Sand Hill Philosopher

Victory Garden: a Triumph over Physical Disability

I have been thinking a lot about gardening lately. It seems that as we age, we have a desire to return to the earth, both to toil and to think.

I wonder if it is because we remember, from somewhere in our Adam-nature, the joy that once existed in a Garden, and our desire to return to that place?  Perhaps it is because we see the dirt and are reminded that from dust we came, and to dust we will return.  It may even deal with watching the miracle of growth we see when a seed dies,  in order to bring forth its fruit, as Jesus said in reference to his own death and burial.

How YOU can Stop Judicial Activism

The Process for removing Federal Judges (including Supreme Court Judges) is EASY.  The steps, in reverse order, are:

3. Have a judge that you disapprove of his lifestyle, a single court ruling, or a string of what the public believes are poor decisions, or patterns of dangers pending.

2. Have Congressmen (House and Senate) who are willing to impeach the Judges.

1. Have voters who will only vote for Congressmen who are willing to impeach judges who have offended the sensibilities of their constituents.

Harvard Medical Dean Condemns Medical Reform

The Dean of what is arguably the top medical school in the nation, Harvard Medical School, spoke out on Friday condemning those Congressmen who would vote for a reform of the nation's medical system that would lead to a one-payer system, or disrupt the patient/physician relationship in any way.

After the refusal of the AMA to sit astride the bull-ride of the Medical Reform battle,

Will AARP Position Cost Childrens' Lives?

The offenses committed by the US Presidency, Congress and the AARP should be championed by someone as an elder abuse.

For years, the AARP has said that it is the voice that speaks for America's seniors.  They have been heavy proponents of Obama-care, swearing repeatedly to older Americans that they represent "their" best interests.  In pushing this bill through Congress, and the voices of America's seniors supporting the AARP, the AARP members have  beeen extorted.  We cannot have a socialized medicine and strong new research that reveals expensive therapies.

Victory Garden: a follow-up

Well, I made it back to the Victory Garden today. Thanks for the phone calls, email and website visits. Since the post earlier this weekend, "Victory Garden: Overcoming Physical Disability," there were some questions I should answer before next weekends post on Victory Garden.

Fracturing the Conservative Movement: a Texas example of Damage

Yesterday we looked at the problem with fracturing the Conservative Force in upcoming elections, and the way it tore Conservatives asunder in 1992, allowing Clinton/Clinton/Gore into the White House. Conservatives must coordinate their candidates so they are spread across the slate, from school board, to District Attorney, to Senators and Presidential nominees. Fractionation of the Conservatives (and that is what the liberals will do), will not allow us to attain the goals we all hold for the next election cycle.

We have a similar issue brewing in Texas right now in the race for Governor that demonstrates the effects of fractionation.

Spring House Cleaning, and the Senate

The seeming resurrection of the sleeping Conservatives in this current course of politics is inspirational. But it leaves me with two major concerns.

In watching the Conservatives finally stand-up, to vote and to take enemy gun-fire, is exciting, but I should point out that it is the lack of many of these "Sleeper Cells" of people that caused our nation to face the current crisis. If there had been more of you/us in this Conservative battle years ago, we would not find the nation in the sad state of functioning that we now find as easily as locating a pig farm in Indiana.

Is Congress Constitutional Anymore?

Certainly the U.S. Congress, as described in the United States' Constitution, Article I, is "constitutional" in that sense, but do they regard each bill and amendment with a consideration as to its constitutionality?

Socialism & Communism Found to Be Unhealthy

Governmental regimes are unhealthy, even Fatal; and, they don't provide good healthcare to those who are left alive.  Who killed more people under their socialistic regimes: Hitler, Stalin or Mao Tsetung? Look at these numbers and Think with me.

Treaties, Global Warming & the US Constitution

The President of the Unites States is appointed in the United States Constitution, Article II, Section II, Paragraph One, to act as Commander and Chief of the US Military and the State Militias. Paragraph Two states:

He shall have power, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, to make treaties, provided two thirds of the Senators present concur;

The Constitution attests in Article VI, Paragraph Two:

This Constitution and the laws of the United States which shall be made in pursuance thereof; and all treaties made or which shall be made, under the authority of the United States shall be the supreme law of the land; and the judges in every State shall be bound thereby, any thing in the Constitution or laws of any State to the contrary notwithstanding.

The weight and impact of a treaty (a contract agreement between the United States and one or more foreign powers, who are authorized by their government to make such contracts) specifies a type and degree of cooperation, which may not be equal between the parties (e.g., a Peace Treaty), but each party is bound to the portion regarding them.

At one time, treaties were primarily made to establish the responsibilities of parties to perform certain duties for one another; retribution was typically limited to damage of the offender's reputation, and the offended party was no longer bound to maintain its responsibilities as a party of the contract (treaty). It is more and more common to see treaties in "our Global Community" proposed that lend a method of punishment, pecuniary damage repayment, fine or other defined means of retribution outlined within the treaty.

There are at least three primary problems with the Copenhagen Treaty to Limit Greenhouse Emissions. These are:

1.   Scientific Evidence does NOT support the International Committee on Climate Change's (ICCC) belief that CO₂ emissions are responsible for Climate Change. (see The Sand Hill Philosopher article, "When Will Global Warming End?" on this blog.) Dr. Ian Plimer, an original member of the ICCC resigned because of the selective and faulty scientific evidence used by the group, and persuaded his home country of Australia to withdraw from this treaty and the so-called "Cap & Trade" issues put forth.

2.   There is no scientific evidence that humans, or human activities, contribute to atmospheric CO₂ levels. Studies show that even mild elevations of CO₂ in confined spaces where plants grow causes the plants to grow more rapidly, converting the CO₂ and H₂O to plant products, and releasing O₂ into the atmosphere.

3.   The Treaty Limitations on developed countries, such as the United States, as compared to undeveloped countries, such as Kenya, are so disparate as to be ridiculous. The penalties, and likelihood of enforcement, are also far from fair and equal.

If a country is to develop, without any emissions of "greenhouse gasses" (H₂O is the primary one, at about 73% of total) they will have to rely upon developed nations to provide them with the machinery, technology and industry to develop. If that is to be obtained from the United States, for example, we are penalized for helping the developing nations of the world. The treaty also does not explain at which point a country is no longer considered "developing" or "Third-World", and there is no mechanism for them to be re-classified, or what their punishment would be under the proposed treaty.

Dr. Ian Plimer, in his book, Between Heaven and Earth, gives abundant proof that our climate is cyclical, with repeated warming and cooling cycles. (Where DID the ice ages go?? Who was harmed when Memphis, Tennessee emerged from beneath a glacier six thousand years ago?) He also proves, by multiple studies that atmospheric CO₂ levels have almost no variation in the atmosphere, and comprise only .11% of the total CO₂ in the earth and its atmosphere. He proves that these heating/cooling cycles are results of what happens in the distances between the earth and sun, solar flares, angles of rotation, and ions in the space "Between Heaven and Earth". The eruption of the Mount St. Helen's volvano in the 1970's released more CO₂, nitrates/nitrites (responsible for 'acid rain;), poisonous gasses and particulate matter into the atmosphere than all of human history.

The following article is from the Orange County Record Newspaper, and is also on the website of The Center for National Policy Analysis, a non-profit think-tank that evaluates laws, policies and judgments that will affect our nation, for good or bad, and tries to analyze what the impact of such actions will be on our Nation.  Please read the article, follow their blog, and visit the link to the Orange County Record.

Just Thinking, The Sand Hill Philosopher

FROM COPENHAGEN TO NOPENHAGEN FOR CLIMATE TREATY

In a major blow to the campaign against the presumed threat of global warming, world leaders acknowledge that a legally binding global treaty won't be approved at next month's 192-nation climate conference in Copenhagen, Denmark.

The concession Sunday significantly delays U.N. efforts to orchestrate a treaty to limit greenhouse gases to replace the Kyoto treaty, which expires in 2012.  Nations like the United States and poorer nations share the blame for the missed deadline.  Their concerns are similar to our own, says the Orange County Register:

WORLD Magazine: just what the Sand Hill Philosopher Ordered

Are you searching for a new magazine that is consistent with your worldview?  I had grown-up reading Time Magazine and Newsweek, with an occasional glance at US News & World Report, but during college, they became more one-sided in their reporting and I became more critical of what I read. [Perhaps they were always that liberal, and I took a while to catch-on.]

After I refused to read the magazines anymore, I felt a little ill-prepared for the journeys to places that would invoke read-less waiting upon me.  I always wanted that magazine rolled up in my pocket before I left my dorm room.

During my medical residency in Waco, Texas, my wife and I learned of a news magazine with a worldview alternative to Time and Newsweek: it was, and is, WORLD Magazine.

The magazine takes a clear, conservative, Christian worldview on events at home and abroad. They carry the same topical columns that the other news magazines do, but with a worldview closer to mine and the typical Sand Hill Reader.

At first I thought we might be signing up for a "religious bulletin", but though they have a "Religion Column" from time-to-time, there is no doctrine or denomination pushed. They simply, and clearly, bring me the weekly news in a magazine form.

Over the last 20+ years of readership, I have seen them grow in number of subscribers, number and quality of writers/journalists, and stature among America's journalistic reporters as a respectable source of news and information.

If you have already given up on ABC, CBS and CNN, to turn to Fox News, why not drop your Time, Newsweek and US News & World Report subscriptions, as well, and subscribe to WORLD Magazine? The Editor is Joe Belz who always has an excellent editorial.  Marvin Olasky (Professor of Journalism, at The University of Texas, Austin) is a regular contributor and serves as Editor In Chief; another well-known columnist that appears in each issue is Adree Seu.

The November 7, 2009 issue contains the following as a partial list of its contents: Quotables, Quick Takes, Movies & TV, Books, Music, Lifestyle and Tech, Charity, Sports, an article by Janie B. Cheaney (Subdued and Preserved: America's National Park System is a product of civilization) and articles in the following categories: Islam (Dutch Politician Brings anti-Islam Message to Britain and America); Government (A Platoon of Czars Sets Policy); Persecution (Vietnamese Refugees Call for Washington to Act on Abuses); Politics (Critics Worry About the Effects on Free Speech of Recently Expanded Hate Crime Laws); Environment (Climate Change Becomes the Latest Excuse for Population Control); Iraq (In Disputed Kirkuk, Christian Presence is Targeted); Sudan (Militia Attacks in South Sudan Threaten "Peace" Agreement); Education (Public-school Educators Ignore a Charter School That is Accomplishing What They Cannot); Radicalism (Moving from Corporate America to Academic America).

The cover articler is, Do the Math - How a government-run system will entice your employer to drop your health plan -- and press religious institutions like Belmont Abbey College to violate their beliefs.

To review more about the magazine, and see up-to-the-minute news articles, visit their web-site at www.WORLDmag.com. Subscription information is also found on this page. I have known hundreds of satisfied readers over the years, and know thousands who stay wrongly-informed by the more common news magazines, or ignorant all together.  Why don't you check-out their web-site and subscribe. I don't think you will regret it.

Just Thinking, The Sand Hill Philosopher

Doctors for Patient Care

Last week, I reported to you that the AMA had been jolted to alertness by the AMA House of Delegates overwhelmingly calling them to use all efforts to stop the current health legislation changes, in my blog post, AMA Awakens to Speak for Doctors, Finally .  In this article, The Sand Hill Reader learned that the AMA only has 17% of  American doctors as members, yet they have taken liberal positions, or non-positions on these issues of healthcare. The AMA is seen as The Voice of American Physicians.

Several weeks ago, President BHO had a group of doctors invited to the White House in order to present the idea that "American Physicians support this Healthcare Reform."  It came to light that the medical doctors that were at the meeting were all members of a group formed during the Obama Campaign called, "Doctors for Obama".  As many as half of the people there who were wearing white laboratory coats, and presented as physicians, were actually researchers, research grant writers, lobbyists for liberal groups, and even Obama staff members. This presented a picture of much more support than he could legitimately get to portray his  plan's (non)-support.

Most doctors DO NOT support the proposed health care changes: they are not in either the group "Doctors for Obama", or in another minority professional group, such as the AMA. (Please note the above referenced article that reports that the AMA may be changing directions.) To take a leadership role for the other 83% doctors, as well as the portion of AMA members who were not heard, a group known as "Doctors for Patient Care" was started. Membership in this group is divided into Physicians and non-Physicians. Their leadership has evolved into a powerful mass of physicians and patient supporters. They have been on almost every talk radio program and news channel in America.  The Sand Hill Philosopher, aka, C. Dwayne Shafer, MD, PhD, has joined the group, and encourages you to do the same. They have used material that I wrote for them, and I have permission to share their information. The following is today's URGENT e-mail notice. I encourage you to ACT and REACT. The groups web address is in the following letter sent out today.

Just Thinking, The Sand Hill Philosopher

Colleagues and Friends:

The US House passed its HCR bill by a vote of 220-215.  The final version of this $1.3 trillion bill has grown to over 2000 pages and will have a profound impact on the lives of every American family.  Despite the promise of transparency and accountability, there was no opportunity for 72 hours of public scrutiny prior to the vote.  Consequently, this legislation is certain to:

Economics to Know: the Books (Part Two of Two)

This is the Second of a Two Post Series on Economics. While each blog post will stand alone, most readers will do well to read the first post (published 11/13/09) in order to understand why there are so many misunderstandings about the Science of Economics, and the proceed to this post on the recommended reading. In the first post I tried to clarify some of the misunderstandings surrounding different views of economics. There is also an explanation of why only one School of Economic Thought is addressed here: there is only one proven view of economics. Every view of economics than what I set before you has never moved from the "theoretical" phase, and never will.

It is important that it be established as fact that every person MUST possess some degree of economic understanding. Even the person that has no money has to use these same principles in barter. In this second post, I will review Twelve Fundamental Books. With each of those books, The Sand Hill Philosopher will describe why he considers these books, and the Laws of Economics they set forth, to be foundational to any wise understanding and use of Economics. Please note that neither The Sand Hill Philosopher's brevity, nor length, should be used to determine the importance of the book, or its relative value.

Economics is considered a science, because an economic theory can be developed, tested, measured and then reproduced. This is because certain laws that are immutable are at play. It is the most stable nations that have always been (and always will be) capitalistic in nature. It is paradoxical that people keep turning to socialism, and it always fails. The paradox is not that it always fails, but that people keep trying it, even after it has failed repeatedly throughout history. These laws of economics are as predictable as the laws of physics. No person, No law and No government can break them and persevere. Each person and government who breaks these widely known laws cannot transgress them without paying stiff financial penalties.

These books that you will be introduced to will teach you the breadth, depth and length to which these Laws extend. I should point out that the major emphasis of this work is not an examination of theory that "will hopefully work," which is what most universities teach, and they therefore do not have enough time to reinforce the areas of theory and application that have stood the test of time, across cultures and governments, and still work. There is neither the space or time to teach every theory that doesn't work; we will hone your skills on those things which do.

Your teachers in this noble mission of education are the Best of the Best. Some of your professors are hundreds of years old, and some are living and publishing to this day. This is further proof of the enduring quality and identifying means of the Principles of Economics. They all have one thing in common: they have seen in their own time, and in their own way, how the governing Laws of Economics present themselves. The commonality among the authors, and through the tests of civilization and history, mark these truths as standing true throughout the ages.

 

Basic Economics: a common sense guide to the economy, Sowell, Thomas (2007) http://bit.ly/2RljiI

 

In this first book, you will learn some terms that will help you interpret much of what you hear on the news and read on the business pages of newspapers. Dr. Thomas Sowell's book is called "Basic", but do not confuse this with "easy". This may be the slowest book to read in the series, but it is also the most thorough. The material is not hard to understand, but the extent to which these principles affect us, from the worker to the Federal Government, will take some time for you to think upon, and recover from the impact of the consequences of, that we will soon start to reap. If you are a Sand Hill drop-out, you will have at least read one of the greatest books ever written. on the subject of Economics. A true Classic of American writing.

Best of the Week

Here are a few of this past week's most read blog posts among Sand Hill Readers. A few were posted this past week, but some of the most commonly searched and read posts were from previous weeks. This is a chance for the new followers to see what people still value among the Sand Hill Philosopher's blogs.  This summary will become a regular weekend catch-up and re-cap on what people have been reading on the web site.

Just Thinking, The Sand Hill PhilosopherIs Congress Constitutional Anymore?
Posted: 11 Nov 2009 11:36 AM PST
Nancy Pelosi does not consider constitutionality of a bill "serious". Do you? Read here to find out when Congress lost that perspective. The Sand Hill Philosopher

Homeschooling American Patriots
Posted: 28 Oct 2009 05:15 AM PDT
Homeschooling Patriots: a frame work for a curriculum

AMA Awakens to Speak for Doctors, Finally
Posted: 12 Nov 2009 10:49 PM PST
Will the apparent awakening of the AMA to both physician and patient needs affect the healthcare reform movement in Congress? It could be explosive, or a dud.

Fibromyalgia: The Thirty Year Phenomenon, Part Fourteen
Posted: 12 Nov 2009 05:00 AM PST
The Fourteenth, and FINAL, post on this blog considering the Cause and Cure for Fibromyalgia, with the case proven by a study of physiology, pathology, anatomy and verified by patient reports,...Dedicated to Elder Sonny Pyles, who taught me to think, and believe in the incredible ability of God's Creation to care for itself.

Psalm 47.4 - Content in Affliction, or Abundance

The following is excerpted from Charles Spurgeon's, Morning & Evening, November 11th, Evening reading:

Psalm 47:4 - "He shall choose our inheritance for us."

Believer, if your inheritance be a lowly one you should be satisfied with your earthly portion; for you may rest assured that it is the fittest for you. Unerring wisdom ordained your lot, and selected for you the safest and best condition. A ship of large tonnage is to be brought up the river; now, in one part of the stream there is a sandbank; should somone ask, "Why does the captain steer through the deep part of the channel and deviate so much from a straight line?" His answerw would be, "Because I should not get my vessel into harbour at all if I did not keep the deep channel." So it may be, you would run aground and suffer shipwreck, if your divine Captain did not steer you into the depths of affliction where waves of trouble follow each other in quick succession. Some plants die if they have too much sunshine. It may be that you are planted where you get but little, you are put there by the loving Husbandman, because only in that situation will you bring forth fruit unto perfection. Remember this, had any other condition been better for you than the one in which you are, divine love would have put you there. You are placed by God in the most suitable circucmmstances, and if you had the choosing of your lot, you would soon cry, "Lord, choose my inheritance for me, for by my self-will I am pierced through with many sorrows." Be content with such things as you have, since the Lord has ordered all things for your good. Take up your own daily cross; it is the burden best suited for your shoulder, and will prove most effective to make you perfect in every good word and work to the glory of God. Down busy self, and proud impatience, it is not for you to choose, but for the Lord of Love!

Trials must and will befall - But with humble faith to see - Love inscribed upon them all;- This is happiness to me.

I was thinking about Proverbs 16:9, "A man's heart deviseth his way;but the LORD directeth his steps," when I recalled this devotional from earlier in the week.

May the LORD of ALL bless you as you prepares your hearts and minds for worship this weekend. Amen.

Just Thinking (About God's Mercies), The Sand Hill Philosopher

Short Link to this post: http://bit.ly/38a741

What Everyone Needs to Know About Economics: Even YOU

With the current understanding of Economics being so shallow even among so-called Thinkers and Economists, I will propose to teach you more than most regular universities require for a degree in the Science of Economics.

Over the course of two posts, I propose to first establish the fact that every person MUST possess some degree of economic understanding. Even the person that has no money, has to use these same principles in barter. In the second post, I will give a review of Twelve Fundamental Books. With each of those books, The Sand Hill Philosopher will describe why he considers these books, and the Laws of Economics they set forth to be foundational to any wise understanding and use of Economics.

AMA Awakens to Speak for Doctors, Finally

Only 17% of American Physicians are members of the American Medical Association (AMA), yet they are considered to be the Voice of American Doctors.  The AMA House of Delegates overwhelmingly demanded that the AMA Board of Trustees unleash all their powers and influence upon the legislators in Washington, DC, to declare their position: We will stand for Freedom in Medicine.

Fibromyalgia: The Thirty Year Phenomenon, Part Fourteen

The Final Installment

Consult your Physician before making any diagnosis, changing medications, diet or other therapies. The information on The Sand Hill Philosopher is not intended to Diagnose or Treat any Medical Condition. Please see previous Blog Warnings in this Fibromyalgia Series.

Over the course of the previous thirteen installments, I have shown you how Shafer's Fibromyalgia Pentad is comprised of five co-morbid diseases. This was also shown to be connected to sugar-intake, particularly High Fructose Corn Syrup, and its stimulation of Insulin Release. This causes a physiologic cascade of complications that connect the five co-morbid diseases in the Pentad.

Fibromyalgia: The Thirty Year Phenomenon, Part Thirteen

Consult your Physician before making any diagnosis, changing medications, diet or other therapies. The information on The Sand Hill Philosopher is not intended to Diagnose or Treat any Medical Condition. Please see previous Blog Warnings in this Fibromyalgia Series.

Let's take a moment and recap seven major points that are critical in linking Shafer's Fibromyalgia Pentad together physiologically.

Knowing what you have been taught, and based upon several known facts, as demonstrated in this series on Fibromyalgia, we should consider the following:

Special Sand Hill Up-Date

First, I would like to thank you all for

Fibromyalgia: the Thirty Year Phenomenon, Part Twelve

Consult your Physician before making any diagnosis, changing medications, diet or other therapies. The information on The Sand Hill Philosopher is not intended to Diagnose or Treat any Medical Condition. Please see previous Blog Warnings in this Fibromyalgia Series.

Our last post ended with a schematic of cell wall receptors for insulin, and much of the mechanism for glucose entry into a cell; the chemicals involved in

JAMA Cover Art Reflects America's Attitude on Healthcare

Fibromyalgia: The Thirty Year Phenomenon, Part Eleven

Consult your Physician before making any diagnosis, changing medications, diet or other therapies. The information on The Sand Hill Philosopher is not intended to Diagnose or Treat any Medical Condition. Please see previous Blog Warnings in this Fibromyalgia Series.

Having a Family Who Is A Little Bit Different

There are no greater blessings than having a family that surrounds you and embraces you with love, carries you when you are down and encourages you when you most need it.

Fibromyalgia: The Thirty Year Phenomenon, Part Ten

Consult your Physician before making any diagnosis, changing medications, diet or other therapies. The information on The Sand Hill Philosopher is not intended to Diagnose or Treat any Medical Condition. Please see previous Blog Warnings in this Fibromyalgia Series.

We will now resume our look at Shafer's Fibromyalgia Pentad. While we started toward the explanation of FLD previously, and its relationship within the FM Pentad, it is necessary to see the large scope with which we must view lipids (fat), such as its origins, storage and mobilization within the body. Much, if not most of the lipids in an FM patient is processed into that form by the liver. While it enters the body as a sugar (usually High Fructose Corn Syrup, as discussed previously) it is changed to glucose, converted to triglycerides and then stored. Next, we look at the way in which increased sugar "attacks" not only inhibit the liver, but are tied to EVERY other co-morbid disease within Shafer's Fibromyalgia Pentad.

If Guns kill People, Why do People go to Jail?

I must admit I feel a tad irritated that I even have to predict or defend the theory that guns cause shootings. If more people used their brains to think instead of Rap with the Radio, the world would have several million fewer people that qualify as Idiots.

When today's ignoble shooting all sorts out, it won't be because the man was of Middle Eastern heritage; it won't be because he was a psychiatrist (the profession with the highest suicide rate), or because he wanted to "spare" these soldiers of the horrors of war that he studied in his "Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Among Soldiers Returning from War Zones." Ultimately, it will be blamed, not on human nature (or, also called, "human depravity"), but it will be blamed on Guns.

Even as we speak, my sister-in-law argues that even if the people at Ft. Hood had had guns, the gunner would have killed and/or wounded just as many people. She, and many people believe, that the gun caused the problem, and that the fact that the dead and wounded who were unarmed, could not have affected the outcome of the shooting.

Every state that allows citizens to carry weapons (Concealed Handgun Licenses, CHL) has lower violent crime rates than those states that don't.  The gunner at Ft. Hood knew that every person on that base, other than the Police (including Civilian and Military Police), would be unarmed and completely defenseless. The soldiers, although trained, are not allowed to carry munitions on base, by Federal Law.

The CHL law was implemented in Texas after the 1993 shooting by a man who drove his truck into a Luby's Cafeteria in Temple, Texas and opened fire on the customers. A female doctor, who had to leave her gun in her car due to state laws, survived, but her parents were gunned down. When she testified before our State Legislature in support of CHL, she said that the man was fearless as he shot one person after another, and reloaded. She also said that if she, or any other person in the cafeteria had had a gun, the casualties would have been far fewer.

Shortly thereafter, Governor George W. Bush put forth a Concealed Handgun Law (1995) that is the most strict in the nation, hoping that it would be used as a model in every state. The model has spread, with some variations, among other states in the Union, and they have benefitted. I attend a CHL renewal class, pass a written test, and prove myself on the shooting range every five years in order to renew my license.

It is a shame that men, probably better trained than myself, are not allowed to carry guns on military bases. Can a rational person believe that 43 people would have been shot today if even a few of those 43, or those nearby, had been armed?

I drove a car today, and vehicles kill far more people annually than guns. If I am going to run over you, would you rather be in another vehicle, or on the street with no protection? Might it possibly affect the outcome of our encounter?

I may be crippled, but I am NOT defenseless. It is not the gun, but the idiot pulling a trigger (whatever their motivation) who is to blame. Blame the person, or their motivation, but not a gun. It is ideas, motivations of thinking and worldviews that hurt people by any intentional reason, not the inanimate object, whether knife, gun, car, club or legislation.

I am a disabled person, and that puts me in a high risk category for parking-lot robbery, especially if I use a handicapped parking slot. If I park in a handicapped parking slot, that also puts every robber-assailant that approaches me in a 100% risk-category for being shot.

Here is a question, if a citizen shoots a person, and it is the "guns fault", why is the person sent to jail, and not the gun?

Just Thinking, (especially for those who don't), The Sand Hill Philosopher

 

Join the NRA now, at www.NRA.org .

Gold, Silver and the Dow: What do the numbers mean?

The US DOLLAR INDEX is a average exchange rate for the US dollar against the Euro, Yen, Pound sterling, Canadian Dollar, Swiss Franc, and Swedish Krona, weighted for each country's trade with the US.  It gives a general measure of the US dollar's performance against all other currencies.

The DOW IN GOLD DOLLARS (DiG) measures the Dow Jones Industrial Average in gold dollars (0.048375 troy oz. by law).  The DiG depicts the Primary (20 year) Trend of stocks against gold.  When the DiG is dropping, gold is gaining value against stocks. The DiG's chart is identical to the Dow in ounces of gold, but gives us one unvarying measure all the way back to 1896.  Because it shows the primary trend ("tide") of gold against stocks, for investors it is the single most important

Fibromyalgia: The Thirty Year Phenomenon, Part Nine

Consult your Physician before making any diagnosis, changing medications, diet or other therapies. The information on The Sand Hill Philosopher is not intended to Diagnose or Treat any Medical Condition. Please see previous Blog Warnings in this Fibromyalgia Series.

After showing the role of glucose (typically converted from High Fructose Corn Syrup) and describing the normal function of Insulin on Cell Wall Receptor Sites in our previous lessons, I also showed the reader the types of dysfunction that can lead to Insulin Resistance.

The next step is to take a look at Fatty Liver Disease (FLD).

Local Activism Works: 300% Voter Increase!

Yesterday, in Texas, there were no candidates to vote for, just Twelve Constitutional Amendments. The voting had been announced in several local activist and social groups, but last week, I hit the streets with tracts explaining the amendments, with voting recommendations from a Conservative perspective, and talked to hundreds of people in a few public places each day.

What was the effect? Most of the state's counties were well below 5%, and Denton County, with two large universities, only had a 2% RVT. In 2001, in a similar vote, Erath County had a 4% RVT (Registered Voter Turn-Out). Yesterday's RVT for Erath County, Texas was a historic, almost 13% voter turn-out (RVT)!

What does this mean, in a county of 45,000 people? It means that a few, or even one person, can make a huge impact on voter turn-out. The people in this county understood that their votes would count twice: once for the amendment, and another to let Liberals know (especially in Washington), that Texans will get vote when we are upset, and fight if that doesn't work. We still Remember the Alamo in Texas! (RTA)

What did you do in your state or county? Did you vote, and try to help New York, New Jersey and Virginia know that you were fighting with them, to the extent that you could? All it took for Erath County was carrying slips of paper wherever I went last week and two days of this week, and asking, "Did you vote yet?"

I made a difference. Did you? Will you?

Just Thinking, The Sand Hill Philosopher

Fibromyalgia: The Thirty Year Phenomenon, Part Eight

Consult your Physician before making any diagnosis, changing medications, diet or other therapies. The information on The Sand Hill Philosopher is not intended to Diagnose or Treat any Medical Condition. Please see previous Blog Warnings in this Fibromyalgia Series.

During the first ten years of high glucose levels, the Obesity develops, and after the Obesity reaches a point, typically after ten more years, signs of Insulin Resistance (or, DM-II) begin to develop. I have previously stated that common blood tests do not provide the criteria to diagnose or confirm FM. After learning about Shafer's Fibromyalgia Pentad, I will now show that there actually are some abnormalities in blood testing, but they have not previously been seen as interrelated, and are often subtle.

Fibromyalgia: The Thirty Year Phenomenon, Part Seven

Consult your Physician before making any diagnosis, changing medications, diet or other therapies. The information on The Sand Hill Philosopher is not intended to Diagnose or Treat any Medical Condition. Please see previous Blog Warnings in this Fibromyalgia Series.

In previous posts, I have described the conundrum a physician faces in deciding upon the diagnosis of Fibromyalgia (FM), or not. I have also stated that five co-morbid diseases typically accompany one another, and these five diseases comprise the Shafer's Fibromyalgia Pentad. Many patients are wrongly classified as having FM because

VOTE TODAY

Today, Tuesday, November 03, 2009, is Voting Day in Texas. Are there votes or elections in your states? If so, VOTE. Nothing will get the Governments attention like large voter turn-out.

Texans, see my post on our Texas Constitutional Amendments to see the consensus of Conservatives in Texas as to how best your vote!

Just Thinking, The Sand Hill Philosopher

 

"Guard with jealous attention the public liberty.

Suspect everyone who approaches that jewel.

Unfortunately, nothing will preserve it but downright force.  

Whenever you give up that force, you are inevitably ruined."

  --Patrick Henry

Fibromyalgia: Thirty Year Phenomenon, Part Six

Consult your Physician before making any diagnosis, changing medications, diet or other therapies. The information on The Sand Hill Philosopher is not intended to Diagnose or Treat any Medical Condition. Please see previous Blog Warnings in this Fibromyalgia Series.

In the last post I drew a relation between five diseases, nominated "The
Fibromyalgia Pentad." These are five diagnoses that are closely related. I also pointed out the timing of the onset of Fibromyalgia (FM) Symptoms, co-morbid diseases, and correlated these with the use of High Fructose Corn Syrup. The Pentad include Fibromyalgia, Diabetes (or, Glucose Intolerance), Fatty Liver Disease, Obesity and Depression.

This Weeks Favorites

Thanks for all the responses to Last Weeks Favorites, posted on last Sunday. As I said then, I will try to post these each Sunday. Web-site traffic is growing quickly, and you don't want to miss any of the articles. It is hard to limit the "Best of" to just five (OK, six) posts, but here they are. 

All the articles can be read on www.SandHillPhilosopher.com or you can check a specific article below. These are a mixture of primarily this weeks top hits, but a few older ones that continue to draw a lot of attention.

The most frequently visited listings for this week (not listed in order of popularity) were:

Victory Garden: a Triumph Over Physical Disability - HTTP://bit.ly/7Mqbt7

Fracturing the Conservative Movement - HTTP://bit.ly/5v5aU6

Is Congress Constitutional Anymore? - HTTP://bit.ly/36uHXW

Socialism & Communism Fount to be Unhealthy - HTTP://bit.ly/467TsZ

What Everyone Needs to Know About Economics: Even You - HTTP://bit.ly/3iQkp7

Having a Family Who Is a "Little Bit Different" - HTTP://bit.ly/6vzXO

In the week ahead, we will be looking at some implications of the health reform bill now in the senate, and how it even got to the floor, as well as some implications on taxes, healthcare costs, availability of doctors, medical research and medical education.  Also, more reflections on Family, Thanksgiving and Holidays in general.

On Monday, 30 November 2009, we will begin looking at David Barton's book, "Reigning in Judiciary Activism", so get your copy soon, and prepare your mind, "To Think with Me."

Just Thinking, The Sand Hill Philosopher

Neighborhood Statesmanship

The following blog by Rick Green (www.RickGreen.com/blog) is so strikingly like my experience related to local activism on the up-coming Texas Constitutional Amendments that I felt this more erudite explanation would be of benefit. I received some stirring negative feedback from people unable to comprehend how a Texas Constitutional Amendment vote could be relevant to the rest of the country, such that when I saw Rick's article, I was compelled to pass it on to you. It is not just our amendments, for Texans; it is the example of involvement in government, with all of its direct impact, and the warning rockets it sends to politicians nation-wide. It gives a bold statement that The Giant Has Awakened, and He is Hungry.

Pelosi Rejects Leadership Role

   Some things come along that are worth passing on. Most of Congress won't read any significant portion of the bill mentioned below, but you can.

   Pelosi has demonstrated her disrespect for the position she holds as Congressman and Chairman of the House of Representatives, and her oath of office, by asking