The General Ledger

Ice Cream or Cow Feeder

2008-11-06T15:59:00.003-05:00

A wonderful illustration that's being passed around the email circuit. While I don't take credit for the story, I definitely sympathize with the cow feeder.

This is a great civics lesson from a third grade teacher. "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. Every one applauded. He sat down and Olivia came to the podium. 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 opens his mouth he offers ice cream, and fifty percent of America reacts like nine year olds. They want ice cream The other fifty percent know they're going to have to feed the cow.

Great Reagan Quote

2008-08-22T15:02:00.001-04:00

A great pro-life quote from his speech at the Alfred M. Landon Lecture Series on Public Issues, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kan., Sept. 9, 1982

"Simple morality dictates that unless and until someone can prove the unborn human is not alive, we must give it the benefit of the doubt and assume it is. And thus, it should be entitled to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."

Bar Stool Economics

2008-08-11T18:12:00.001-04:00

This is an awesome example in how the tax system works. As far as I know David R. Kamerschen, Ph.D. Professor of Economics, University of Georgia was the author of this:

Suppose that every day, ten men go out for beer
and the bill for all ten comes to $100.
If they paid their bill the way we pay our taxes,
it would go something like this:
The first four men (the poorest) would pay nothing.

The fifth would pay $1.
The sixth would pay $3.
The seventh would pay $7.
The eighth would pay $12.
The ninth would pay $18.
The tenth man (the richest) would pay $59.
So, that's what they decided to do.

The ten men drank in the bar every day and seemed
quite happy with the arrangement, until one day,
the owner threw them a curve.
'Since you are all such good customers, he said,
'I'm going to reduce the cost of your daily beer by $20.
Drinks for the ten now cost just $80.

The group still wanted to pay their bill the way we pay our taxes
so the first four men were unaffected. They would still drink for
free. But what about the other six men - the paying customers?
How could they divide the $20 windfall so that everyone
would get his 'fair share?' They realized that $20 divided by six is
$3.33.
But if they subtracted that from everybody's share,
then the fifth man and the sixth man would each end up
being paid to drink his beer. So, the bar owner suggested
that it would be fair to reduce each man's bill by roughly
the same amount, and he proceeded to work out the amounts each
should pay.

And so:
The fifth man, like the first four, now paid nothing (100%
savings).
The sixth now paid $2 instead of $3 (33%savings).
The seventh now pay $5 instead of $7 (28%savings).
The eighth now paid $9 instead of $12 (25% savings).
The ninth now paid $14 instead of $18 (22% savings).
The tenth now paid $49 instead of $59 (16% savings).

Each of the six were better off than before.
And the first four continued to drink for free.
But once outside the restaurant, the men began to compare their
savings.

'I only got a dollar out of the $20.', declared the sixth man.
He pointed to the tenth man,' but he got $10!'
'Yeah, that's right,' exclaimed the fifth man.
'I only saved a dollar, too. It's unfair that he got ten times more
than I!'
'That's true!!' shouted the seventh man.
'Why should he get $10 back when I got only two?
The wealthy get all the breaks!'
'Wait a minute,' yelled the first four men in unison.
'We didn't get anything at all. The system exploits the poor!'

The nine men surrounded the tenth and beat him up.
The next night the tenth man didn't show up for drinks,
so the nine sat down and had beers without him.
But when it came time to pay the bill, they discovered something
important. They didn't have enough money between all of them for
even half of the bill!

And that, boys and girls, journalists and college professors, is
how our tax system works.

The people who pay the highest taxes get the most benefit from a
tax reduction. Tax them too much, attack them for being wealthy, and they
just may
not show up anymore.
In fact, they might start drinking overseas where the atmosphere is
somewhat friendlier.

Are Gas Prices Really Going Up?

2008-06-10T16:13:00.003-04:00

Great Video. Click Here

In summary:

In 1947 gas was $.25/gallon
In 1947 the price for a 1/4 ounce of silver was $.25
In 2008 the price for a 1/4 ounce of silver is a little over $4
In 2008 the price for a gallon of gas is $4

Similarities? Inflation?

Congress to the Rescue

2008-03-29T00:11:00.006-04:00

Or... should I say Democrats to the rescue. Apparently Barney Frank (D - Ma.) and Chuck Schumer (D - NY) have voiced their opinion of government and Federal Reserve oversight of private financial institutions to insure that the public is protected... how nice.

Thoughts?

Also a great quote from Treasury Secretary Paulson: “I am not suggesting that more regulation is the answer, or even that more effective regulation can prevent the periods of financial market stress that seem to occur every 5 to 10 years,” Mr. Paulson will say in a speech on Monday, according to a draft. “I am suggesting that we should and can have a structure that is designed for the world we live in, one that is more flexible.”

????

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/29/business/29regulate.html?ei=5065&en=7ba12b1b93b17830&ex=1207368000&partner=MYWAY&pagewanted=print

The Conservative Creed - William F. Buckley

2008-03-06T16:52:00.000-05:00

“I will not cede more power to the state. I will not willingly cede more power to anyone, not to the state, not to General Motors, not to the CIO. I will hoard my power like a miser, resisting every effort to drain it away from me. I will then use my power, as I see fit. I mean to live my life an obedient man, but obedient to God, subservient to the wisdom of my ancestors; never to the authority of political truths arrived at yesterday at the voting booth. That is a program of sorts, is it not? It is certainly program enough to keep conservatives busy, and Liberals at bay. And the nation free.”

-William F. Buckley 1925-2008

Spring Break - TAX PAYER STYLE

2007-04-16T10:23:00.000-04:00

According to the article, Andrews Air Force base flew "atleast 13 congressional delegations to various destinations during the Easter recess - at an estimated rate of $10,000 or more per flying hour."

http://www.examiner.com/a-675671~Congressional_junkets_picking_up_steam.html

A sneak preview of Barnesville - HamBone

2007-02-22T09:59:00.000-05:00

From the movie disintegration by Roger McLeod

Gun Control Debate Settled

2007-02-21T10:32:00.000-05:00

Columnist, Lecturer and Professor at UNC Wilmington – Mike Adams, has unloaded the ever complex issue of fire arms in America. Inspired by a survey conducted by the Gun Violence Prevention Center of Utah, Adams in his unique style puts the hammer down on this debate.

Read the full article here:

http://www.townhall.com/columnists/column.aspx?UrlTitle=fourth_grader_settles_gun_control_debate_details_at_1100&ns=MikeSAdams&amp;dt=02/19/2007&page=full&comments=true

Hanoi Jane is now Jihad Jane?

2007-01-28T10:34:00.000-05:00

After a 34 year sabbatical, Vietnam War protester "Hanoi" Jane Fonda notorious for her association with the communist North Vietnamese government has entered the arena of protesting the war in Iraq.

I'm curious to know when she plans to meet with Osama Bin Laden to further her position.

Graduating by the 10th Grade?

2006-12-18T10:14:00.000-05:00

Reported on Thursday December 14th by Bloomberg: U.S. Schools Overhaul Sought, Using Private Control.
According to an expert commission sponsored by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation:

• State funding would replace local property taxes
• Merit and Incentive based pay systems for teachers
• Public Schools run by private contractors would graduate most students by 10th grade

Former US Labor Secretary William Brock was a member of the commission and was quoted in stating, “It wants to end an “insane'' U.S. school system that's producing students who can't handle either college or the workplace.”

Does "Riding the Fence" Hurt?

2006-12-04T20:56:00.000-05:00

The left leaning publication - Atlanta Journal & Constitution has an interesting piece out today. The article entitled, "Middle ground puts Isakson in pivotal position" attempts to persuade readers (as well as Isakson) that compromise has its benefits. It even goes as far to quote Roy Barnes and Ted Kennedy. The key issues of the article are based around immigration and stem cells.

Conservative Margaret Thatcher once said, "consensus is the lack of leadership", while moderates boast that compromise is the best solution.

As for Isakson and Georgians, does consensus give us satisfaction?

Congressman-Elect Will Swear in on Koran

2006-12-04T15:29:00.000-05:00

For the inauguration of his first term as congressman, Keith Ellison (D) Minnesota, a follower of Islam will swear in using the Koran.

Thoughts?

Unions Continue Siege on Wal-Mart

2006-11-26T21:04:00.000-05:00

This is a great article that covers the battle over the workforce of the Nation's largest private employer. From Wal-Mart's debacles in PR, to the Union's tactics of lobbying Government (i.e. state of Maryland), the stakes are high.

Does Wal-Mart overstep the boundaries of Capitalism? Many loathe the fact of Wal-Mart’s purchase power in China - erroneous for Human Right's violations...

In the related article, could large companies, like Wal-Mart benefit from paying higher wages and providing better benefits to their employees? Is this a decision for government to make? In rural American, is it Wal-Mart's responsibility to positively impact the community it profits from?

Simply stated do you like or dislike Wal-Mart and why?

http://www.ajc.com/search/content/business/stories/2006/11/26/sbizwalmart1126a.html

Is Georgia ready for another Collegiate Football Program?

2006-11-26T20:18:00.000-05:00

Georgia State University, the state's 2nd largest college is considering entering into the annual fall tail-gating festival. Speculative cost for starting a Division II program are only $1-2 million, but sources tell me that a full blown Division I program start at over $50 million. Kennesaw State is referenced in the AJC's developing story (see link below) for pig skin interest as well.

http://www.ajc.com/search/content/sports/stories/2006/11/25/1126gastate.html

Coach Killers - Similarities in Falcons and Yellow Jackets

2006-11-26T20:13:00.000-05:00

Similarities
Both Teams have a one-player offense: Michael Vick and Reggie Ball.

Differences:
Ball graduates this year - Vick doesn't.

Can a team reach Championship status with a one-player offense?

Good Old Fashion Hate

2006-11-21T14:19:00.000-05:00

The widely used catch phrase coined by Lewis Grizzard has come to pass to describe a one time bitter rivalry between two state schools. Georgia holding a 57-38-5 series lead that began in 1893 comes into this years contest as the underdog. Although most Tech fans agree that this is the premier event of the year, many new-comers to UGA fan fare see other contenders. Florida seems to top most list with the infamous World's Greatest Cocktail Party. Interesting enough, Georgia has a 2-15 record with Fla. since 1990.

Georgia has won the last five of the meetings with Tech, perhaps sealing the bitterness with Tech Fans. Tech comes into the game with a pending ACC Conference Championship... Georgia simply for bragging rights.

A few more facts to learn:

Tech has 4 National Titles (1917, 28, 52, & 90)
UGA has 3 (1942, 46 and 80) please note that 42 & 46 were during WWII - lack of male players in college football!

Largest Employer In Georgia Up For Grabs

2006-11-16T10:23:00.000-05:00

Financially embattled Delta Airlines was publicly outplayed this week by competitor US Air. In a ploy to purchase the bankrupt airline, US Airways took their case to the media. The rival airline, just 14 months out of bankruptcy,announced that Citigroup would be the primary lender for the purchase - a backing of $7.2 billion.

In the related AJC article, three things come to mind with Delta's dilemma:
1. Delta's struggle with creditors
2. Federal Government Regulators threatening intervention
3. Formerly Bankrupt US Air is borrowing a lot of money to purchase a bankrupt airline.

Are these organizations out of their minds?

http://www.ajc.com/business/content/business/delta/stories/2006/11/15/1116bizdeltamain.html

Local School Superintendent Reaches Out to Home Schoolers

2006-11-10T10:02:00.000-05:00

Lamar County Schools - Barnesville, Ga.

According the Herald Gazette, School Superintendent Dr. Bill Truby is doing something unprecedented: "he's contacted the parents of home schooled and private schooled children in Lamar County, offering school system support – and seeking information on why those parents chose alternatives to Lamar schools." The article continues, as Truby "explains that his personal philosophy of education dealing with a parent’s role in education finds its roots in the Bible: it is the parents’ responsibility to teach and train children."

view the full article:

http://www.barnesville.com/Headlines.html

Will a republican loss help the conservative movement?

2006-11-08T10:12:00.000-05:00

It has long been discussed that the former republican majority is far from its conservative roots. The voters definitely made a decision for change. The change, however was for liberalism, not conservatism. Will the party of Reagan Conservatives rise again?

Unemployment Hits All Time Low

2006-11-03T09:44:00.000-05:00

As manufacturing jobs have been outsourced overseas for the past decade, unemployment figures have not correlated. Apparently the manufacturing workers of the US have found alternative means of employment. Will this trend continue? Is this good news, long-term?

http://today.reuters.com/news/articlenews.aspx?type=topNews&storyid=2006-11-03T142328Z_01_N02359086_RTRUKOC_0_US-ECONOMY-JOBS.xml&src=rss&rpc=22

CNN Quotes the Gipper

2006-10-30T11:12:00.000-05:00

WASHINGTON (CNN.com) -- "A quarter century after the Reagan revolution and a dozen years after Republicans vaulted into control of Congress, a new CNN poll finds most Americans still agree with the bedrock conservative premise that, as the Gipper put it, "government is not the answer to our problems -- government is the problem.""

View the full article here:

http://www.cnn.com/2006/POLITICS/10/27/poll.government/index.html

School Lunches

2006-10-26T14:37:00.000-04:00

Parenting today is tougher and tougher. With most households operating on dual incomes, parents are typically relying on the school's to feed their children during the day.

Why does the Federal Government need to be involved with feeding school children? Free Lunches, reduced price lunches or for that matter, full price lunches - is this a constitutional role for the government?

What's going on, America?

2006-10-26T11:50:00.000-04:00

This just in from Reuters: Alan Greenspan speaking at a conference for the Commerical Finance Assocation: "We’re beginning to see some move from the Dollar to the Euro, both from the private sector… but also from monetary authorities and central banks.”

Greenspan's comments have led me to this thought: In the past decade, we have seen a global shift in trade, commerce and most definitely a clash of cultures. As the sole super power, America has led the way in this movement, but do we know where we are going?

As global influence dominates America's economy, will we become stronger or will our power diminish?

What Defense?

2006-10-23T10:27:00.000-04:00

I'm definitely glad for the 41-38 win, but what was up with the shoot out? DeAngelo Hall couldn't hang with Hines Ward. Why didn't the D-fence adjust? Assuming this is the style of play, can the Falcon's keep up with the high profile offenses of the NFL?