Sand Hill Philosopher

Obama's Actions Will Force Call For Civil War

President Obama declared Wednesday that he would push Healthcare Reform through Congress. This is in spite of the fact that a minority of Americans favor Government-run Healthcare.  He is forcing Americans into actions that he can only enforce with violence, if we refuse to cooperate.

Barak Hussein Obama also mocked the Republicans, who brought out a copy of the 2,700 page healthcare bill, which no one has claimed to have fully read and understood, as a grand-standing move that was meant entirely to play upon the public's perception of the bill.  (The same BHO that put doctor's coats on children.)

What is "the public's perception of the bill?"  Most Americans believe that it is too large to read and understand, and that the instigation of such onerous terms upon healthcare providers and recipients alike, will result in an unwieldy, poorly understood bureaucracy that no one will be understood.

His proclamation that this will go through, and the consummation of the hostility by Harry Reid (by manipulating the use of parliamentary rules), and Pelosi's pressuring of House Democrats to push this through, will divide this country, and I believe will lead to the Civil War and destruction of this great Republic.

Since being President of the United States, BHO has done nothing, except win the Nobel Peace Prize, for which he did nothing, except push for government take-over of healthcare in this nation.

People will die. Obama, by failing to represent the people, and his reaching past constitutional limits, has lit a fire that will burn a nation.

After his declaration, the people of this nation face no option but Civil War to counter-act his treasonous acts.

Just Thinking, The Sand Hill Philosopher

Connecting Conservatives

As the grass-roots activists met with the Republican National Committee during February 2010, The New York Times decided The Tea Party are "bitter people clinging to their guns." No doubt the meeting between representatives of the Tea Party Movement and RNC Chairman Michael Steele will be seen as confirmation that the Tea Party Movement is merely a franchise of the "vast right-wing conspiracy."

In fact, Steele was merely doing what the Democrats still refuse to do: listen to Americans frustrated by a government that ignores their wishes and dismisses their concerns. The Tea Party and 9/12 groups are the "we the people" part of the Constitution that the Democrats continually try to ignore and work deceit upon.

The meeting between the Tea Partiers and the RNC was not an attempt to co-opt their movement. It was an attempt to provide a forum for Tea Party voices to be heard. And heard they were. Michael Steele, RNC National Chairman, spent nearly four hours two weeks ago at the Capitol Hill Club in Washington, D.C., listening to average Americans petition for a redress of their grievances. Judging from recent elections, Democrats are ignoring these same people at their own peril.

(To the reader, it may not be commonly known that this uncommonly keen, erudite, respectable gentleman, Michael Steele, is of African Ancestry, but, "politically" is not considered "Black" by the politically-confused, racial minorities, and the non-minorities that keep the mud stirred-up.)

BigGovernment.com reports that recently, a conference call of Clinton allies was held on how to "slime" the "new" Grass Roots Conservative Movement. While there is growing tension in some areas among local Tea Party Movement groups, the 9/12 Study Groups and the conservative Republicans, it is the traditional, conservative Republican that is a member of these several groups, and that is showing the statesmanship to bring the groups together, solidify purposes and goals, and will eventually meld Conservatives into the dangerous foe, that a desperate man, seeking freedom, is likely to become.

I would like to point out the following with clarity and distinction:

Conservatives have not always banded together and become as aware of the interest of other, smaller bands of Conservatives as we should have. This has been based on narrowly focused causes, and a lassaiz-faire view of minding one's own business, and staying out of the business of other people. We are now discovering that there is an element of commonality in these smaller groups (NRA, Pro-Life, etc), and in the larger Conservative groups (TEA Party, 9/12 Groups) that is strong enough to bring us together. We must, however, develop the skills to widen our vision of the Conservative Movement to include all of these groups, and we must all fight for each other, or continue to fall separately. We are a growing consolidation of persons that largely hold similar personal priorities, as well as views of the Constitution and the government's role in our lives.

We must make it a priority to listen, and even make sure that commonly used words have the same meanings. Ultimately, we must be prepared to bring our battle arrays together as one. One such example would be abortion. Most Conservatives are strongly against abortion, and a very few are "undecided or in support of "special circumstances"; to develop a strong coalition front, it is likely that these persons that are undecided, or might believe in 'special circumstances' should put their help behind Pro-Life Candidates and agendas, and Pro-Life Persons, for example, may have to surrender lesser concerns of their own, and put their work into the other persons 'Primary Concerns", for example, not requiring a gun safety course in order to just own a gun. God knows how discouraged the young, new Colonial Americans would have been had they watched the shouting, sometime discourtesies of the Founding Fathers during the hot summer that our Republic was forged.

Ultimately, Conservatives must join together and support one another's causes.  The above-mentioned options on negotiations and lending support to each other for the good of the Conservative Movement are starting points. Is there a point in which you can lend support to another Conservative group, in order to win their support of your core, Conservative values?

Just Thinking, The Sand Hill Philosopher

 

Thomas Jefferson Quote, & How to Kill a Wolf

Dear Readers,

  As we consider this age of "entitlements" in which we live, and watch legislators promise millions of dollars to states based upon their need for a Senator's vote, we are led to the gallows by those whom we elected to serve us. We have seen Nebraska and Louisiana

Cash for Clunkers Math

 A clunker that travels 12,000 miles per year at 15 mpg uses 800 gallons of gas per year.  

State of the Union, Contempt of Congress & Contempt of Supreme Court

Last night, I had the frustration of listening to the State of the Union Address, given by President Barak Hussein Obama.

A Filibuster-Proof Senate? Probably Not.

Essentially every Conservative in America is still rejoicing about Senator-elect Scott Brown winning the "Kennedy Seat" in the US Senate. The first "hurrah" was taking the Massachusetts' election, the second "hurrah" was the belief that the Republicans now have a Filibuster control of the Senate.

Get Our Money Back?

Today, President Barak Hussein Obama announced vociferously that he was going, "to get our money back."

The tone of his voice, the context, and the rest of his verbiage made it sound like someone had been robbed, and

Christmas & the Three Granny Senators' Bad Choice

This is a frightening story of Three Granny Senators, and what happens when they didn't keep their word.

Once upon a time, there were three Grandmothers who wanted to be home on Christmas day. Their names were Granny Kay, Granny Olympia and Granny Susan. But they had a BIG problem!

Texas Governor's Debate: How The Candidates Scored on the Key Points

Regarding the Texas Gubernatorial Debate on Thursday, 14 January 2010, most people who are familiar with debates would put Governor Rick Perry as the clear winner on what Texans have held as fundamental ideas in this election: Economy, Federal Abuse of Texas (States' Rights), Abortion and Taxation.

Name Your Czar: Here Are the Top Spots!

Long ago, I lost track of how many Czars BHO had acquired, but here is a partial list. Interesting how many are not qualified

Bozeman's Infrastructure: Tennis Courts

The city of Bozeman, Montana, has decided to use Federal Stimulus money to put special rubber tile on several tennis courts.

Indian Weather Rock Needed in Copenhagen

When I was growing up in West Texas, and old man told this 10 year-old boy that an old Indian had given him a Weather Rock.  It was round, discoid and approximately 3 inches thick and 7 inches in diameter.

That is hard for a boy to ignore, so, I bit the bait, and asked, "What is an Indian Weather Rock."

Domestic Partner Benefits Go Federal

Federal Employee Domestic Partner Benefits

This week, the US Senate Committee approved benefits for Domestic Partners of Federal Employees.

Federal Employees are Social Parasites

They work less.    They produce nothing.    They have become so Elite that they are no longer common, like Real Americans are.

A Billion Dollars Per Household?

This is too true to be funny.

The next time you hear a politician use the Word ‘billion’ in a casual manner, think about whether you want the ‘politicians’ spending YOUR tax money. A billion is a difficult number to comprehend, but try:

Shared Christmas Tradition Story #1

Well, Sand Hill Friends, the Christmas Traditions are coming in, and this is the first one that I want to share. This friend recently was blessed to marry a (then) single father of three. They knew each other from college, and were married a little over two years ago. While trained as a teacher, and without previous family, I think a great blessing was given to her when the custodial mother allowed HER to be the children's daycare provider, and they still get all of the Dad's visitation and holiday time! Isn't God more gracious than we can conceive? She writes:

EPA Head Mistress Does Not Know Chemistry, or Other Stuff

As you are probably aware of by now, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) made a unilateral decision to classify Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) as a "poisonous" gas, and therefore subject to their regulation.

Out of Work, or Not Working

   Link to this article: http://bit.ly/2hH38p

 

When I was in medical school in Houston, 670 miles from Muleshoe,

Best of the Week, December 6, 2009

Here are the posts that were most read this week, including  two previous posts that continue to draw a lot of attention.

They are:

How YOU Can Stop Judicial Activism   http://bit.ly/Stop_Judicial_Activism

What Everyone Needs to Know About Economics: Even You   http://bit.ly/8UDPGb

Judicial "Highhandedness" Equals Jucidial Activism   http://bit.ly/Judicial_Highhandedness

If Guns Kill People, Why Do People Go To Jail?   http://bit.ly/54eIDP

Judge Needs Removed: Can Anyone Be "Too Religious"?  http://bit.ly/6Pcgsx

These posts collectively represent three of this weeks most read articles, and the two top articles pulled by readers from previous weeks. If you missed them, don't let it happen again. You ought to at least know what others are learning about.

Just Thinking, The Sand Hill Philosopher

Judge Needs Removed: Can Anyone be "Too Religious"?

I have been shocked at many rulings, and have been an activist in pushing for the impeachment of judges who are guilty of "highhandedness", otherwise known as judicial activism, and, sometimes called, "ruling from the bench."

Barbara Boxer on Climate Change Emails

Barbara Boxer, known for her brilliant mind, erudite learning and intimidating ability to express herself, is concerned about "stolen e-mails." J

In a taped interview, she expressed no concern about the lying scientists.

Winston Churchill Comments on Saturday Senate Vote

It is often repeated that at a State Dinner in Britain, Winston Churchill had grown weary of the constant challenges of a woman sitting next to him. Churchill was finally overcome by the pinch of the seating arrangement and the woman's brash challenges to him, Mr. Churchill finally queried,

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.

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.

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.

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.

Special Sand Hill Up-Date

First, I would like to thank you all for

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

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

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

Medicare is the Public Option

The October 26, 2009 issue of American Medical News(news supplement for AMA) has a front page feature entitled, Senate Panel’s Health Reform Bill OK’d with 0.5% Medicare Pay Hike.

Earlier this year, physicians screamed

Obama Goes for Nobel Grand Slam

After his unprecedented Ten Day achievement in winning what was previously the world’s most Prestigious Prize for out-standing progress toward World Peace President BHO has decided to go for the Grand Slam.

AARP Contradicts Founder Samuel Adams

In the September 2009 issue of AARP Bulletin, there is an article entitled, “The Assault on Truth”.

Are Hollywood Liberals As Liberal As You Think? Probably Not.

On the Anniversary of the 9/11 Crashes, I watched

The Texas State Teachers' Retirement Fund: a Good Idea

The Texas Teacher’s Retirement Fund (TRF) is a wonderful program, if you can get it.

Abuse of Power: Warrior Held for Ransom

The Congress has passed a Defense Spending Bill,

Local Government Salaries

Many of these points I want to think about with you are specific to Texas Law, but that does not dismiss you.

Government Vehicles & Cost Wastes

Have you ever seen an "old" government vehicle on the road?

Subsidizing Junk Mail Raises Postal Costs

The cost of postage brings me to my main thought: why did the postal service lose millions of dollars last year?

Medical Reform: The Tear in the Fabric

While sitting here thinking today, the mail arrived, and the Journal of the American Medical Association appeared.

Can You Spell Twelve Trillion Dollars?

I am buying a new marker for my van.

Healthcare: The Deadly Co-Pay

While I was in medical training, a new renovation came to the health insurance industry: the Medical Office Co-Pay.

Healthcare and Debt: Driving Forces Behind Economic Decisions

When able to practice medicine, every year we would go through the meetings, where employers, insurance companies and doctors

Economics: The Last Six Rows of Corn

While in college, trying to escape the sadistic heat of roofing in West Texas,