Not a shock there, but Lincoln County, NC wants to raise your taxes -- without calling it a tax increase:

A proposed ordinance aimed at managing growth in Lincoln County has generated heavy opposition from home builders and real estate agents, who plan to pack a public hearing Monday.

If I own land, I can build whatever I want on it. Anyone who prevents me from doing so it restricting freedom. That's "managed growth." Those who support "managed growth" are socialists, plain and simply.

In a free country, government responds to the people. In socialist and communist government, the government tells the people what to do. ANYPLACE there is "managed growth," the government is telling the people what they are permitted to do with their own personal property.

So, if YOUR government supports "managed growth" in any way, shape, or form, they are using the violent force of government to completely and totally suppress freedom -- whether they admit it or not.

Posted by: Ogre at 10:03 AM | Comments (10) | Add Comment
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1 They don't support managed growth in any way shape or form in Palm Beach County... or S. FL for that matter. Not that I can tell.

Posted by: Bou at February 23, 2006 12:10 PM (iHxT3)

2 It's a big one nationwide -- it's also known as "smart growth." Now I'm not sure about Palm Beach County, but I know places like Coral Springs, FL, planned every single building before one brick was laid there -- but that's a different issue -- if you buy knowing what you're supposed to build, that's different than we have here, where people who have owned land for literally hundreds of years are suddenly told what they will be permitted to build or not build.

Posted by: Ogre at February 23, 2006 12:22 PM (/k+l4)

3 C'mon Ogre, you know you don't really own the land, you're just renting it from the government. Well at least with the new emminant domain rulings anyway. So if you build something on that land and the government decides to build shopping mall, it would cost them more to give you "fair" market value for it. Sometimes I start to wonder if you're completely there anymore.

Posted by: Contagion at February 23, 2006 01:08 PM (Q5WxB)

4 I know I live in a dreamland. I do. I dream of freedom and a Constitutional Republic. I'm not sure it will ever be possible in this land, but hope spring eternal...

Posted by: Ogre at February 23, 2006 01:57 PM (/k+l4)

5 No regulation at all? So, if you build your dream house out on your land and the next week someone opens up a hog farm 50 feet away - you'd have no problem with that? And, before you make a smarmy comment, have you ever BEEN to a hog farm, I mean actually BEEN to a big lagoon hog farm? Okay, now you can answer.

Posted by: Robert P at February 23, 2006 02:12 PM (7X7vQ)

6 Managed growth is NOT about regulating hazardous waste. Managed growth is about telling people that they cannot build a house on their own land because the government would rather have an apartment building or a business that would generate more tax revenue. Government is supposed to respond to people, not tell them what to do. And yes, I have visited and toured hog lagoons in Eastern NC. Nice places.

Posted by: Ogre at February 23, 2006 02:22 PM (/k+l4)

7 So, you are for regulation, corporate regulation. You are saying that the government tells people they can't build a house on their own land because they want an apartment building or a business? Are we talking about an empty lot in downtown, or 1000 acres of farm land? Could you give me an example, seriously, of where this has happened. I can understand the OPPOSITE happening. For instance, you build your dream house and the neighbors decided to put up a 10 story apartment building next door.

Posted by: Robert P at February 23, 2006 02:30 PM (7X7vQ)

8 Davidson, NC is the prime example. The government there wants to preserve farmland. People have owned farmland there for literally hundreds of years -- but the city council has declared that not only are these people not permitted to build or improve their properties in any way, they are also not even allowed to split up and sell their own land! Charlotte, NC, is also working on this. They are trying to force people to use the trains they are building, so they have declared certain areas as only "high-density" housing. So people there who want to make an addition to their homes are not permitted to -- the ONLY new construction allowed is apartment buildings.

Posted by: Ogre at February 23, 2006 02:35 PM (/k+l4)

9 It all goes into Agenda 21. I hate to sound liek a conspiracy theorist, but UN Agenda 21 is responsible for this crap. If I own land and want to build a bigger house that is my business.

Posted by: kender at February 24, 2006 07:55 PM (p63Yb)

10 To be honest, I've never heard of UN Agenda 21, and I'm SURE I don't want to. But this is certainly an agenda, whether people want to admit it or not. It's socialism and communism. It's anti-freedom. It's part of the goal of those people who absolutely HATE freedom and the American Way.

Posted by: Ogre at February 24, 2006 08:07 PM (/k+l4)

Hide Comments | Add Comment

Those of you who think it is manly to drink beer may want to take a peek at this research and the warning that comes with it...

From, you know it, Kender.

Posted by: Ogre at 08:02 PM | Comments (1) | Add Comment
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Once again, I would like to apologize for all of those wonderful people whose blogs I usually visit. The month is almost over and I'm almost back to a normal schedule. Despite the regular posts you see appearing here, I'm not actually near a computer for about 5-6 hours a day now, which is really annoying. Come Monday, things will be more back to normal, and I should be annoying visiting you all once again!

But probably not this weekend, since the Stormreach Head Start Event starts Friday. What? You didn't know I was a geek gamer, too?

Posted by: Ogre at 06:01 PM | Comments (6) | Add Comment
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1 Why doesn't the fact that you are a "geek gamer" and beyond that a D&D gamer NOT surpise me? After all, you live in a cave, so what else is there to do, unless you wired it for power to have a TV (although you do use a PC, so that suggests power, of some sort at least).

Posted by: Smoke Eater at February 22, 2006 08:02 PM (5LGKd)

2 That explains it

Posted by: Lockjaw the Ogre at February 22, 2006 08:19 PM (mAhn3)

3 Methane gas power, Smokey. Methane gas.

Posted by: Ogre at February 22, 2006 08:26 PM (2IrwV)

4 I'm getting weirdness, where a future post is pinging blogrolling, and does it again when it gets posted. Strange. How's the D&D game going?

Posted by: William Teach at February 23, 2006 02:40 AM (V5vwb)

5 Yea an while ure at it..make a pitstop at mine huh huh huh?..lolz

Posted by: Angel at February 23, 2006 03:29 AM (8n9BB)

6 Teach, my future posts don't ping anything right. And Angel, yours shall certainly be at the top of the list each day!

Posted by: Ogre at February 23, 2006 11:05 AM (2IrwV)

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Great. The enlightened who brought us unrestricted prostitution, abortion on demand, and death by doctors now present their next step in the process towards their utopia -- killing all the black people. Seriously. Go read it, it's not some wackos (well, it is), but it's not a fringe group -- it's the government of the Netherlands.

Posted by: Ogre at 04:02 PM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
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"I believe that, in both spirit and substance, our tax system has come to be un-American. Death and taxes may be inevitable, but unjust taxes are not. The first American Revolution was sparked by an unshakable conviction -- taxation without representation is tyranny. Two centuries later, a second American revolution for hope and opportunity is gathering force again -- a peaceful revolution, but born of popular resentment against a tax system that is unwise, unwanted, and unfair."

Ronald Reagan ("Address to the Nation on Tax Reform," May 28, 1985)

President Ronald Reagan's words can be construed as prophetic in the context of where we stand today in America. Though this rhetoric was uttered some twenty years ago, we are still faced with a bent, battered, and broken tax system. Illustrative of how bi-partisan support can forge something unique and powerful, President Reagan's tax reforms did not just represent a triumph for his Administration. It represented what could be done when Americans decide something must be done. Democrats and Republicans, Conservatives, Liberals, and Libertarians can work together for the benefit of America. In continuing with the prescient theme President Reagan espoused, the American spirit is at its most fruitful epoch when Americans stand united; this has been the essence of who we truly are since the inception of this great nation.

The American Spirit has always been one that embraces individual choice and personal freedoms. The essence of who we are stems from our pursuit of happiness, which is why our capitalistic society has always spawned an entrepreneurial spirit ; unequivocal in efficiency and innovation. Though admittedly, we have experienced ups and downs, and times of economic dismay and downturn, nevertheless America has remained the steadfast beacon of hope and freedom the world over because we never lose sight of our ideals and dreams.

Posted by: Ogre at 02:09 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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I was over at Kos yesterday. No, I have NO IDEA why. I think perhaps I was feeling too good after the weekend and needed to read some crap. Perhaps it was because I was feeling rather intelligent and needed to erase and eliminate some brain cells. I don't know why I felt like peeking in a den of total and utter contempt and hatred, but I did. The main post was rather typical of the left (and yes, Daily Kos IS the Democrat party today in America, whether you want to admit it or not).

For some reason, I decided to fix and add a few details and facts to the post. It's kind of long and really annoying, so I'll put it in the extended entry.
more...

Posted by: Ogre at 12:03 PM | Comments (30) | Add Comment
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1 Delved into Liberal World, eh? I am always amazed how they always put idealism over reality. Heck, I'm not sure if they even know what reality is. Consider Kyoto. They have CONVINCED themselves that Bush pulled us out of Kyoto, completely ignoring that the Senate voted 95-0 against it, and Clinton refused to sign it. But, those facts do not exist in the Loon mind. And making abortion rare? Baa. They cannot even write what they really believe, re, that they want abortion on demand.

Posted by: William Teach at February 22, 2006 01:10 PM (V5vwb)

2 I guess it would be stupid to add that I hope the drug companies never have to make deals with the government or are forced to sell drugs cheaper. The drug companies spend billions of dollars in research for just one drug to bring it to market, the prices they charge are to re-coup their costs. If they are forced to sell the drugs cheaper, they might not do research to bring new and life saving drugs to market. I fear this very much as some of the new arthritis drugs that have been brought to market recently are truely life savers and eventually I will be on them. Without them alot of peoples lives would have ended. Also, every, every, every drug company have programs that if you can not afford their drugs they will qualify you for a discount program. All anyone has to do is call the drug manufacturer for the details.

Posted by: Machelle at February 22, 2006 01:29 PM (ZAyoW)

3 Do Republicans ever get tired of spouting theology instead of facts? 1. Environment. Please don't tell me you believe Michael Crichton, author, over thousands of scientists that have actual data on global warming? How about this? 2. Medicare. Republicans made their bed, time to lay down. Remember the $11 Trillion budget surplus that Democrats handed over to you? I'm pretty sure that could have been used to fix Medicare and provide a reasonable prescription plan without raising taxes by 50%. BTW, what a misleading stat. The "I'm living off Daddy's money" tax is now 17%, where it used to be 33%. So, firefighters and policemen dying in the line of duty pay more taxes than Paris Hilton - nice moral take there Neocons. Increasing this tax by 50% would raise 17% to about 25%. Still less than a lot of blue collar workers. But, you're a neocon. You don't care about workers, only the aristocracy. Also - Machelle - each and every large pharm company spend more on overhead (advertising, accounting, admin) than they do on research. Advertising is nearly equal to R&D in many companies. Look it up. If you take away the misleading TV commercials and magazine ads, your drugs would be a lot cheaper. 3. Deficit. This is ALL YOUR BABY. You guys slashed taxes on Donald Trump and Paris Hilton while giving $400 a year back to working people. Our deficit is huge and your solution is to cut Medicare, Medicaid, and food programs for the elderly. I am so glad the Republicans are the moral party in America. Let me see, where is that passage...Luke, Mark, ah here it is Bush 11:16 And the poor shall pay for the vacations of the wealthy with their health and very lives. 4. Iraq. Once again you'd rather be loud than right. There is war profiteering going on in Iraq. Hallilburton is sending truckers down death alley with empty tankers and charging the U.S. for "Sailboat Fuel". They are providing rotten food, charging for soldier meals that don't exist, and the list goes on and on. But, you would rather ignore that reality and pretend that we don't want to fight the war on terror. b.s. With the money saved by investigating war profiteering we could provide armor for the troops - why do you hate the troops Ogre? 5. Abortion. Let's be perfectly clear. * Under President Clinton abortions were decreasing FASTER than under President Bush. President Bush stopped the Clinton plan to decrease abortions. Thus, President Bush is DIRECTLY responsible for MORE abortions being performed in the U.S. every year. * Republicans want every baby to be born, even if it kills the mother, but then cut the funding to take care of those children. *Republicans are pro-birth, you could care less about life*. Feel free to spout your right-wing b.s. response, absent any hard data or facts, because after all, you are the "faith" party, so why have data to back up what you believe?

Posted by: Robert P at February 22, 2006 01:49 PM (V/N23)

4 Okay, I'm not sure why links no longer work. Did you disable that because I was able to send your readers to actual facts? I'm surprised you have comments at all, given most Republican sites do not allow "citizens" to provide input - kind of like our isolationist President. Don't you find it hippocritical that you push against isolationism at the International level, yet you support a Party that only meets with each other?

Posted by: Robert P at February 22, 2006 01:51 PM (V/N23)

5 Pat, there are also tons of scientists who think otherwise, regarding global warming. There is also tons of scientific data, not conjecture and computer models, that shows that the earth is not experiencing global warming. If global warming is so real, then why are the alarmists now using the term "global climate change?" Could it be because the facts do not fit the hypothesis?

Posted by: William Teach at February 22, 2006 02:06 PM (V5vwb)

6 Teach, I usually leave venturing into the liberal lunatic land up to you. I feel dirty and dumber after visiting them. Machelle, Democrats/Liberals do not like drug companies making money, plain and simple. I'm not sure if it's just jealousy, or it's more than that. They want to be the sole provider of medicine, and as you point out, if that is the case, people will die. Robert P, I think you missed the point of the post -- it was describing what Democrats believe, not Republicans. I haven't made any adjustments, as your fantasy-land mind seems to think -- links work now exactly as they have always worked here. Feel free to speak away, I have no problem letting Democrats show their position and their ignorance of reality. I LIKE it when Democrats are actually honest about their positions -- which almost never happens. But do, please, watch the language. If you cannot converse in a civil tone, I will just start deleting or more heavily editing your posts. Now, if you really want them (and you don't), I'll respond, in-kind, to your "statements." 1. Environment. Don't tell me you believe thousands of scientists over thousands of scientists? There is clearly NOT a consensus, even among learned scientists, about the CAUSE of global warming. None. You can believe some, and others can believe others, but someday the fact might have to be faced that we simply cannot know everything. 2. Thank you for making the point of the position of the Democrats -- the only solution is to raise taxes. I don't know if it's jealous here, too, or not. Why do you want to take Paris Hilton's money? By what right? 3. Again, thank you for making the point. The only solution from the left, no matter the problem (real or imagined) is more taxes. 4. Since you are perfect, perhaps you can run the war without any waste at all. No, really, feel free to make your own bid on providing any service you want. And you don't even want to investigate if there is waste! Why do you support wasting money on rotten food in Iraq? 5. I'll have to check on that one, I'm not sure of the actual numbers. I'm pretty sure, however, that Bush hasn't actually performed any abortions, personally, much to the chagrin of Democrats everywhere. I'm sure that Clinton, the first black president, did because you say so. And that last comment is just typical Democrat -- "the Party that only meets with itself." I know, you'd prefer that Democrats were in power and you think that they should be able to tell Republicans what to do. Oh, and by the way? Did I ever say that I was a Republican?

Posted by: Ogre at February 22, 2006 02:11 PM (/k+l4)

7 I love Roberts (who I referred to as Pat, my Bad) part about: Republicans want every baby to be born, even if it kills the mother, but then cut the funding to take care of those children. Maybe liberals shouldn't have babies if they cannot get a job to take care of them. It's not the governments job to pay for the child care, but the parents. But, since most liberals are lazy slugabeds, and expect handouts paid for with tax money from Republicans who actually work....

Posted by: William Teach at February 22, 2006 02:30 PM (V5vwb)

8 But that IS their position, Teach! They honestly WANT to take care of every man, woman, and child in the country. They WANT people to be dependent on them. They measure success by how many people are dependent on government! And, of course, the only way they can get money to actually support everyone is by taking it from "the rich." So their plan is simple and their war cry is simple. If you oppose them, you want to kill people.

Posted by: Ogre at February 22, 2006 02:34 PM (/k+l4)

9 Ogre: Did I ever say that I was a Republican? But Ogre, it's obvious that you are a Republican. everyone knows that a vote for anyone but the Republicans is a vote for the Democrats, and since you are obviously NOT a Democrat, you HAVE TO BE a Republican! Ok, I'll end the sarcasm. Sorry!

Posted by: Echo Zoe at February 22, 2006 02:37 PM (K+h36)

10 so, if I weigh the same as a duck...?

Posted by: Ogre at February 22, 2006 02:46 PM (/k+l4)

11 At least here on this site you are finally speaking the truth. You don't care about the downtrodden, you don't care about those who are down on their luck - It's their own fault. Now, please have your leaders admit this the next time they are courting the Christian vote, because your point of view is so unChristian it's unfathomable. Sorry about the language, I'm ticked. What about our Seniors Teach? What about our few remaining WWII vets? Do they deserve to eat? Do they deserve to have health care? If so, why do you support cutting services to them? Where do you draw the line, just for clarification - who deserves help and who doesn't?

Posted by: Robert P at February 22, 2006 02:50 PM (V/N23)

12 Ogre, When Clinton was in office, VP Gore met with Republican Senators every week. As soon as Bush was elected, Cheney made all trips to the Hill one-sided, Democrats were not allowed to attend. Because of that, every single problem in America can be laid entirely at the feet of Republicans. The Democrats have been blocked from helping. An unpopular war. Corruption in Washington. Poor healthcare. Medicaid/Medicare cuts. Veteran's Healthcare cuts. More arsenic, mercury and other toxins in our water. The list goes on and on. If you cut the other party out of government, then you have to take sole responsibility for the outcome.

Posted by: Robert P at February 22, 2006 02:55 PM (V/N23)

13 You have drawn the line, and it is, I believe the one true difference between Conservative and Liberals -- both groups of people want seniors to eat, health care for anyone who wants it, and other good things. However, liberals believe all and everything can ONLY be provided by government, while conservatives believe in the free market and freedom of choice. If *I* don't WANT insurance, why am I forced to have it? It's not because I don't care about kids. As for the Republican/Democrat split, well, Democrats are very reliably liberal -- they will almost always take up the liberal position and support it. Republicans, today, are taking up more and more liberal position. In my mind, if you support government expanding ANYTHING, you're taking the liberal position. Now where's my chart showing my view on the political spectrum... Oh yeah, here it is: http://ogresview.mu.nu/archives/133862.php (For Robert, if you're interested)

Posted by: Ogre at February 22, 2006 02:56 PM (/k+l4)

14 Each and every one of us with insurance pays $922 a year in extra premiums to cover those without. Each and every one of us pays extra in taxes for those without insurnace. Each and every one of us that goes to the hospital pays extra for services given to those without insurance. The free market system works if it is monitored. If EVERY employer had to provide decent BASIC health care, then it wouldn't be an issue. If Wal-Mart gave their workers healthcare, instead of a PACKET ON HOW TO GET MEDICAID when they went to work there - then maybe we wouldn't be having these conversations. A recent study in NC showed that something like 60% of Medicaid patients at one hospital were Wal-Mart employees. The free market system works with regulation.

Posted by: Robert P at February 22, 2006 03:01 PM (V/N23)

15 BTW, I'm out of here for the next couple hours, however, I have enjoyed the tail end of our discussion.

Posted by: Robert P at February 22, 2006 03:02 PM (V/N23)

16 "What about our Seniors Teach?" What about them? It is an obvious deflection.

Posted by: William Teach at February 22, 2006 03:47 PM (IRsCk)

17 I would modify your statements, Robert -- Each and every one of us with insurance is forced to pay, against our will, $922 a year in extra premiums, much of which is wasted in bureaucracies, to cover those who may not want insurance. If *I* were giving that $922, I would likely VOLUNTARILY give it to help people, and the entire $922 would reach the person, NOT the bureaucracy. That's my problem. *I* want to help people, NOT be forced at gunpoint to help them and support useless bureaucracies at the same time.

Posted by: Ogre at February 22, 2006 03:58 PM (/k+l4)

18 Testing, one two three.... I just had a long post disappear.

Posted by: Robert P at February 22, 2006 04:28 PM (V/N23)

19 No idea why -- nothing was done on this end. Sorry about that.

Posted by: Ogre at February 22, 2006 08:25 PM (2IrwV)

20 Robert and Ogre - I want you both to go to the web site of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, and read some of the charts that compare benefits state to state. Robert, I don't know where you are, but I bet it's someplace like here in Massachusetts with mandated benefits up the wazoo. For MILLIONS of seniors, the Medicare Part D is a Godsend - I mena think about it - for FOURTY YEARS prescription drugs weren't covered for seniors? The only reason it isn't a bigger 'success' is that AARP Dem lobbyists SAY it's not, and produce phony statistics. Oh, btw, I AM a Republican - Ogre is not. HE is a force of nature.

Posted by: Peter Porcupine at February 23, 2006 05:16 AM (NprS0)

21 That's why one of the biggest bills last year in Congress that I REALLY supported (and my Congressman told me was sure to pass, but didn't) was the Health Insurance Act that would have completely removed state mandates! I LOVED that bill! It was something the federal government actually had the jurisdiction to do, and it was good -- so that pretty much doomed it. In a nutshell, that bill would have said that if any insurance company met the requirements for one state, no other state could bar it from doing business in their state. My monthly insurance cost estimates would drop from about $780 a month to about $112 per month.

Posted by: Ogre at February 23, 2006 11:09 AM (2IrwV)

22 Peter, If it is such a success, how come only 5 million people have signed up, but the government keeps saying 25 million? Remember, that prescription drugs 45 years ago, well, didn't exist. Also remember that most prescription drugs are post-facto band-aids for conditions that could have been avoided if the country had a health plan that made preventive care available. Type2 Diabetes is one that comes to mind. My sister has great insurance at a company called NewPig and she found out at her yearly physical she was heading towards Type2 land. She changed her lifestyle and now her numbers are looking better. So, no meds for the rest of her life thanks to preventive care. A loss for the Pharm companies, who would much rather she have lousy insurance and end up on their meds for life.

Posted by: Robert P at February 23, 2006 02:18 PM (7X7vQ)

23 Again, that horrible view of people! What makes you think that people really, honestly want other people to be sick and in pain to earn money? Sure, there's some, but there's an exception to nearly every rule. Is there anyone on the planet that wants people sick and dying? Sure. Is it all, most, or even a few evil corporations? Not likely. You see, corporations understand the basic rules of economics -- if people die, they will not be able to purchase their product! As for your sister and preventative care, that's absolutely wonderful! It's a great story and I am honestly happy that she's changed and may have avoided Type 2 Diabetes!

Posted by: Ogre at February 23, 2006 02:25 PM (/k+l4)

24 ALL LARGE PHARM COMPANIES have avoided making new antibiotics because the profit margin is not big enough. Profits over people. Look, I've interviewed with a number of small biotech firms, they are good people trying to create novel treatments. But, I don't for a minute believe that big PHARM does anything that is not in their own profit interest. This is nothing new, it's capitalism. The problem is that many short-sighted companies don't see how good business practices are good for business. Take Costco. They pay an average of $16/hour and have full healthcare for their workers. They are ranked 29 on Fortune 500. WalMart pays $9/hour and gives their new workers paperwork to sign up for Medicaid. The difference? The Waltons have pocketed $75 Billion in wealth, while their employees have healthcare paid by....wait for it....YOUR TAXES!!!

Posted by: Robert P at February 23, 2006 02:40 PM (7X7vQ)

25 BTW, if it's good enough for Wal-Mart, Veterans, Senators, Congressmen, the President, VP, White House staff, Congressional staff, the poor, the handicapped, the blind, the elderly, the very young, pregnant mothers, and the mentally ill - why is it not good enough for everyone?

Posted by: Robert P at February 23, 2006 02:46 PM (7X7vQ)

26 No, that's not profits over people, that's practical reality. Can we cure cancer? Maybe. How about if we spend $100,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000.00 tomorrow? I bet we can cure it! Now, since we haven't already spent that money, it must be because we want people dead, not because we simply don't have the money! If a company doesn't make some money, it doesn't exist. So a company cannot produce a product, even if it might save lives, if they don't exist! As for the health care problem, that's government creating the problem. Did you know that health care, when provided for employees, was introduced as an INCENTIVE? That's right! Once upon a time health care wasn't DEMANDED as a right! As a citizen, I have zero obligation to be forced to pay for anything for anyone else. That doesn't mean I don't care, it means I don't want to be FORCED to care -- that's not caring. When government provides sometimes -- anything -- to someone else, they can ONLY get it by taking it from someone. Government produces nothing -- it can ONLY take.

Posted by: Ogre at February 23, 2006 02:47 PM (/k+l4)

27 Who says you have to have it? I'm just saying Medicare should be available for anyone who wants to pay the premiums and get the top flight service without paying 25% for administration fees and executive salaries. The best plan for the future is Medicare available to everyone as BASIC HEALTHCARE, with the option to buy private plans overtop for more specific coverages. But, if you decide not to invest in healthcare, then there shouldn't be any medical bankruptcy. Low cost Medicare for all would eliminate medical bankrupty, thereby saving hospitals HUGE boluses of money from lost income and lowering the cost of services. No matter how much money we spend, we will never cure cancer. Period. We can only fight cancer. My whole point was that many businesses don't see how you can have good business practices and still make money. Costco is the perfect example, they are 10 times smaller than Sam's Club, but actually MADE more last year - with higher pay and better benefits. The government produces the military, the roads, safe transportation, safe jobs, safe drugs, best research in the world, and the best medical plan in the world.

Posted by: Robert P at February 23, 2006 02:58 PM (7X7vQ)

28 I completely agree -- well, with one exception -- why should government run Medicare? Government is totally incompetent in running ANYTHING. Get government out of it, and it's a wonderful idea. And the big reason I oppose government from providing basic healthcare to everyone is the same reason that McDonalds doesn't give away Big Macs -- as soon as they started to do it, everyone would want one. Demand would rise. Then McDonalds would run out of Big Macs. They'd be forced to ration them and there would be long waits in line. Those that could afford them, even those who were starving, would have to wait in line...just like everywhere socialized medicine provided by government is tried.

Posted by: Ogre at February 23, 2006 11:02 PM (2IrwV)

29 Medicare spends 3% of its total costs on overhead, private insurance companies spend 25%. TWENTY-FIVE percent. That doesn't take into account advertising. THAT is why government should run the insurance industry. Imagine a world where roads were privatized. You spend $400 a month for a driving "premium", then extra every time you leave the state. Extra if you drive an SUV. Extra if you drive a truck. Along come the Democrats saying we can make the roads public. Republicans go bananas. Oh, if the Democrats make roads private the world will end. Businesses will go broke with the taxes! It's all bull - don't believe it without reading it. The 3%/25% ratio should be enough for you to agree that the government doesn't waste money. Socialized medicine is not what I am proposing

Posted by: Robert P at February 24, 2006 01:24 AM (V/N23)

30 If government runs it, it IS socialized -- because they cannot lose money, it's impossible. If government needs more money, they just take it. If your numbers are correct, then Medicare also spends 50% on waste. There is no oversight. No one questions that Medicare is rampant with huge amounts of fraud and waste -- and no one cares. And in NC, I wouldn't mind seeing roads privatized. The government here is utterly incapable of building roads that are useful (they'd rather build trolleys, museums, and professional sports stadiums), nor can they even spend the money they raise to maintain the roads (over $100 million diverted from gas taxes to the general fund). Yes, private roads would be a boon here.

Posted by: Ogre at February 24, 2006 10:48 AM (CyQ4M)

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Despite the FACT that money does not equal education, the Democrat governor of North Carolina continues to raise taxes and spend MORE on education.

Easley (governor, Democrat) said he will only sign the budget if MORE is spent on education. How much more? It doesn't appear to matter, as long as it is indeed MORE.

His "big" accomplishments "for education" are MORE spending in his personal "More at four" program -- which puts 4-year olds in schools, with ZERO measurable gain in education for any participants; and a reduction in class size -- again with ZERO evidence that there are any gains in actual education.

So, the Democrat position is very clear in North Carolina, without any doubt or exception. If you vote for and support Democrats, you are supporting raising taxes and increasing spending on education without ANY evidence AT ALL that there is actually any educating being done with the money.

That is the Democrat position. So, do you feel good voting for Democrats in North Carolina?

Posted by: Ogre at 10:05 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
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Ah yes, folks, we have another frustrated lottery player who hasn't won the Powerball lottery, so they've purchased an entry into the lawsuit lottery -- in one of the most lucrative of all sub-games, the medical malpractice lawsuit lottery.

In Hawaii, one Dr. Robert Ricketson suddenly found himself in a bad spot -- he was in the middle of a very delicate surgery on a man's spine. In the middle of the operation, Dr. Ricketson was faced with a choice -- follow the exact protocol for the surgery, or let the man die. Apparently, he should have chosen death.

You see, the good doctor couldn't locate the exact titanium rod that was normally used for the operation. So, he could do nothing and wait for a new rod to arrive, during which time, in the doctor's medical opinion, the patient would die, or he could improvise. The doctor saved the man's life.

The man's (and I use that term loosely) response? Sue the doctor. No, really.

The doctor, in the process of saving the man's life, used a part of a screwdriver so the man would live. The man and his family are so annoyed, they want big piles of cash to make them feel better. And they will probably win.

So what have we learned? Foolish lawsuits are one of the big reasons why medical practice and insurance are so expensive. And if you have a choice between saving someone's life and following the rules, you should follow the rules. I guess these morons would be happier if the man just died.

Posted by: Ogre at 06:01 PM | Comments (4) | Add Comment
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And you thought YOUR cat was fat.

Posted by: Ogre at 05:08 PM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
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Jack Carter, to be forever known as "Jimmy Carter's Son" (even in the headline to the news story jumps out to make news about his Senate run and lands squarely on the fence.

He appears to be just another in a long line of politicians, especially Democrats, who want to be all things to all people just to win. Most of those who take this position will say whatever the person they are addressing wants to hear -- with no regard for truthfulness or even having an actual position on an issue.

In this case, Carter says that he supports abortion on demand, but he's opposed to abortion. Now in some cases, this type of position can make sense -- you can support something without supporting government forcing people to do it. That type of position is one that I firmly support -- there is very little that government should actually be doing.

However, one of the few things they should be doing is protecting human life. Is it okay for me to say that committing armed robbery is wrong, but I don't think government should be telling people not to do it? Seems like the same thing to me. But then again, I'm often told that I'm "too" black and white on issues...

Posted by: Ogre at 05:05 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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The news today from Iraq is the "big news" that a soldier won a lawsuit against a terrorist (to the tune of $102 million), but won't be able to collect. But one thing that seems to be lost in the news story is the idea that Canada has protested -- because the terrorist is "too young."

What? That's right. A person attacked an American soldier with automatic weapons and grenades in Afghanistan. The person who attacked them was 15 -- so Canada feels he is innocent. Seriously! Canada has "protested" the violent attacker because he's "a minor."

So, apparently, in Canada at least, if you're 15, you are free to attack people with automatic weapons with impunity because you're a minor. So Canada has now chosen sides in the war on terror -- and it's not the side of right.

Posted by: Ogre at 04:06 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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Nope, it's not a religious war. Not at all.

"Person" 1: Hi, are you a Christian?
Person 2: Why yes I am.
"Person" 1: *BANG* *BANG*

I am just amazed that so many people still believe the evil, destructive, murderers who call this a "religion of peace."

Posted by: Ogre at 04:04 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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Have you taken a moment to visit the fine folks who have chosen to advertise here? Well why not? It only takes a minute and you might see or learn something new!

This week, Write Wing Blog has chosen to advertise here through Blog Explosion. I'd never seen that blog before, but I'm going to be adding it to my list of "visit daily" blogs -- good stuff from a Homeschool and writing mom, including offensive Clinton pictures. Take a peek!

Over on the right side, you should see the lovely ad for Larry Kissell for Congress. He's got some, well, interesting views on taxes, but that's why he's a Democrat!

Back on the left side, there's a couple of ads from blogads (add your ad cheap!): One for Nathan Tabor, who is running for NC State Senate in district 31, and another for some people who will really give you the truth about Jim Black.

So take a moment, click the links, and read a little more. You should always be trying to learn more, even if you're already overloaded with information!

Posted by: Ogre at 03:05 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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A nice example of discussion in the blogosphere:

Smokey weighs in with a call to place calls to your Congresscritters -- and Starling responds with a few more facts and questions.

Posted by: Ogre at 02:09 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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I haven't seen a whole lot of blogging on the Olympics. I've mentioned them quite a few times, as I've watched TONS of coverage. I'm not saying there isn't anyone covering them, just that I haven't seen a lot.

Kender really let Gumble have it for his racist comments that haven't gotten him fired (you can't be racist if you're black) -- and The NeoCon Blogger doesn't like Curling:

Curling! Where to start. First, this is such a Canadian event (it ain’t a sport if you can’t hit anyone or travel faster than you can run!) Curling is said to be a ‘thinker’s game full of strategy and precision.’ Well, so is estate planning but does it need to be an Olympic event?

Posted by: Ogre at 01:06 PM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
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This isn't really North Carolina government (as the category implies), but it's government at the North Carolina State University. The state Senate was voting to decide if "Grades should be held against students for having a different view."

Since this is an institute of socialism stupid morons "higher" learning, I think you know how they voted -- Yes. The NCSU Senate opposed any sort of academic bills of rights and effectively declared that it is perfectly okay to base students' grades on their political positions.

The bill said (in part):

[F]aculty and instructors shall not infringe upon the academic freedom and quality of education of their students by persistently introducing controversial matter into the classroom or coursework that has no relation to their subject of study and that serves no legitimate pedagogical purpose.

Tell me the value of a college education again?

Posted by: Ogre at 10:06 AM | Comments (16) | Add Comment
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Yet again, for your entertainment, from Kender, a Redneck Roller Coaster. Now that's funny, right there.

Posted by: Ogre at 08:02 PM | Comments (6) | Add Comment
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(PHOENIX, AZ) February 16, 2006 – Chris Simcox, President of the Minuteman Civil Defense Corps (“MCDC”), today announced plans for the group’s nationwide “Secure Our Borders” campaign in April 2006. Simcox also announced a new operational structure for the original Minuteman Border Project to meet the growing needs of the continued expansion of Minuteman border security operations.

Thousands of MCDC volunteers, augmented by the new national support team, will hold border watch patrols in northern and southern states along an estimated 800 miles of international borders during the month of April. The Minutemen will observe and report suspected illegal border crossings to the proper authorities. As always, they will maintain a “no contact” policy with the exception of providing emergency water to those illegal aliens found in distress in the wilderness.
more...

Posted by: Ogre at 06:05 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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Below is a letter from someone organizing a political blogging conference for next year:

Hello Friends,

I write you today to ask for a little help. As many of you know I am involved in a Political Bloggers Conference called Blogging Man (http://www.bloggingman.org). We have hit a bit of a snag...

It's one of those business things, the big sponsor doesn't want to sponsor a non-event, so they request that we get at least one Big name signed on before they will commit to giving us money...

The big name we have lined up, won't sign up until we give him the deposit... more...

Posted by: Ogre at 01:01 PM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
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N.C. Attorney General Roy Cooper formed the SBI's cybercrimes unit in 2003. Last year, he asked N.C. lawmakers to add seven more positions to the unit; the General Assembly added four.

Everyone together now, "Thank you, Democrats in the NC Legislature."

Posted by: Ogre at 10:03 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
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