, NOW!

There’s even an assault by food critics on the portion size that restaurants serve.

Is there anything our government won’t do to make our lives more comfy and safe?

To my knowledge there’s not a shred of evidence that demonstrates our government sponsored patchwork of weight loss, nutrition initiatives, and taxes on food products does anything to directly improve our health. But we can all feel better knowing that someone in central planning is watching after us.

People’s exercise of free choice lies at the core of this issue. Is there anyone with an IQ above 100 that does not understand over-indulgence of any product or activity (food, sugar, caffeine, salt, calories, lack of or over exercise) is unhealthy? That message is out there. People have knowledge and then make decisions. The government in this case wants to make those decisions for you. Is it just me, or does it seem a little scary that the government wants to mandate the amount of salt and sugar I can use to season my food?

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My Political Framework of Thinking

rwcreasy — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 23:39:51 +0000

Experiences of childhood affects many facets of our adult life. Recently I was thinking about my political beliefs of limited government and my dislike for government expansion with entitlement programs.

I grew up in a middle class neighborhood. My parents did not have a lot of money, they never gave me a lot of money, but growing up, I never did without the basics. Sure, I would have liked to have been given additional spending money to purchase more clothes, Beatles albums, ballgame tickets, swimming club memberships, junk food, you get the picture.

My parents and grandparents grew a lot of our food in vegetable gardens. We ate them fresh from the garden in the summer, and out of jars and freezer bags in the winter. My grandparents kept the neighborhood supplied with plenty of fresh vegetables. If there was a need that my family was aware of, they tried to take care of it. My parents and grandparents have given money, taken food in, and helped anyway they could where there was a need.

Except for an occasional “to go” order at Krystal Hamburger, and later KFC, I never remember a single time our family went into a restaurant to eat a meal. It was considered too expensive and we ate home cooked meals instead. The first time I actually remember eating at a restaurant was after church on Sunday night at Shoney’s, I was probably 14 years old. I ordered their onion rings and I still recall they cost $.50. It seemed very expensive to me because that’s all the money I had that night. (they were delicious)

A few members of our extended family received government food either free or at reduced costs. We didn’t have food stamps then but they were referred to as “commodities.” My immediate family never turned to the government for assistance.

Instead, my mother took on babysitting jobs for the neighbor down the street (she also held other part-time jobs from time to time) and my father worked 2 jobs. Instead of working normal hours (8 am till 5 pm) he worked the 4-11 shift at Ford Glass plant (because it paid a little more money), got up the next morning and painted houses until time to head back to the plant. Didn’t need government assistance.

I was taught to value savings and hard work. My grandparents took me to Home Federal Savings and Loan bank to start an account when I was too short to stand at the counter without a step stool. I never saw a credit card until I went to college. I wasn’t even sure how they worked. I never had a credit card until after I graduated. If my parents couldn’t pay for it by the end of the month, they didn’t buy it. It’s that simple. Get it? No credit debt.

My grandmother knew the head cook at the local “burger” shop and got me a job washing dishes when I was actually under age, I was 15. During that time period I caddied on weekends at the Old Hickory Golf Club. I walked from my grandparent’s house to the golf course on Saturday and Sunday mornings at 5 am to get in line with the other guys looking for work. I’d walk home late that evening with about $20 in my pocket. Felt like a millionaire. Didn’t need government assistance.

I won’t bore you with the details, but subsequent years were similar. I had a job during most of my high school years, and I worked during College. My parents and grandparents paid for my college tuition. There was no government assistance.

So this is a small snapshot into my early years that shaped how I view the world today. The idea of turning to the government for anything is completely foreign to me. The idea of depending on the government for financial assistance is completely foreign to my way of thinking. If you need something, then work for it. If you can’t obtain it that way, then pray for it and God will provide it. I often think, if I can do this, if my mother and father could do it, then others can do it as well.

I recognize a role for limited government to help provide social assistance. But government is currently too big, too inefficient, mismanaged, abused and out of control.

If my government can keep the roads paved (which they often don’t) and our country safe from attack, maintain a strong infrastructure, keep our water, food, and pharmaceuticals safe, then I’ll be content for now.

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I’m Thankful When the Government Looks After Me

rwcreasy — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 13:16:04 +0000

Yes I am thankful when the government looks after me. I know sometimes I can be negative about government intrusion, but I’m going to turn over a new leaf starting today.

News cameras spotted our distinguished Mayor of Philadelphia (Nutter Dem.) as he proudly walked the hallowed littered streets of Philly feeling good about the newly passed law requiring restaurants and food establishments to post calories of food for all to see. It warms my soul as well because I’ve always wondered how many calories a Starbucks Vente Caramel Machiato with double cream contained. And thankfully I can also see right away the calories in a Boston Cream Filled Dunkin Doughnut. No more for me!! That did it!

This along with the new tax proposal to add 25 cents to the cost of colas for inner city kids is something we can all feel good about. This is heart warming. Just think of those kids now refusing to pay an extra quarter for Coca Cola and turning instead to the OJ section of Florida’s fresh squeeze. And besides we all know that increasing taxes improves diet and health as well as creates jobs. Right? Right. Behavior modification is just another thing our government has excelled in.

The tax on vendors using plastic bags for groceries will help to eliminate trash on the streets too.

Mayor Blumberg of NYC can also boast about mandating restaurants to stop cooking with saturated fats and too much salt.

This is what I want my government doing for me. Who needs better roads or decrease in crime when we can have them looking out for our dietary needs. So today I am thankful for all that my government does for me and my family!!

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Why all the Anger?

rwcreasy — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 00:17:36 +0000

This past week was a tough one for conservative Americans as we witnessed the largest government takeover and expansion since FDR and social security. Congressional representatives from both sides of the isle complained of being victims of hate “crimes,” vandalism, ugly and nasty comments. Some liberals have accused the right of being racists, bullies, uncaring and hate mongers. Some on the right have have indulged in name calling (“it’s a baby killer”), “communists,” and so on. There is a lot of anger in our country today. We see this on the news programs, hear it on talk radio, and read it on Facebook of all places. We’ve all heard it before that it’s taboo and an Emily Post no-no to discuss religion and politics in social situations. Of course that was long before social networking like Facebook.

I’ve been asked “where is this anger coming from?” So I’m trying to think through this question. Why are people angry at our politicians? Why are we angry with each other? Is there in fact increased anger today or is it more in plain sight because of increased visibility created by the blogosphere, the internet, success of talk radio, and of course FB?

I am very concerned anytime government expands and creates a larger dependent population. I don’t ”hate” anyone but I do hate high taxes. It robs me of my hard earned money and ultimately the more taxes I pay, the less I have to spend on manufactured goods, home improvements, travel, entertainment, and savings. Increased taxes results in less job creation. And where do the taxes go? I posted a comment earlier this week asking if anyone could name a single entitlement managed by the government, funded by tax payers that was doing a good job. There is none. Why would anyone believe this entitlement is any different? I’m angry because this is not the hope and change promised. Obama never crossed the isle as a senator (for a full 18 months) and he has shown so far the same partisan politics. We were promised by Obama that “all this will be seen on C Span,” which was a lie. This bill was passed with sleaze, deals, and largely behind closed doors. Is this the political transparency Obama promised? Have you heard Obama speak lately? Can any objective listener say that he doesn’t sound divisive and angry?

I’m angry that people apparently don’t understand what debt is and at citizens who have little concept of “pay as you go.” It’s a simple concept, balance your checkbook. Someone has to pay for government services but we hear little about how things will be paid for.

The liberals I’ve spoken with are still mad at Bush/Cheney. They refuse to place any blame for problems of the past year on Obama or the Democratic leadership (Reid and Pelosi) who, by the way have been in power for several years now.

Yes there is anger. Political and Religious beliefs go deep into the heart and soul of people. Individuals dig into their beliefs and refuse to listen and learn from each other. When this happens, pride slips in and prevents us from seeing the “big picture.” In this case, I believe the “big picture” is the growth, protection, and success of The United States of America, the greatest nation on earth.

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What Conservatives Believe

rwcreasy — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 20:14:27 +0000

If you’re a political junkie like me, you may already know this, however I think it’s good to periodically conduct a self – check up to make sure we’re still on target. Conservative values (true conservative values, not just a political party platform) have enduring qualities. Below is a list of 12 tenants of “faith” for conservatives. Conduct your own check-up and share with others if you’d like. These are the types of questions and criteria I will consider when deciding who to vote for.

Adopted in conference at Sharon, Connecticut, on 11 September 1960.

In this time of moral and political crises, it is the responsibility of the youth of America to affirm certain eternal truths.We, as young conservatives, believe:

That foremost among the transcendent values is the individual’s use of his God-given free will, whence derives his right to be free from the restrictions of arbitrary force;

That liberty is indivisible, and that political freedom cannot long exist without economic freedom;

That the purpose of government is to protect those freedoms through the preservation of internal order, the provision of national defense, and the administration of justice;

That when government ventures beyond these rightful functions, it accumulates power, which tends to diminish order and liberty;

That the Constitution of the United States is the best arrangement yet devised for empowering government to fulfill its proper role, while restraining it from the concentration and abuse of power;

That the genius of the Constitution- the division of powers- is summed up in the clause that reserves primacy to the several states, or to the people, in those spheres not specifically delegated to the Federal government;

That the market economy, allocating resources by the free play of supply and demand, is the single economic system compatible with the requirements of personal freedom and constitutional government, and that it is at the same time the most productive supplier of human needs;

That when government interferes with the work of the market economy, it tends to reduce the moral and physical strength of the nation; that when it takes from one man to bestow on another, it diminishes the incentive of the first, the integrity of the second, and the moral autonomy of both;

That we will be free only so long as the national sovereignty of the United States is secure; that history shows periods of freedom are rare, and can exist only when free citizens concertedly defend their rights against all enemies;

That the forces of international Communism are, at present, the greatest single threat to these liberties;

That the United States should stress victory over, rather than coexistance with, this menace; and

That American foreign policy must be judged by this criterion: does it serve the just interests of the United States?

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Scott Brown

rwcreasy — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 22:55:16 +0000

It’s time for the Democrats to step back, take a deep breath, and recalibrate. The stunning loss last night for the democrat’s senate race in Massachusetts to Republican Scott Brown should send political shock waves to liberal politicians across the country. This was the seat Ted Kennedy held for 5 decades and now it’s in republican hands. So what happened? If you listen to the main stream media (MSM) pundits they’ll tell you it’s because of ethics probes with the local democrats, or Martha ran a campaign worthy of political malpractice or that Brown ran a clever campaign. Chris Matthews, the pMSNBC left winger, chalked it up to Coakley’s ill timed vacation during the Christmas holidays. But the one excuse that still has me scratching my head is, it’s Bush’s fault. I can’t make this stuff up. The logic (or illogical) reasoning goes something like this; Bush left the economy in shambles, people are just plain angry and voted for Brown. White voter rage. Whatever. No. She lost because of the message content and lack of substance, not the campaign presentation.

I believe there are three things that keep American people up at night; the economy, jobs and unemployment, and national security.

Obama’s answer to fix these problems has been government takeover of banks, bailouts, complete overhaul of healthcare, take over of General Motors, “stimulus” packages, more entitlements, plans to tax the “rich,” carbon taxes on businesses, Copenhagen silliness, apologies to other countries for American greed and arrogance, releasing Gitmo detainees, relocating the camp of war criminals onto American soil, and providing lawyers to Khalid Sheik Mohammad (KSM) for a show trial in New York City.

If Washington elites like Pelosi, Reid and our Supreme Leader don’t have the mental and political acumen to understand what happened last night, then their demise and political fall will be sooner, harder than expected and good riddance. Have you noticed lately, we’re over taxed, overspending, broke, and Al Qaeda is trying to kill us while fools in Washington try to decipher whether Bill Clinton and Harry Reid’s comments “negro dialect” and some “boy serving us coffee” were racist or not (and yes there is a double standard here but I’ll save that for another blog.) Congressional leaders are engaged in serial bribery by paying off senators Nelson from Nebraska and Landrieu from Louisiana to vote for a health care bill that no one wants, no one’s read. Closed door politics is a way of life in Washington even though our Supreme Leader promised in at least 8 campaign speeches that he would allow C Span to broadcast the health care negotiations. The people of Massachusetts demanded change from the current path of government “over-reach,” closed door deal-making that we’re witnessing, and inability of the Obama administration to prioritize and fix our critical lack of security from those who want to harm us. You remember, “the system worked.” ?

Seven Senate seats now held by Democrats are considered toss-ups in November — Nevada, Colorado, Arkansas, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Delaware and Connecticut. Four Republican seats are in the same situation — Missouri, Kentucky, Ohio and New Hampshire.

If a relatively unknown republican state legislator with a truck, in the heart of liberal, big government, Kennedyland, can win an election that’s been held by the democrat political machine for over 5 decades, WARNING, democrats and RINO’s (republicans in name only) alike better be on the lookout. You’re at risk for losing your seat. The American people are coming to take this country back from socialists, tax and spend politicians, American apologists, and Islamic extremist sympathizers, regardless of your party affiliation.

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Shovel Ready Jobs, Right–AKA Increased Taxes

rwcreasy — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 15:46:57 +0000

After the fanfare and good tidings which created that tingling sensation that ran up and down our spines when Barack Obama and team redistributed more of our federal tax dollars through the TARP scheme for “shovel ready” jobs (remember Jobs, Jobs, Jobs) it’s time to see exactly what the consequences are. First of all, no one can really document the success or inherent failure of the bailout because much of the statistics reported on the government web site are fictitious, listing districts and towns that don’t exist as having received dollars from nanny. We do know that most of the money has never been spent even though we were told that we must act immediately. Today on the front page of the Philadelphia Inquirer, our liberal governor, “slick Eddie” Rendell is calling for natural gas drilling taxes and raising tax on personal income. Taxes that will stifle exploration and extraction of this energy source which is still in its infancy. We just witnessed the Pennsylvania lawmakers from both parties object to a broad based tax increase which delayed a budget approval by 101 day impasse. Why is Rendell bringing this unpopular idea up again? To deal with the budget shortage “tsunami” created as the federal stimulus dollars dry up. Get it? Now additional taxes must be raised on a state and local level to continue supporting all these “jobs” that were allegedly created. As long as liberal democrats and sleepy citizens continue on their drunken spending spree, the working men and women of this great country will have to work even harder so that Washington can continue to spend our money. The actual cost of spending dollars at a federal level is often times pushed down to state and local government to make up for shortfalls for the local working citizens (those paying taxes) to deal with. I hope you’re enjoying your TARP funded job. By the way, do you know anyone who received a job as a result of TARP?

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An Evening With Rick

rwcreasy — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 01:14:19 +0000

Christmas 2009

Transcript (not verbatim) below:

What are you telling yourself on Christmas Eve?

An evening with Rick Creasy

12/24/2009

Rick: Are there any questions for me tonight?

Clint: I have a question. I like Fox News but I’m trying to figure out how can I get more Fox news. I know it comes in on the TV, but is there any other place I can get Fox News?

Rick: Yeah, I think Bill O’Reilly has a book out….Fresh…something. You can get it on the internet, do you have internet? Cause you know Al Gore discovered the internet and it’s really begun to take over. So if you have the internet you should check it out

Grandma Howard: And what about getting it on the iPOD?

Rick: That’s a great question, Grandma! And this is coming from my 87 year-old m other in law, and she’s right, the iPod would be an excellent way to capture Fox News

So does that answer your question?

Grandma Howard: I’ve got a question. I’m really worried about health insurance. Should I stay with Medicare or go with a younger group?

Rick: That’s a great question. Nanny is going to provide for you. Fo shizzle. And for example, if you like waiting in line at the post office, you’re going to love waiting in line for healthcare. Just take me for example, just the other day I was in line for stamps for over 30 minutes.

Grandma Howard: So did you stamp while you were waiting in line for stamps…?

Rick: But really, the White House and Barak Obama are doing everything they can do to take from one and give to another

Grandma Howard: Really, what did you do while you were waiting in line for stamps? Did your feet stamp at all?

Sarah: I have a question. What advice would you give to a girl who’s married into a family for about a year and three months and is just starting to wonder what she should call her in-laws. Has she missed the boat on calling them mom and dad?

Rick: Come to think of it I’m not sure what you’ve been calling me in the past. Dad would probably be a better substitute. You know, my boys call me rick, so it doesn’t really matter at all. The most important thing is that there’s a lot of love and devotion especially when it comes to me. Really all it takes is loyalty, dedication, and devotion and unwavering loyalty. But seriously, on’t call me the old man. Rick, pops, or P. Diddy will do.

Kathy: What should I do about my dining room? I’ve got this great Hinkle Harris table but no chairs chairs? And if I get either the Hinkle Harris Schillbacks or Chippendale chairs and does that mean that I can’t get drapes too?

Rick: I’m glad you asked, and this may take up the rest of the night…

I’m sitting here looking at the dining room and it’s lovely but you know what, it’s been 13 years that we’ve been living here and there are no chairs. Get the chairs…I think I could give the same advice about drapes…I mean I only make 50,000 dollars a year so you’ll have to figure out where the money is coming, but honestly you do the books and you know what’s best anyway but I’m going to flip fast forward and reverse it and just say you do the books, you get it done. GET THE CHAIRS AND THE DRAPES

Lee: I can’t come up with question.

Rick: Well then, I advise to get with it and start asking me for more advice.

Lee: I want advice on what advice should I get from you?

Rick: Lee, you need all the advice I can give you which basically includes every move you would ever make. Such as having a child, buying a car, what color slacks, hairstyle, buying a house, music, facial hair, video games. And by the way you’ve been watching way too many video games. And another thing you need advice on is time management.

Grandma Howard: I have a question, did you give advice that you weren’t asked to give

Rick: I doubt it.

Kathy: I’d like for us to take a vote. Has Rick ever given us advice that we didn’t ask for?

Clint: Yes

Grandma Howard: No

Lee: Yes

Sarah: I’m loyal Dad!

Kathy: YES YES YES!

Rick: Nobody ever goes for my advice anyway. They juste wear what they want to wear, do what they want to do, buy what they want to buy. Also, no one gets my sense of humor.

Fo sheazy.

So, Goodnight and God bless…and could someone please explain the economy to Katie Couric?

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Mammograms

rwcreasy — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 23:05:09 +0000

The USPSTF, (United States Preventive Services Task Force) a panel of independent medical experts but part of the US Department of Health and Human Services, said it was recommending against annual mammograms for women between the ages of 40 and 49, saying the risks outweighed the benefits from earlier screening. That …announcement, which goes against a trend of recommending increased screening by cancer agencies, has left many confused. This is especially true since the American Cancer Society and the ACOG (American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology) disagree with the recommendation.

Now honestly, If you are a woman reading this, how do you feel about the recent recommendation by the government panel of “medical experts?” Guys, how do you feel about your wife, mother, or other significant female in your life not getting mammograms early? And by the way dudes, your PSA (blood test for prostate cancer screening) will be next to undergo scrutiny. If you feel ok about it, or good about it, then you’ll love the new government run healthcare plan about to be passed by the senate (already passed by Pelosi’s house.) This is exactly a preview of what is going to happen. A panel of “medical experts” will come up with some type of health or medical related recommendation to disallow this test, or that procedure, or decrease this diagnostic work-up, can’t prescribe this medication because it’s too expensive, not on the government run drug formulary, can’t have this treatment because, because, because…..And if you’re a doctor right now you must be shaking in your boots. The first time you abide by one of these “panel’s” decisions to cut corners with a diagnostic test and the patient develops a malignant tumor, in march the trial lawyers (sorry Clint and Lewis and Scott) to pluck the rewards of negligence and medical malpractice. How’s that hope and change working for ya?

Self Talk Analysis » Politics

Food Police–Taxes and Regulation

My Political Framework of Thinking

I’m Thankful When the Government Looks After Me

Why all the Anger?

What Conservatives Believe

Scott Brown

Shovel Ready Jobs, Right–AKA Increased Taxes

An Evening With Rick

Mammograms

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