The negro question...

I am firmly of the opinion that the ONLY problem facing the "Black" community is that of culture.

The inner city culture (whether black or white) seems to be one of learned helplessness and bitter hatred of those who escape it.

Were it not for the likes of our Mayor John Street who actively perpetuate this idea, (the people and therefore) cities like Philadelphia might prosper.

The people must rise up and rid themselves of people like our mayor.

Then - and only then - can we expect things to improve in our city.

This is no easy task...Part 1

What I have always felt...always "known" in my gut is this:

Collectivism of any sort is the wrong way to go.

I understand the need for helping the poor, but have always feared the hand of the government.

I have rarely been able to adequately articulate an argument that would capture the attention of those of my friends who lean toward the "welfare state" collectivism side of the argument.

This series of postings will be an argument against governmental interposition in the social arrangements of a people.

I understand fully that a return to the "laissez faire" doctrine would be a mistake, but the balance is - today - overweighted toward the government.

I intend to lay out a systematic plan for the reduction of government in our lives.

I have read the Declaration of Independence and know full well that under our own elected government today we daily suffer indignities much worse than any King George could envisage.

This is a call to action.

Should it fail, I will consider a call to arms.

Wow

I've never been on anything larger than a 50 foot yacht before. Today is my third day aboard the Queen Mary 2.

I don't know what could possibly be better...I'm afraid I've been spoiled for anything else now.

Can't talk much now, got to go to the hydro-therapy room. Hee hee!

Requiescat in Pacem

John Paul II is gone.

There were three people of the West whose efforts to stop Communism were of the greatest magnitude:

Ronald Reagan, Pope John Paul II and Margaret Thatcher.

Only Lady Thatcher remains.

It is almost de rigeur to say of them that, "we shan't see their kind again".

Fortunately, that is not true. We have one of their breed currently in the White House...and the world is much better for it.

I get down sometimes when I think about how easy a life the enemies of freedom have: They have only to say, "I want to help" and whatever policies or programs they put forward are enthusiastically embraced by those who have been taught to let others do their thinking for them.

It is quite dispiriting.

Then, out of nowhere - seemingly - comes one such as John Paul II or G.W. Bush who holds fast to his convictions in the face of unmitigated hatred from self-appointed "intellectuals" - people for whom logical consistency is the mark of an inferior mind.

Since these vitriolic harpies are the ones who control the mass media the world over, it is nothing short of miraculous that Communism was conquered and that freedom is taking root all over the globe.

What John Paul gave people was a clear statement:

"This is right, this is wrong, this is where we stand and we will not change our convictions, period."

John Paul II never tailored his message to conform with the results of a poll.

You may not agree with the Catholic Church, but at least you know where you stand.

How often can we say that in 2005 America?