The Sentient Sentinels

Greece'd Lightening

2010-05-13T08:52:00.004-06:00

Words from Ezra Taft Benson, former US Secretary of Agriculture, and former President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

I share this, not to spread fear, but awareness that the things we face together as citizens of the world are real, are far reaching, and feel closer than what we may think. This was shared decades ago... With the crisis in Greece, which seems to be the fall guy for what's really happening, I wonder when that same Greece'd Lightening will strike again?

"The pending economic crisis that now faces American is painfully obvious. If even a fraction of potential foreign claims against our gold supply were presented to the Treasury, we would have to renege on our promise. We would be forced to repudiate our own currency on the world market. Foreign investors, who would be left holding the bag with American dollars, would dump them at tremendous discounts in return for more stable currencies, or for gold itself. The American dollar both abroad and at home would suffer the loss of public confidence. If the government can renege on its international monetary promises, what is to prevent it from doing the same on its domestic promises? How really secure would be government guarantees behind Federal Housing Administration loans, Savings and Loan Insurance, government bonds, or even social security?

"Even though American citizens would still be forced by law to honor the same pieces of paper as though they were real money, instinctively they would rush and convert their paper currency into tangible material goods which could be used as barter. As in Germany and other nations that have previously traveled this road, the rush to get rid of dollars and acquire tangibles would rapidly accelerate the visible effects of inflation to where it might cost one hundred dollars or more for a single loaf of bread. Hoarded silver coins would begin to reappear as a separate monetary system which, since they have intrinsic value would remain firm, while printed paper money finally would become worth exactly it's proper value--the paper it is printed on! Everyone's savings would be wiped out totally. No one could escape.

"One can only imagine what such conditions would do to the stock market and to industry. Uncertainty over the future would cause the consumer to halt all spending except for the barest necessities. Market for such items as television sets, automobiles, furniture, new homes, and entertainment would dry up almost overnight. With no one buying, firms would have to close down and lay off their employees. Unemployment would further aggravate the buying freeze, and the nation would plunge into a depression that would make the 1930s look like prosperity. At least the dollar was sound in those days. In fact, since it was a firm currency, its value actually went up as related to the amount of goods, which declined through reduced production. Next time around, however, the problems of unemployment and low production will be compounded by a monetary system that will be utterly worthless. All the government controls and so-called guarantees in the world will not be able to prevent it, because every one of them is based on the assumption that the people will continue to honor printing press money. But once the government itself openly refuses to honor it--as it must if foreign demands for gold continue--it is likely that the American people will soon follow suit. This in a nutshell is the so-called 'gold problem.'

Viva la Liberty!

2010-05-06T10:57:00.004-06:00

Yesterday was the Fifth of May, Cinco de Mayo. I went to a local establishment that serves Mexican Food. I had the Chili Verde Burrito. It was delicious. I enjoy the fun, diverse atmosphere that exists for such a day. I have to admit, I don't really know the foundation of Cinco de Mayo as a celebrated day. I had naively assumed it was somewhat similar to the Fourth of July is in the USA... Not so.

It is not a national holiday in Mexico; more of a regional holiday. It commemorates a victory of some 4,500 lightly armed militia over a much larger and more outfitted army from France who were coming to collect on defaulted debt from Mexico. The victory was short lived after Napolean III sent a greater army that ended up defeating and conquering Mexico. The French occupation and rule of Mexico wasn't long. The end of the Civil War in the USA allowed the USA to come to the aid of their Mexican neighbors to help take back Mexican sovereignty.

Cinco de Mayo though, has little recognition across Mexico, and is very strongly celebrated in Puebla, where it was fought.

It really is a great and fascinating historical occasion. Who doesn't love the story of the small, untrained farmers and militia, fending off a well trained army? I would say it speaks to all human kind.

Fast forward several hundred years though, to 2010. Cinco de Mayo gets recognition and is celebrated in the USA. At present there is a strong adversarial debate over immigration, illegal immigration (primarily accross the Mexico/US border), and legislation in Arizona that has stirred up a hornets nest in this arena.

At a school in San Francisco, CA., four students were asked to go home and change their attire because it was deemed "incendiary" and may lead to fights on campus. The heinous attire was none other than (drum roll please) "Old Glory"! They donned American Flag bandannas and tee shirts with American flags on them.

One of the guilty young men said, "They said we could wear it on any other day,but today is sensitive to Mexican-Americans because it's supposed to be their holiday so we were not allowed to wear it today."

Look, I am realistic and acknowledge that these boys were deliberately dressed in defiance against the celebration. Teen aged boys will do such things, I know, having been there myself.

It did lead to this statement by a fellow student who didn't see it quite like the disruptive boys did when she said, "I think they should apologize cause it is a Mexican Heritage Day. We don't deserve to be get disrespected like that. We wouldn't do that on Fourth of July."

Now look, I think the celebration is fun and such an act of heroic defeat of a better armed adversary is commendable. I think the victory of Puebla is awesome!

However when students in the USA are taking full advantage of what I deem their constitutional right to peaceably assemble and their right to freedom of expression (you know those Bill of Rights things), how can this be deemed incendiary?

I went ahead and asked around to friends of mine what Cinco de Mayo was. Most thought, oh it's Mexican Independence Day. One of them, whose mother is Mexican and father is Caucasian knew it wasn't Mexican Independence Day, but didn't really know what it was.

There seems to be some sort of false concept of what the reality of Cinco de Mayo is/was. With that in mind, is it the job of the administrators at the school to act in the way they did? Were there actions appropriate? Were those flag wearing heathens in the wrong and due some form of punishment?

For my money, I say no and that the administrators job is to first and foremost educate! They're educators. There was an opportunity to engage the students and provide for discourse and communication. But instead for fear of violence to a peaceable display, the administrators allowed misinformation and miseducation to continue.

I think as a result of the administrator to act in their area of accountability, they caused more harm than they prevented. They didn't engage young minds and foster a sense of community within their school. They fostered divide and disdain. How did our students, our communities, our nation benefit from this?

Low and Slow...

2010-04-29T23:19:00.007-06:00

Last Saturday I took advantage of my time at home by practicing one of my all-time favorite hobbies...BBQ!

I smoked some St. Louis style ribs which, by BBQ standards, is a short cook (it only took 6 hours).

I love BBQ-ing for several reasons. Who can argue that treating an otherwise tough cut of meat with a little TLC, thereby producing some of the most tender, flavorful food known to man is a worthwhile endeavor? It's a great excuse to gather family and friends and create memories...all while enjoying good food.

I must admit though - my intentions with BBQ aren't wholly selfless. I love using my time tending the smoker to enjoy the beautiful weather and smell the wonderful aromas. There's something special about just sitting and watching the smoke billow from the smoke stack, not "having" to think about any particular topic, forgetting about problems at work, and watching the kids play in the backyard while they insist they're "helping Daddy".

I guess I can sum it all up by saying that I really just love being able to live a short portion of life exactly how great BBQ is supposed to be cooked - Low and Slow.

Here's to hoping that we can all find time in our busy lives to step back and enjoy a hobby or two!

AL

The Nuttiness of ACORN

2010-04-01T08:01:00.002-06:00

Recently I had a message conveyed to me about the injustices done to ACORN. This was in the context of a class where Social Constructionism is the focus. Her posit is that ACORN's demise is that of a media bias, perpetuated by the wealthy media owners and also greedy wealthy politicians, particularly those of the conservative persuasion. She said that, "This forced closure is an example of how wealthy individuals incited the middle class and Tea Baggers into believing their victimization. This is a result of the efforts of wealthy individuals." That these same wealthy individuals and politicians voted to cancel government contracts and funding, "based on the beliefs that ACORN members are liars, pimps and whores who are a burden on society." She wrapped it up by stating that, "This is another example of William Ryan’s “blame the victim.” Poor people who are trying to better themselves by participating as voters as well as purchasing homes become the “bad guy.” Now I just don't buy it, nor the claim that ACORN is some benevolent institution whose sole purpose is to life the down trodden... Rather, here is my rebuttal:

It is difficult to take the idea that ACORN was really formed to fight for the lower class theory seriously. After all it was formed by individuals who firmly believed and supported the idea that overwhelming the current welfare and entitlement systems was a good thing; bringing collapse to a system already being impacted by ever increasing entitlements.

Is it "class" discrimination that leads to banks not wanting they lend? Having worked in the lending field for a number of years, banks lend based on formulas of, what is the likelihood of this debt being repaid?

You referenced many times that somehow it was just the legislative leaders who lead to the demise of ACORN. You posited that these leaders provoked "tea baggers" as you called them. Where did that term come from? Was it from the same media that you say wanted the demise of ACORN? It seems like the media just wants everyone to be villainized. The assertion that ACORN members are all liars, pimps, and whores is a stretch at best. But the assertion that there are some fundamental and organizational issues with ACORN seemed to be what lead to the demise. Yet the accountability for that is never said. Heaven forbid personal accountability come into play.

It seems to me the "Tea Baggers" as you refer to them represent a movement that is irrespective of who is dipping into their pockets. It seems to me to represent the idea that, a wise and frugal government should, "leave men free to regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement, and shall not take from the mouth of labor the bread it has earned - this is the sum of good government." (Thomas Jefferson)

Walter E. Williams once said, “Reaching into one's own pockets to assist his fellow man in need is praiseworthy and laudable. Reaching into someone else’s pockets to do so is despicable and deserves condemnation.”

Also the "wealthy elected leaders" who ACORN promoted and aided in the election, including President Obama voted to cancel the funding for ACORN. Is that just the media's fault too? What rational explanation could be offered? The President, who has/had ties with ACORN even sought to distance himself from the institution. Why is that? With a strong majority of the house, senate and the White House being democrats, and the people ACORN represent tending to vote Democrat, why would they cut it off? If anything there would be motivation and desire to strengthen ACORN. If legislative districts are redrawn and the democratic majority that exists can increase its democratic majority, is it really logical to deny such a powerful organization as ACORN? Yet you place the blame again, at the feet of the “owners of media and conservative legislative leaders.” Just doesn’t quite add up to me.

The media magic article was a farce to me when it represents the ideology that, "There is enough wealth in our nation to eliminate poverty if we chose to redistribute existing wealth or income." (p 412) That whole concept has been tried in countries before. It was the ideology behind communist Russia. That everyone get equal pay regardless of what they do and live in the same conditions no matter what. The social impact of that is still felt in Russia decades after the fall of the USSR.

While there is surely some blaming the victim that goes on, I would say that for most, all people are "blamed" for things that are within their control. We all have stewardship over ourselves and for what we do with the time we are given. I would call that our duty. Yet this day and age everyone wants to talk about rights, not duty. Duty is something we DO.

The Proper Role Of Government

2010-03-11T23:50:00.002-07:00

Recently I read an exchange of ideas on a popular social networking site pertaining to the hot and heavy health care debate being waged currently in our country. There was one individual who was staunchly arguing that the role of government is precisely to regulate in matters such as these. He said:

"What is wrong with the government setting up regulations? Most people don't seem to mind when the government makes laws about murder, crime, rape or other things criminals like to do. Your government is there to protect you."

Without bringing up the glaring differences which exist between laws protecting inalienable rights such as life (protection from being murdered) compared to privileges such as health care, I submitted one post which has been inserted below:

"I don’t want to write a novel or hijack this thread, but let me just say that your view on the proper role of government is inaccurate to say the least Sean.

After having read your posts, it seems that you think the proper role of government is to ensure justice reigns. This might seem fine at first glance but this proactive approach can’t exist without infringing on the very liberties our government has been established to protect. The correct and proper role of government is to prevent injustice from reigning. By preventing injustice from reigning, our liberty remains untouched by a potentially tyrannical government. For a more complete study on this topic, I suggest you read “The Law” by Frederic Bastiat (a Frenchman from the mid 1800’s with a profound respect for America).

What is being proposed currently regarding health care WILL rob us (citizens) of our hard earned property (money) by forcing us to pay for a plan that the majority of us (according to every major poll I have seen) does not wish to have established.

“Reaching into one's own pockets to assist his fellow man in need is praiseworthy and laudable. Reaching into someone else’s pockets to do so is despicable and deserves condemnation.” –Walter E. Williams

Feel free to give me any feedback you might have on my comment. Before being too harsh, keep in mind that I made the post quite late at night and therefore had to spew it out rather hastily! I did feel the need to say something nonetheless.

Thanks,

AL

Aint It Grand?!

2009-04-15T22:57:00.003-06:00

http://www.fas.org/irp/eprint/rightwing.pdf

Aint it grand?! Can't use the word "terrorist" anymore when speaking about people that plot and plan "man made catastrophes" which kill scores of innocent people in the United States and around the world, but when speaking about American Citizens in official documents drafted by the DHS and distributed to local law enforcement officials around our country it’s more than acceptable.

Following is the new DHS definition of ‘rightwing extremism’ as found in the newly circulated document:

“(U) Rightwing extremism in the United States can be broadly divided into those groups, movements, and
adherents that are primarily hate-oriented (based on hatred of particular religious, racial or ethnic groups),
and those that are mainly antigovernment, rejecting federal authority in favor of state or local authority, or
rejecting government authority entirely. It may include groups and individuals that are dedicated to a single issue,
such as opposition to abortion or immigration.”

Favoring state authority over federal authority is extremism? Opposing issues such as abortion is considered extremism? According to the DHS, apparently it is!

I recommend that everyone read about the new threat to our country by following the link posted at the beginning of this post. Once you’ve had the chance to mull it over, go ahead and post your thoughts so we can discuss this issue and hopefully figure out how to protect ourselves and our loved ones from these rightwing moonbats.

AL

Musings for the day...

2009-03-31T00:30:00.001-06:00

I hear a lot of “partisan” bickering. Oh you rightwing nut jobs do this, or you socialist left wing commies think that. Bush did this, Obama is doing that… well you know I guess maybe I am just tired of it all. I am tired of the status quo that politicians are liars. When and why did we ever become okay with the fact that our leaders are free to lie and deceive? I make no bones about it, I don’t like, one bit, all the bailouts and spending and mortgaging of my childrens future that President Obama is doing. What I do like is that people are communicating. Not always in a forum to learn, but people are caring. I have yet to hear one argument by President Obama’s supporters that justifies his spending. I have yet to hear a better plan come from the Republican side. It’s true the people spoke in resounding fashion this past election in favor of President Obama. But have we selected Form ahead of Function? Oh yeah, I love to hear the WAY PBO speaks, but the words and even more telling the execution are what scare the hell out of me. Many countries have attempted to enlist the ideologies and principles that PBO is enacting. Does PBO intend to force every CEO from every company that has failed and taken gov’t money to resign? If not, why? If so, Why and under what authority. Heck if he bankrupts the USA, will he resign? Go ahead Bush bashers and bring up wire tapping and all the other arguments. I am not saying Bush is a saint. What I am saying is there are some scary things going on with our current administration, that are WAY outside of the Constitution and the Rights and Authorities that exist therein. It seems eerily reminiscent to Nixon saying, that when the President does it, it’s not illegal. Heck, the oath (which by definition is: “a solemn attestation of the truth or inviolability of one’s words.”) (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oath) President Obama said, “I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.” Well one of two things seems to be evident, that perhaps he doesn’t know how, or more likely he just doesn’t care. His name will forever join Washington, Adams, Jefferson, Lincoln, Hamilton, Truman, Reagan. Those who signed the Declaration of Independence, pledged their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor.

I think my plea is to all that we look for a higher level off accountability in ourselves and in our leaders. Jefferson, in looking for inspiration and material to write and formulate his genius ideas, sought for a return to the “ancient principles”. I submit we need that today as much or more than they needed them then. I love America, and beg for God to bless it, but wonder far too often, how can he or why would he?

JAJ

Function or Form?

2009-03-25T15:43:00.006-06:00

Now that both of the people that have read my previous post have had time to think about Dr. Seuss and those crazy buildings he used to draw, I’d like to ask you: Do you think those buildings would be practical and functional in this world? Probably not.

I was talking about the current state of the Republican Party in this country with a buddy of mine and he asked me a question that I haven’t been able to stop thinking about; “What comes first – Function or Form?”

Instinctively, my answer was that function should precede form (thinking in terms of my industry – engineering/design). After all, what good is a beautiful building or piece of equipment if the design that it originated from failed to consider the necessary function?

Still confused, I asked my friend to tell me where he was coming from with regards to the question.

He began by talking about the embarrassment Republicans were recently subjected to during the elections (both on the Federal and State levels). We talked about candidates that we thought should have received nominations during the primaries. It was agreed that there seemed to be true "Republican" candidates in contention for their party’s nomination during the primaries, but failed to receive the nod. Why were they beaten out by opponents with a less "Republican" record? Why were they beaten out by opponents that may have just seemed more “appealing” on a superficial level?

He made the case that in today’s political atmosphere, it seems more important to look “cool” instead of having the experience and ability to perform any necessary function while in office.

Is that where we have found ourselves currently? Has the “Reality Show” mentality overcome our sense of responsibility? Are we more worried about an outward appearance over ability to function? Are we living in a Dr. Seuss book?!

I’m going to leave this open for any discussion/comments for the time being. Do you agree? I don’t think that there is much debate over the function and form issue. I think the question comes in as it pertains to today’s political atmosphere.

AL

Do You Ever Feel Like You're Living In a Dr. Seuss Book?

2009-03-17T13:58:00.004-06:00

Remember those oddball buildings that Dr. Seuss used to draw and put in his books? You know the ones I’m talking about! They were leaning in every direction imaginable and were being held up by a single, little stick. Although those buildings are fantastic to look at, we all know that they're completely impossible in this world.

After thinking about those pictures, look around and ask yourself this:

Do you ever feel like you’re living in a Dr. Seuss book?

More to come….

AL

My wife and I

2009-03-13T22:54:00.002-06:00

Well we were talking the other day about "politics". I admit it's on my brain a lot. I think she shares a feeling like many out there; we talk and talk and talk all day, but what can we really do?! In many ways it sure feels like that is the case. It seems as though we are in the midst of a battle that is raging and we really can't combat against the powers we are faced with. How do you contend with government? How do you contend with the problems and evils we face? If talking about it isn't enough, what can we do? What should we do? Most importantly, I think is the question, what WILL we do? In a loving letter from Abigail to John Adams, she said, "You cannot be, I know, nor do I wish to see you, an inactive spectator... We have too many high sounding words, and too few actions that correspond with them."

When assessing what we can do, it definitively implies that there is something that needs doing. So for some time I would like to devote this blog to ideas on a few things:
1. What needs doing? What I mean by this is if we have some "high sounding words" what is it that we wish to accomplish?
2. Why do we need to do this? As important as the what, is the why.
3. Once we ascertain what needs to be done, and why we need to do it, we need to determine what can we do to enact the changes we see as needed?
4. And perhaps the most important, what am I willing to sacrifice that this may get done?

So simmer on those questions. I invite all to participate. This is an open forum and as such I hope to gain from all who will contribute. This exercise is yet to answer the question of my lovely wife as to what we can do, that we be not what Adams' lovely wife said and that of an "inactive spectator." And once we have found some answers to these questions, may it become a call to action.

JAJ

A well wish to a dear friends Dad

2009-03-10T23:12:00.002-06:00

I wanted to take a moment out and offer love, support, and prayers, on behalf of all the Sentient Sentinels, to my dear friend Kevin and his family. Particularly his father, Brian who experienced a massive heart attack today while working out of town. We love you Cooks and pray for a great man, father, friend, leader, and inspiration. God Bless you!

Well He Started It...

2009-03-09T19:33:00.003-06:00

http://washingtontimes.com/weblogs/joe-curl/2009/Mar/08/obama-makes-oval-office-call-reporters/

Now maybe it's just me, but if I hear our President say that this didn't all start on my watch one more time, while continuing down the same path, I may just scream!!! Let's face it, President Obama was on watch when these things happened and he put his name and his vote behind these same measures he is trying to pass the buck on. Or am I wrong to think a seated Senator is supposed to be one of the "watchmen"? Could just be that I am crazy. Hey B.O. when exactly did your "watch" begin? Did you only feel a sense of ownership of the decisions you have your signature on after you took the oath of President? I guess the only one that is responsible for the direction of the country is the president.

What I want for our country is an educated citizenry where we all participate, where we understand the ramifications of what our "watchmen" are doing. What good are the watchmen who claim they aren't to blame when they were at their post?

The Audacity of Hope Indeed!

2009-03-05T10:22:00.003-07:00

This hits the the heart of what the Sentient Sentinels want to combat. We would like to open this up to the forum though. Take a look at the following link and respond:

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=washingtonstory&sid=aG0_2ZIA96TI

it is our firm belief that this is a large part of what is wrong, on so many levels. But we want hear what you think as well.

Federal Secrecy

2009-03-05T10:20:00.003-07:00

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=washingtonstory&sid=aG0_2ZIA96TI

I seem to recall The President saying that they (the administration) would be posting online what our (the tax payer) money would be used for. The Vice President was responding to a question regarding this very matter when he had to ask for the "website number". After all of these promises, The Fed refuses to disclose this information to the public?!

A quote from the article: "The Fed refused yesterday to disclose the names of the borrowers and the loans, alleging that it would cast “a stigma” on recipients of more than $1.9 trillion of emergency credit from U.S. taxpayers and the assets the central bank is accepting as collateral. "
A stigma? $1.9 Trillion dollars of OUR money and we don't get to know who gets it because it would "cast a stigma" on the recipients!

Does this sound like the transparency we were promised and deserve?

Welcome from the Sentient Sentinels!

2009-03-04T00:17:00.000-07:00

It is the mission and aim of the Sentient Sentinels:

To promote a thinking citizenry, conscious of our founding father's God inspired intent for the governing of this great nation.
To educate those who are unaware of the fundamental principles, liberties and rights that "We The People" are afforded by our Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights.
To become a voice for the silent majority.
To hold those, whom "We The People" elect, firmly accountable for their stewardship.
To put the entirety of that stewardship under the microscope of the Governed, to ensure that our elected officials are honest and transparent in their governing.

Core Values Statement:

"If we truly cherish the heritage we have received, we must maintain the same virtues and the same character of our stalwart forebears—faith in God, courage, industry, frugality, self-reliance, and integrity. We have the obligation to maintain what those who pledged their lives, their fortunes, and sacred honor gave to future generations. The opportunity and obligation for doing so is clearly upon us. May we begin to repay this debt by not only preserving but strengthening this heritage in our own lives, in the lives of our children, and generations yet unborn." (Ezra Taft Benson, “Our Priceless Heritage,” Ensign, Nov 1976)

*Italics indicate modification from original text