By DR. LARRY MOSES
No one asked me but…Have you noticed the recession is over? Has been since June of this year.
How do I know this? The government and news media tells me so. They have declared the recession is over, even though there is little to indicate the economy is healthy again.
In 2007, the same people declared the nation was in a recession even though there was a lack of recessionary indicators. They also declared it was George Bush’s fault. After the media hammered the American people for three months with the idea that they were in a recession. the people began to believe it.
The election of 2010 is coming up in a month and the present administration needs an end to the recession. It seems only fair that they attempt to talk us out of it since they talked us into it.
I wonder how the near fifteen percent unemployed, those who are losing their houses, and those declaring bankruptcy feel about the ending of the recession.
We apparently live in an age of declarations rather than facts. We no longer have troops in Iraq. The President promised to withdraw them by September of 2010, and by golly, he has declared it a fact. Those fifty thousand soldiers still there are apparently tourists. There is no war on terror; what we have now is an overseas contingency. The blowing up of a building is no longer terrorism it is a man-made disaster. Government agencies no longer over spend their budget; they merely spend more than their anticipated income. We have a country run by decree and definition.
No one asked me but…Probably the most explosive political occurrence in Moapa Valley this election year is a paid political advertisement in the form of letter endorsing Harry Reid. A friend of mine wrote that letter and paid for that advertisement. He explained why he is supporting Harry Reid and why you and I should, too.
The first two paragraphs of that letter confused me and I quote, “During the past 2 1/2 years I have observed with concern as President Obama, with solid majorities in both houses of Congress, has systematically and dramatically increased the power and reach of the federal government with a result that has, and will, undermine what I believe are core American values, institutions, and traditions that assure the sanctity of our prized possession, our individual and collective liberties. It is not lost on me that Senator Harry Reid has been a key participant in this unfortunate saga….” This is not a ringing endorsement.
My friend alluded to the fact that while he and Harry often disagree on fundamental issues, they have remained friends. My friend’s experience in Washington, D.C. is extensive and he has had the opportunity to see how Harry has helped the state and the nation.
He does not attack Sharron Angle personally but does indicate that he feels she will not have the influence in the Senate that Harry will have. He does not mention the fact that since Harry became Senate Majority Leader, his loyalty has been to the left leaning administration rather than his more conservative electorate at home.
If the Senate Majority Leader is the power position people seem to think it is, one must explain why men like the late Senator Ted Kennedy avoided it like the plague. Ask ex-Senator Tom Daschle how it worked out for him.
My friend finished his letter with “Much is at stake in this election. I feel strongly that the Obama agenda is taking this nation in the wrong direction and I wish Senator Reid shared my feelings. He does not…” He again alludes to the integrity and courage of Senator Reid.
I would not question the integrity or courage of our Senator. However, my friend has convinced me that I cannot vote for someone who is helping others “lead the nation in the wrong direction.”
I share my friend’s love of core America values, institutions and traditions and cannot support anyone who has been a “key participant” in setting a course for our nation that will invalidate these.
Gold Star Award…Jeff Keel is finishing his 36th year as a teacher-coach at Moapa Valley High School. Jeff was hired by the legendary Grant Bowler and has worked for every principal in the history of the schools since.
Jeff has run great programs for kids in track, basketball, football and in the classroom. What is amazing is Jeff still looks like a vibrant young man.
Friday night the Moapa Valley High School football field was named Jeff Keel Stadium in his honor. This is a well deserved tribute to a top notch educator.
It was my privilege to work with Jeff for nine years as an administrator at the school. Jeff is an educator who is dedicated to the students and the school. Well done, Jeff. It was my privilege and honor to have served with you.
Thought of the week…Concentrated power is not rendered harmless by the good intentions of those who create it.
-Milton Friedman.
