The Effect of "Do-Gooders"

"Most of the major ills of the world have been caused by well-meaning people who ignored the principle of individual freedom except as applied to themselves, and who were obsessed with fanatical zeal to improve the lot of mankind-in-mass through some pet formula of their own...The harm done by ordinary criminals, murderers, gangsters, and thieves is negligible in comparison with the agony inflicted upon human beings by the professional 'do-gooders,' who attempt to set themselves up as gods on earth and who would ruthlessly force their views on all others - with the abiding assurance that the end justifies the means."

- Henry Grady Weaver, The Mainspring of Human Progress, pp. 40-41

Economy and Liberty

"To preserve our independence, we must not let our rulers load us with perpetual debt. We must take our choice between economy and libery, or profusion and servitude." - Thomas Jefferson

Go PATRIOT Day!

“Freedom itself was attacked this morning by a faceless coward. Freedom will be defended!”
- President George W. Bush, September 11, 2001.

Today is about freedom, liberty, self-sacrifice for our Country and overcoming Evil. It is a day about liberty above fear, Country above self, and patriotism above vitriol.

Fly your flags. Wear your patriotic colors. Observe a moment of silence. Pray. Pray for our Country the way we prayed 8 years ago today. Pray for the families who are still hurting with loss. Pray for our Country - who still faces Evil, in similar and different forms. Pray for our values as laid out in the Constitution -- the values that Patriots stand up and defend.

Don't change the meaning of the day. Don't forget the history that defines us as a stronger country and people. Live it with your rights and with all that is truly American.

Mrs. Jones

P.S. I know this makes the Post long, but here is a worthwhile read. It is the text of the Joint Resolution of Congress, designating and conforming September 11 as Patriot Day:

Joint Resolution Amending title 36, United States Code, to designate September 11 as Patriot Day. <>

Whereas on September 11, 2001, terrorists hijacked four civilian aircraft, crashing two of them into the towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, and a third into the Pentagon outside Washington, D.C.; Whereas the fourth hijacked aircraft crashed in southwestern Pennsylvania after passengers tried to take control of the aircraft in order to prevent the hijackers from crashing the aircraft into an important symbol of democracy and freedom; Whereas these attacks were by far the deadliest terrorist attacks ever launched against the United States, killing thousands of innocent people; and Whereas in the aftermath of the attacks the people of the United States stood united in providing support for those in need:

Now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. DESIGNATION OF SEPTEMBER 11 AS PATRIOT DAY. Chapter 1 of title 36, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:

``Sec. 144. Patriot Day

``(a) Designation.--September 11 is Patriot Day.

``(b) Proclamation.--The President is requested to issue each year a proclamation calling on--
``(1) State and local governments and the people of the United States to observe Patriot Day with appropriate programs and activities;

``(2) all departments, agencies, and instrumentalities of the United States and interested organizations and individuals to display the flag of the United States at halfstaff on Patriot Day in honor of the individuals who lost their lives as a result of the terrorist attacks against the United States that occurred on September 11, 2001; and

``(3) the people of the United States to observe a moment of silence on Patriot Day in honor of the individuals who lost their lives as a result of the terrorist attacks against the United States that occurred on September 11, 2001.''. [[Page 115 STAT. 877]] SEC. 2.

CONFORMING AMENDMENT. The table of contents for chapter 1 of title 36, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new item:

``144. Patriot Day.''.

Approved December 18, 2001.

[Note on September 11, 2009: President Obama issued the required Proclamation yesterday, September 10, 2009. I am grateful that he asked us to fly our flags and observe a moment of silence. While I agree with him that service is important and that many choose to remember moments or loved ones through acts of service, I am sadden that his proclamation attempts to rewrite history and change the meaning of this poignant day in our Country's history. I will continue to serve others and donate to charities, much like I did prior to September 11, 2001. Additionally, I will use this day to remember something greater - what a Patriot is and what is America. ]

Because you can't even utter the words "Tort Reform"...

Dear President Obama,

I am sure you are not looking to me to give you accolades for your speech tonight. After much reflection, some of it gut-wrenching, I have condensed my emotions, thoughts, and feelings into a proposal. And, since you did promise to listen to "legitimate concerns," I figure I - as a citizen and not a formal "special interest group" - might have a shot. You said:

"...many in this chamber ... have long insisted that reforming our medical malpractice laws can help bring down the cost of health care. I don't believe malpractice reform is a silver bullet, but I have talked to enough doctors to know that defensive medicine may be contributing to unnecessary costs. So I am proposing that we move forward on a range of ideas about how to put patient safety first and let doctors focus on practicing medicine. I know that the Bush Administration considered authorizing demonstration projects in individual states to test these issues. It's a good idea, and I am directing my Secretary of Health and Human Services to move forward on this initiative today."

Here is my proposal:

I believe a reformation of health care is a multifaceted act, with no "silver bullet." I have talked to many doctors and small business owners to know that many things are contributing to unnecessary costs. So, I am proposing that we move forward on a range of ideas about how to put patient safety first and let doctors focus on practicing medicine. Please authorize demonstration projects on ANY facet of your proposed Health Care Reform in individual states to test these issues. I would recommend you direct your Secretary of Health and Human Services to more forward on such initiatives immediately. Once the demonstration projects have shown your three criteria (security/stability, insurance for the uninsured (who have proven to be legal citizens), and slow the growth of cost for all), and proven themselves to be self-sufficient and not cost taxpayers any additional money, then the projects may be put to individual bills for vote by the representatives of the American People (a.k.a. Congress).

I believe my proposal is legitimate. I believe this will help you, Congress, and the American people take responsibility. I believe you can gain some good stories, decrease scare tactics, and not be concentrating on your own short term political points.

Constant vigilance, that's my motto!

Sincerely,
Mrs. Jones

Gut Reaction to the Historical Joint Session Speech

HOW?!?

Even in your explicitly stated section on "How," you failed to mention "How."

So, thanks for letting us know the games are done. Thanks for providing the overview. Thanks for stating that it will not increase spending. Thanks for taking a stand and being the last President of our country EVER to have to deal with Health Care. Thanks for the oration. Thanks for speaking through the clapping. Oh, and one more thing, I look forward to thanking you when you explain...

HOW?!?

I planned on writing about your speech to America's school children, but...

Dear President Obama,

I was doing the unpaid work of living (translation: the dishes) and overheard your comments today on the radio to the AFL-CIO in Ohio. I was so taken aback by what I heard, I quickly checked on-line for your exact quotation. I had hope that the water flowing in my sink must have muddled my hearing. I know it has been a long day for you as well, but this is what you said (about Health Care):

"We've never been this close. We've never had such broad agreement on what needs to be done. And because we're so close to real reform, the special interests are doing what they always do-trying to scare the American people and preserve the status quo. But I've got a question for them: What's your answer? What's your solution? The truth is, they don't have one. It's do nothing. "

Mr. President, pardon my blunt nature, but WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN FOR THE PAST MONTH?!?

Have you listened to any town hall meeting? I have heard great solutions shared at many of them.

Have you read any letters sent to the White House, or just the ones that make for good stories for your Wednesday night speech or that reinforce your ego? I've been priviledged to read at least three and they had GREAT solutions and REAL concerns.

Read the Wall Street Journal Op-Ed page? I have and I think some of the ideas laid out (John Mackey, Whole Foods) are innovative, simple changes.

I consider these SOLUTIONS, not "do nothing."

You want me to tell you about "do nothing?" Where are you when it comes to standing up to the trial lawyer special interests? That's a "do nothing." Where are you when it comes to listening to and acknowledging those who might have a different opinion than you? That's a "do nothing" for you and your Press Secretary.

I have never been more engaged and less willing to "do nothing" than now. I want health reform that incorporates personal responsibility, free market principles, and innnovation. To me, that is what happened over 200 years ago on our very soil. That is American. I want to make things better for this country. I want solutions, too. But what I do not want is solutions dripping with backroom deals by elitists who think they know better because they have a "mandate for change."

You want to have change? Stand up for real Americans, not the special interest group you happen to be speaking to at any given moment. Stop flip-flopping on a "public option." Make the choice and accept the consequences. Consider actually listening to some of the other alternatives instead of belittling, isolating, and imagining those voices don't exist.

Sir, if today's comments were a preview of your comments on Wednesday to a Joint Session of Congress, I am disappointed. You said it yourself, in your speech today. And I quote "That's the reform we need. That's the reform we're fighting for. To put aside the partisanship. To come together as a nation. To pass health insurance reform now-this year." If I don't see a change in the mocking tone, the belittling word choice, and the partisanship on Wednesday, you will again reveal your true color - a yellow coward.

Best wishes in your next two days of speech-giving. Oh, and as frustrated as I may be, I will be there for BOTH events!

Sincerely,

Mrs. Jones

A Quotation Leading to Two Thoughts

"Nothing so strongly impels a man to regard the interest of his constituents, as the certainty of returning to the general mass of the people, from whence he was taken, where he must participate in their burdens. "

George Mason, speech in the Virginia Ratifying Convention, June 14, 1778

Thought #1: To my representatives of BOTH houses of Congress - who have REFUSED to hold town hall meetings or meet with their constituents: I remind you -- there are still four days remaining until you must return to Washington D.C.

Thought #2: Term limits -- to remind those representatives of their interests, duties, and that they are not exempt from the results of their votes.