Sunday, August 29, 2010
Thursday, July 29, 2010
A Speech Every American High School Principal Should Give
By Dennis Prager
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
IF EVERY SCHOOL PRINCIPAL GAVE THIS SPEECH AT THE BEGINNING OF THE NEXT SCHOOL YEAR, AMERICA WOULD BE A BETTER PLACE .
To the students and faculty of our high school:
I am your new principal, and honored to be so. There is no greater calling than to teach young people.
I would like to apprise you of some important changes coming to our school. I am making these changes because I am convinced that most of the ideas that have dominated public education in America have worked against you, against your teachers and against our country.
First, this school will no longer honor race or ethnicity. I could not care less if your racial makeup is black, brown, red, yellow or white. I could not care less if your origins are African, Latin American, Asian or European, or if your ancestors arrived here on the Mayflower or on slave ships.
The only identity I care about, the only one this school will recognize, is your individual identity -- your character, your scholarship, your humanity. And the only national identity this school will care about is American. This is an American public school, and American public schools were created to make better Americans.
If you wish to affirm an ethnic, racial or religious identity through school, you will have to go elsewhere. We will end all ethnicity-, race- and non-American nationality-based celebrations. They undermine the motto of America , one of its three central values -- e pluribus unum, "from many, one." And this school will be guided by America 's values.
This includes all after-school clubs. I will not authorize clubs that divide students based on any identities. This includes race, language, religion, sexual orientation or whatever else may become in vogue in a society divided by political correctness.
Your clubs will be based on interests and passions, not blood, ethnic, racial or other physically defined ties. Those clubs just cultivate narcissism -- an unhealthy preoccupation with the self -- while the purpose of education is to get you to think beyond yourself. So we will have clubs that transport you to the wonders and glories of art, music, astronomy, languages you do not already speak, carpentry and more. If the only extracurricular activities you can imagine being interesting in are those based on ethnic, racial or sexual identity, that means that little outside of yourself really interests you.
Second, I am uninterested in whether English is your native language. My only interest in terms of language is that you leave this school speaking and writing English as fluently as possible. The English language has united America 's citizens for over 200 years, and it will unite us at this school. It is one of the indispensable reasons this country of immigrants has always come to be one country. And if you leave this school without excellent English language skills, I would be remiss in my duty to ensure that you will be prepared to successfully compete in the American job market. We will learn other languages here -- it is deplorable that most Americans only speak English -- but if you want classes taught in your native language rather than in English, this is not your school.
Third, because I regard learning as a sacred endeavor, everything in this school will reflect learning's elevated status. This means, among other things, that you and your teachers will dress accordingly. Many people in our society dress more formally for Hollywood events than for church or school. These people have their priorities backward. Therefore, there will be a formal dress code at this school.
Fourth, no obscene language will be tolerated anywhere on this school's property -- whether in class, in the hallways or at athletic events. If you can't speak without using the f-word, you can't speak. By obscene language I mean the words banned by the Federal Communications Commission, plus epithets such as "Nigger," even when used by one black student to address another black, or "bitch," even when addressed by a girl to a girlfriend. It is my intent that by the time you leave this school, you will be among the few your age to instinctively distinguish between the elevated and the degraded, the holy and the obscene.
Fifth, we will end all self-esteem programs. In this school, self-esteem will be attained in only one way -- the way people attained it until decided otherwise a generation ago -- by earning it. One immediate consequence is that there will be one valedictorian, not eight.
Sixth, and last, I am reorienting the school toward academics and away from politics and propaganda. No more time will devoted to scaring you about smoking and caffeine, or terrifying you about sexual harassment or global warming. No more semesters will be devoted to condom wearing and teaching you to regard sexual relations as only or primarily a health issue. There will be no more attempts to convince you that you are a victim because you are not white, or not male, or not heterosexual or not Christian. We will have failed if any one of you graduates this school and does not consider him or herself inordinately lucky -- to be alive and to be an American.
Now, please stand and join me in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of our country. As many of you do not know the words, your teachers will hand them out to you.
Emails
I got this Email from Nancy Pelosi in my junk box.
This year, you helped lead the fight for historic health insurance reform and Wall Street reform for the American people.
Since America's progress would not be possible without Grassroots Democrats like you, as a special thank you, I wanted to give you and a guest the opportunity to join myself and President Obama at a dinner the evening of August 16th in Los Angeles.
Click here to be automatically entered for a chance to win a trip to Los Angeles (airfare and hotel included). You and your guest will be my guests at a dinner with President Obama on August 16th.
Meet President Obama
The stakes could not be higher right now for the American people.
More than ever, Grassroots Democrats like you know your power. Republicans are claiming they have the momentum, but you and I know better. We will never stop fighting to move America forward.
Let's make history together again in these final critical months before November's elections. As President Obama says, "now is the season for action."
Please enter today -- you could be part of our historic gathering in Los Angeles and meet President Obama.
Thank you.
Nancy Pelosi
Nancy Pelosi
Speaker of the House
P.S. Click here to be automatically entered for a chance to win a trip to Los Angeles (airfare and hotel included). You and your guest will be my guests at a dinner with President Obama on August 16th.
This year, you helped lead the fight for historic health insurance reform and Wall Street reform for the American people.
Since America's progress would not be possible without Grassroots Democrats like you, as a special thank you, I wanted to give you and a guest the opportunity to join myself and President Obama at a dinner the evening of August 16th in Los Angeles.
Click here to be automatically entered for a chance to win a trip to Los Angeles (airfare and hotel included). You and your guest will be my guests at a dinner with President Obama on August 16th.
Meet President Obama
The stakes could not be higher right now for the American people.
More than ever, Grassroots Democrats like you know your power. Republicans are claiming they have the momentum, but you and I know better. We will never stop fighting to move America forward.
Let's make history together again in these final critical months before November's elections. As President Obama says, "now is the season for action."
Please enter today -- you could be part of our historic gathering in Los Angeles and meet President Obama.
Thank you.
Nancy Pelosi
Nancy Pelosi
Speaker of the House
P.S. Click here to be automatically entered for a chance to win a trip to Los Angeles (airfare and hotel included). You and your guest will be my guests at a dinner with President Obama on August 16th.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Friday, March 26, 2010
ABSOLUTELY THE BEST EXPLANATION
OF WHY OBAMA WON THE ELECTION
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE COW AND THE ICE CREAM
From a teacher in the Nashville area
"We are worried about 'the cow' when it is all about the 'Ice Cream.'
The most eye-opening civics lesson I ever had was while teaching third grade this year...
The presidential election was heating up and some of the children showed an interest.
I decided we would have an election for a class president.
We would choose our nominees. They would make a campaign speech and the class would vote.
To simplify the process, candidates were nominated by other class members.
We discussed what kinds of characteristics these students should have.
We got many nominations and from those, Jamie and Olivia were picked to run for the top spot.
The class had done a great job in their selections. Both candidates were good kids.
I thought Jamie might have an advantage because he got lots of parental support.
I had never seen Olivia's mother.
The day arrived when they were to make their speeches.
Jamie went first.
He had specific ideas about how to make our class a better place. He ended by promising to do his very best.
Everyone applauded and he sat down.
Now it was Olivia's turn to speak.
Her speech was concise.
She said, "If you will vote for me, I will give you ice cream."
She sat down.
The class went wild. "Yes! Yes!
We want ice cream."
She surely would say more.. She did not have to.
A discussion followed. How did she plan to pay for the ice cream?
She wasn't sure.
Would her parents buy it or would the class pay for it.
She didn't know.
The class really didn't care.
All they were thinking about was ice cream...
Jamie was forgotten. Olivia won by a landslide..
Every time Barack Obama opened his mouth he offered ice cream and
52 percent of the people reacted like nine year olds.
They want ice cream.
The other 48 percent know
they're going to have to feed the cow and clean up the mess."
This is the ice cream Obama promised us!
OF WHY OBAMA WON THE ELECTION
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE COW AND THE ICE CREAM
From a teacher in the Nashville area
"We are worried about 'the cow' when it is all about the 'Ice Cream.'
The most eye-opening civics lesson I ever had was while teaching third grade this year...
The presidential election was heating up and some of the children showed an interest.
I decided we would have an election for a class president.
We would choose our nominees. They would make a campaign speech and the class would vote.
To simplify the process, candidates were nominated by other class members.
We discussed what kinds of characteristics these students should have.
We got many nominations and from those, Jamie and Olivia were picked to run for the top spot.
The class had done a great job in their selections. Both candidates were good kids.
I thought Jamie might have an advantage because he got lots of parental support.
I had never seen Olivia's mother.
The day arrived when they were to make their speeches.
Jamie went first.
He had specific ideas about how to make our class a better place. He ended by promising to do his very best.
Everyone applauded and he sat down.
Now it was Olivia's turn to speak.
Her speech was concise.
She said, "If you will vote for me, I will give you ice cream."
She sat down.
The class went wild. "Yes! Yes!
We want ice cream."
She surely would say more.. She did not have to.
A discussion followed. How did she plan to pay for the ice cream?
She wasn't sure.
Would her parents buy it or would the class pay for it.
She didn't know.
The class really didn't care.
All they were thinking about was ice cream...
Jamie was forgotten. Olivia won by a landslide..
Every time Barack Obama opened his mouth he offered ice cream and
52 percent of the people reacted like nine year olds.
They want ice cream.
The other 48 percent know
they're going to have to feed the cow and clean up the mess."
This is the ice cream Obama promised us!
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Obama & Peiosi Joke
In Washington , D.C. an old priest lay dying in the hospital. For years he had faithfully served the people of the nation's capital and was well known among the elected officials. He motioned for his nurse to come near.
"Yes, Father?" said the nurse.
"I would really like to see President Obama and Speaker Pelosi before I die", whispered the priest.
"I'll see what I can do, Father", replied the nurse.
The nurse sent the request to The President and Congress and waited for a response. Soon the word arrived; President Obama and Nancy Pelosi would be delighted to visit the priest.
As they went to the hospital, Obama commented to Pelosi, "I don't know why the old priest wants to see us, but it will certainly help our images and might even get me re-elected."
Pelosi agreed that it was a good thing.
When they arrived at the priest's room, the priest took Obama's hand in his right hand and Pelosi's hand in his left hand. There was silence and a look of serenity on the old priest's face.
Finally President Obama spoke.. "Father, of all the people you could have chosen, why did you choose us to be with you as you near the end?"
The old priest slowly replied, "I have always tried to pattern my life after our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."
"Amen", said Obama.
"Amen", said Pelosi.
The old priest continued, "Jesus died between two lying thieves; I would like to do the same.."
"Yes, Father?" said the nurse.
"I would really like to see President Obama and Speaker Pelosi before I die", whispered the priest.
"I'll see what I can do, Father", replied the nurse.
The nurse sent the request to The President and Congress and waited for a response. Soon the word arrived; President Obama and Nancy Pelosi would be delighted to visit the priest.
As they went to the hospital, Obama commented to Pelosi, "I don't know why the old priest wants to see us, but it will certainly help our images and might even get me re-elected."
Pelosi agreed that it was a good thing.
When they arrived at the priest's room, the priest took Obama's hand in his right hand and Pelosi's hand in his left hand. There was silence and a look of serenity on the old priest's face.
Finally President Obama spoke.. "Father, of all the people you could have chosen, why did you choose us to be with you as you near the end?"
The old priest slowly replied, "I have always tried to pattern my life after our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."
"Amen", said Obama.
"Amen", said Pelosi.
The old priest continued, "Jesus died between two lying thieves; I would like to do the same.."
Monday, March 1, 2010
Letter from congressmen Dave Camp
Dear Anthony:
Thank you for contacting me.
I appreciate knowing your views on health care reform. I recognize that the high cost of health care is affecting nearly every American. Congress should act in a responsible way to drive down health care costs crippling individuals and businesses alike, and expand access to affordable health care options for those who lack health care coverage. This is an issue that should have strong bipartisan agreement.
Yet, over the objections of Republicans and Democrats alike, trillion dollar health care bills were rammed through both the House and Senate. I do not support either of these bills because they do nothing to lower the rising costs of health care premiums, slash Medicare by half a trillion dollars and spend taxpayer money that we do not have. In recent weeks, Democratic leaders have acknowledged that the existing bills do not have sufficient support to pass, and are considering new approaches.
I have offered an alternative plan, H.R. 4038, the Common Sense Health Care Reform and Affordability Act, that I believe could be a basis for finding common ground. My bill is a step-by-step approach to comprehensive health care reform that focuses on immediate reforms to lower health coverage costs - the first step to expanding coverage - without raising taxes, without cutting Medicare, without spending over $ 1 trillion.
It is my hope that Congressional leaders will work on a bipartisan basis to find^ common ground. I believe my alternative proposal is the responsible way to start. I encourage you to view my plan online at www.camp.house.gov/health Thank you again for contacting me.
Sincerely,
DAVE CAMP
Member of Congress
Thank you for contacting me.
I appreciate knowing your views on health care reform. I recognize that the high cost of health care is affecting nearly every American. Congress should act in a responsible way to drive down health care costs crippling individuals and businesses alike, and expand access to affordable health care options for those who lack health care coverage. This is an issue that should have strong bipartisan agreement.
Yet, over the objections of Republicans and Democrats alike, trillion dollar health care bills were rammed through both the House and Senate. I do not support either of these bills because they do nothing to lower the rising costs of health care premiums, slash Medicare by half a trillion dollars and spend taxpayer money that we do not have. In recent weeks, Democratic leaders have acknowledged that the existing bills do not have sufficient support to pass, and are considering new approaches.
I have offered an alternative plan, H.R. 4038, the Common Sense Health Care Reform and Affordability Act, that I believe could be a basis for finding common ground. My bill is a step-by-step approach to comprehensive health care reform that focuses on immediate reforms to lower health coverage costs - the first step to expanding coverage - without raising taxes, without cutting Medicare, without spending over $ 1 trillion.
It is my hope that Congressional leaders will work on a bipartisan basis to find^ common ground. I believe my alternative proposal is the responsible way to start. I encourage you to view my plan online at www.camp.house.gov/health Thank you again for contacting me.
Sincerely,
DAVE CAMP
Member of Congress
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Backdoor taxes to hit middle class
Backdoor taxes to hit middle class
Mon Feb 1, 4:09 PM
By Terri Cullen
NEW YORK (Reuters.com) --The Obama administration's plan to cut more than $1 trillion from the deficit over the next decade relies heavily on so-called backdoor tax increases that will result in a bigger tax bill for middle-class families.
In the 2010 budget tabled by President Barack Obama on Monday, the White House wants to let billions of dollars in tax breaks expire by the end of the year -- effectively a tax hike by stealth.
While the administration is focusing its proposal on eliminating tax breaks for individuals who earn $250,000 a year or more, middle-class families will face a slew of these backdoor increases.
The targeted tax provisions were enacted under the Bush administration's Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001. Among other things, the law lowered individual tax rates, slashed taxes on capital gains and dividends, and steadily scaled back the estate tax to zero in 2010.
If the provisions are allowed to expire on December 31, the top-tier personal income tax rate will rise to 39.6 percent from 35 percent. But lower-income families will pay more as well: the 25 percent tax bracket will revert back to 28 percent; the 28 percent bracket will increase to 31 percent; and the 33 percent bracket will increase to 36 percent. The special 10 percent bracket is eliminated.
Investors will pay more on their earnings next year as well, with the tax on dividends jumping to 39.6 percent from 15 percent and the capital-gains tax increasing to 20 percent from 15 percent. The estate tax is eliminated this year, but it will return in 2011 -- though there has been talk about reinstating the death tax sooner.
Millions of middle-class households already may be facing higher taxes in 2010 because Congress has failed to extend tax breaks that expired on January 1, most notably a "patch" that limited the impact of the alternative minimum tax. The AMT, initially designed to prevent the very rich from avoiding income taxes, was never indexed for inflation. Now the tax is affecting millions of middle-income households, but lawmakers have been reluctant to repeal it because it has become a key source of revenue.
Without annual legislation to renew the patch this year, the AMT could affect an estimated 25 million taxpayers with incomes as low as $33,750 (or $45,000 for joint filers). Even if the patch is extended to last year's levels, the tax will hit American families that can hardly be considered wealthy -- the AMT exemption for 2009 was $46,700 for singles and $70,950 for married couples filing jointly.
Middle-class families also will find fewer tax breaks available to them in 2010 if other popular tax provisions are allowed to expire. Among them:
* Taxpayers who itemize will lose the option to deduct state sales-tax payments instead of state and local income taxes;
* The $250 teacher tax credit for classroom supplies;
* The tax deduction for up to $4,000 of college tuition and expenses;
* Individuals who don't itemize will no longer be able to increase their standard deduction by up to $1,000 for property taxes paid;
* The first $2,400 of unemployment benefits are taxable, in 2009 that amount was tax-free.
Copyright © 2010 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.
Copyright © 2010 Yahoo! Canada Co. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy - Terms of Service
Community Guidelines - Privacy Guidelines
Mon Feb 1, 4:09 PM
By Terri Cullen
NEW YORK (Reuters.com) --The Obama administration's plan to cut more than $1 trillion from the deficit over the next decade relies heavily on so-called backdoor tax increases that will result in a bigger tax bill for middle-class families.
In the 2010 budget tabled by President Barack Obama on Monday, the White House wants to let billions of dollars in tax breaks expire by the end of the year -- effectively a tax hike by stealth.
While the administration is focusing its proposal on eliminating tax breaks for individuals who earn $250,000 a year or more, middle-class families will face a slew of these backdoor increases.
The targeted tax provisions were enacted under the Bush administration's Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001. Among other things, the law lowered individual tax rates, slashed taxes on capital gains and dividends, and steadily scaled back the estate tax to zero in 2010.
If the provisions are allowed to expire on December 31, the top-tier personal income tax rate will rise to 39.6 percent from 35 percent. But lower-income families will pay more as well: the 25 percent tax bracket will revert back to 28 percent; the 28 percent bracket will increase to 31 percent; and the 33 percent bracket will increase to 36 percent. The special 10 percent bracket is eliminated.
Investors will pay more on their earnings next year as well, with the tax on dividends jumping to 39.6 percent from 15 percent and the capital-gains tax increasing to 20 percent from 15 percent. The estate tax is eliminated this year, but it will return in 2011 -- though there has been talk about reinstating the death tax sooner.
Millions of middle-class households already may be facing higher taxes in 2010 because Congress has failed to extend tax breaks that expired on January 1, most notably a "patch" that limited the impact of the alternative minimum tax. The AMT, initially designed to prevent the very rich from avoiding income taxes, was never indexed for inflation. Now the tax is affecting millions of middle-income households, but lawmakers have been reluctant to repeal it because it has become a key source of revenue.
Without annual legislation to renew the patch this year, the AMT could affect an estimated 25 million taxpayers with incomes as low as $33,750 (or $45,000 for joint filers). Even if the patch is extended to last year's levels, the tax will hit American families that can hardly be considered wealthy -- the AMT exemption for 2009 was $46,700 for singles and $70,950 for married couples filing jointly.
Middle-class families also will find fewer tax breaks available to them in 2010 if other popular tax provisions are allowed to expire. Among them:
* Taxpayers who itemize will lose the option to deduct state sales-tax payments instead of state and local income taxes;
* The $250 teacher tax credit for classroom supplies;
* The tax deduction for up to $4,000 of college tuition and expenses;
* Individuals who don't itemize will no longer be able to increase their standard deduction by up to $1,000 for property taxes paid;
* The first $2,400 of unemployment benefits are taxable, in 2009 that amount was tax-free.
Copyright © 2010 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.
Copyright © 2010 Yahoo! Canada Co. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy - Terms of Service
Community Guidelines - Privacy Guidelines
Friday, December 11, 2009
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Friday, October 2, 2009
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Monday, September 14, 2009
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Monday, September 7, 2009
My silly cats
Top is Apricot; He's in jail do's this most morning’s sets in chair and swats at me as I walk by.
Bottom is Apples; Just rolling around on the floor being a dust mop.
I love my cats
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Response from Progressive for Glen Beck support E mail
Dear Mr. Andrus,
Recent media reports have created the incorrect impression that Progressive pulled advertising in response to specific comments made on The Glenn Beck Show, but that is not the case. The fact is that we did not intentionally place any of our advertising on the show, so when we learned that our ad had aired, we corrected the error.
Our goal is to reach a broad range of drivers to make them aware of our products and services. We value feedback on our advertising strategy, but because auto insurance is a very competitive business, we don’t discuss everything that goes into our ad placement decisions. We’d like to thank you for taking the time to express your opinion.
Sincerely,
Mary O.
Progressive Internet Representative
Recent media reports have created the incorrect impression that Progressive pulled advertising in response to specific comments made on The Glenn Beck Show, but that is not the case. The fact is that we did not intentionally place any of our advertising on the show, so when we learned that our ad had aired, we corrected the error.
Our goal is to reach a broad range of drivers to make them aware of our products and services. We value feedback on our advertising strategy, but because auto insurance is a very competitive business, we don’t discuss everything that goes into our ad placement decisions. We’d like to thank you for taking the time to express your opinion.
Sincerely,
Mary O.
Progressive Internet Representative
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Monday, August 17, 2009
What do you what between you and your doctor
This
Government run Health Care?
Or this!
Its up to you. Use your voice, be heard. TaxPayer March on DC Sept. 10th12th http://bit.ly//FoymZ
If you can't make DC then protest in front of your local Federal Building on those days.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
E mail sent to companies boycotting Glenn Beck
This is to let you know that with your boycotting of the Glenn Beck show I and others are boycotting your companies and products. I would think making consumers upset at this time of economic down fall and sluggish consumer buying would not be the smartest thing to do? But that like pulling your ads is your decision. Mine is to not buy or use any of your products.
Thank you for your time.
Tony Andrus 8/15/2009 10:04:16 AM
Thursday, August 13, 2009
White House chain E-mail
| Dear Friend, This is probably one of the longest emails I’ve ever sent, but it could be the most important. Across the country we are seeing vigorous debate about health insurance reform. Unfortunately, some of the old tactics we know so well are back — even the viral emails that fly unchecked and under the radar, spreading all sorts of lies and distortions. As President Obama said at the town hall in New Hampshire, “where we do disagree, let's disagree over things that are real, not these wild misrepresentations that bear no resemblance to anything that's actually been proposed.” So let’s start a chain email of our own. At the end of my email, you’ll find a lot of information about health insurance reform, distilled into 8 ways reform provides security and stability to those with or without coverage, 8 common myths about reform and 8 reasons we need health insurance reform now. Right now, someone you know probably has a question about reform that could be answered by what’s below. So what are you waiting for? Forward this email. Thanks, David David Axelrod Senior Adviser to the President P.S. We launched www.WhiteHouse.gov/ |
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Obama bused in from outside state for Wakarusa appearance
Obama bused in from outside state for Wakarusa appearance #tcot #obamaelkhart
Protester in Wakarusa
According to twitterers on the ground in Wakarusa, members of several unions, including pipefitters and SEIU are coming in from points as far away as New York State to counter protests during the president’s appearance here. This from the same party that accused truly local protesters across the country of being “orchestrated.”
Large crowds there already, with counter protesters chanting loudly. Conservatives report they’ve been moved a couple times and now won’t see the helicopter arrive.
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