A Modicum of Varacity is Felicitous (A Bit of Clarity is in Order)

mo·di·cum noun.  Definition: a small portion: a limited quantity.

ve·rac·i·ty  noun.  Definition: 1. devotion to the truth; truthfulness. 2. power of conveying or perceiving truth.  3. conformity with truth or fact; accuracy.  4. something true <makes lies sound like veracities>

fe·lic·i·tous adjective. Definition:  1. very well suited or expressed: apt <a felicitous remark>.  2. pleasant, delightful <felicitous weather>

Source:  Merriam-Webster (http://www.merriam-webster.com/)

Or in black & white: a bit of clarity is in order.

Okay, so what’s my point?  I’ve been reading so much debate about how we’re becoming a blood-sucking socialist society, overrun by capitalist pigs, or undermining our democratic principles that I thought it was time to take pause.  Sorry.  Read my bio.  I went to college, okay?!  I just like to get my facts right before poking at others’ misuse. 

So now for a little intellectualism.  Courtesy of Merriam-Webster, I have summarized some of the most misrepresented words I’ve come across in the debate.  Take a moment to reflect and commit to your permanent memory.

Let’s start with the basics:

de·moc·ra·cy noun. Plural. Definition:  1(a). government by the people; especially; rule of the majority. 1(b). a government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised by them directly or indirectly through a system of representation usually involving periodically held free elections.  2. a political unit that has a democratic government.  3. [if] capitalized: the principles and policies of the Democratic party in the United States.  4. the common people especially when constituting the source of political authority. 5. the absence of hereditary or arbitrary class distinctions or privileges.

By the way, the query for democracy, brings back four entries:  1) democracy, 2) pure democracy; 3) social democracy, and 4) Tory democracy.  Just so you know, here in the U.S.A., we are NOT a pure democracy.  Pick up Plato’s The Republic for much enlightening coverage of that (yes, seriously).  While we are a republic, we are also a social democracy: “a democratic welfare state that incorporates both capitalist and socialist practices.”

Which brings me to the next series of definitions:

re·pub·lic noun.  Definition:  1(a)(1). a government having a chief of state who is not a monarch and who in modern times is usually a president.  1(a)(2).  a political unit (as a nation) having such a form of government.  1(b)(1). a government in which supreme power resides in a body of citizens entitled to vote and is exercised by elected officers and representatives responsible to them and governing according to law. 1(b)(2). a political unit (as a nation) having such a form of government. 1(c). a usually specified republican government of a political unit <the French Fourth Republic>.  2. a body of persons freely engaged in a specified activity <the republic of letters>.  3. a constituent political and territorial unit of the former nations of Czechoslovakia, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, or Yugoslavia.

so·cial·ism noun. Definition: 1. any of various economic and political theories advocating collective or governmental ownership and administration of the means of production and distribution of goods.  2(a). a system of society or group living in which there is no private property 2(b). a system or condition of society in which the means of production are owned and controlled by the state.  3.  a stage of society in Marxist theory transitional between capitalism and communism and distinguished by unequal distribution of goods and pay according to work done.

cap·i·tal·ism noun.  Definition: an economic system characterized by private or corporate ownership of capital goods, by investments that are determined by private decision, and by prices, production, and the distribution of goods that are determined mainly by competition in a free market.

com·mu·nism noun.  Definition:  1(a). a theory advocating elimination of private property. 1(b). a system in which goods are owned in common and are available to all as needed.  2. [if] capitalized: 2(a). a doctrine based on revolutionary Marxian socialism and Marxism-Leninism that was the official ideology of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.  2(b). a totalitarian system of government in which a single authoritarian party controls state-owned means of production.  2(c).  a final stage of society in Marxist theory in which the state has withered away and economic goods are distributed equitably.  2(d). communist systems collectively.

While idealistic in terms of imaging that the ultimate innate good in our human nature might prevail, we are not a communist form of government.  But we are also, ultimately selfish.  Thus the Soviet Union, China, etc., have never been able to advance the theories of communism to the final bucolic stage, but rather remained in the totalitarian government stage.  Funny how what we think of as communism in modern society by definition is not.

The same generally goes for the rest of the definitions above, which is what drives me crazy about the Black & White rantings of those who “think” they know what these words mean.

As long as you are expanding your horizons (or refamiliarizing), join me in subscribing to the Oxford Dictionaries “Word of the Day” at: http://oxforddictionaries.com/.

I Am Against Government Regulation! (except when it protects my own best interest)

We have a mandate America!  Right?  Let’s adhere to the perfection of the Constitution. Let’s lower taxes.  Let’s reduce the deficit.  Let’s get RID of all this ridiculous government regulation.  (Uh, that is with the specific and distinct exception of when said regulation might actually protect our own personal property or interest.)

Hmmm.  Can we say oxymoron?  Double standard?

Someone recently brought to my attention a wonderfully controversial case in point in the Town of Flower Mound, Texas.  The lovely, affluent town of Flower Mound, a bastion of north Texas conservatism in Denton County, seems to have no problem at all with “Drill, Baby, Drill!” (with respects to Sarah Palin), as long as it’s Not In My BackYard (NIMBY).

Now you have to understand this is about as Republican-red, right-wing, tea party turf as you can find anywhere in the red and purple states.  So the principles and ideals which so richly imbue such quotables as “I don’t want the government messing with my Social Security,” are a good fit here, except folks in most neighborhoods in Flower Mound likely have a pretty good tax shelter already covering their retirements.  But I digress.  Back on topic: government deregulation (except when it affects me).

Texas is oil and gas country.  It’s what’s helped make us Texas what we are today (good, bad or ugly).  And the community of Flower Mound seems to be all for that EXCEPT when it affects Flower Mound.  This excerpt from the blog site “Flower Mound Citizens Against Urban Drilling” (http://stopthedrilling.blogspot.com/):

“Our Mission: To work in a legal, ethical, and civil manner to stop urban gas drilling in the highly residential areas of North Texas. We are not against all gas drilling, but rather that which will adversely affect the public safety, the enjoyment of our homes, and our overall quality of life. We support the need for better regulation and accountability of the Oil & Gas Industry in rural and urban areas of Texas.”

Again, friends of Joe the Architect, I cannot make this stuff up.  I mean…we’re not against gas drilling per se…We just need more REGULATION and ACCOUNTABILITY.  Really? 



Credit to:  http://stopthedrilling.blogspot.com/

 What I love the most are all the great videos with close zoom-in / zoom-out shots of the drilling rig as traffic passes by.  But the saddest thing is how this group can be quick to vilify the workers at the sites, truck drivers, guys in hard hats, etc., who just happen to be doing their jobs.  Hey, it’s economic development, right?  More jobs, more tax base for the community.  (Not to mention the $$’s in pockets of the neighbors who sold their mineral rights to the company.)

Come on.  If this community was serious about leadership that would protect the environment and neighborhoods, they wouldn’t have reflected a county voting outcome of 59,352 (74.51%) out of 79,652 straight party votes for the Republic ticket.

Just a Little Bit on the Constitution and the (Im)Perfection of our Forefathers

For those strict Constitutionalists among us, beware of the hallowed perfection bestowed upon those saintly founding fathers.  (Especially those whom upon further investigation, we find paid homage to Providence yet were agnostic in practice.)  But mostly let’s remember that it took little more that a fortnight before these few good fellows, realized that their perfect document was in need some major edits.

In no time at all, they began the task of appending that which initially seemed so perfect with the likes of a First Amendment, Second Amendment, Third Amendment, etc.  (Re: First Amendment, see my blog of Oct 21, 2010.)  And you know, this is REALLY a very good thing.  Had we been unable redress the fundamental premise of our governing law of the land as our society evolved, then women will still be suffering without suffrage and African Americans would have remained African chattel without the American suffix. 

So while Trusting in God, let’s also THANK God that as Americans we are able to recognize our imperfections, few though they be (come on we’re AMERICANS!).  Really, though, let’s recognize during this thanksgiving season and in our post-election euphoria (or distress), that this democracy of governing (i.e., lawmaking, bill passing, budget setting, etc.) and consensus building (otherwise referred to as cat-herding) is not a perfect system.

Our elected officials are human, as were our founding fathers.  And they are not perfect.  TARP initiated under Bush and implemented under Obama, along with the Recovery Act, may not have been perfect, but I think most of us can reasonable agree we are out of the most significant tails spin.  Invading Iraq may have cost hundreds of American, American allies, and Iraqi lives (and trillions of dollars), but at least we have ended major combat operations in that country.  Was bailing out Detroit the best idea of the economic crisis.  I don’t know the answer to that.  But I’m delighted with the GM announced IPO this earlier this week.  And is our healthcare system a mess?  Well, have you gone to the doc lately, made a variable co-pay, picked up a generic prescription, and then tried to decipher the difference in a subsequent doctor bill or insurance statement “stating this is not a bill”?  Let me tell you:  Healthcare needed an overhaul.  It has been a non-comprehensive, unaffordable, inefficient labyrinth of a mess!  Was healthcare reform a perfect bill?  I think not.  Some refused to come to the table and the remaining participants forged ahead with a single-sided perspective.  Believe you me, it will need tweaking.

And that’s the beauty of our checks and balances, three branches of government, multi-party, crazy mixed up system.  It’s a reflection on our humanity.  And after all, we are only human.  Let’s just hope that like our Constitution, we will continue to improve.

Sticking Together for a Common Cause (What’s the common cause again?)

"I never asked President Obama for his endorsement and what's going on here is really Washington insider politics at its worst," announced Rhode Island Democratic gubernatorial candidate Frank Caprio.  “I will wear it as a badge of honor and a badge of courage that he doesn't want to endorse me as a Democrat."

Wow.  Kind of brings up that old adage, with friends like these, who need enemies.  So what is it that is so different about Mr. Caprio that sets his agenda apart from Obama?

He must be against the idea of helping small businesses and creating jobs for the average American, right?

From his campaign web site:

"If we help every Rhode Island small business create just one job – just one – we will cut unemployment in half." - Frank Caprio

Okay, but maybe he doesn’t want to actually incentivize small business, right?

Again form his site:

"I will direct existing state tax credits to small businesses to help them grow." - Frank Caprio

Okay, enough with jobs and taxes.  Let’s switch to something that gets folks really riled up:  healthcare.  He must think that healthcare has been in good shape and that there hasn’t been any need for a fix there, right?

Web site:

“After payroll, healthcare is the second largest expense for an employer. 1 in 4 Rhode Islanders under the age of 65 does not have health insurance, and treating the uninsured costs Rhode Islanders $250 million per year. Rhode Island's small businesses and working families need an affordable solution to the rising cost of healthcare.”

Okay, I cry, “uncle”.  I give up.  Maybe this is just plain old political posturing?

Taxes. Taxes. Taxes. What to do about all these new Obama taxes?

Did you miss out on all the grass roots commentary at the North Mecklenburg Women’s recent Pig Pickin’ and Politickin’ event in Huntersville, NC?  (Yes, that’s what they call it.)  The New York Times reporter Michael Cooper joined in to get some feedback on their recent polling with CBS. 

The opinion of the attending GOP experts on the Big O Tax Hikes:  “Federal and state have both gone up,” said Bob Paratore of Charlotte, NC.

Here’s what Americans think according to the September New York Times/CBS News Poll:

24% think taxes went up

53% opined that taxes were the same

12% think Obama actually cut taxes (WHAT???)



Graphic credit to CBS



Cut to Huntersville:  “Tax cuts? Where were the tax cuts?” asked Bob Deaton.  Well, while difficult to pin down the exact amount, basically the dreaded stimulus bill changed the withholding rates resulting in tax cuts for about 95% of working families.  That income tax decrease was generally $800 annually for married couples and $400 for individuals.  Hmmm.  That just doesn't seem right:  imperial communist dictabor Obama cutting taxes??  I think the Dems need their own Karl Rove, because their Black & White sound bites aren't making it to the people...too much focus on the shades of gray.

All this talk about taxes is making me hungry.  Anyone up for a pulled pork sandwich?

What Ever Happened To the Tea Party in Texas? Texans for the Establishment?

Out with the old; in with the new.  Isn’t that tea party mantra?  Bring us your tired (of deficits), your weary (of taxes), your witchy masses.  We will be sure they are elected – despite whether qualified in the understanding our basic Constitutional underpinnings (see my blog of October 21, 2010).  So it must be time for change, right?  Not in Texas.

Taking over the office of Governor in December 2000 following the departure of “W” for D.C., Rick Perry has the notable distinction of being Texas’ longest serving governor.  You do realize of course, that Perry runs on an anti-establishment platform…or shall I say anti-Washington.  Perry has essentially spent his career as a Texas politician.

So after almost ten years, how has the anti-government, career politician done with the Texas deficit? In 2001, Texas had about $13.5 billion in outstanding debt (about $16.5B in today’s dollars).  According to the Texas Bond Review Board, in August 2009, outstanding bonds and notes stood at $34.5 billion.  Ok, so I’m an architect, not a mathematician, but according to my calculations that’s roughly double.  DOUBLE the debt.  Sarah Palin, where are you when we need you most?!  (Oops, wrong call to make because anti-establishment, stop these liberals from running us into debt Palin stumped for…, you got it:  Rick Perry.)

So basically our (mostly GOP) tea partiers are all for change in government (except when they’re not).

Global Warming: Fact or Fiction. Judge for Yourself

“Climate change is real, and man is causing it.  That is indisputable.  And we have to do something about it.”  This from the incumbent Democrat, Representative Barton Hill, at a southern Indiana candidate forum in October.  But really, what is the basis for this grasping at straws and labeling climate change as a “real” issue?  Oh yeah, research by scores of international scientist who have spent years studying environmental change and its impact on the plant.  But, what do they know?

Let’s get Joe the Plumber's...  No, let’s make that Norman the Electrician’s opinion.  “It’s a flat-out lie…I read my Bible.  He made this Earth for us to utilize.”             

I can’t speak for you, but that really clears things up for me.  This is a sound and proven evaluation by electrician Norman Dennison, founder of the Corydon Tea Party in Indiana, an obvious biblical scholar and undisputed international climatologist.

But for you skeptics out there still clinging to the flimsy excuse of real science as a basis for making educated decisions, you should really consider the possibility that this could all just be a big conspiracy theory.  A plot by environmentalist bent on the ridiculous notion sustaining continued existence on planet Earth.  Ask yourself, “What would the average tea party American say?”

Lisa Deaton, founding member of tea party inspired We the People Indiana really clears it up for me once and for all.  “They’re trying to use global warming against the people…It takes away our liberty.”

Get the facts.  Judge for yourself.