Tom Knapp has called my attention to an interesting article at the Center for a Stateless Society:
Give Nothing Unto Caesar
It has some interesting historical research, but reaches a faulty conclusion.
Jesus said we are not to resist evil, but "turn the other cheek" (Matthew 5:39). This does not mean that cheek-slappers are a "divine institution." It simply describes a Christian response to evil-doers.
Taxation is the moral equivalent of theft. But Biblical logic does not lead us to conclude that we should not pay the thief. The Bible says pay your taxes. "Turn the other cheek." "Resist not evil."
The desire to tax other people is sinful. The desire to rule over others by force is sinful. The desire for vengeance is sinful. The desire for a civil government is therefore idolatry. The desire to have a civil government is a rejection of God (1 Samuel 8). Therefore the State is evil. The State is a judgment sent by God.
But our relationship with these evil rulers is characterized by respect and honor (1 Peter 2:17; 1 Timothy 6:1; Exodus 22:28; Romans 13:7), not insult and defiance.
Our goal is persuasion, not revolution.
We must beat our swords into plowshares and help archists repent.
But this is not "us" vs. "them."
We all have our swords and we all want to be as gods.
We're in this together.
"Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king."
1 Peter 2:17
For Further Study:
Romans13.com
Rushdoony on the Tribute Money
Jesus and the Tax Revolt - Rushdoony
I'm going to have to take a closer look at these (maybe after the election!):
Tiberius
Romans 13:1-7 - Jesus Radicals Discussion Forum
Obedience to the state; An exegetical exploration of Romans 13. - unlearning the problem
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
The Real Columbus Day
Today (October 12) is the real anniversary of Columbus making landfall in the New World in 1492. The first celebration of Columbus Day was held in New York on this day in 1792. One hundred years later (1892), the Pledge of Allegiance was first recited by students in many US public schools, as part of a celebration marking the 400th anniversary of Columbus's voyage. In 1992, TIME Magazine asked, "Is the 500th anniversary of Columbus' voyage to America an event the country should celebrate?" Evidently not, as South Dakota has changed the day to "Native American Day," and the city of Berkeley, California has replaced Columbus Day with "Indigenous People's Day."
It was Columbus' goal to bring the light of Christianity to the New World. In the final years of his life he realized that he may have also brought the institutions of the Roman Empire (church, state, slavery) to the New World. He refused to don the uniform of the Admiral, instead choosing to wear the humble garb of a Franciscan monk.
In 1892, during the four hundredth anniversary of Columbus' landing, teachers, preachers, poets and politicians used Columbus Day rituals to teach ideals of patriotism. These patriotic rituals were framed around themes such as support for war, citizenship boundaries, the importance of loyalty to the nation, and celebrating social progress. (source)
In 1928, Calvin Coolidge could still speak admiringly of Columbus, mixing the themes of Christianity and statism. Obama cannot speak with the same admiration. Compare Coolidge and Obama here.
It was Columbus' goal to bring the light of Christianity to the New World. In the final years of his life he realized that he may have also brought the institutions of the Roman Empire (church, state, slavery) to the New World. He refused to don the uniform of the Admiral, instead choosing to wear the humble garb of a Franciscan monk.
In 1892, during the four hundredth anniversary of Columbus' landing, teachers, preachers, poets and politicians used Columbus Day rituals to teach ideals of patriotism. These patriotic rituals were framed around themes such as support for war, citizenship boundaries, the importance of loyalty to the nation, and celebrating social progress. (source)
In 1928, Calvin Coolidge could still speak admiringly of Columbus, mixing the themes of Christianity and statism. Obama cannot speak with the same admiration. Compare Coolidge and Obama here.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Columbus and the Flat Earth Myth
When Did Columbus Day Become A Federal Holiday?
Should Columbus Day be Celebrated?
Pro:
Columbus and Civilization - From this blog, 2007
Christopher Columbus - From this blog, 2008
Columbus Day, 2009 - From this blog, 2009
H. Res. 815: Expressing support for recognition of Christopher Columbus and his role in the history of the United States and recognizing the importance of students learning about Christopher Columbus and the heritage and history of the Nation (GovTrack.us)
Con:
Remove Columbus Day as a Tax Paid Federal Holiday
Other:
Columbus and the Flat Earth Myth
Christopher Columbus and the Flat Earth Myth – Part 1
Christopher Columbus and the Flat Earth Myth – Part 2
Christopher Columbus and the Flat Earth Myth – Part 3
Christopher Columbus and the Flat Earth Myth – Part 4
Christopher Columbus and the Flat Earth Myth – Part 5
Christopher Columbus and the Flat Earth Myth – Part 6
Christopher Columbus and the Flat Earth Myth – Part 7
Should Columbus Day be Celebrated?
Pro:
Columbus and Civilization - From this blog, 2007
Christopher Columbus - From this blog, 2008
Columbus Day, 2009 - From this blog, 2009
H. Res. 815: Expressing support for recognition of Christopher Columbus and his role in the history of the United States and recognizing the importance of students learning about Christopher Columbus and the heritage and history of the Nation (GovTrack.us)
Con:
Remove Columbus Day as a Tax Paid Federal Holiday
Other:
Columbus and the Flat Earth Myth
Christopher Columbus and the Flat Earth Myth – Part 1
Christopher Columbus and the Flat Earth Myth – Part 2
Christopher Columbus and the Flat Earth Myth – Part 3
Christopher Columbus and the Flat Earth Myth – Part 4
Christopher Columbus and the Flat Earth Myth – Part 5
Christopher Columbus and the Flat Earth Myth – Part 6
Christopher Columbus and the Flat Earth Myth – Part 7
Sunday, October 10, 2010
What is a "Christian Anarchist?"
I used the phrase "Christian anarchists" in the KOLR10/KWTO debate on Thursday. The phrase was picked up by a blogger.
Let's start with a grammar lesson on prefixes and double negatives.
If you ain't got no money, then youain't got no money.
The two negatives cancel.
If you are not an "anarchist," then you are an "archist."
But what's an "archist?"
An "archist" (I admit, I sort of made the word up; but it comes from the Greek root of "anarchist") is someone who advocates, defends, or practices the initiation of force as a solution to personal or social problems.
Note the word "initiate." It would be the "initiation of force" for me to use my tranquilizer dart gun as a technique for "date-rape." But using my tranquilizer dart gun against someone who is in the act of committing a forcible rape is not the initiation of force. It is a response to - and an attempt to end - the initiation of force.
A "Christian," obviously, is someone who follows the commands of Jesus Christ.
Before Jesus was executed and rose again, His disciples really didn't get the big picture. At one point Jesus had to rebuke the Apostle Peter: "Get thee behind Me, Satan! Your allegiance is to the ways of man, not the ways of God!" In the tenth chapter of Mark's Gospel, Jesus catches His disciples arguing about who is going to be the "greatest" in the coming Kingdom. Mark 10:42-45:
42 Jesus called them together and said, "The other nations have rulers. You know that those rulers love to show their power over the people, and their important leaders love to use all their authority. 43 But it should not be that way among you. Whoever wants to become great among you must serve the rest of you like a servant. 44 Whoever wants to become the first among you must serve all of you like a slave. 45 In the same way, the Son of Man did not come to be served. He came to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many people."
In the Greek, Jesus said that the kings of the Gentiles love to be "archists." The authority of kings in Greco-Roman times was the right to initiate force against others. Christ says His followers are "not" to be "archists."
Too many Christians (today and throughout history) believe in using the civil government to force non-Christians to think or act like Christians. This in itself is not thinking or acting like a Christian.
A Christian is not an "archist." A Christian should not vote for an "archist."
Let's start with a grammar lesson on prefixes and double negatives.
If you ain't got no money, then you
The two negatives cancel.
If you are not an "anarchist," then you are an "archist."
But what's an "archist?"
An "archist" (I admit, I sort of made the word up; but it comes from the Greek root of "anarchist") is someone who advocates, defends, or practices the initiation of force as a solution to personal or social problems.
Note the word "initiate." It would be the "initiation of force" for me to use my tranquilizer dart gun as a technique for "date-rape." But using my tranquilizer dart gun against someone who is in the act of committing a forcible rape is not the initiation of force. It is a response to - and an attempt to end - the initiation of force.
A "Christian," obviously, is someone who follows the commands of Jesus Christ.
Before Jesus was executed and rose again, His disciples really didn't get the big picture. At one point Jesus had to rebuke the Apostle Peter: "Get thee behind Me, Satan! Your allegiance is to the ways of man, not the ways of God!" In the tenth chapter of Mark's Gospel, Jesus catches His disciples arguing about who is going to be the "greatest" in the coming Kingdom. Mark 10:42-45:
42 Jesus called them together and said, "The other nations have rulers. You know that those rulers love to show their power over the people, and their important leaders love to use all their authority. 43 But it should not be that way among you. Whoever wants to become great among you must serve the rest of you like a servant. 44 Whoever wants to become the first among you must serve all of you like a slave. 45 In the same way, the Son of Man did not come to be served. He came to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many people."
In the Greek, Jesus said that the kings of the Gentiles love to be "archists." The authority of kings in Greco-Roman times was the right to initiate force against others. Christ says His followers are "not" to be "archists."
Too many Christians (today and throughout history) believe in using the civil government to force non-Christians to think or act like Christians. This in itself is not thinking or acting like a Christian.
A Christian is not an "archist." A Christian should not vote for an "archist."
Saturday, October 09, 2010
What Kind of World Do You Want?
Carol Stark, editor of The Joplin Globe, and panelist at last Wednesday's debate at Joplin High School, gives her answer:
Carol Stark: Libertarian keeps his word » Editorial » The Joplin Globe, Joplin, MO
Carol Stark: Libertarian keeps his word » Editorial » The Joplin Globe, Joplin, MO
Joplin Debate Tonight
The debate which was held in Joplin on Wednesday between Libertarian Kevin Craig and candidates from the two "major" parties will be broadcast in the Joplin area tonight on KSN at 7pm.
It will be rebroadcast at 2 p.m. Sunday on KCLJ-TV, Missouri Southern’s television station, channel 35.
The broadcast will also be available on KSN’s website www.fourstateshomepage.com.
In addition to Kevin Craig's presentation of the Free Market perspective, this debate features the two major party candidates sticking to the issues raised by the panelists, which included KODE reporter Gretchen Bolander, Joplin Globe editor Carol Stark, and Carthage Press editor John Hacker. In the debate in Springfield on Thursday, the issues raised by panelists were often ignored by the two major party candidates, who chose instead to bicker among themselves over an alleged candidate survey so much that planned rebuttals had to be dropped.
It will be rebroadcast at 2 p.m. Sunday on KCLJ-TV, Missouri Southern’s television station, channel 35.
The broadcast will also be available on KSN’s website www.fourstateshomepage.com.
In addition to Kevin Craig's presentation of the Free Market perspective, this debate features the two major party candidates sticking to the issues raised by the panelists, which included KODE reporter Gretchen Bolander, Joplin Globe editor Carol Stark, and Carthage Press editor John Hacker. In the debate in Springfield on Thursday, the issues raised by panelists were often ignored by the two major party candidates, who chose instead to bicker among themselves over an alleged candidate survey so much that planned rebuttals had to be dropped.
Medicare and Afghanistan
It is widely known and admitted by the government that there is massive Medicare fraud, to the tune of billions of dollars a year:
Bigger Than Madoff - Chris Edwards and Tad DeHaven - Cato Institute: Commentary
It is not admitted by the government -- because it has not been investigated like Medicare has, and there has not arisen any public outcry -- that there is massive fraud in the Military.
The military is sacrosanct. Criticism of the military is "unpatriotic." Accusing the military of systemic waste is not "supporting the troops."
We must not forget that the Military is a "big government program." Expect waste to be a structural problem -- not a cause for "reform," but for systematic abolition.
From http://www.legitgov.org/:
U.S. is lining the Taliban's pockets by spending millions of dollars on private security in Afghanistan 08 Oct 2010 Heavy US reliance on private security in Afghanistan has helped to line the pockets of the Taliban with millions of dollars. It also threatens the safety of coalition troops because contractors often do not vet local recruits and wind up hiring warlords and thugs, US Senate investigators said. The report by the Senate Armed Services Committee follows a separate congressional inquiry in June that concluded that trucking contractors pay tens of millions of dollars a year to local warlords for convoy protection.
Security contractors in Afghanistan 'fund Taliban' 07 Oct 2010 Heavy US reliance on private security in Afghanistan has helped to line the pockets of the Taliban, a US Senate report says. The study by the Senate Armed Services Committee says this is because contractors often fail to vet local recruits and end up hiring warlords. Some 26,000 private security personnel, mostly Afghans, operate in Afghanistan. Nine out of 10 of them work for the US government.
Inquiry Finds Guards at U.S. Bases Are Tied to Taliban 08 Oct 2010 Afghan private security forces with ties to the Taliban, criminal networks and Iranian intelligence have been hired to guard American military bases in Afghanistan, exposing United States soldiers to surprise attack and confounding the fight against insurgents, according to a Senate investigation. The Pentagon’s oversight of the Afghan guards is virtually nonexistent, allowing local security deals among American military commanders, Western contracting companies and Afghan warlords who are closely connected to the violent insurgency, according to the report by investigators on the staff of the Senate Armed Services Committee.
Report: US Contractors Hired Taliban, Warlords to Guard US Troops In Afghanistan --Senate Investigators Say Chaotic Security Contracts Pose 'Grave Risk' to US Troops 07 Oct 2010 A scathing Senate report says US contractors in Afghanistan have hired warlords, "thugs," Taliban commanders and even Iranian spies to provide security at vulnerable US military outposts in Afghanistan. The report, published by the Senate Armed Services Committee, says lax oversight and "systemic failures" have led to "grave risks' to US forces, including instances where contractors have employed Afghan subcontractors who were "linked to murder, kidnapping and bribery, as well as Taliban and anti-coalition activities."
Part of the problem is a departure from the foreign policy of America's Founders:
The great rule of conduct for us, in regard to foreign nations is in extending our commercial relations to have with them as little political connection as possible."
— Washington, Farewell Address (1796) [Washington’s emphasis]
I deem [one of] the essential principles of our government, and consequently [one] which ought to shape its administration,…peace, commerce, and honest friendship with all nations, entangling alliances with none.
— Jefferson, First Inaugural Address (1801)
If we had a Defense Department instead of an Imperialism Department we could cut hundreds of billions of dollars a year from the defense budget just for starters:
Drop Pretension to Supremacy
Defense Cuts: Start Overseas
The Pentagon on Defense
The US Should Cut Military Spending in Half
U.S. Defense and the Four Percent Smokescreen (Part I)
Does Military Power Keep Us Safe? (Part II)
The New World Order (Part III)
The Democrats favor welfare for the poor. The Republicans favor welfare for the Military-Industrial Complex, from defense contractors to veterans. Obama naturally favors the former, and seems now to have been pressured to accept the latter.
Bigger Than Madoff - Chris Edwards and Tad DeHaven - Cato Institute: Commentary
It is not admitted by the government -- because it has not been investigated like Medicare has, and there has not arisen any public outcry -- that there is massive fraud in the Military.
The military is sacrosanct. Criticism of the military is "unpatriotic." Accusing the military of systemic waste is not "supporting the troops."
We must not forget that the Military is a "big government program." Expect waste to be a structural problem -- not a cause for "reform," but for systematic abolition.
From http://www.legitgov.org/:
U.S. is lining the Taliban's pockets by spending millions of dollars on private security in Afghanistan 08 Oct 2010 Heavy US reliance on private security in Afghanistan has helped to line the pockets of the Taliban with millions of dollars. It also threatens the safety of coalition troops because contractors often do not vet local recruits and wind up hiring warlords and thugs, US Senate investigators said. The report by the Senate Armed Services Committee follows a separate congressional inquiry in June that concluded that trucking contractors pay tens of millions of dollars a year to local warlords for convoy protection.
Security contractors in Afghanistan 'fund Taliban' 07 Oct 2010 Heavy US reliance on private security in Afghanistan has helped to line the pockets of the Taliban, a US Senate report says. The study by the Senate Armed Services Committee says this is because contractors often fail to vet local recruits and end up hiring warlords. Some 26,000 private security personnel, mostly Afghans, operate in Afghanistan. Nine out of 10 of them work for the US government.
Inquiry Finds Guards at U.S. Bases Are Tied to Taliban 08 Oct 2010 Afghan private security forces with ties to the Taliban, criminal networks and Iranian intelligence have been hired to guard American military bases in Afghanistan, exposing United States soldiers to surprise attack and confounding the fight against insurgents, according to a Senate investigation. The Pentagon’s oversight of the Afghan guards is virtually nonexistent, allowing local security deals among American military commanders, Western contracting companies and Afghan warlords who are closely connected to the violent insurgency, according to the report by investigators on the staff of the Senate Armed Services Committee.
Report: US Contractors Hired Taliban, Warlords to Guard US Troops In Afghanistan --Senate Investigators Say Chaotic Security Contracts Pose 'Grave Risk' to US Troops 07 Oct 2010 A scathing Senate report says US contractors in Afghanistan have hired warlords, "thugs," Taliban commanders and even Iranian spies to provide security at vulnerable US military outposts in Afghanistan. The report, published by the Senate Armed Services Committee, says lax oversight and "systemic failures" have led to "grave risks' to US forces, including instances where contractors have employed Afghan subcontractors who were "linked to murder, kidnapping and bribery, as well as Taliban and anti-coalition activities."
Part of the problem is a departure from the foreign policy of America's Founders:
The great rule of conduct for us, in regard to foreign nations is in extending our commercial relations to have with them as little political connection as possible."
— Washington, Farewell Address (1796) [Washington’s emphasis]
I deem [one of] the essential principles of our government, and consequently [one] which ought to shape its administration,…peace, commerce, and honest friendship with all nations, entangling alliances with none.
— Jefferson, First Inaugural Address (1801)
If we had a Defense Department instead of an Imperialism Department we could cut hundreds of billions of dollars a year from the defense budget just for starters:
Drop Pretension to Supremacy
Defense Cuts: Start Overseas
The Pentagon on Defense
The US Should Cut Military Spending in Half
U.S. Defense and the Four Percent Smokescreen (Part I)
Does Military Power Keep Us Safe? (Part II)
The New World Order (Part III)
The Democrats favor welfare for the poor. The Republicans favor welfare for the Military-Industrial Complex, from defense contractors to veterans. Obama naturally favors the former, and seems now to have been pressured to accept the latter.
Friday, October 08, 2010
The Two Debates Last Night
There were two debates last night at the KOLR10/KWTO studios.
The first debate was moderated by former KOLR 10 anchor Mike Peters, and focused on issues raised by Joy Robertson of KOLR and Brian Calfano of KWTO. Kevin Craig participated in this debate.
The second debate was unmoderated bickering over Billy Long's position on Social Security and whether or not the Democrats and Republicans will ever end their partisan bickering and deal with the issues raised in the first debate. Kevin Craig did not need to participate in this second debate.
Comments From: Candidates clash over campaigns, issues in 7th District debate News-Leader.com Springfield News-Leader
wubby13 wrote:
Shame on you Newsleader, I am not a libertarian but there were 3 candidates last night. Your front page does a nice job of eliminating Craig as even a viable option. We are all sick and tired of the establishment and complain that Washington is full of politicians interested in themselves but when it comes down to voting or in this case simply having a debate, our minds are already made up! Our government is certainly a representation of ourselves! We sound like Scott and Billy arguing for the sake of arguing. Kevin Craig sounds like a candidate that I would want to represent me in Washington. Ive never heard of him but maybe thats a good thing! We already have a bunch of Scotts and Billys in Washington!
10/8/2010 6:51:48 AM
The first debate was moderated by former KOLR 10 anchor Mike Peters, and focused on issues raised by Joy Robertson of KOLR and Brian Calfano of KWTO. Kevin Craig participated in this debate.
The second debate was unmoderated bickering over Billy Long's position on Social Security and whether or not the Democrats and Republicans will ever end their partisan bickering and deal with the issues raised in the first debate. Kevin Craig did not need to participate in this second debate.
Comments From: Candidates clash over campaigns, issues in 7th District debate News-Leader.com Springfield News-Leader
wubby13 wrote:
Shame on you Newsleader, I am not a libertarian but there were 3 candidates last night. Your front page does a nice job of eliminating Craig as even a viable option. We are all sick and tired of the establishment and complain that Washington is full of politicians interested in themselves but when it comes down to voting or in this case simply having a debate, our minds are already made up! Our government is certainly a representation of ourselves! We sound like Scott and Billy arguing for the sake of arguing. Kevin Craig sounds like a candidate that I would want to represent me in Washington. Ive never heard of him but maybe thats a good thing! We already have a bunch of Scotts and Billys in Washington!
10/8/2010 6:51:48 AM
HasSense wrote:
Kevin Craig was the only one who answered all the questions and acted like an adult. The other two avoided certain questions, and instead argued with each other like two immature little boys. They are untrustworthy liars, we have enough people like that already! Kevin Craig was the only choice. At least he would consider our best interests and make mature decisions, instead playing politics and fighting like a whiny child. Vote for the only responsible adult who will treat us like adults and run this Country responsibly. Throwing a hissy fit should not make a person more “popular”, don’t vote for the “name” that you hear the most. Vote like an intelligent adult. We will be able to tell how intelligent the people of the seventh district are based on how they will vote. I hope the voters are not whiny brats that want someone like themselves to be their “babysitter.”
10/8/2010 7:29:28 AM
HasSense wrote:
If we get rid of the Republicrat labels, people might learn to think for themselves. They might start paying attention to how politics control their life and destroy this country. Why vote for the lesser of two evils when there is an intelligent third choice? Why would you vote for whiny, immature, control freak brats who avoid questions to lie about each other? Why not vote for the only one who answered the questions like an adult? Are people so brainwashed that they vote for the person throwing the biggest hissy fit, rather than thinking for themselves and voting for the one with intelligent answers? No wonder people in this Country are obsessed with celebrities who are whiny brats. Nobody pays attention to people who make inventions, scientific discoveries, or offer solutions to saving this Country. Only people who are brainwashed by mainstream media will vote for a whiny brat over the intelligent adult Kevin Craig. The other two argued when they were confused about the questions.
10/8/2010 8:04:24 AM
WallynSpfd wrote:
I will be voting for Mr. Craig, never have voted for a libertarian before but I'm sure going to this time. We don't need anymore like the Dems and Repubs have running. Mr. Long should have shed some real pounds before his campaign, sure would help his image, just seems to fortify his lack of the issues in my opinion.
10/8/2010 8:50:03 AM
concerned4756 wrote:
Folks... I have read all the comments thus far and thus far I have came to the conclusion that this was just like trying to watch the television from 4:00 p.m. till 6:30 with all the political "slam-bam-boom" going on. It all starts out with one candidate hammering on one candidate, then another candidate hammering on another one. NO ONE is honest or worth while to run for office. In reading the comments thus far in MY HUMBLE OPINION I go with Kevin Craig.
10/8/2010 9:34:58 AM
theredpen wrote:
Kevin Craig "won" the debate. He was honest, straightforward and had some of the best answers.
His claim about the Constitution being about "enumerated powers" is simply false. The ink was barely dry on the Constitution before it was decided that the Federal government had broad latitude under the Commerce, General Welfare and Necessary and Proper clauses. That's documented history. I also found it sadly ironic that Mr. Craig might end up dying from a recurrence of his colon cancer because of his conception of how health care should work.
That said, Eckersley and Long made themselves look silly with their bickering and sniping. Craig was clearly too classy to say this, but a perfect closing statement would have been, "You need a reason to vote for me? Look to my left. You have a choice between a fresh and honest approach to government, or more partisan bickering."
10/8/2010 10:09:59 AM
daffymart wrote:
If not for Kevin Craig, the debate would have been unwatchable.
Thank you, Mr.Craig. I wish I could vote for you, but I simply don't agree with your positions.
The candidate who chose to ignore the questions and launch into repeated personal attacks should apologize to the debate hosts, the public, and the other candidates. What you were saying was not necessarily wrong or incorrect, but your timing was inappropriate. I have never missed a vote in a congressional election, but I am considering not voting in this race. If you apologize, you might still have a shot with me.
10/8/2010 11:42:06 AM
paintedpine wrote:
I agree with Kevin Craig on his vehement anti-war position and I appreciated Scott stating that our fiscal responsibility is at home first-not bankrolling the never ending Mid East wars.
Billy Long's "whatever it takes" on Iran and nukes made me want to puke. Roll yourself out there first Billy, and our boys may or may not be behind you. Craig was spot on about real reasons why the US is hated in the Mid East.
When asked about personal healthcare insurance, "Billy Send this Business Man to Congress I'll Dismantle Obamacare" said he didn't know how much he pays for health insurance because his wife handles it.
This is his own company insurance. Couldn't this business man even venture a guess?
Billy obviously doesn't lose sleep worrying about affordable healthcare for Billy.
Billycare? Is he uninsured?
Then Kevin Craig states he has no health insurance, he has a history of colon cancer and is overdue for a colonoscopy.
And politicians like Billy could care less.
10/8/2010 12:33:45 PM
theredpen wrote:
Replying to trip5:
I see your point, but I think it's been forgotten that Long's been ducking Eckersley for so long, that when Eck finally had a clear shot, he had to take it.
That's probably true, but as someone who hasn't followed the campaign at that level of detail (and I'll bet I'm more informed than many who watched), Eckersley overplayed his hand and came off looking a little petty. He should have been better prepared for Long's obvious responses (is there anything Billy Long does that isn't painfully simple-minded?).
Overall, Eckersley came across as the most qualified candidate. Craig's contributions were refreshingly forthright and, in foreign policy, well-informed. Long doesn't seem to know anything about anything except "signing the front of a check." Great, just what we need in Washington: someone who knows how to sign checks but doesn't know how much he's paying (re: answer on his health care).
10/8/2010 2:04:07 PM
pawsclawsvet wrote:
Although, I don't agree with everything Kevin Craig said, he will be getting my vote now. Scott and Billy have very, very limited intelligence and both came off as encapable of being our representatives. I hope people will think about how limited both Scott & Billy are in our local arena and get out of their Democratic or Republican thinking and vote for Craig. I can't vote Republican this time around. It would be wrong. News-Leader, you do owe Craig some more attention. Please help us all out here and give him some paper time. Plain & Simple we cannot trust either Scott or Billy.
10/9/2010 12:38:21 PM
- KOLR/KWTO Seventh District Congressional Debate Wrap-Up - OzarksFirst.com
- Candidates Debate In 7th District Congressional Race
- Candidates clash over campaigns, issues in 7th District debate
- Seventh district race gets personal
- KOLR/KWTO Seventh District Congressional Debate Wrap-Up
- BBCW: Kevin Craig Wins the Missouri 7 KOLR Debate: Sticks to Message While Billy Lies and Eck Attacks
- Seventh district race gets personal
- Eckersley, Long face off in second debate
- Candidates Debate In 7th District Congressional Race - KTTS 94.7 FM, Country's Best Springfield, MO KTTS.com
Thursday, October 07, 2010
Anti-War Liberals Can Vote Libertarian
lp.org
Press Release
For Immediate Release
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Anti-war liberals can vote Libertarian
WASHINGTON - In the violent wake of President Obama's military surge in Afghanistan, and his failure to withdraw the U.S. military from Iraq, the Libertarian Party (LP) says anti-war liberals can vote Libertarian with a clear conscience.
Sadly, President Obama is spending an even larger percentage of America's money on the military than George W. Bush did. According to the tracking website usgovernmentspending.com, during the first two budget years of the Obama administration (FY 2010 and 2011), military spending is expected to be over 6 percent of GDP: a larger percentage of GDP than during any year of the Bush administration.
LP Chair Mark Hinkle commented, "Anti-war liberals who thought President Obama and the Democrats would reduce military spending and American interventionism have been betrayed.
"Liberals have also been betrayed by Obama's unwillingness to reverse the serious civil liberties violations of the Bush administration. Obama has claimed the authority to kill American citizens overseas without indictment or trial. Even worse, he has claimed that 'state secrets' prevent his targets or their families from challenging him in court. Obama's expansion of the 'state secrets' claim is a page taken right out of the neoconservative playbook."
LP Executive Director Wes Benedict added, "In many ways, the Obama administration is looking like four more years of George W. Bush. A vote for Libertarians sends a message for peace and respect for the Constitution."
Benedict continued, "It's important to remember that many congressional Democrats voted for the PATRIOT Act, and many also voted for the War in Iraq. They tried to blame Bush later, even though they deserved just as much blame as Republicans."
The Libertarian National Committee has passed resolutions calling for U.S. military withdrawal from Iraq and Afghanistan.
On September 12, 2001, the day after the major terrorist attacks, two-time Libertarian Party presidential nominee Harry Browne courageously spoke out against American interventionism. In his article he wrote, "When will we learn that we can't allow our politicians to bully the world without someone bullying back eventually?"
Benedict said, "The Libertarian Party doesn't have the resources to take the lead in organizing mass protests, but we like to join anti-war protests when we can find them. When George W. Bush was president, Democrats helped organize many anti-war protests. Now that Democrats are doing the war-making, protests are hard to find.
"I made an effort to express the Libertarian position at the One Nation March on October 2.
"The terrorists have tricked our government into massive overreaction, spending trillions of dollars and thousands of American lives to fight a small number of America-hating fanatics. Many thousands of innocent Muslims have been killed in the process. We have gotten bogged down trying to rebuild entire governments. Democrats and Republicans have both given in to this terrorist trickery. Libertarians, on the other hand, see through this trickery, and we would stop wasting lives and money on the disastrous policies of foreign interventionism."
Liberal vs. Conservative Support
There is a myth frequently repeated in the media that Libertarian candidates take votes from conservatives. In reality, the situation is mixed: many polls show that Libertarian candidates actually receive greater support from liberals.
In this Kansas poll, the Libertarian candidates received more support from liberals than conservatives.
This poll showed North Carolina Libertarian candidate Michael Beitler with more support from liberals than conservatives.
Hinkle said, "Libertarians have a lot in common with liberals. In fact, people with a libertarian philosophy often call themselves 'classical liberals,' in the sense of the word as it was used historically. Libertarians sometimes describe themselves as 'fiscally conservative and socially liberal.'
"We Libertarians have a saying that we're 'pro-choice on everything.' We are uncompromising supporters of free speech. We completely oppose corporate welfare, and we hate the way big corporations often manipulate the government to get subsidies and protection from competition. And we are more immigration-friendly than either Republicans or Democrats."
The Libertarian Party has 21 candidates for U.S. Senate and 169 candidates for U.S. House in the upcoming November 2010 elections.
For more information, or to arrange an interview, call LP Executive Director Wes Benedict at 202-333-0008 ext. 222.
The LP is America's third-largest political party, founded in 1971. The Libertarian Party stands for free markets and civil liberties. You can find more information on the Libertarian Party at our website.
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Related links from Kevin Craig's Platform:
Iraq
The Warfare State
Respect for The Constitution
Imperialism vs. the "City on a Hill"
Defense Budget
Peace
Swords into Plowshares
Terrorism
The U.S./Islamic-Oil Connection
National Security
Afghanistan
Defense
War Powers
U.S. Security Strategy
Sanctions
Foreign Intervention
Security
Violence
"Isolationism"
What is the Libertarian Party?
For nearly five years, Kevin Craig consistently maintained a prayerful vigil for peace on Fridays during evening rush hour at the gates of the Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station in Southern California, along with other members and friends of "Isaiah House," the Orange County Catholic Worker.
Press Release
For Immediate Release
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Anti-war liberals can vote Libertarian
WASHINGTON - In the violent wake of President Obama's military surge in Afghanistan, and his failure to withdraw the U.S. military from Iraq, the Libertarian Party (LP) says anti-war liberals can vote Libertarian with a clear conscience.
Sadly, President Obama is spending an even larger percentage of America's money on the military than George W. Bush did. According to the tracking website usgovernmentspending.com, during the first two budget years of the Obama administration (FY 2010 and 2011), military spending is expected to be over 6 percent of GDP: a larger percentage of GDP than during any year of the Bush administration.
LP Chair Mark Hinkle commented, "Anti-war liberals who thought President Obama and the Democrats would reduce military spending and American interventionism have been betrayed.
"Liberals have also been betrayed by Obama's unwillingness to reverse the serious civil liberties violations of the Bush administration. Obama has claimed the authority to kill American citizens overseas without indictment or trial. Even worse, he has claimed that 'state secrets' prevent his targets or their families from challenging him in court. Obama's expansion of the 'state secrets' claim is a page taken right out of the neoconservative playbook."
LP Executive Director Wes Benedict added, "In many ways, the Obama administration is looking like four more years of George W. Bush. A vote for Libertarians sends a message for peace and respect for the Constitution."
Benedict continued, "It's important to remember that many congressional Democrats voted for the PATRIOT Act, and many also voted for the War in Iraq. They tried to blame Bush later, even though they deserved just as much blame as Republicans."
The Libertarian National Committee has passed resolutions calling for U.S. military withdrawal from Iraq and Afghanistan.
On September 12, 2001, the day after the major terrorist attacks, two-time Libertarian Party presidential nominee Harry Browne courageously spoke out against American interventionism. In his article he wrote, "When will we learn that we can't allow our politicians to bully the world without someone bullying back eventually?"
Benedict said, "The Libertarian Party doesn't have the resources to take the lead in organizing mass protests, but we like to join anti-war protests when we can find them. When George W. Bush was president, Democrats helped organize many anti-war protests. Now that Democrats are doing the war-making, protests are hard to find.
"I made an effort to express the Libertarian position at the One Nation March on October 2.
"The terrorists have tricked our government into massive overreaction, spending trillions of dollars and thousands of American lives to fight a small number of America-hating fanatics. Many thousands of innocent Muslims have been killed in the process. We have gotten bogged down trying to rebuild entire governments. Democrats and Republicans have both given in to this terrorist trickery. Libertarians, on the other hand, see through this trickery, and we would stop wasting lives and money on the disastrous policies of foreign interventionism."
Liberal vs. Conservative Support
There is a myth frequently repeated in the media that Libertarian candidates take votes from conservatives. In reality, the situation is mixed: many polls show that Libertarian candidates actually receive greater support from liberals.
In this Kansas poll, the Libertarian candidates received more support from liberals than conservatives.
This poll showed North Carolina Libertarian candidate Michael Beitler with more support from liberals than conservatives.
Hinkle said, "Libertarians have a lot in common with liberals. In fact, people with a libertarian philosophy often call themselves 'classical liberals,' in the sense of the word as it was used historically. Libertarians sometimes describe themselves as 'fiscally conservative and socially liberal.'
"We Libertarians have a saying that we're 'pro-choice on everything.' We are uncompromising supporters of free speech. We completely oppose corporate welfare, and we hate the way big corporations often manipulate the government to get subsidies and protection from competition. And we are more immigration-friendly than either Republicans or Democrats."
The Libertarian Party has 21 candidates for U.S. Senate and 169 candidates for U.S. House in the upcoming November 2010 elections.
For more information, or to arrange an interview, call LP Executive Director Wes Benedict at 202-333-0008 ext. 222.
The LP is America's third-largest political party, founded in 1971. The Libertarian Party stands for free markets and civil liberties. You can find more information on the Libertarian Party at our website.
Related links from Kevin Craig's Platform:
Iraq
The Warfare State
Respect for The Constitution
Imperialism vs. the "City on a Hill"
Defense Budget
Peace
Swords into Plowshares
Terrorism
The U.S./Islamic-Oil Connection
National Security
Afghanistan
Defense
War Powers
U.S. Security Strategy
Sanctions
Foreign Intervention
Security
Violence
"Isolationism"
What is the Libertarian Party?
For nearly five years, Kevin Craig consistently maintained a prayerful vigil for peace on Fridays during evening rush hour at the gates of the Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station in Southern California, along with other members and friends of "Isaiah House," the Orange County Catholic Worker.
Questions on Immigration - Audio
Cory de Vera at the Springfield News-Leader has been very generous in her coverage of my campaign. She's already interviewed me on education, and now is interviewing me on immigration.
I've posted my answers to her questions here:
Questions on Immigration
I've posted my answers to her questions here:
Questions on Immigration
Back-to-back Debates
I just got home from a debate in Joplin hosted by KSNF/KODE TV. I thought it went pretty well. Here's a report:
Candidates Square Off in 7th Congressional District Debate in Joplin, MO - OzarksFirst.com
The Joplin debate was taped and will be broadcast on Saturday in the Joplin area.
Tonight (Wednesday) is another debate, this one in Springfield, which will be broadcast live on KOLR-10, simulcast on KWTO. Here's a report on this second debate:
Live Congressional Debate Oct. 7 on KOLR10 - OzarksFirst.com
Political debates are largely an exchange of slogans. Each of the topics in both debates (e.g., healthcare, immigration, jobs, social security, etc.) deserve an hour of thoughtful debate in order to remind victims of government educational malpractice what Free Market economics is all about.
I try to be educational, rather than just another political opponent.
Thanks for your support as I champion "Liberty Under God" throughout Southwest Missouri.
Candidates Square Off in 7th Congressional District Debate in Joplin, MO - OzarksFirst.com
The Joplin debate was taped and will be broadcast on Saturday in the Joplin area.
Tonight (Wednesday) is another debate, this one in Springfield, which will be broadcast live on KOLR-10, simulcast on KWTO. Here's a report on this second debate:
Live Congressional Debate Oct. 7 on KOLR10 - OzarksFirst.com
Political debates are largely an exchange of slogans. Each of the topics in both debates (e.g., healthcare, immigration, jobs, social security, etc.) deserve an hour of thoughtful debate in order to remind victims of government educational malpractice what Free Market economics is all about.
I try to be educational, rather than just another political opponent.
Thanks for your support as I champion "Liberty Under God" throughout Southwest Missouri.
Monday, October 04, 2010
Vote for a Morally Bankrupt Sociopath
I have updated my webapge, "The U.S. is Bankrupt."
I think this is kind of scary.
Tell me where I'm wrong.
I think this is kind of scary.
Tell me where I'm wrong.
Friday, October 01, 2010
Biopharmeceutical Research
A candidate questionnaire from We Work For Health:
1. The Council for American Medical Innovation (CAMI) study found that the U.S. regulatory review system lacks consistency. As a member of Congress (if elected/re-elected), how would you strengthen the FDA to bring safe, innovative products to patients?
Abolish the FDA:
http://KevinCraig.us/FDA.htm
Abolish all other unnecessary and unconstitutional federal regulations:
http://KevinCraig.US/regulation.htm
Billions of dollars are diverted away from productive research and development by regulations which are basically a make-work program for regulators and bureaucrats.
2. Millions of US patients are hoping and waiting for new cures in this country. Research and Development is the key to that medical progress. If you are elected, how would you improve existing federal government economic incentives to encourage investment in medical innovation?
Abolish all corporate income taxes, and taxes on dividends and capital gains:
http://KevinCraig.us/taxation.htm
Tax credits or deductions for investment in biopharmaceutical research.
Abolish over $2 trillion in unconstitutional federal spending, to free up resources for genuinely productive research and development of products which consumers will voluntarily pay for.
http://KevinCraig.us/program.htm
http://KevinCraig.us/enumerated.htm
3. Private-public partnerships between government organizations and industry have led to significant medical advances in this country. These partnerships are dependent on supportive technology transfer laws and reliable intellectual property protections. How will you protect intellectual property and encourage more public private partnerships?
The value of IP laws on development of new products is vastly overstated.
http://KevinCraig.us/patents.htm
4. As education systems around the country take cuts to their science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) programs, America’s students are losing their competitive edge at these important subjects, which are a large part of the knowledge base for the highly skilled biopharmaceutical workforce. What will you do to ensure that the United States has a workforce prepared to continue to fuel medical innovation?
I believe in the separation of school and state.
An education-business partnership would be much more productive than the present education-government entanglement.
The majority of useful products are developed in business, rather than academia. Government-buttressed university research is bureaucratic, uncompetitive, inefficient, and reflects the wishes of special interests more than consumers.
The University is a medieval system which cannot withstand competition in a Free Market. Those who graduate from a university are not necessarily better equipped to compete in a global economy than those who rise through the ranks of business without a college degree:
http://KevinCraig.us/college.htm
5. Are there other challenges that the federal government can address to better secure the future of an industry that supports more than 3 million jobs throughout America and that holds promise for the future of millions of America’s patients and how would you address them as a member of Congress?
Abandon fascism and socialism, return to the Constitution, and allow a Free Market economy to raise the standard of living of all Americans and bring life-saving technology to the entire world.
http://KevinCraig.us/fascism.htm
http://KevinCraig.us/socialism.htm
http://KevinCraig.us/capitalism.htm
http://KevinCraig.us/economics.htm
http://KevinCraig.us/jobs.htm
http://KevinCraig.us/healthcare.htm
http://KevinCraig.us/cityhill.htm
http://KevinCraig.us/imperialism.htm
1. The Council for American Medical Innovation (CAMI) study found that the U.S. regulatory review system lacks consistency. As a member of Congress (if elected/re-elected), how would you strengthen the FDA to bring safe, innovative products to patients?
Abolish the FDA:
http://KevinCraig.us/FDA.htm
Abolish all other unnecessary and unconstitutional federal regulations:
http://KevinCraig.US/regulation.htm
Billions of dollars are diverted away from productive research and development by regulations which are basically a make-work program for regulators and bureaucrats.
2. Millions of US patients are hoping and waiting for new cures in this country. Research and Development is the key to that medical progress. If you are elected, how would you improve existing federal government economic incentives to encourage investment in medical innovation?
Abolish all corporate income taxes, and taxes on dividends and capital gains:
http://KevinCraig.us/taxation.htm
Tax credits or deductions for investment in biopharmaceutical research.
Abolish over $2 trillion in unconstitutional federal spending, to free up resources for genuinely productive research and development of products which consumers will voluntarily pay for.
http://KevinCraig.us/program.htm
http://KevinCraig.us/enumerated.htm
3. Private-public partnerships between government organizations and industry have led to significant medical advances in this country. These partnerships are dependent on supportive technology transfer laws and reliable intellectual property protections. How will you protect intellectual property and encourage more public private partnerships?
The value of IP laws on development of new products is vastly overstated.
http://KevinCraig.us/patents.htm
4. As education systems around the country take cuts to their science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) programs, America’s students are losing their competitive edge at these important subjects, which are a large part of the knowledge base for the highly skilled biopharmaceutical workforce. What will you do to ensure that the United States has a workforce prepared to continue to fuel medical innovation?
I believe in the separation of school and state.
An education-business partnership would be much more productive than the present education-government entanglement.
The majority of useful products are developed in business, rather than academia. Government-buttressed university research is bureaucratic, uncompetitive, inefficient, and reflects the wishes of special interests more than consumers.
The University is a medieval system which cannot withstand competition in a Free Market. Those who graduate from a university are not necessarily better equipped to compete in a global economy than those who rise through the ranks of business without a college degree:
http://KevinCraig.us/college.htm
5. Are there other challenges that the federal government can address to better secure the future of an industry that supports more than 3 million jobs throughout America and that holds promise for the future of millions of America’s patients and how would you address them as a member of Congress?
Abandon fascism and socialism, return to the Constitution, and allow a Free Market economy to raise the standard of living of all Americans and bring life-saving technology to the entire world.
http://KevinCraig.us/fascism.htm
http://KevinCraig.us/socialism.htm
http://KevinCraig.us/capitalism.htm
http://KevinCraig.us/economics.htm
http://KevinCraig.us/jobs.htm
http://KevinCraig.us/healthcare.htm
http://KevinCraig.us/cityhill.htm
http://KevinCraig.us/imperialism.htm
More Homosexual Fascism
Indianapolis bakery could lose lease for turning away homosexuals - courier-journal.com - The Courier-Journal (Louisville, KY)
Bakery displays morals, now faces eviction - OneNewsNow.com
"Meanwhile, homosexual groups are circulating memos encouraging people to stop purchasing at Just Cookies. Clark's response to that is to ask residents to do business there in support of the owners and their wholesome beliefs."
Private action is one thing, government action is fascism.
See also: "Hate Crimes"
Bakery displays morals, now faces eviction - OneNewsNow.com
"Meanwhile, homosexual groups are circulating memos encouraging people to stop purchasing at Just Cookies. Clark's response to that is to ask residents to do business there in support of the owners and their wholesome beliefs."
Private action is one thing, government action is fascism.
See also: "Hate Crimes"
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