Sex, Lies and Videotape

 

 

 

"It seems that in government work, lying has become a form of art..."

No, this is not about the 1989 movie starring James Spader. In fact, it is not about sex at all. It is however, about videotape. And lies. Lots and lots of lies. What we find out over and over again is telling lies and videotape make a bad combination.

So who lies? We all do from time to time. Most of us try not to, but we will tell little white lies for a variety of reasons. However, there is a huge difference between telling a little while lie to make someone feel better, and a "whopper" told to deceive. In our present Administration, we have been told one "whopper" after another.

Something very few people know about me is I have been polygraphed. Not by the police for doing something wrong - I was polygraphed at NSA when I went there for training one year. It was a new policy they were trying out. Before you could enter the Copper Palace, regardless of the amount of time spent there, you needed to pass a polygraph. Don't worry - I passed. However, next to throwing up, it was one of the more unpleasant things I have gone through.

Even though unpleasant, I was fascinated by the entire event. Once it was over, I asked the technician some questions. For example, I wanted to see if anyone who was a liar could fool the machine. His answer surprised me. "Absolutely!" he said. "Some people become so skilled at lying they believe their lies to be reality. Telling a lie does not trigger a GSR, blood pressure or heart rate change. The machine is then fooled."

I think we have been misled by some very skilled liars in our government. The ACA is a great example. We were sold a bill of goods by people who could tell us lies with a straight face. Then, when Dr. Gruber's ego got the best of him and he decided to "spill the beans", he became instantly disavowed by everyone down to the dogcatcher in Washington. But there is that pesky and annoying videotape. Many of the people who are now disavowing Gruber, thought he was Mr. Smarty Pants in 2009. 

To our leaders who are chronic liars, let me give you some sage advice. The American people don't like being lied to. They don't like being played. We really do value honesty and veracity. If you are lying, come clean. Remember what most of our parents taught us - lying is very hard work. Keeping track of lies, and telling more lies to cover them up is exhausting. Telling the truth is very easy in comparison.

Let's hope the housecleaning that started this month and should continue into 2016 will set a new and more truthful tone in our nation's Capitol.  

Our Unbroken Immigration System

 

"The President has grabbed this non-issue and turned it into the "issue de jour" for 2015..."

I swear. If I hear one more time the phrase "our broken immigration system", I am going to throw up in my mouth. There is nothing wrong with our immigration system that a bit of oil and a tune up won't fix. What we DO HAVE is a broken border and visa system. That is what the oil and tune up are needed for.

Lefties might look at the article and go directly to their play book. "What is the matter? Don't you like immigrants? This country was founded by immigrants". That logic also makes me want to throw up in my mouth. So I will get this on the table up front. I am PRO IMMIGRANT. My great grandparents were immigrants. So were my wife's. At my last job, I worked with dozens of LEGAL immigrants from India. They were very welcome there (including by me - I managed their contract), and the work they did was value added for sure.

We do not have undocumented workers in this country. If I can be blunt, I will say what we have. WE HAVE LAW BREAKERS. Why do I say that? We actually do have laws on the books which regulate our immigration and visa systems. The people I worked with at my former company were here using an I9 Visa. Once the visa expired, they were to either leave or apply for an extension. To do neither WOULD BE BREAKING ONE OF OUR LAWS. It is just as simple as that.

Years ago I needed to go to Australia to negotiate a deal with the Royal Australian Navy. Before I could set foot on Australian soil, I needed a temporary work visa. I also had to sign an agreement that I would abide by the terms of the visa. To not do so, would be breaking Australian law. The remedy would be immediate expulsion and I would probably never be able to go back there. It was simple. I knew the rules of the game, and I followed them.

Our southern border is so porous, we almost rely on an "honor system" to keep people out. News flash - very few follow it. They are not honorable. THAT is why we have millions of illegal people in this country right now. If they wanted to become American citizens, we have a PROCESS to do so. To not follow the process is UNLAWFULL.

Our President, who put his hand on a Bible and promised to uphold our Constitution, is about to make the biggest blunder of his political life. To allow UNLAWFULL people to remain in the United States with no penalty or recrimination is unacceptable, almost treason. I have said this before. We need to go through our country and do a "who is who" exercise. Those that prove they belong here stay - those who don't belong here are deported. It is really as simple as that.   

A man who causes amnesia

 

 

How does he do it? Where in the world does this power come from?

In all my life on this planet, I was hoping that day would come when I would be able to see someone with super human or magical powers. It goes back to when I was a kid, and read a lot of DC Marvel Comics. Well, my wishes have finally come true. This past week I have seen a man who can actually cause amnesia in people! Not just any people - but very powerful people indeed!

Who am I talking about? Johnathan Gruber of course! One of the "wizards of smart," that was the chief architect for ObamaCare. In fact, he is so smart, he is almost "god-like". He looks down his nose at the rest of us, as we are mere mortals. Not just mere mortals, but "stupid" mere mortals. We have been very blessed to have this guru from MIT guiding us through our health care debacle.

But wait! It seems as if some of the mere mortals do not like being called "stupid" by this "wizard of smart". In fact, many of the mortals don't even like the product he has peddled. This has resulted in a loud and raucous clamor rising up from the crowd. "Off with his head! (so to speak)". Our Emperor, as well as the former Speaker (Miss Nancy), were asked about this god-like figure from MIT. "Did he really call us stupid? Did he really dupe all of us in getting this bill passed?"

Both the Emperor as well as Miss Nancy had the same answer to these tough and probing questions. "Who is that? Never met him. In fact, never heard of him." And that is when I saw the true power of Dr. Gruber. Even though there is photographic, video graphic and hard copy evidence that Gruber worked with both Miss Nancy as well as the Emperor, they are both drawing a blank. It was pure magic! I was impressed!

Starting in January, when the new Congress is sworn in, "the ship is going to hit the sand". In other words, a lot of the shenanigans which have been played out in the past six years are going to see the light of day. Now that we all know Dr. Gruber is nothing but a snake oil salesman, and the product he sold the American people is fraudulent and defective, true patriots like Trey Gowdy are going to start peeling back ObamaCare like an onion. Oh yes - the truth will be found.

Dr. Gruber has now found himself firmly ensconced in our future history books. When the tale of ObamaCare is written with all the sordid details spelled out, people whose fingerprints are on this thing will be judged kindly.

Since 2009, there have been some voices in the wilderness, shouting the clarion of warnings about ObamaCare. Seems to me those voices were the true "wizards of smart" on healthcare.

Sparky

 

 

 

"At one time I thought he was the strong, silent type. I learned he really was the rudder of the family. He and my Mother-in-Law made a great team indeed..."

My Father-in-Law passed away earlier this month. He was just shy of his 91st birthday. He was a proud member of our December birthday club. My wife's is on the second, mine is on the 6th, my Son-in-Law's is on the 8th and my Father-in-Law's was on the 11th. His was the last birthday before Christmas. We were just joking about that at his care conference a week before he passed. We had a big blow out party on his 90th, and we were trying to decide what to do on his 91st. The best laid plans.

My aim is not to talk about my Father-in-Law's heath problems towards the end. It is not to talk about the pneumonia which came like a thief in the night to end his suffering. Rather, my goal is to talk about Sparky. It is a name I would call my Father-in-Law with reverence and respect. My Father-in-Law, a lifelong electrician, earned that nick-name, over and over again.

Before age and his health problems caught up with him, Sparky was always there for us when projects called. Either he would volunteer, or more likely his wife of 57 years would say, "Ken - the 'kids' (we were always the kids no matter how old we were) need help with (name the project)". Now, I never took advantage of Sparky's kind heart nor willingness to help. The project would have to be way outside my comfort zone (usually involving electricity) before the S.O.S. went out to my in-laws.

After the project was over, Sparky and I would join the girls in the kitchen. They had been making something tasty for us to share for dinner. First, we usually had a wee bit if libation, maybe some snacks, and of course, quite a bit of good humor. After dinner and desert were over, Sparky and Ma (the term of endearment Sparky called my Mother-in-Law) would leave. Even though we often worked hard on the project at hand, the day always ended well. What I did not realize was simply this - those were the "good old days", and we were living them. Oh, to have just one of those weekends back. The project, the food, the laughter, the love. I miss them.

Now Sparky and Ma are reunited in a place which was promised to them through their faith. There is no more pain, no more suffering, no more falls, no more labored breathing. Only peace and joy in the Lord. Those left behind have only our memories - and many, many of them were good. We are also reminded that our time here is precious and short. We know that even as tough as some of our days might be, they will be remembered in years to come as "the good old days". 

The man who is ruining America

 

 

 

"There are times I really wonder if our President is living out his 'Dr. Stangelove' moment..."

Harsh. I know. Very, very harsh. For years now, Rush Limbaugh has been talking about our President trying to ruin America. Now I like Rush. I learn things from him and other times find him to be very entertaining. Once in a while, I do believe he goes off into histrionics. When he would talk about the President ruining the country, that was one of them. Now I am starting to think Rush was right.

As much as I thought I was immune to anymore surprises coming from our POTUS, what happened this week really put me back on my heals. Here is just a small recap:

• CNN reported that ISIL and all Al Qaeda factions have now joined forces into a much larger and more truculent organization. At the same time, it was reported that we continue to cut and shred the ranks of our middle grade Army Officers. Retired Four Star General Jack Keane said our forces now so diminished, it would be impossible to fight two front war. And BTW - the Russian Bear continues to growl. There has been further tinkering in the Ukraine as well as more intrusive bomber flights over the Gulf of Mexico.
• In an attempt to save Mary Landrieu's seat in Louisiana, the long put off Keystone Pipeline is going to come up for a vote in the House and Senate. Most pundits believe  this time, even though Dingy Harry is still the Senate Leader, the bill will pass. It will be good for our country, and good for the creation of well paying jobs. Our tree hugging President however, has threatened to veto it. Why? You know - global warming issues. Only this time it might pass with a veto proof majority.
• While overseas, POTUS thought it would be a great idea to introduce Net Neutrality. It sound good, it sounds mysterious. Some internet experts say Net Neutrality will do for the internet what ObamaCare has done for medicine. Get the picture? The internet has always been an amorphous, unregulated fountain of information. Like anything else, it can be used for evil as much as it can be used for good. To let the Father of Regulation come in and tinker with the net is a bad, bad idea.
• I saved the best for last. Amnesty. In a move which even has some moderate Democrats scratching their heads, our tone deaf President could not even wait until Thanksgiving to announce he will grant amnesty to over 5 MILLION ILLEAGALS! This is dumb and dumber rolled into one move. Well this time the Republicans are not going to take the bait. Their eyes are on the prize in 2016. They are not going to shut down the government, nor are they going to impeach. They will however, hit the President where it hurts the most - in his pocketbook. If he does indeed pull the trigger, look for many of the President's "Pet Rocks" to become unfunded or underfunded starting in January. 

The damage this man has done in the past years has been immense. The damage he could continue to do in the next two years could be incalculable. Why is he doing this? Is he a megalomaniac? Is he evil? Or is he just misguided? History will judge. I hope for the sake of our country he is just misguided. But then again, I have been wrong about him before.

The death of traditional education

 

 

"Education is so important - and yet we seem to muddle our way through archaic systems which often leads to failure..."

Yesterday I had the chance to listen to a bit of Glenn Beck. Glenn is changing his focus as of late - he has become more and more fascinated by the future. So much so, he has put a futurist on his staff. In everything his company is doing right now, he tells his staff, "We will not burn down the past, we will live in the present. However, our planning will revolve around where we think technologies will be five years down the road." It is a great way to look at things if you want to survive as a company, or as an institution.

Recently, there has been quite a bit of news about education, both K-12 and higher. As they say in the car business, both K-12 and higher education need a "lube job, tune-up and alignment". In other words, they are in a mess. For example, consider the following:

• In Minneapolis right now, it has been decided that punishment for bad behavior would depend on the color of your skin. My, oh my - we have sure come a long way since that Dr. Martin Luther King thing about judging on the content of character and not color of skin. The poor schools in Minneapolis continue to fail students and the teacher unions have deflected blame by always talking about "bullying". And now bad behavior will also rule the day.
• The cost for higher education has slowed down a bit, but is still way out of control. A four year degree (with room and board) can cost anywhere from $80,000 (at a state school) to $170,000 (at a private college). Outrageous, simply outrageous. These kids are going to hit the job market with a huge financial millstone tied around their necks. Student debt is soaring with no end in sight.
• More and more articles have been written about the value of education. In other words, is the end product worth the cost? My answer to that is no, it is not. Education is important, but at what price?

Getting back to Glenn Beck for a minute. Our education system is doing just the opposite of what Glenn is trying to do with his company. Our education system is mired in the past. Mired in failure. The K-12 system is being run by a teacher union who is much more interested in political power than teaching kids. Our higher education system is tied up by a tenure system which allows cornballs like Ward Churchill to poison our kid's minds and never get fired. So where then, is the future? Online.

Years ago in the 1980's, the Control Data Corporation came up with the Plato System. It was 100% computer based education. Since I was working there at the time, all my continuing education I had to take with the company was done via the Plato System. I see no reason, no reason what so ever kids cannot learn just as well on line. It would be a fraction of the cost compared to our brick and mortar system. Plus, we could get rid of the teacher's union and tenure.

However, until we develop a "future cast", and scrap our broken system, we will continue to fail our kids. The ones who are able to make it through sixteen years of education will be saddled with tens of thousands of dollars in debt. We have a bad system yielding bad outcomes. Time for a change 

The new Dr. No

Oh my! Where is James Bond when we need him??

 

 

One of my favorite James Bond movies was one of his first. It featured a cold blooded villain, who of course wanted nothing less than world domination, named Dr. No. His attire matched his evil persona. It was very distinctive. I still think Dr. No's clothing style was the start of the Nero Jacket trend from many, many years ago.

 

Now that our President is at the APEC Conference on the other side of the Pacific, I could not help thinking of the Dr. No movie. It was because at first how I saw our President  dressed in conference garb. However, it is not the attire so much that makes me think of Dr. No - it is what our POTUS is thinking about doing once he gets back on United States soil.

 

Somebody on the news I was listening to a few days ago said these last two years will define Obama's Presidency more than the first six years. Why is that? Will he "pivot" and triangulate in a similar manner than President Clinton did, or will he act like a caged animal.

 

He knows come January, any agenda items he wants implemented that will further define his Presidency will have to be run through a Republican House and Senate. He also knows he will not have his "lap dog" Harry Reid acting as the Senate obstructionist. It has been rumored he has a host of "global warming" initiatives he wants to pen into law through executive action. (He would almost have to use executive action as the majority of the country feels we have entered an new ice age this past week.)

 

However just like with Dr. No, things will not end well for our President if he tries to get too cute by half using executive actions during the lame duck period. Both the Speaker and the new Senate Leader have warned the President he will "poison the well" if he does not wait until January and work within the system. However, even though the President may have large ears, sometimes he does not hear very well. Should he make a move on amnesty, global warming, the new AG, or whatever - the divide in the country will only grow deeper and more contentious.

 

My advice to the President is simply this - for the next two years, you would be better served to act more like Dr. Yes than Dr. No. In other words, if you hope to get anything done besides golf, work within the system. Show you can be as adroit as you are belligerent. We will be watching sir. All of us. We will be watching and judging you on these next two years.