Monday Morning Rant 74

Traveling and blogging would be great companions if one had a lap top. Absent that, one has to borrow computer time from a variety of sources and the slight variation of configurations makes for poor work—but not impossible.

I did arrive in Phoenix in time for the start of the “Rock and Roll" Arizona marathon. Although the epitome of confusion, it was an experience I would have been sorry to miss. Understand that there were 44,000 runners and none of them came to the site alone. Our party amounted to nineteen souls including mom (the runner) and dad, the kids, the brother and his family, other pals from home and the ever faithful grandmas and grandpas. It’s impossible to know for sure but I am certain every runner there averaged a support party of a least ten persons producing an audience of nearly a half a million. This number was augmented by tens of thousands of locals who lived near the route who turned out in huge numbers to cheer on the participants.

I personally managed to show up at miles 6, 10, 17, and 20 to give support to my daughter in her effort. One quickly learns how to negotiate the byways, alleys, and back entrances to businesses where parking is available. I will admit that seeing ones kin come running up and passing is a thrill that is hard to duplicate. The reward lies in their huge smile of recognition.

The event started near the capitol complex and wound its way through 26 miles of city streets with iconic names to visitors like Camelback, Indian School, Mc Clintock, and Scottsdale Road. The finish line was in a park just south of the Salt River in Tempe near Rural Road and University. Close to the finish, there happened to be a simultaneous event: the second to last NFL game for the Phoenix Cardinals for the year and, in victory, the one which propelled them into the Super Bowl. What could possibly go wrong here?

The crush of traffic at University and Rural was paralytic to both fans of the marathon and football. This was augmented by some extremely tired runners who had just finished and were walking away from the site. The streets were jammed, the sidewalks were jammed and any other available space was filled with cops, troopers, sheriffs, deputies and other helpless authorities trying to get things moving. For what it’s worth, there were more than a few folks trying to get to church that Sunday morning. I suspect that many of them failed.

It was not my daughter’s intention to win but to support the cause of cancer research the event sponsored. An entry requirement was to raise $3400 in support of that effort in order to participate. It is with pride that I report here her time of 5 hours and 36 minutes in the effort. As is the case with so many of the runners, her primary goal was to finish. She did! God bless her!

Mourning in America

Today marks the last day in the happenings of an eventful three day series. The race on Sunday, MLK day on Monday and finally this morning we have a new chief executive. I have decided, in a rare moment of fairness, to draw my conclusions about the new president based on his performance after the inauguration and not on the blather which persisted during his campaign appearances. There is after all, a world of difference between promises to get elected and the practical nature of governing what could well turn out to be a nation, ungovernable.

Although, not my choice, he is entitled to my prayers for Divine support and wisdom in the pursuit of his new duties. He would certainly not be the first to be bailed out by God in a time of need. I suspect that all of us have seen God come to our rescue at one time or another if we were able to humble ourselves before Him. I truly believe that it is the only pathway which will lead not only to personal salvation, but also the preservation of the nation. Please join me in this all-out effort.

And Finally

Tomorrow, I shall leave for Las Vegas and retreat into the absolute joy of traveling a road so familiar and reminiscent of so many happy times in my life. Now that the marathon is behind we may all be able to visit and renew our connections.

I plan to do a post soon on an installation I visited in New Mexico on the way here. It carries the interesting abbreviation of VLA. When I first saw the letters, I amused myself trying to figure out their meaning but nothing seemed to fit. Unlike the usual penchant for government to assemble titles of unpronounceable words and phrases, I was delighted to find this multi-billion dollar outfit described as: Very Large Array. More later on its purpose which I am sure you will find interesting.

I shall now excuse myself and proceed to Santa Rita and commune with the “birdies”, “eagles,” and more—likely— the bogies.

In His abiding love,

Cecil Moon

An open letter

I came across this on Knowledge is Power and, as is my custom, shamelessly copied it for your enjoyment—or distress, if that is the case. It was lifted directly from zardoz and you might want to drop by, read, and whatever else you do when you find a blog you don’t normally read. Our family thought it was a good idea but as usual, you may disagree. Read it and give it some thought.

“Dear American liberals, leftists, social progressives, socialists, Marxists, Obama supporters, et al:

We have stuck together since the late 1950’s, but the whole of this latest election process has made me realize that I want a divorce. I know we tolerated each other for many years for the sake of future generations, but sadly, this relationship has run its course. Our two ideological sides of America cannot, and will not ever agree on what is right, so let’s just end it on friendly terms. We can smile, chalk it up to irreconcilable differences, and go our own way…

Here is a model separation agreement:

Our two groups can equitably divide up the country by landmass each taking a portion. That will be the difficult part, but I am sure our two sides can come to a friendly agreement. After that it should be relatively easy! Our respective representatives can effortlessly divide other assets since both sides have such distinct and disparate tastes. We don’t like redistributive taxes so you can keep them. You are welcome to the liberal judges and the ACLU. Since you hate guns and war, we’ll take our firearms, the cops, the NRA, and the military. You can keep Oprah, Michael Moore, and Rosie O’Donnell (You are, however, responsible for finding a bio-diesel vehicle big enough to move all three of them) …

We’ll keep the capitalism, greedy corporations, pharmaceutical companies, Wal-Mart, and Wall Street. You can have your beloved homeless, homeboys, hippies, and illegal aliens. We’ll keep the hot Alaskan hockey moms, greedy CEO’s, and rednecks. We’ll keep the bibles and give you NBC and Hollywood. You can make nice with Iran and Palestine and we’ll retain the right to invade and hammer places that threaten us. You can have the peaceniks, and war protesters. When our allies or our way of life are under assault, we’ll help provide them security.We’ll keep our Judeo-Christian values. You are welcome to Islam, Scientology, Humanism, and Shirley McClain.. You can also have the U.N. But we will no longer be paying the bill.

We’ll keep the SUVs, pickup trucks, and oversized luxury cars. You can take every Subaru station wagon you can find.

You can give everyone healthcare, if you can find any practicing doctors. We’ll continue to believe healthcare is a luxury and not a right. We’ll keep The Battle Hymn of the Republic and the National Anthem. I’m sure you’ll be happy to substitute Imagine, I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing, Kum Ba Ya, or We Are the World.

We’ll practice trickle down economics, and you can give trickle up poverty your best shot. Since it often so offends you we’ll keep our history, our name, and our flag.

Would you agree to this? If so please pass it along to other like minded liberal and conservative patriots, and if you do not agree, just hit delete. In the spirit of friendly parting, I’ll bet you ANWAR which one of us will need whose help in 15 years.

Sincerely,

John J. Wall. Law Student and an American

P.S. Also, please take Barbara Streisand.”

There it is; my best effort for today.


In His abiding love,

Cecil Moon

Infrastructure

Much has been made over the new administration and their plans to re-vitalize the sagging economy. One of the features has been expressed as a desire to improve the economy by enhancing the existing infrastructure.

I am certain that there are many bridges, highways, and other public facilities which could use repair, updating, resurfacing, etc.. After the first 1000 miles of my trip, I reflected upon which part of my travels would be affected by these improvements. Granted, I was exposed, so far, to a very limited part of the overall picture, but, I was generally impressed by the work done by the states of Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Nebraska to maintain their rights of way and insure my safe passage.

I have a dislike for interstate highway travel and stick pretty much to the other federal, state and, in some cases, even county roads. I plan trips based on mileage and not speed. I find it more leisurely and tend to stay more alert when driving the back roads as opposed to the mind numbing boredom of the interstate. I also enjoy the opportunity to eat in the tiny downtown cafes where the dress code is bib overalls and the food is plain yet delicious. It’s also an opportunity to observe how the locals built their porch, or the density—or lack—of animal populations and crop assignment, or how cleverly they disguise their mail boxes. I also get to drive by some really meaningless, yet interesting, stuff like the “world’s largest ball of twine” which I saw yesterday in Cawker City, Kansas. It wasn’t meaningless to the guy who started it back in 1953.

Through it all, the evidence of a need for infrastructure improvement seems more like a need to throw money at contractors and other huge corporate entities than a device to enhance employment and actually improve what we already have. It is possible that my criticism is based on too small a sample and largely away from the bulging urban centers of the east coast which by virtue (?) of a large population, use is more abusive of the public facilities they have. Out in the “sticks”, the locals tend to keep things up extremely well.

I realize that it is not our job to run this show but I am also aware of who’s going to pay for it. Yep, it will be the same folks who always put up the front money for these lavish federal programs: you and I.

In Boston, the infamous “Big Dig” project was originally slated to be an obscene $6 billion dollar affair. Subsequent cost overruns amounted to an increase over the original by—are you ready—$16,000,000,000.00. It was also accompanied by a seven-year extension of the estimated time for completion. Many little things were overlooked by the original planners such as failing to notice the 19,000 plus seat Fleet Center. It was not a “vacant lot” as was indicated on the working plans! Such errors were the rule and not the exception. This, dear readers, is improving infrastructure at work.

The opportunity for waste, fraud, greed, corruption, and outright criminal activity is rife. I will admit my understanding of economics is shaky at best but it seems to me that when money is tight, you are better advised to quit spending. At least cut back until rosier times arrive. Enriching contractors, architects, and other highly paid fat cats is not a viable answer. Maybe they could go to Cawker City and get some down home advice for a possible solution.

In His abiding love,


Cecil Moon

Monday Morning Rant 73

I confess! I’m cheating this morning. As you read this, I shall soon be arriving in Douglas, Wyoming and an overdue visit with my eight grandchildren there and their parents. As the week wears on, I shall make my way to Las Vegas to visit the five additional little ones and life-long friends. On the 18th I will travel to Phoenix to watch my daughter’s attempt to run a marathon and then proceed to Tucson for a few days with my son and his family. There I not only get to be with grandchildren but also three great-grand children. Whew! If the weather does not interrupt my schedule, I should be back in the Ozarks in about twelve days. I would certainly appreciate your prayers for a safe trip.

The bottom line is that posting will be spotty for this period but I do hope to be able work in something from a place or two along the line. Thanks in advance for your patience.

Semantics

There is really nothing new here. In forming the language of the pilfering of the US Treasury, we find the oncoming new government leaders turning to their Thesaurus to attempt to alleviate the pain of plunging the nation into huge debt.

To make the process more palatable to the citizenry, they have formed focus groups and panels of “normal” people to evaluate their reaction to the use of every day words. The venerable and accurate words “recession” and “infrastructure” will be replaced with the softer sounding “recovery” and “investment.” Apparently these words are less scary to those involved in the polls and panels assigned to soften the language to ensure the passage of pending legislation.

The word choice attempts to take the best of the progressive and the best of the conservative thought on the matter and achieve a “fusion” of the two for the desired result—redistributing our national wealth to the least deserving. Whether corporation or citizen, those who cannot manage their resources qualify for that description. Those who look to the government as a role model may now dependably reverse each decision made in the hallowed halls of Washington and be on track to a successful outcome.

One of the huge downsides to Gov. Palin was her apparent inability to use this technique and “appear” learned and slick instead of her habit of just blurting out the truth. It is reminiscent of the phrase used by the tough Marine colonel in “A Few Good Men” when he said; “You want the truth? You can’t handle the truth!” Have we grown so soft and touchy-feely that we must be protected constantly from the vile affect of language used accurately?

Mrs. Pelosi (D-San Franfreakshow) reportedly said; “People don’t know the details, but, they like the brand.” In other words, if you obfuscate the message with vocabulary, you may achieve your intended result through deception. Sure sounds like Congress to me. How many times have you gone to the polls to vote and found a series of initiatives listed there of which you really didn’t have prior knowledge? As you read through the scant description were you confused that the title of issue called for the exact opposite of the meat of it?

There is only one conclusion I can draw from all of this. It puts the absolute lie to that old saw that grandpa used so often, “you can’t polish a turd!”

Bad News on Illegitimacy

In the latest posting from the National Review Online we find some remarks by Roger Clegg. To avoid error in the lifting of the information, I am quoting it in its entirety. It pretty much speaks for itself but I had no idea that the numbers were that high.

“As mentioned yesterday, the National Center for Health Statistics came out with its latest numbers yesterday (final data for 2006), and they aren't good. By population subgroup, the percentage of children born out of wedlock is 70.7 percent for non-Hispanic blacks, 64.6 percent for American Indians/Alaska Natives, 49.9 percent for Hispanics, 26.6 percent for non-Hispanic whites, and 16.5 percent for Asians/Pacific Islanders.. Illegitimacy correlates with just about any social problem you can name (poverty, crime, dropping out of school, substance abuse, etc.), and it — not discrimination — is the principal cause of racial disparities in all these areas. But NRO readers know all that.”

It is little wonder that we see in the institution of marriage under constant attack. We are all obviously aware of the assault from the homosexual community but this is a far greater threat. It speaks, in my mind, to the irresponsibility of the fathers. If we have not raised boys to be men I see little hope of altering these numbers.
“Men” is not defined by the ability to father children but rather as a result of character development and discipline. It is a state which is attained through teaching in the home and the example which is established there. Lacking this, I see no clear reason for these numbers to change any time soon.

And finally

As I approach the upcoming reunion with various segments of my family I am constantly amazed by God’s love and mercy in allowing a sinner the joy of repentance. Barring that I seriously doubt I could enjoy the associations I am so looking forward to. There was a time that I looked and heard with some amusement the allegation of committed Christians that; “I am not perfect, just forgiven.” I now fully realize the importance of that statement.

Rejoice with me; I’m out of here.

In His abiding love,

Cecil Moon

An Inappropriate Metaphor

In recent days, the most ill-used metaphor has been “hit the ground running.” It is largely applied to the efforts of the president-elect to be up to speed when he takes office next week. I do applaud his efforts in attempting to get a head start on manning the helm of the ship of state. I guess it’s the news media and talking heads that are the object of my criticism.

One of my favorites on television is a program on the Discovery Channel called “Myth Busters.” In a recent episode (Nov. 12, 08), they tackled this old shibboleth—“hit the ground running..” They tested it against practical reality. They attempted to lower members of their staff on a closed course by harnesses with releases to actually be running in the air as they were lowered to the starting line. Their speed was then compared to that of starting in a normal manner. None gained any advantage by being in motion at the start. They were almost universally impeded by stumbling at the change point.

Every device they used to gain an advantage at the start met with similar results. Although in some cases hilarious, the results were conclusive; no advantage is achieved in this very physical attempt.

As I watch “the one” and his efforts to obtain an advantage by preparation in advance of the actual inauguration and assumption of the mantle of leadership seems headed for a similar result. The greatest lesson which he has yet to learn is the difference between leadership and direction. It boils down to push vs. pull. Most folks are agreeable if they feel those in charge are pulling them to success in their efforts. Being pushed is rarely any fun for anyone and often meets with serious resistance.

The net result of his announced cabinet choices have resulted in serious resistance from various legislators who either felt “out of the loop” or else being pushed into decisions not of there own making. They do have to be the engine of approval for these people after all. Some more experienced ones recognize their own failings (see Bill Richardson) and have withdrawn. I predicted in a prior posting that he would be the all time champ of failed appointments and he has now already taken over first place among would be presidents. He may even lose one more possible appointment.

While every president-elect hopes for a smooth transition, few achieve that vaunted goal. When one runs on a total change in the philosophy of a government, one should anticipate more than a few rough spots.


In His abiding love,


Cecil Moon

The Year 1908

The following was supplied by commenter Fred Sinclair in response to a post on Scrappleface.

"THE YEAR 1908

This will boggle your mind, I know it did mine! The year is 1908, one hundred years ago. What a difference a century makes! Here are some statistics for the Year 1908:

************ ********* ********* ******
The average life expectancy was 47 years.

Only 14 percent of the homes had a bathtub.

Only 8 percent of the homes had a telephone.

There were only 8,000 cars and only 144 miles of paved roads.

The maximum speed limit in most cities was 10 mph.

The tallest structure in the world was the Eiffel Tower!

The average wage in 1908 was 22 cents per hour.

The average worker made between $200 and $400 per year.

A competent accountant could expect to earn $2000 per year, a dentist $2,500 per year, a veterinarian between $1,500 and $4,000 per year, and a mechanical engineer about $5,000 per year.

More than 95 percent of all births took place at HOME.

Ninety percent of all doctors had NO COLLEGE EDUCATION! Instead, they attended so-called medical schools, many of which were condemned in the press AND the government as ’substandard.‘

Sugar cost four cents a pound.

Eggs were fourteen cents a dozen.

Coffee was fifteen cents a pound.

Most women only washed their hair once a month, and used
Borax or egg yolks for shampoo.

Canada passed a law that prohibited poor people from entering into their country for any reason.

Five leading causes of death were:

1. Pneumonia and influenza 2. Tuberculosis 3. Diarrhea 4. Heart disease 5. Stroke

The American flag had 45 stars.

The population of Las Vegas, Nevada, was only 30!!!! (Ed: I question this)

Crossword puzzles, canned beer, and ice tea hadn’t been invented yet.

There was no Mother’s Day or Father’s Day.

Two out of every 10 adults couldn’t read or write.

Only 6 percent of all Americans had graduated from high school.

Marijuana, heroin, and morphine were all available over the counter at the local corner drugstores. Back then pharmacists said, ‘Heroin clears the complexion, gives buoyancy to the mind, regulates the stomach and bowels, and is, in fact, a perfect guardian of health.’ (Shocking? DUH! )

Eighteen percent of households had at least one full-time servant or domestic help.

There were about 230 reported murders in the ENTIRE! U.S.A.!”

Both my parents were children during this year. Even thirty years later, as a tyke myself, things hadn’t really changed all that much. None of our relatives had indoor plumbing or electricity on their farms. All we had to eat was a cornucopia of delightful food prepared to perfection and in plentiful supply. Mom and I finally got a refrigerator in 1945 and a car in 1949.

Even “deprived” as we were, they were the golden years of my life. Some have equaled but none have surpassed those wonderful days..

In His abiding love,

Cecil Moon

Over Generous Under Funded Pensions

For those readers who are looking to earthquakes, fires, floods, and a sky ready to fall presaging the end of life as we know it; this post will be your “cup of tea..” It is a case of impending disaster which is, as a practical matter, more threatening than any of the calamities in the first sentence. If this doesn’t cause you more alarm and alert you to the happenings in your individual state legislature and local city and country governments then you care less about the immediate future that I thought.

While the country’s pension funds and healthcare plans are not universally at serious risk, you will agree that more are than aren’t. If you would rather read the reports themselves than my caustic comments I don’t blame you. The device I have chosen is rife with links to verifiable sites and additional information. It is a compilation of postings on Instapundit over recent time outlining the shortfall in a panoply of funding schemes for various groups of governmental bodies of employees. So, get your guts up and click on the link. If you don’t have the intestinal fortitude for this, don’t click and I’ll fill you in on some of the highlights.

We start with a look at Nevada. One of my very oldest and dearest friends is the beneficiary of a state of Nevada pension plan which she rightfully earned. As an employee at UNLV, she retired after twenty years in the early 1990’s. She enjoys a pension that is 131% of the national average of comparable plans. This is a program which has an entry age of twenty years of service, regardless of age, and is under funded by a current $44 million and carries an exponential demand in the future. By not having a minimum entry age, the Public Employee Retirement System payments could be available to the retiree at a possible age of 38 years and place demands on the system for an additional 38 years assuming a life expectancy of 76 years. Although extremely beneficial for my friend, it is fiscally unrealistic.

For a look at Texas, let’s isolate the case of one legislator: “It turns out that, like most government workers, Texas legislators contribute a percentage of their annual salary to their pension. But while their salaries are a meager $7,200 a year, the salary that's used in calculating their pensions is that of a state district court judge: $125,000. As with most public pensions, you have to stay on the job a number of years to qualify — eight years to retire at age 60 or 12 years to retire at age 50. The longer you stay, the bigger the benefit. One article, published a few years ago in the Oklahoma City Journal Record, noted that one Texas legislator who never made more than $7,200 annually as a legislator retired after 39 years of service with an annual pension of $92,704. Not bad for a session that lasts 140 days every other year.”

In New York City, the pension funds were invested in the market which went south. As a consequence, the city’s obligation will have to be picked up by the citizens. They can likely expect to see reduced services and additional tax levies to make up the short fall which figures out to about $3,000 per every man, woman and child.
Even in tiny Rhode Island, the state was forced to “retire” hundreds of workers to accommodate falling revenues. By doing so they over-taxed a burgeoning retirement system that was already under funded. The result was more folks in the plan and fewer folks making contributions. The shortfall was in the tens of millions.

Massachusetts reported that of 106 public pension funds in the state, only 3 were fully funded. 82 of them were below the 80% level which is normally seen as the minimum requirement. Seven were said to be less than 50%. Some of this is a result of a declining stock market but over generous pension allowances are also a factor. Local official insist that this does not indicate that any of the programs are in jeopardy. Another question was raised over the issue of some state troopers who enjoy a salary in excess of $140,000 a year.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is complaining of a short fall to 24% of needs for pensions of city employees. As a result, they fired several financial consultants, (kill the messenger) to give the appearance of action. It is possible they were incompetent but I rather imagine they were no more or less astute than the financial wizards in the major financial centers. If one has the acumen to anticipate markets that well, I would assume they keep it to themselves and profit accordingly. You don’t always bet the pass line.

There are tons more of these on the link which I furnished above. What is the most troubling is the number of these pensioners who are represented by special interest groups who provide a dependable voting bloc for entrenched politicians. To insure loyalty, they promise the moon and deliver programs which are destined to fail. In their minds, “the font of every blessing” is the taxpayer who will probably have to rely upon Social Security because he didn’t have enough left over to save independently.

Since I brought it up --Social Security—let us save that discussion for another day. It also depends on the faith and credit of the republic.

As I examined these various entries I made a notation that very few were reported from such states as ND, WY, ID, SD, UT, OK, and other “back woods” areas. I guess clinging to guns religion encourages more fiscal responsibility. I am certain, however, that there are probably isolated instances of irresponsibility in these backwaters but the general reporting does not suggest it.

What is the solution: slam and lock the barn door now that the horse has been stolen. It will take some stern and unpopular measures or possibly the meltdown of the entire financial system to stimulate action. More importantly, it will require the electorate to pursue their candidates to implement more fiscally responsible actions. Like Smokey says: only you can prevent forest fires and only you can elect people who are sane.

In His abiding love,

Cecil Moon