rossmoor

Ramses vs Founders

Fri, 28 Jun 2024 16:04:42 GMT

Ramses II vs. The Founding Fathers and Mothers

Republican Perspective---November 9, 2022

Ramses II vs. The Founding Fathers and Mothers

By Bill McConnell

We just attended the Ramses Exhibit at the de Young Museum in San Francisco. Ramses II was a great military leader with amazing control of his army. He had a long list of conquests and acquisitions. He was a champion builder of temples, statues and tombs, and produced an endless number of gold and precious stone baubles for the sole purpose of glorifying himself. Just for fun, he also had 200+ wives and concubines and produced 100+ kids. Of course, you have to see all this through the cultural lens of the period. Nobody other than the local royalty counted for much and all the peasants were thoroughly brainwashed politically and religiously. There was no concept of individual freedom or rights anything like we know them now. Most of the production work was done by peasants who had self-enslaved themselves and believed this service to the pharaoh would expedite their transition to some super afterlife.

What is striking now is that the Egyptian kings, the pyramids and the various buildings and tombs and other “products” of ancient Egypt have been so revered by most of the world for thousands of years. When Ramses II was alive he was his own best publicist focusing on convincing the then known world what a wonderful guy he was. Apparently, he was wildly successful and it is still working today. But these Egyptian accomplishments were mostly just “things” rather than good ideas or concepts or selfless acts which might have helped his people and humanity.

https://archaeology-travel.com/exhibitions/ramses-and-the-pharaohs-gold/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramesses_II#In_popular_culture

https://www.worldhistory.org/Ramesses_II/

Nevertheless, two of Ramses II accomplishments stand out even thousands years later. He is credited with negotiating the first “peace treaty“ with the Hittites and thus bringing peace and prosperity to the region. The second is his staunch protection of the Egyptian borders from the surrounding hostile forces. Of course, both of these were produced from a “peace through strength” approach—the best way to get aggressive neighbors to leave you alone to live in peace. Our current pathetic band of misguided utopian liberal and socialist leaders could try to emulate Ramses II and many other leaders throughout history who understood the importance of military strength and sovereign borders to ensuring peaceful coexistence.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peace_through_strength

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramesses_II#In_popular_culture

https://www.worldhistory.org/Ramesses_II/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Egyptian_religion

In stark contrast to Ramses II, the American Founding Fathers (George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, John Jay and James Madison) and Founding Mothers (Abigail Adams, Phyllis Wheatley, Deborah Sampson, Martha Washington, Mercy Otis Warren, Esther Reed, Dolley Madison and Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton) gave the world much more important gifts in the form of history-changing ideas and concepts than did the narcissistic Ramses the Great with his monuments and other “consumer items.”

https://www.battlefields.org/learn/articles/10-facts-founding-fathers

https://womensmuseum.wordpress.com/2016/05/04/8-founding-mothers-of-the-united-states/

This noble band of patriot founders:

· Codified inalienable rights and individual freedom.

· Established that the individual should be the sovereign entity in politics.

· Recognized individual participation in the market place as the main driving force behind economic productivity.

· Established the first large-scale political republic in the modern world.

· Codified the principle of the legal separation of church and state.

· Established that all citizens are equal under the law.

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Founding-Fathers/The-achievement

https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&q=founding+fathers+achievements

Fast forward to the America of today where confused extremist liberals and ignorant socialists are leading the charge to tear down statues of the Founding Fathers and Mothers, not to mention America itself.

Meanwhile, America ranks at the top when you ask 24,000 people around the world if various nations’ governments respect the personal freedoms of their country’s people. Of the 24 countries surveyed, 65% of the respondents said “yes” for America and 63% said “yes” for France. The percentages for the next highest rated nations were all less than half of these top ranked countries.

https://www.pewresearch.org/global/2008/06/12/chapter-7-which-governments-respect-the-rights-of-their-people/

You get a similar result when you ask potential migrants what country would be their most favored destination. The top choice by a factor of 3.5x is America.

https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2017/11/these-are-the-countries-migrants-want-to-move-to/

Unfortunately, not everyone can come to America, at least not yet. So the next best thing is to try to help other nations emulate America. To do this we should be putting the legacy of the Founding Fathers and Mothers on a world-wide exhibition tour just like the Ramses the Great world-wide tour. Since this “American Freedom Tour” will focus on world-changing ideas and concepts rather than just stuff, it will require a much simpler venue and could reach much of the world that needs to see it. Exposing the world to American achievements in establishing a democratic republic and advancing human rights would be an excellent way for the largely failed United Nations to finally make a contribution to personal freedom throughout the world. It would also be a better use for some of the federal money now being wasted. The exhibition should start at home since some parts of the U.S. also need a basic tutorial in American history.

Virtue Signaling

Fri, 28 Jun 2024 15:58:51 GMT

New Leftist National Pastime

Virtue Signaling is the New Leftist National Pastime

Virtue Signaling is defined by the Oxford Dictionary as "The action or practice of publicly expressing opinions or sentiments intended to demonstrate one's good character or the moral correctness of one's position on a particular issue."

One way you know for sure it is virtue signaling is that it is in your face. If someone really cared about an issue they would just do something instead of advertising what they did, or might do, or what you should do.

We are now inundated on a daily basis by countless instances of virtue signaling and it all seems to come from Democrat/Leftist/"Progressive" sources.

Examples: When you check out at Safeway and many other stores you are now forced to decline to give money to some cause or other which they have decided is worthy enough that you should be the victim of their solicitations. This is designed to make you feel a little guilty if you don't comply.

Other Examples: Now that I have sensitized you to this, you will probably find endless examples of your own. Countless businesses and other entities are constantly telling you how they are helping mankind and saving you and the rest of the peasants from some fate worse than death. One of my favorites: You need to wear a mask to protect others.

WHAT TO DO:

You could adopt a general rule for yourself of not responding to most or all of these kinds of intrusive requests. It makes your life simpler since you will not have to think about each and every one of these independently. When you are up for it, you can also push back and tell them to stop bothering you and mind their own business. You can also ask them for proof that your donation will make it to the intended beneficiary.

E. T. and Gun Free Zones

Fri, 28 Jun 2024 15:51:03 GMT

How people fee about today's out-of-control censorship

Do you ever wonder . . .

. . . How people feel about todays’ out-of-control censorship.

Here is one example of someone who has some thoughts on this.

The movie “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” was released in 1982 and includes a scene of officers with firearms chasing young kids. In the 20 ^th anniversary release Spielberg took out the guns and replaced them with walkie-talkies. Spielberg now says:

This was a mistake. I never should have done that. E.T. is a product of its era. No film should be revised based on the lens we now are, either voluntarily, or being forced to peer though. . . I should have never messed with the archives of my own work, and don’t recommend anyone do that. All our movies are a kind of signpost of where we were when we made them, what the world was like and what the world was receiving when we got those stories out there. So I really regret having that out there. . . For me it is sacrosanct. It is our history, it’s our cultural heritage.

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/steven-spielberg-says-regrets-editing-guns-et-rcna81556

Have you ever wondered...Why Gun-Free Zones are not gun free?

Fri, 28 Jun 2024 15:44:08 GMT

Protected Human Hunting Area

Have you ever wondered . . .

. . . Why Gun-Free Zones are not gun free?

Gun-Free Zones apparently started when the Gun-Free School Zones Act of 1990 was passed as section 1702 of the Crime Control Act of 1990. This act amended the Omnibus Crime Control Act of 1968 by adding the section on gun free zones.

I guess the profoundly stupid idea was that if you declared an area a gun free zone, it would have some kind of magical impact on crimes using guns in that area.

The Gun Free Zones idea was hilariously stupid from the beginning for one simple reason. Anyone with an ounce of common sense could see that a person with bad intentions using a gun would pay absolutely no attention to the gun free zone label. Even worse they could use this label to identify areas where they had the least likelihood of being confronted by good person with a gun. Such zones should have been labeled “Protected Human Hunting Area.”

This is exactly what happened. The Crime Prevention Research Center (https://crimeresearch.org/2022/05/breaking-down-mass-public-shooting-data-from-1998-through-may-2022-info-on-weapons-used-gun-free-zones-racial-age-and-gender-demographics/) has analyzed mass public shootings by location from 1950 through May, 2022. The result: 96% occur in gun-free designated zones; 4% occur everywhere else.

In New York State Rifle & Pistol Association, Inc. v. Bruen (2022) 142 S.Ct. 2111, the U.S. Supreme Court held that it was unconstitutional for New York to require “good cause” (some special reason) as a requisite for granting a concealed carry permit to a law abiding citizen. The Supreme Court also indicated that, although firearm possession might allowably be restricted in a few specific "sensitive places," such as courthouses and schools, the designation of “sensitive places” could not be employed as a pretext to set aside ordinary urban areas as “gun free zones.” These new laws, now using “sensitive places” instead of “gun free zones” is a despicable move to avoid complying with the Supreme Court’s intended mandate.

Once again the legal gun owning and carrying community are the scapegoats.

Witch Hunting Returns to America

Fri, 28 Jun 2024 15:24:25 GMT

Killing the Witches: The Horror of Salem, Massachusetts

Witch Hunting Returns to America

By Bill McConnell, PhD

I just finished reading the latest book in Bill O’Reilly’s “Killing” series, Killing the Witches: The Horror of Salem, Massachusetts , by Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard. The most interesting part of the book is the note at the end in which the authors discuss the similarities between the Salem trials and our current situation.

The authors point out that today there is a new kind of witch hunt called Cancel Culture. The parallels between some parts of America in 1692 and 2023 are stunning and depressing. But it has only been 331 years so how much progress can you expect? O’Reilly and Dugard list the similarities between then and now:

· Willingness to treat an accusation as a fact,

· Absence of due process, and

· Disregard for the concept of innocent until proven guilty.

In the 1690s in Salem almost any accuser would be easily believed. There was a lack of any fair process for determining guilt. Accused persons would have to find some other way to save themselves. Ironically, the most common approach was to turn into an accuser oneself. With luck, one might then be identified with the “other side.” Laws in the 1690s did not recognize any presumption of innocence.

Many important changes have happened in America since the 1690s, the most significant for this discussion being the adoption of our Constitution and its Bill of Rights. One would think that the horrors of the witch hunt days would be long gone, but they are not.

While most people in the U.S. recognize and agree in principle with the concept of innocent until proven guilty and the right to due process, when it comes to applying these principles to everyday situations, far too many fall short. Today’s witch hunters are not the insane religious fanatics of 1690s Salem but rather partisan zealots, journalists, and the media that feed on their disinformation. Modern-era witch hunters make reckless accusations. A pandering press and social media platforms then reproduce the hate virus at the speed of light.

You could think of this as the modern era witch trial exponentially compounded by the wonders of our new technology. This is the phenomenon that Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas memorably denounced as a “high-tech lynching.”

Most of us have heard of careers and lives being ruined simply by an accusation. Once an outrageous charge has a head of steam (which takes about 5 minutes), it is too late. It is disturbing that so little has changed in the last two or three centuries. As technological progress speeds along at a scary pace, we are still stuck with many of the same social and psychological problems we had thousands of years ago. Scarier still is the thought that this disparity seems to be getting larger. A prime expression of this disparity is the early 21 ^st century witch hunt known as Cancel Culture. The victim is no longer burned at the stake; rather, he or she is vilified, reputation destroyed, fired, denied tenure, banned from professional publications, and speaking on campuses and other venues of politically correct society.

The new witch hunters are very busy. They have managed to get an athletic trainer fired for using the OK hand symbol because someone decided that it is a racist symbol. Of course, it has also meant “OK” for a long time.

They have also targeted Jerry Seinfeld reruns for the same kind of nonsense. A Hollywood insider publication , under the headline “Out of Control Cancel Culture Targets ‘Seinfeld’ Reruns,” reports that a 2015 article in Salon declared that “one of TV’s supreme sitcoms is now too ‘racist’ and ‘sexist’ to enjoy. The article sprang to life after Seinfeld admitted he’d never play a college gig because students are too easily offended.”

Not to be outdone by the worst of the worst, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris quickly jumped into the witch hunt parade to support Jussie Smollett when he first claimed he was the target of a racist and anti-gay attack. Harris publicly called his claims a “modern day lynching” before obtaining any facts. Who needs facts when Smollett’s false claim so well supported the Biden administration’s effort to brand white Americans as systemic racists?

Like Seinfeld, Steven Spielberg discussed his own thoughts on the censorship that accompanies Cancel Culture. The movie “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” was released in 1982 and includes a scene of officers with firearms chasing young kids. In the 20 ^th anniversary release Spielberg took out the guns and replaced them with walkie-talkies. Spielberg now says :

“This was a mistake. I never should have done that. E.T. is a product of its era. No film should be revised based on the lens we now are, either voluntarily, or being forced to peer though. . . I should have never messed with the archives of my own work, and don’t recommend anyone do that. All our movies are a kind of signpost of where we were when we made them, what the world was like and what the world was receiving when we got those stories out there. So I really regret having that out there. . . For me it is sacrosanct. It is our history, it’s our cultural heritage.”

A main reason the Cancel Culture has been so successful is because of our old frenemy , technology. It has given us the internet, cell phones, and browsing. When a modern-day witch hunter finds something salacious to post, especially about a well-known person, the post can get millions of clicks in a few seconds, and the hysteria then goes into hyper-drive.

I’m tempted to advise readers to avoid exposing themselves to people, situations, or events where they could be targeted. But is that the world we want to live in? Scientists with reservations about the UN and Biden administration’s climate catastrophism must edit their thoughts to skirt Cancel Culture censorship. Patrick Brown, a PhD climate scientist and co-director of the Climate and Energy Team at The Breakthrough Institute, writes that “I left out the full truth to get my climate change paper published. I just got published in Nature because I stuck to a narrative I knew the editors would like. That’s not the way science should work.”

Amen.

Bill McConnell can be reached at wam45@comcast.net>

Criminal Violence Republican Perspective

Fri, 28 Jun 2024 15:11:59 GMT

The Gun Blame Game

By Bill McConnell

The current political discussion employing the term “gun violence” as a proxy for criminal violence is misleading and manipulative. A serious analysis of the problem of criminal violence should not be framed in terms of “gun violence” or “gun control.” Guns do not commit violence, criminals do. If you refuse to identify the problem correctly, there is very little chance you will solve it. The issue should be correctly addressed as criminal violence or as criminal violence using a gun. Guns per se should only be part of this discussion as one of many means (along with bats, knifes, bombs, etc.) of committing criminal violence. Gun control and anti-Second Amendment advocates have been working for years to skew this discussion by a slight-of-hand manipulation of language. They have succeeded in getting us to talk about “gun violence,” instead of the real issue, namely criminal violence. As a result, guns, responsible gun owners, hunters, gun manufacturers, and almost anyone associated with guns in any positive way have been made into a new class of scapegoats, presumably responsible for any criminal violence carried out with a gun, for which they bear no real responsibility.

Most readers are probably familiar with the term “scapegoating.” Assuming this, I will not go into the definition and literature in detail. But for the record here is the American Psychological Association definition: “Scapegoating. n. blaming: the process of directing one’s anger, frustration, and aggression onto others and targeting them as the source of one’s problems and misfortunes.” (American Psychological Association.

(March 12. 2024) Retrieved from https://dictionary.apa.org/scapegoating)

There are many ways to describe the various types and elements of scapegoating. One way is to note four common ways in which scapegoats are created: One-on-one, one-on- group, group-on-one, group-on-group. (Nickerson, C. [Updated October 10, 2023]. Simply Psychology. Retrieved on March 14, 2024. Retrieved from https://www.simplypsychology.org/scapegoating.html)

In this column I am addressing group-on-group scapegoating. The blaming group in simple terms is the anti-gun group and the scapegoated group is the pro-gun group. The anti-gun group is made up of several overlapping groups such as certain politicians, anti- gun activists, and anti-NRA crusaders. The pro-gun group includes some other politicians, Second Amendment rights advocates, NRA members, law-abiding hunters, and gun owners.

Scapegoating works through the use of several mechanisms. First, blaming and shifting responsibility are two of the main components of scapegoating. Several things make this effective: an easily identifiable sub-group of society—the pro-gun group. Gun manufacturers are blamed for causing crime with a gun by making legally permitted guns and selling them legally and, by an extension of that same “logic,” legal gun buyers and users and “gun culture” must also somehow be to blame. This is the same as blaming car manufacturers and all drivers for at-fault accidents. The absurdity of all this is made clear by blaming the mindless guns (or cars) for the mayhem. Anti-gun activists have cleverly got us all taking about “gun crime, gun violence, ghost guns, weapons of war,” etc. This shift of responsibility away from the actual perpetrators enables them to avoid accountability for their own actions or failings. Likewise, proponents of various violence reduction programs avoid accountability for their failures by blaming “pro-gun” people.

Scapegoating often involves projecting one's own fears, insecurities, or shortcomings onto the scapegoat. By attributing negative characteristics or behaviors to the scapegoat, individuals or groups can deflect attention away from their own flaws or failings. The failure of crime control efforts means that politicians and criminal advocates need someone to blame. In the words of John Burroughs (1837-1921): “A man can fail many times, but he isn't a failure until he begins to blame somebody else.” (Brainy Quote. Retrieved on March 24, 2024 fromhttps://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/john_burroughs_121353)

Scapegoats are often portrayed in highly negative terms, often as dangerous, immoral, or subversive. Demonization justifies the mistreatment of scapegoat targets and reinforces the narrative of their culpability. The demonization of guns, the gun industry, gun manufacturers, and all gun users could not be more clear.

Scapegoating can serve various psychological functions for individuals and groups, including reducing anxiety, bolstering self-esteem, and maintaining a sense of control in the face of uncertainty or adversity. Politicians and the criminal justice community have failed to maintain a safe society and, therefore, they need someone or some “thing” to blame for their failure.

Scapegoating often involves the dissemination of propaganda or misinformation designed to vilify the scapegoat and sway public opinion against them. This can include exaggerated or fabricated claims about the scapegoat's actions or intention. This is exactly why millions of legal gun owners and users are blamed for the “gun crime problem.”

Scapegoating has a long history in human societies, often manifesting itself during times of social upheaval, economic hardship, or political turmoil. Understanding past instances of scapegoating can provide insights into its underlying causes and consequences. One important lesson learned from history is that scapegoating is something we should work to avoid, but gun control advocates in our society have turned this upside down and learned how to become champion scapegoaters.

Clearly, in any sensible discussion of criminal violence guns should be just one of many topics to address and it should not be very high on the list of priorities. Beginning and ending with guns as the main cause of the problem of criminal violence has led to the current frenzy of witch-hunting and scapegoating around “gun control.” A more reasonable discussion might look something more like this:

Example of a list in priority order of possible solutions to address in a discussion of criminal violence:

Successful arrest, prosecution and punishment of violent perpetrators
Improved treatment for serious mental illness
Reasonable and balanced regulation of social media
Regulation of violent content in entertainment for minors
Elimination of many current gun laws and improved enforcement of others
Reducing the availability of the means of committing violence

a. Reducing access to dangerous weapons

i. Reducing access to guns

It is fruitless to continue our current misguided discussion until any debate about “gun control” is properly reframed within the much broader topic of combating criminal violence.

Gun Ban Quotes

Fri, 28 Jun 2024 14:52:36 GMT

No Gun Myths This Month -- Just Some Fun Quotes

NO GUN MYTHS THIS MONTH—JUST SOME FUN QUOTES:

[First published in February, 2020. But some things are worth repeating.]

Timeless True Gun Quotes From Some of Your Favorite People---[CAN YOU FIND THE ONE THAT DOES NOT GO WITH THE OTHERS?]:

Dianne Feinstein: “Banning guns addresses a fundamental right of all Americans to feel safe.” (Associated Press, November 18, 1993).

Adolph Hitler: “The most foolish mistake we could possibly make would be to allow the subject races to possess arms. History shows that all conquerors who have allowed their subject races to carry arms have prepared their own downfall by so doing.” (Hitler’s Secret Conversations, trans. Norman Cameron and R. H. Stevens, Signet Books, 1961, 40).

Joe Biden: “Banning guns is an idea whose time has come.” (In View of Handguns’ Effects, There’s Only One Answer: A Ban, Minneapolis Star Tribune, June 15, 1992, at 13A).

Sarah Brady: “...I don’t believe gun owners have rights.” (Handguns in America, Hearst Newspapers Special Report, October 1997).

Rosie O’Donnell: “I don’t care if you want to hunt, I don’t care if you think it’s your right. I say, sorry, you are not allowed to own a gun, and if you do own a gun I think you should go to prison.” (The Rosie O’Donnell Show April 19, 1999).

The Dalai Lama: “If someone has a gun and is trying to kill you, it would be reasonable to shoot back with your own gun.” (Dalai Lama urges students to shape world, Seattle Times, May 15, 2001).

Smart Repblican

Fri, 28 Jun 2024 14:42:30 GMT

Have you ever wondered how you can be a happier California Republican?

Here is part of the answer!

It is a tough time to be a Republican in California. Being in the minority is not much fun in California under the virtual one-party dictatorship. Here is another way to think about this situation that you might find helpful.

It is easier to be in the majority. When you align with the majority you get more positive social reinforcement from more people since you are now one of the majority. The more important peer pressure is to you and the more of a conformist you are, the more likely you are to join the majority and subordinate your belief to the joys of being a member of the majority.

On the other hand it is more difficult to align with the minority and get less reinforcement simply because you are now in the minority. Therefore, it is likely that you put more thought into your alignment. Also, it is more likely that other minority-aligned people made the right (correct) decision because, like you, they thought about it more.

So, we need to be patient while the Democrats continue to self-destruct and push the state to the bottom of the barrel, and prepare for the coming Republican Renaissance and return to power.

Meanwhile, congratulate yourself on being such a thoughtful person and maximize your chances of getting more reinforcement from other people as smart as you.

· Attend the Republican Dinners.

· Attend the monthly meet and greet get togethers on Sundays.

· Encourage other smart Republicans like yourself to join the club.

· Get involved with the club by volunteering—There are several important jobs open on the Board: Webmaster, Program Chair, Publicity Chair.

The viability of our club depends on having a strong Board with important positions filled. If you appreciate being in the club, please consider applying for one of these jobs. The existence of the Club is not guaranteed. To paraphrase what Jefferson said about the government of the new Republic: “You have a Republican Club if you can keep it.”

HOPE

Fri, 28 Jun 2024 14:29:14 GMT

Tech Millionaires Take On Politicians in a Fight to Fix San Francisco

You say you need some hope? Well, the Second Great Woke which is on it’s way.

I am indebted to Tom Peterson for making me aware of a February 10, 2024 Wall Street Journal article which has enabled me to bring you this glimmer of hope. The article is titled “Tech Millionaires Take On Politicians in a Fight to Fix San Francisco.”

https://www.wsj.com/politics/elections/tech-millionaires-take-on-politicians-in-a-fight-to-fix-san-francisco-e0daf87e .

The articles describes the way in which the local tech giants have usually stayed out of local politics and how that is changing in this case. Big tech money was heavily involved in the recent recall of the San Francisco District Attorney and the successful recall of some school board members. It further describes a number of current efforts, including the goal to elect a number of more moderate Democrats to the Board of Supervisors this year. What precipitated this is the decades long decent of the City to an ever more “progressive” left wing extremism. The result has been the depressingly long list of current problems and the general decay of the quality of life and safety of the City.

The reason for hope is that this kind of political development in the Democrat political ghetto of San Francisco is a major big deal. Of course, people like us know that the best and fastest way to make the changes needed in San Francisco would be to elect five or six Republicans to the Board of Supervisors and a few more to other City offices. But you have to be happy right now with this movement. The same kind of development is possible for the Democrat political ghetto of California. Revolts big and little can and do happen. Remember the Proposition 13 revolt and the election of Arnold Schwarzenegger. The general citizenry does eventually wake up and this will happen again in California. The political pendulum is going to swing in California and the longer it takes for the awakening the more extreme will be the pendulum swing to the right when it comes. Be patient, the Second Awakening is on the way. It will be a lot more fun than the first WOKE we have all lived through and now is almost over.

Gun Buybacks Reduce Gun Violence They might feel good, but they accomplish nothing

Thu, 27 Jun 2024 17:56:36 GMT

GUN BUYBACKS REDUCE GUN VIOLENCE

They might feel good, but they accomplish nothing

There is not a single study that shows gun buybacks have any positive effects, but there are several studies that show buybacks are not effective in reducing gun violence. Worse, buybacks have some serious negative impacts.

--At best they recover only a tiny fraction of the available gun stock; not enough to even put a dent in the additions to the gun stock—especially now with sales going through the roof thanks to all the great sales people—Obama, Feinstein, etc.
--It’s a good chance for people to off-load crumby guns they would not fire and buy at least one good one that they might actually use.

--The guns surrendered are extremely unlikely to ever be used much less misused, by the low risk people who surrender them.
--Anonymous turn-ins for some valuable consideration provide a great incentive to steal guns. --What if Aunt Mary turns in deceased Uncle Joe’s gun? What if that gun turns out to be worth $2,000-$3,000 or more? What if Aunt Mary could really use that money? Doesn’t this sound sort of like an unethical elder abuse scam?

One of many authoritative sources—22 years old and still accurate:

Kleck, Gary. Targeting Guns: Firearms and Their Control (1997).

Thanks Joe-Republican Perspective

Thu, 27 Jun 2024 17:35:34 GMT

A heartfelt thanks to you Joe and Your Band of Bunglers

A heartfelt thanks to you Joe and Your Band of Bungler

We are suffering through dark days as the Biden Administration pushes America toward global socialism, the loss of national identity, poverty and government dependence for American citizens. One way Republicans and Conservatives to comfort themselves is to remember to repeat this phrase to themselves and others:

The worse things get, the better it is!
The harder the Democrats work to make things worse, the better it is for Republicans in the long run! The Democrats hard work has resulted in a long list of major Democrat failures: https://scalise.house.gov/media/press- releases/biden-s-presidency-filled-failure-weakness-and-chaos A few of these major failures are:

Inflation is at a record 40 year high. It’s scary to think what will happen the next two and a half years. One of the main people who should be helping Joe bumble his way out of this is Janet Yellen who recently admitted she was wrong a year ago when she called inflation “a small risk,’ “manageable,” and “not a problem.” Can you believe that the Treasury Secretary was that wrong about such a fundamental economic issue only a year ago? https://www.npr.org/2022/06/01/1102364460/yellen-inflation

The disastrous handling of the Afghanistan pullout was despicable militarily, morally and economically. Seventy percent of veterans said America did not leave Afghanistan with honor; 57% of Americans in general said the same thing. https://www.moreincommon.com/our-work/publications/

It is clear that Biden has no respect for the military. If you are a Democrat and a veteran, you are in the wrong party. The Republicans respect and support veterans, including at every one of our monthly dinner meetings.

Biden helped to embolden Putin to attack Ukraine and took the United States from energy independence to begging for energy relief like the pauper state we are becoming. https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/biden-energy-policies- american-energy-independence-sen-josh-hawley

Joe, Kamala and the Homeland Security Bungler Mayorkas are doing their best to help the United States fail as a sovereign nation. Enabling and encouraging this country's illegal immigration crisis is a direct assault on the survival of the United States as a sovereign nation. I think most of the people in Rossmoor are pretty smart and I challenge you to think for a moment about the sensibleness of the following quote:

“Sovereignty is the very essence of what makes a “nation” a “nation”—a free and independent state in which the people of that nation exercise total control over the governance of that nation. Clear and enforceable borders are an essential element of that sovereignty. Without them, the nation itself cannot be defined, and the sovereignty of that nation falls as a matter of course.” https://constitutingamerica.org/the-essential-nature-of-borders-in-ensuring- sovereignty-guest-essayist-andrew-langer/

The refusal to allow Customs and Border Protection to ensure the integrity of our Southwest border is meant to destroy this nation as we know it. According to the Center for Immigration Studies: “CBP encountered 221,303 illegal migrants at the Southwest border last month [April, 2022]. . . “Worse, DHS released more than 80,000 of those illegal migrants into the interior last month, raising the total number of migrant illegal releases under the Biden administration to 836,225.” https://cis.org/Arthur/Nearly-106-Million-CBP-Encounters-Southwest-Border- Thus-Far-FY-2022 This sounds to me like the intentional destruction of our sovereign border.

Pushing for the forgiveness of student loans is an unforgiveable insult to those who are current on their loan repayment, which is reported to be about 34.4 million people. https://educationdata.org/how-many-people-have-student-loans

Now these people can help the rest of us pay off the loans for the deadbeats. If you have paid off your student loan, are current on the payments, or you worked and saved to avoid a loan, and you are a Democrat, then you are in the wrong party. You need to join the Republicans who admire the personal responsibility of people like you.

And then there is the Leftist inspired and enabled crime wave sweeping America. Rachel O’Leary Carmona, President of the Women’s March, said in a recent interview related to Roe v Wade that there will be “a summer of rage” and the protestors will be “ungovernable.” She refused to explain what that means. But it is clear to me that she is giving the summer “protestors” permission and encouragement to riot, burn and loot just as they did in 2020. The Department of Homeland Security is preparing for a summer of violence across America. Get prepared,. But I hope I am wrong. https://www.foxnews.com/media/womens-march-leader-ungovernable- abortion-votes

So please keep it up keep it up Joe and your Band of Bunglers. The worse it gets, the better it is. The biggest worry for Republicans right now is that Joe and his Band of Bunglers might actually do something right in the next two and a half years. But wait, what am I saying, that's never going to happen. "C'mon Man!"

Other Organizations and Ways to Help

Wed, 24 Apr 2024 16:14:50 GMT

Helpful websites

Here are some other organizations that help defend Liberty and Justice for All. Please check them out, consider donating directly if you are able to support their mission.

Judicial Watch

https://www.judicialwatch.org

Freedom Watch

https://www.freedomwatchusa.org

Freedom Works

https://www.freedomworks.org/about

American Family Association

https://www.afa.net/who-we-are/about-us

Pacific Legal Foundation

https://pacificlegal.org

Independent Institute

https://independent.org

American Conservative Union

https://www.cpac.org/foundation/home

Citizens United

https://www.citizensunited.or g

Heritage Foundation

https://www.heritage.org

Americans For Prosperity

http://www.americansforprosperity.org

Eagle Forum

https://www.eagleforum.org

Classic-Educational Resources

Hillsdale College

https://www.hillsdale.edu

Intercessors for America

https://www.ifapray.org

GRF Board Consents to Resumption of Political Columns in Rossmoor News

Tue, 04 Apr 2023 18:25:23 GMT

Republican Perspective Returns to the Rossmoor News

After unfairly ejecting Richard Schulman from the GRF Policy Committee on March 15, leaving the Republican Club of Rossmoor without a spokesman, the GRF Policy Committee reluctantly consented to allowing the four political columns including the Republican Perspective and the Democratic Progressive View to appear on a trial basis by printing one political column per week for 12 weeks. Thus, the Republican Perspective, written by Richard Schulman, appeared in the March 29 issue and will return again on April 26.

Republican Perspective Guns

Sun, 01 Jan 2023 18:35:21 GMT

Republican Perspective Guns

Save Yourself from Gun Control

Republicans support the United States Constitution, including the Second Amendment: "A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed."

The wording of the second amendment has been debated for many decades and has centered around the phrase “A well regulated Militia . . . “ This debate was initiated by gun control advocates to make gun control easier. They claim this phrase meant that only the “militia” has the right to have guns. But this argument was unsuccessful. The Supreme Court in the Heller decision (Heller, 554 U. S. 570 (2008) held that the Second Amendment protects an individual right to keep and bear arms.

When the Second Amendment was enacted, this country had just successfully revolted against a tyrannical government. Early in this revolt the British tried unsuccessfully to seize the arms of the colonists. They thought they could easily do this because many were kept in armories for convenience.

With this history in mind, the Framers used the Second Amendment simply to say that a free State needs an armed militia to overthrow a tyrannical power. The militia was made up of all the people and they all needed to have their individually owned guns to bring with them when they gathered to form the militia. Simple.

In addition is the fact that all of the other rights in the Bill of Rights are individual rights. For example, the first amendment guarantees freedom of religion. It does say that you can only practice your religion as a member of a church group. This right belongs to individuals just like the Second Amendment right.

There are many other reasons to save yourself from gun control. One of the most compelling is the right to be able to protect yourself with a gun if we so choose. Gun control advocates like to say that people don’t need guns because the police are our protection. The fact is that the courts have consistently ruled that the police do not have an obligation to protect individuals. In Warren v. District of Columbia Metropolitan Police Department, 444 A.2d 1,D.C. Ct. of Ap. 1981, the court stated “… courts have without exception concluded that when a municipality or other governmental entity undertakes to furnish police services, it assumes a duty only to the public at large and not to individual members [emphasis added] of the community.” One way to interpret this ruling is that you should never call the police assuming that they will be rushing over to your house to save you. But the good news is that the police almost always arrive in time to call the ambulance or the coroner for you.

Another reason you might want to save yourself from gun control and preserve this right is because most of the police think you should. In a National Association of Chiefs of Police member poll they found that: 86% want nationwide reciprocity for concealed carry licenses; 76% think armed citizens can help cops reduce violent crime; and 88% believe any vetted citizen should be able to buy a gun (28th Annual National Survey Results, National Association of Chiefs of Police, 2016).

Another survey of 15,000 law enforcement professionals found that: 91% think banning “assault weapons” would have no effect or a negligible effect on crime; 65% believe there should be no rationing of gun purchases; 98% say criminals can obtain any type of gun through illegal means; and 62% said they would not enforce general gun control laws (Gun Policy & Law Enforcement survey, Police One, March 2013). This study was done some years ago, but in the last couple of years, as the number of gun laws has multiplied like rabbits, a number of police chiefs across the country are saying they will not enforce many of these laws, as for example, in Washington State (https://www.npr.org/2019/02/21/696400737/when-sheriffs-wont-enforce-the-law).

A final reason you might want to save yourself from gun control is that you might need or want a gun for self-defense. You have probably heard the myth that you are more likely to be injured or killed using a gun for self-defense. The fact is that injury rates using a gun for self-defense are less than for threatening/reasoning with an offender, use of other weapons, non-violent resistance or evasion, using a knife, trying to get help, or using physical force (The Value of Civilian Handgun Possession as a Deterrent to Crime or a Defense Against Crime, Don B. Kates, 1991 American Journal of Criminal Law).

Save yourself from gun control. You might be glad you did.

Becton Column Final

Sat, 31 Dec 2022 18:37:06 GMT

Becton Column Final

RESTORE PUBLIC SAFETY IN CONTRA COSTA COUNTY ON JUNE 7

ELECT MARY KNOX AS DISTRICT ATTORNEY

The Contra Costa Board of Supervisors appointed Diana Becton as the Interim District Attorney on September 12. 2017. It is hard to understand why she was selected over a much more experienced prosecutor. She was elected to a full term in 2018. Now is the time to correct this situation by electing Mary Knox as the new DA. This election is final--your only chance to end Diana Becton's pro-criminal administration.

Citation 1

A good reason to unseat Becton is her admitted plagiarism. According to the Contra Costa Herald "The choice by the board of supervisors came despite the revelation that the former judge plagiarized significant portions of her application . . ."

Citation 2

The current DA published the following guidance:

Theft Offenses Committed During State of Emergency (PC 463)

In order to promote consistent and equitable filing practices the follow analysis is to be applied when giving consideration to filing of PC 463 (Looting):

1. Was this theft offense substantially motivated by the state of emergency, or simply a theft offense which occurred contemporaneous to the declared state of emergency?

a. Factors to consider in making this determination:

i. Was the target business open or closed to the public during the state of emergency?

ii. What was the manner and means by which the suspect gained entry to the target business?

iii. What was the nature/quantity/value of the goods targeted?

iv. Was the theft was committed for financial gain or personal need?

v. Is there an articulable reason why another statute wouldn’t adequately address the particular incident?

It would seem that these questions should at least be balanced against asking similar questions of the victims such as how badly they needed to keep the item they had stolen from them, and how they felt about being a looting victim? Remember, these victims were being targeted by criminals during a state of emergency, yet Becton appears to want to excuse their conduct rather than holding them accountable for their crimes.

Citation 3

The current Contra Costa DA is a founding member of the Prosecutors Alliance which describes itself as "An organization committed to reforming California's criminal justice system through smart, safe, modern solutions that advance, not just public safety, but human dignity and community well-being." Chesa Boudin (San Francisco DA) and George Gascon (Los Angeles DA) are also founding members of this alliance and have done their best on behalf of the criminals in their jurisdictions and both are now the subjects of recall efforts. Even a bunch of progressive-left Hollywood elites are supporting the Gascon recall because of the out-of-control crime in LA. You tend to get less progressive when crime has an impact on you personally.

Citations 4 and 5

The current DA administration has been sued for gender discrimination by five female deputy district attorneys, one of whom is Mary Knox The case was allowed to proceed after a federal court in San Francisco found they adequately detailed their gender bias claims. Four of the women can also pursue age discrimination claims. The court also declined to dismiss the five women’s retaliation and state law failure-to-prevent-discrimination claims.

Citations 6 and 7

In the Spring of 2021, the Contra Costa County Merit Board ruled that the current DA has engaged in a pattern of political retaliation.. The current DA has used her office to promote people with little or no experience, and to retaliate against people who disagree with her. This is consistent with the plagiarism she admitted to committing in her application for appointment in 2017 as interim District Attorney. The Board of Supervisors appointed her anyway.

Citations 8

Conclusion

Diana Becten was the wrong choice for District Attorney four years ago and she is the wrong choice now. Elect Mary Knox who you can depend on to do the job right. Candidate Mary Knox is committed to restoring public safety and protecting crime victims in Contra Costa!

ELECT MARY KNOX AS CONTRA COSTA DISTRICT ATTORNEY

CITATIONS

1--https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/3123/District-Attorney-Biography.

2--Contra Costa Herald: https://contracostaherald.com/05271801cch/

3--Response to a Public Records Act Request to the Contra Costa District Attorney, January 10, 2022.

4--Prosecutors' Alliance: https://prosecutorsalliance.org/

5--The Los Angeles Magazine, Feb. 4, 2022. https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&q=does+hollywood+support+gascon

6--Bloomberg Law, May 21, 2021. https://news.bloomberglaw.com/daily-labor-report/female-prosecutors-can-sue-california-county-for-sex-age-bias

7--20-1449 - Knox et al v. Contra Costa County et al. United States District Court Northern District of California.

https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-cand-3_20-cv-01449

8--Merit Board Decision. Contra Costa Merit Board Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, and Decision, dated May 26, 2021.

November 8th 2022 Election Information

Wed, 07 Sep 2022 23:20:16 GMT

November 8th 2022 Election - Information

Electoral Schedule

September 29 State Official Voter Information Guide mailed County Information Guide Mailed

October 10 Mail in ballots in mail

October 10 Ballot drop off boxes open

October 10 – November 7 Early polling places open

October 24 Last day to register to vote

November 8 Polls open 7 am – 8 pm (Rossmoor Event Center-Tahoe Room)

November 15 Cut off date for vote by mail ballots

December 16 Vote Certification Deadline/Final Results

Voting Locations

Regional Early Voting Site: Walnut Creek City Hall, 1666 North Main St., Walnut Creek

Official Ballot Drop Box: Grace Presbyterian Church, 2100 Tice Valley Boulevard, Walnut Creek

In-person voting: Rossmoor Event Center, 1021 Stanley Dollar Drive, Walnut Creek

Making Democracy Work: Tools for Finding the Facts

Mon, 09 May 2022 21:18:42 GMT

Making Democracy Work: Tools for Finding the Facts - Thursday May 19th 2022

Thursday, May 19

4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

For a Democracy to thrive, it is important that voters have the tools they need to be able to stay informed and make decisions based on facts.

How can voters determine what is accurate information and what is false?

Reflections About Independence Day

Sat, 30 Apr 2022 01:04:40 GMT

Reflections about Independence Day

by Ralph Hylinski

“The journey is the reward.” – Tao saying

After the hot dogs and hamburgers have been eaten, and the fireworks are silent once more, I wonder: How many of our young citizens know enough of our nation’s history to appreciate why we celebrate Independence Day, and why America is truly exceptional?

In 1776, Thomas Jefferson wrote these words: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.”

These words were written in a world where Kings and Queens claimed they ruled by “divine right,” where every nation had slavery, where countries advanced by conquest, and where many were bound to lives of servitude, ignorance, and poverty. The Declaration of Independence was world-shattering.

Not all Americans thought self-government was a good idea -- or even feasible. But our brilliant Founding Fathers saw this as a chance to start the world anew. Having studied historians, theologians, and philosophers like John Locke, they sought to devise a government that would allow maximum freedom for people to live their lives as they see fit. That meant creating a government that did not dominate and control, a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. And they did it!

British Prime Minister William Gladstone said, “…the American Constitution is… the most wonderful work ever struck off by the brain and purpose of man.”

Theoretically they were starting the world over, but the reality was they had to start from where they were. Because slavery was universal, uniting the 13 colonies meant accepting those whose economy depended on slavery. They knew this did not reflect the high ideals written in the founding documents, but they felt they would get there in time.

With time, the slavery question grew more contentious. Abolitionists and others formed a new political party, the Republican Party. The first Republican president was Abraham Lincoln. Americans fought their bloodiest war, the Civil War, to save the union and abolish slavery. In 1863, Lincoln enacted the Emancipation Proclamation. Constitutional amendments 13, 14, and 15 followed, guaranteeing the rights of former slaves to be full citizens.

In 1787, Gouverneur Morris wrote: “We, The People of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

Under this new Constitution, Americans were free to pursue their own interests and to prosper. As society changed, the Constitution changed, as when women got the vote.

With Theodore Roosevelt’s presidency, America became a world power. While acknowledging the great sacrifice made by other nations, America’s contributions in WWI, and WWII were essential for victory.

We saved half of the Korean peninsula from a communist takeover. Today South Korea is modern and prosperous, while North Korea is a dark police state.

In Vietnam, our goal was the same, to stop the spread of evil Communism. We were not in Vietnam or Korea for conquest or personal gain. Even now, we see the Chinese communists arresting dissenters, and swallowing up Hong Kong. We saw Russia take over Crimea and invade Ukraine. China and Russia are the enemies of freedom. America is the hope of the world.

America is the strongest, richest, and most important nation on earth, which is why leftists are currently trying to overthrow it. People come here from everywhere to have a chance at a better life.

Americans are virtuous, generous, and courageous. When there is a natural disaster or catastrophe, America shows up to help. The character of our first responders and our military speaks for itself.

This is not a racist country. The misinformed miscreants in our streets would be surprised to learn that more black Africans moved to the United States voluntarily in the last 50 years than were ever brought here as slaves, according to talk-radio host, Dennis Prager.

We study history to understand, not to criticize. It is folly to judge the actions of Americans in the past by today’s standards.

We are all human and capable of mistakes and wrong thinking. We honor heroes not because they are perfect people, but for what they were able to achieve despite their imperfections.

Forget about “white guilt.” Have pride in America, for this is the only nation that fought a civil war to end slavery.

Times change. People change. But the founding principles of America do not. And so, our nation continues its journey to fulfill its promise of freedom.

Movie Screening - Trump Card

Thu, 28 Apr 2022 19:16:45 GMT

Trump Card - movie screening

Join us for a movie

May 18, 2 pm, at Peacock Hall

Trump Card

Written and directed by acclaimed filmmaker, scholar, and New York Times bestselling author Dinesh D'Souza, “Trump Card” is an expose of the socialism, corruption, and gangsterization that now define the Democratic Party.

Whether it’s the creeping socialism of President Joe Biden or the overt socialism of Senator Bernie Sanders, this film reveals what is unique about modern socialism, who is behind it, why it’s evil, and how we can work together to stop it.

“Trump Card” is rated PG-13 and runs for 106 minutes.

For information contact Dianne Brackin at dbrack925@gmail.com or 925-300-3144

Historic Lies

Fri, 22 Apr 2022 00:48:13 GMT

Historic Lies

by Ralph Hylinski

In the movie Doctor Zhivago, there is a chilling scene where mounted Cossacks with sabers attack peaceful, unarmed protesters in the street. Did such brutal attacks really happen in history? They did.

In England in 1819, many citizens worked long hours but still couldn’t afford bread. They needed help but had no voice. In fact, less than two percent of the people of regency Britain could vote. On August 16, sixty thousand people came to what was then St. Peter’s Field in Manchester for a peaceful protest rally. They wanted to hear the famous orator Henry Hunt. The authorities feared revolt, the images of the French Revolution still etched in their memory. The protesters were intent on having a peaceful outing as they sang God Save the King, but the authorities lied saying the assembly was anything but peaceful.

The speaker, Henry Hunt, was arrested. Then, the local militia riding horses and armed with sabers attacked the crowd. Amid screams and panic, some were cut down, some were trampled. Seven hundred people were reported injured, eighteen were killed including a two-year-old boy. It was called the Peterloo Massacre, a cynical reference to the Battle of Waterloo.

The authorities immediately put forth lies to justify their actions. They said the crowd was armed and violent and provoked the militia. Shopkeepers selling newspapers that criticized the Regent were arrested for sedition. We see that leaders who feel their power is threatened are capable of lying and committing acts of terror against their own citizens.

History repeats itself in the Tiananmen Square massacre in China. There were demonstrations in many cities for weeks before martial law was imposed on June 4, 1989. Hundreds died although estimates vary. Students were demanding democracy and freedom, an uncensored press, a student voice, and an end to blatant corruption.

Premier Li Peng referred to the protestors as terrorists and counterrevolutionaries. Deng Xiaoping said the complaint of corruption was to cover their real motive, to replace the socialist system. The Chinese commonly refer to the whole debacle as the “June Fourth Incident.”

There are many examples in history of governments lying to control their people. We see it today here in the United States. In fact, during recent Democratic administrations, we’ve heard little else. The Obama and the Biden presidencies have been working to bring down the United States while moving us toward socialism but convincing the gullible that they are fundamentally changing America for the better. They promote divisiveness with identity politics, foment racial tensions and crime, and restrict rights like free speech and freedom of religion. Worst of all, they weaponize government agencies against U.S. citizens, label outspoken moms as terrorists, and lie about the facts of incidents to use them as proof of endemic racism, or to trigger violence.

In a recent example, Kyle Rittenhouse was publicly called a white supremacist by the President of the United States before the trial began. The press reported that Kyle crossed the state line with a gun intent on killing people. This was not true. Some reported that he shot black people, also not true. Since the President’s inaugural speech, Democrats and the press have worked hard to expose white supremacists. They failed with Rittenhouse who was acquitted of all charges.

The January 6 ^th incident at the Capitol building was frequently referred to as an armed insurrection by Speaker Pelosi even though no arms were used by the demonstrators. The press falsely accused rioters of causing an officer’s death. Most have been kept in jail for eleven months so far while they await due process. One prisoner, Jacob Chansley, the man in the horned fur hat, has been sentenced to 41 months in prison.

In Ferguson, Missouri, the death of Michael Brown was followed by lies trying to falsely indict the police as racist assassins. Members of Congress would throw up their hands and yell, “hands up, don’t shoot” imitating Brown in an act that never happened--another lie.

There was the false Russian dossier that Democrats used to defame Carter Page and spy on President Trump.

Biden repeats the Charlottesville claim that Trump said neo-Nazis were very fine people even though recordings show Trump condemned them—another Biden lie.

The press called the shooting of Jacob Blake an inappropriate shooting of an unarmed black man which led to the riots that involved Kyle Rittenhouse. Blake had slashed at police with a knife. The police were acquitted. A report that Blake died is also false.

Actor Jussie Smollett reported an attack by Trump supporters that allegedly never happened. Biden, Harris, and the media were quick to respond calling it racism, hate, and an attempted lynching before it was exposed as a potentially criminal lie. Smollett is going to trial.

The lies just keep coming.

John Quincy Adams

Mon, 04 Apr 2022 00:32:59 GMT

John Quincy Adams

by Ralph Hylinski

Voter Registration

Wed, 02 Mar 2022 03:02:46 GMT

Volunteers Needed for Voter Registration

We need volunteers to help with voter registration for both the Primary Election and General Election.

See dates and time below:

Inside Gateway Clubhouse

March 11
March 18
March 25
April 1
April 8
April 15
April 22
April 29
May 6

Outside Gateway Clubhouse

At the Southside of the entrance

May 13
May 20
May 27
June 3
June 10
June 17
June 24
July 1
July 8
July 15
July 22
July 29
August 5
August 12
August 19
August 26
September 2
September 9
September 16
September 23
September 30
October 7
October 14
October 21
October 28

During Farmers’ Market 10am - Noon

The Recall of Governor Newsom

Wed, 21 Apr 2021 17:15:57 GMT

The Recall of Governor Newsom by Ralph Hylinski

Gavin Newsom comes from wealth, power, and influence. The Newsoms are one of the four “ruling” families of California. The others are named Brown, Pelosi, and Getty. They all support and promote each other.

Governor Newsom has been mentioned as a possible candidate for President of the United States, a goal that would be more difficult to attain if he is recalled from office.

Former Governor Schwarzenegger warns Newsom this is not a Republican power grab. Republicans have little power in the state. These are ordinary people signing the recall petitions.

California was once the most beautiful, rich, and exciting state in the land. Poor leadership has changed all that. People and businesses are leaving California for red states like Florida and Texas. They have figured out that they can get a lot more house for a lot less money elsewhere. They can pay less in taxes and have more freedom.

What are some of the criticisms of Governor Newsom? As Mayor of San Francisco, he created a sanctuary city in which an undocumented immigrant who had been deported five times shot and killed Kate Steinle. Now he proudly presides over a sanctuary state.

California faces water shortages and expected blackouts this summer while we struggle to reopen the longest lock-down in the country.

Texas and Arizona oppose Biden’s border policies. Newsom, however, is silent as the humanitarian, security, and health crisis grows.

In February, Newsom allocated millions of dollars to pay for food, transportation, and hotel rooms for illegal immigrants.

Californians pay some of the highest taxes in the country. The 2017 gas tax was designated for fixing roads, but Newsom used the money for climate change projects.

Newsom made a video instructing illegal aliens not to open their doors to law enforcement unless the officers have a warrant. Retired County Sheriff’s Sergeant Orrin Heatlie saw this as an insult to law enforcement, and he became an early driver of the recall movement.

The homelessness crisis continues despite California throwing $13 billion at it in the past three years.

Protecting anything designated as “old growth” forest has not just put sawmills and loggers out of business, but the overgrowth has resulted in more frequent fires and bigger, less manageable fires that take lives, homes, and natural habitat.

The state was being mismanaged before the pandemic, but once COVID struck and Governor Newsom assumed emergency authority, his lack of leadership skills and common sense became more apparent.

The closing of businesses, schools, houses of worship, and most everything was not applied equally. He closed wineries in 19 counties but temporarily kept open his own winery which is co-owned with Gordon Getty.

Newsom closed schools while parents lost jobs because they had to stay at home with their children. While Newsom claimed in-class instruction was too dangerous, home-bound children became depressed and suicidal as they fell permanently behind in education and socialization. Meanwhile, Newsom’s children went to private schools and returned to the classroom in October.

While San Diego public schools remained closed for students, we now learn that some teachers volunteered to give in-class, in-person schooling to migrant children.

Newsom made himself a dictator by issuing proclamations without consulting others. His own legislature complained of being ignored. Assembly member Phil Ting (D-San Francisco) said they have to watch television, like the public, to get information on what Governor Newsom is doing. Leaders who could have helped Newsom were unable to get an audience.

People complained of long delays in getting unemployment benefits. Now, Newsome is facing a scandal at the State Unemployment Agency where billions of dollars have been stolen through fraudulent claims.

While mandating masks, social distancing and no indoor dining, Governor Newsom was caught having dinner at the ultra-expensive French Laundry Restaurant in the Napa Valley, eating indoors with a large group crowded together without masks. What was he thinking?

Newsom looks worse by contrast with Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida, who has weathered the COVOD crisis while avoiding major lockdowns.

Democrats will probably not be on the ticket to oppose Newsom lest they undermine his chances and reap the enmity of their party. Republican candidates include former Congressman Doug Ose, former gubernatorial candidate John Cox, former San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer, and others.

Polls show recall votes fall along party lines. Democrats feel assured that they will win because Democrats outnumber Republicans by almost 2 to 1. But, unexpected events could change everything.

COVID spikes and continued lockdowns would not bode well for Newsom. Democrats fear that a popular Hollywood star with an interest in politics could run, someone like Dwayne “the Rock” Johnson. Another anticipated but as yet uncommitted strong candidate would be openly gay Republican Richard Grenell. Grenell held several high positions in the Trump administration including Ambassador to Germany and Acting Director of National Intelligence.

These are interesting times.

Renewing Renewables

Wed, 31 Mar 2021 17:11:26 GMT

Reviewing Renewables by Ralph Hylinski

For years, we have been told by politicians from Al Gore to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez that the way forward is to replace fossil fuel energy with renewable energy sources, in particular wind turbines, solar panels, and batteries. But is that even feasible?

Mark P. Mills is a physicist, columnist, author, entrepreneur, board director, Reagan science advisor, and Senior Fellow at the Manhattan Institute whose credits would easily fill this entire column. His 2005 co-authored book “The Bottomless Well” led Bill Gates to say, it is “the only book I’ve seen that really explains energy…” Mills frequently comments on the reality of our Green energy policy.

“Can we supply our energy needs by building enough wind and solar farms and enough batteries? The simple truth is we can’t, nor should we want to”, says Mills, “not if our goal is to be good stewards of the planet.”

Realities of physics are being ignored. All sources of energy have limits that cannot be exceeded. The maximum rate at which the sun’s photons can be converted to electrons is about 33%. Our best solar technology is at 26% efficiency. For wind, the maximum capture is 60%. Our best machines are at 45%. So, we are pretty close to wind and solar limits. Despite claims of big gains coming, there just aren’t any possible, says Mills.

Wind and solar only work when the wind blows and the sun shines, but we need energy all the time. The solution we’re told is to use batteries. Physics and chemistry make this very hard to do, says Mills.

Consider the world’s biggest battery factory built by Tesla in Nevada. It would take 500 years for that factory to make enough batteries to store one day’s worth of America’s electricity needs.

If your concern is to protect the environment, consider that wind, solar, and batteries, like all machines, are built from nonrenewable materials.

Mills offers some sobering numbers. A single electric car battery weighs about half a ton. Fabricating one requires digging up, moving, and processing more than 250 tons of earth.

Building a single 100-megawatt wind farm, which can power 75,000 homes, requires some 30,000 tons of iron ore and 50,000 tons of concrete, as well as 900 tons of non recyclable plastics for the huge blades. To get the same power from solar, the amount of cement, steel, and glass needed is 150% greater.

Then there’s the other needed minerals, including rare earth metals. Present plans would require a 2,000% increase in mining for some elements. Massive new mining operations will commence, but almost none of it in America thanks to stifling regulations, and a Green policy that is a mess, says George Mason University’s Veronique De Rugy in National Review.

Mining will take place in some countries that are hostile to America. New mining will destroy remote untouched wilderness with its great biodiversity. Amnesty International warns we will see more “children carrying bags of rocks,” states Mills. The mining itself requires massive amounts of conventional energy, as do industrial processes to refine materials, and to build the actual hardware.

“Then there’s the waste,” Mills reminds us. Wind turbines, solar panels, and batteries have a relatively short life—on average, about 20 years. The International Renewable Energy Agency calculates that by 2050, the disposal of worn-out solar panels will constitute over double the tonnage of all of today’s global plastic waste. Worn out wind turbines and batteries will add millions of tons more waste. It will be a whole new environmental challenge.

Alternating renewables with conventional energy production is costly, says Alex Epstein of the Center for Industrial Progress. In Germany, they use renewables backed up by coal. As a result, their energy costs have skyrocketed, and people talk about being “energy poor.”

Mills concludes that “before we launch history’s biggest increase in mining, dig up millions of acres in pristine areas, encourage childhood labor, and create epic waste problems, we might want to reconsider our almost inexhaustible supply of hydrocarbons, the fuels that make our marvelous, modern world possible--and technology is making it easier to acquire and cleaner to use them every day.”

Michael Shellenberger is a world-renowned activist, a Time Magazine “Hero of the Environment,” Green Book Award winner, and the founder and president of Environmental Progress. His TED talks have been viewed by millions.

Shellenberger believes nuclear is now our best energy source. He finds it unacceptable that windmills kill endangered species like eagles, and that solar farms require vast tracts of land destroying natural habitat and wildlife. He asks, “Now that we know that renewables can’t save the planet, are we going to keep letting them destroy it.”

We need new government energy policies that derive from science and reason, not politics and propaganda.

Police Are Our Protection

Fri, 01 Jan 2021 20:08:48 GMT

Police Are Our Protection

MYTH: People don’t need guns--Police are our protection

FACT:

The courts have consistently ruled that the police do not have an obligation to protect individuals. In Warren v. District of Columbia Metropolitan Police Department, 444 A.2d 1,D.C. Ct. of Ap. 1981, the court stated “… courts have without exception concluded that when a municipality or other governmental entity undertakes to furnish police services, it assumes a duty only to the public at large and NOT TO INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS of the community.”

One way to interpret this ruling: Never call the police and ASSUME that they will be rushing to your house to save you.

But the good news is: Police almost always arrive in time to call the ambulance or the coroner for you.