Rendering to Caesar what is of Caesar’s and to God what is God’s- Taxes and the Same-Sex Marriage Debate

Aug07
2013 2 Comments Written by Dennis Brady

Is it lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar, or not?” But Jesus, knowing their wickedness, said: “Why do you test me, you hypocrites? Show me the coin of the census tax.” And they offered him a denarius. And Jesus said to them, “Whose image is this, and whose inscription?” They said to him, “Caesar’s.” Then he said to them, “Then render to Caesar what is of Caesar; and to God what is of God.”

-Gospel of Matthew 22:18 to 22:21

The issue of marriage was brought before the Supreme Court this past June. The cases involved the constitutionality of California’s Proposition 8 which outlawed gay marriage as well as the constitutionality of the 1996 “Defense of Marriage Act” (DOMA) in which the Federal Government defined “Marriage” between a man and a women and prohibited Gay couples from receiving federal benefits and tax incentives that are currently given to Heterosexual Married couples.

I personally believe marriage is between one man and one woman. The institution of marriage has been around for a least five millennia and is the cornerstone of stable society. As a Catholic Christian I further believe it is a sacrament ordained by God:

“ And Adam said: “Now this is bone from my bones, and flesh from my flesh. This one shall be called woman, because she was taken from man.”{2:24} For this reason, a man shall leave behind his father and mother, and he shall cling to his wife; and the two shall be as one flesh. (Genesis 2:23-24)

Now what authority has the Federal Government have over the institution of marriage?The answer is NONE. The recognition or regulation of marriage is not list under the enumerated powers under the constitution. Under the 10^th amendment it is clear that this power should be left to the citizens of the individual states. One of the primary reasons why DOMA was proposed by congress was to skirt around the “Full Faith and Credit Clause” (Article IV, section 1) of the constitution. This clause states:” It states that “Full Faith and Credit shall be given in each State to the public Acts, Records, and judicial Proceedings of every other State.”

Congress wanted to insure that the Federal government did not have to grant tax and other marriage privileges to same sex couples or require states that does not recognize same sex unions to have to recognize them if a same-sex couple moved into their state. In striking down section 3 of DOMA the court has been decided on the Federal Level same-sex couples who were married in the states that recognizes these unions must receive the same benefits as heterosexual married couples. As for the case involving California’s Proposition 8 the court essentially “punted” by not issuing a decision by saying the group that brought the suit had no legal standing. This leaves the lower court’s ruling on the unconstitutionality of the proposition stand.

As a constitutional libertarian my position is that the federal government shouldn’t take any position on marriage. The congress under the constitution had no authority passing DOMA in the first place. The Federal Government shouldn’t be involved in marriage period. Since the authority to recognize or regulate marriage is not mentioned in the constitution as an enumerated power it is up to the states under the 10th amendment.

As for the individual states regulating marriage it’s up to their citizens through their state legislatures. If a state wants to recognize same-sex marriage (The term which to me is an Oxymoron) they are free to do so. In looking back through history most states did not issue marriage licenses until the 1840’s for most of our history the institution of marriage was a religious sacrament and certificates of marriage were issued by your church or temple only. The issue only started to come up on the state and later the federal level when estate and later income taxes were involved.

The Federal and state governments shouldn’t treat a married couple any differently than two individual persons in regards to tax policy there shouldn’t be any tax incentives or penalties for being “married”. Estate and power of attorney issues can be handled by current legal instruments such as wills, estates, trusts etc. Most of these taxation issues have only arisen since the ratification of the 16th amendment and the imposition of the modern federal income tax along with their state counterparts. .Before the 16th amendment the federal and state government’s relied on excise, sales taxes, tariffs and fee’s. These taxes were neutral based on commercial transactions and not on income. An individual’s marital status was not relevant.

The fear I have is that one day a future Supreme Court will rule that same-sex marriage is a constitutional right and incorporate it under the 14th amendment. This would require all states to recognize same sex marriage. If that were to come to pass it is not beyond the realm of possibility that clergy who have been granted power to officiate marriage ceremonies by the state to be forced to marry same-sex couples in opposition to their religious doctrine’s and conscience.

To avoid this nightmare I believe that government on all levels should get out of the institution of marriage. Marriage should be left to the domain of religious organizations. If a church, synagogue, mosque or temple wants to perform marriages of same sex couples so be it.

Render to Caesar what is to Caesar, Render to God what is God’s. The state of marriage should not be rendered to Caesar since it was instituted by the almighty and it should be rendered to him only.

-Just my opinion-D.B.

Posted in Articles by Dennis Brady, National US Politics

The “Obsolete Man”

Jul24
2013 Leave a Comment Written by Dennis Brady

A scene from the Obsolete Man Episode of the Twilight Zone 1961

“You walk into this room at your own risk, because it leads to the future, not a future that will be but one that might be. This is not a new world, it is simply an extension of what began in the old one. It has patterned itself after every dictator who has ever planted the ripping imprint of a boot on the pages of history since the beginning of time. It has refinements, technological advances, and a more sophisticated approach to the destruction of human freedom. But like every one of the super-states that preceded it, it has one iron rule: logic is an enemy and truth is a menace.” –

-Rod Sterling From the “Obsolete Man” Twilight Zone(1961)

The above paragraph is the opening narration of a famous (and one of my favorite) episodes of the TV series: “The Twilight Zone” in 1961. The story takes place in a dark future in which a meek man Mr. Worsdworth is put on trial for his life for a capital crimes against the state. His crime you see was that he believed in God and that he was an independent free thinker who’s occupation was that of a librarian. The state has now determined that there is not God. The state has also decreed that there is no need for books since they cause dissention among the people and individual free will and choice is outlawed. The court rules that Mr. Wordsworth is “Obsolete” and should be terminated.

The governments position is that this is for the good of society. Every Totalitarian state uses this reasoning for everything they do. The individual must yield to the greater good. In President Obama’s Commencement graduating class of The Ohio State University this past May he said:

“Unfortunately, you’ve grown up hearing voices that incessantly warn of government as nothing more than some separate, sinister entity that’s at the root of all our problems. Some of these same voices also do their best to gum up the works. They’ll warn that tyranny always lurking just around the corner. You should reject these voices”

The President seems to think that opposition to his plans to: (as he stated in 2008) “fundamentally transform America” is gumming up the works. It’s the same reasoning former speaker Nancy Pelosi used when she said we will know what is in the ACA (Affordable Care Act) after it was passed. The framers of the constitution knew the tendency of government to grow at the expense of individual liberty and that is why they limited it to its enumerated powers in the constitution. Every effort to expand federal power and trample the constitution has used the reason it’s for the greater good of society.

Who decides what’s good for society? Of course the government will never let a good crisis go to waste as former white house chief of staff and now Mayor of Chicago, Rahm Emanuel famously quoted. It’s a similar philosophy tyrants of collectivism has used for the past 100 years. Stalin, Hitler, Mussolini and Mao or imperial monarchs of ancient times would be very familiar with. One of those who have “gummed up the works” in history was the Christian church in the early part of the first millennium. Their crime against the Roman Empire was not worshipping yeshua bar yosef (Jesus son of Joseph) as the son of God or even their belief in one God. Their imperial crime was disloyalty to the state and atheism.

By the end of the first century A.D. the Roman Empire comprised an area at its height of approx. 2 million square miles and would now include in whole or part of 46 countries with a population of around 88 million. This super-state had many nationalities, cultures and languages. It was open to any and all religions. The imperial government thought in order to for the empire to have some unifying cohesion it imposed one caveat. That one caveat was that all peoples of the empire had to honor the cult of the emperor. In your heart you didn’t have to believe Caesar was divine but you at least had to make a showing on state holidays to show you were a loyal roman.

After all this was for the good of society. It brought unity and after all the empire protected you from barbarians, provided you a stable economy and even the first welfare state. What should it matter for all of “blessings” roman society gave to you shouldn’t you in turn do this one simple thing. After all is one burnt offering in front stature of the emperor going to hurt you? To the devout Christian of course this was unacceptable.

No you couldn’t get around it even if you crossed your fingers behind you when you made the sacrifice; it was a deep matter of conscience. The Christians knew their God and it wasn’t Nero, Hadrian, Commodus or any other emperor. To the average Roman bureaucrat, Provincial Governor or Tribune Christians were being obstinate and disloyal. The devout Christian was willing to give Caesar what is Caesars but was willing to suffer the penalties for giving only to God what is God’s.

Let’s now move ahead 1900 years to our present time and nation. Under the ACA religious institutions must provide insurance for their employee’s that includes benefits for abortive and preventative birth control. This is abhorrent to Roman Catholic, orthodox Jewish and some fundamentalist Protestant organizations. The progressives in government say it’s for the better good. They too think that these religious zealots are being obstinate. After all what’s a few dollars for pills and procedures if it means providing a majority of Americans with healthcare.

I also was appalled at the reaction of so-called Neo-Conservatives at the recent revelation of the extent of the NSA data mining program. Gathering data on all Americans who were neither accused or have probable cause of committing any crime whatsoever should be abhorrent to everyone. Neo-Cons such as Senators Lindsay Graham and John McCain and anyone else on congres who justifies this is guilty of violating their oath to uphold the constitution. I do not subscribe to the notion that this data is being compiled for the public good. I believe this program can be used as a dagger to the heart of our republic.

As William Binney a former NSA official who left the agency in 2001 because he felt these programs violated the constitution made this shocking conclusion in a recent interview as he held his thumb and forefinger close together. “We are, like, that far from a turnkey totalitarian state.” I guess the Obama administration, Progressive Government bureaucrats and so called neo-cons think those of us who believe in a limited federal republic that strongly follows the constitution as being obstinate. Like Mr. Wordsworth in the Twilight Zone episode they think anyone who opposes them as gumming up the works. If the progressive’s in the government and media get their way with their hunger to micro-manage our daily lives through an all knowing central government and their neo-con allies who want an ultimate national security state we may soon lose our republic forever. I pray to God this will not happen but it may be the eleventh hour and we may soon be like Mr. Wordsworth and be declared “Obsolete”

Posted in Articles by Dennis Brady, National US Politics

The First Round -What should have been debated on Wednesday Evening!

Oct04
2012 Leave a Comment Written by Dennis Brady

I am amazed at all of the spin & hype after the debate on who won and who lost!

: Presidential Debate Images from: Boston.Com

First is the view from the neo-con commentators that Governor Romney won the debate by a large margin and that he was so masterful in his criticism of the President and his record over the last 4 years. The second is what issues were not discussed by either candidate and not even referenced to by the Mr. Lehrer the moderator.

Governor Romney said nothing about eliminating Government departments; He would only cut the government payroll by attrition. He decried over regulation and government intrusion but will do nothing to kill the “beast” that is out of control Federal Government.

He even stated he would increase the Federal Governments funding of education in order to improve education and hire more teachers. He doesn’t understand the Federal Government should have “No-Role” in education since that is the prerogative of the individual states and locales. The Department of Education has been an utter disaster as evidenced by our mediocre educational ranking among the top 28 industrialized nations.

This slide began in the early1970s and has continued since 1980 when the Department of Education was elevated to a cabinet post. Even though billions of dollars has been spent on the federal level education has suffered. Federal Interference in what should be an individual state responsibility. Both candidates say they want Federal funding for more teachers but fail to say what will happen when the initial funding for these teachers runs out and the states already overburdened with non-funded mandates will have to find a way to pay for them.

The Governor said he likes some of the provisions of the Dodd Frank bill which in my opinion was a Federal Government power grab of the financial industry to the benefit ofcrony capitalist bankers . The biggest causes of the financial debacle of the last decade was the gutting of the Glass-Steagall act implemented in 1933 which put up a wall between investment and commercial operations which protected deposits from capital market risk. This regulation was amended by the Gramm-Leach-Bilely Act of 1999 which allowed commercial banks to engage in risky investment products. All the reform that was needed was to reinstate the provisions of Glass-Steagall.

Neither candidate mentioned the destruction of our currency by the Federal Reserve and its now never ending quantitative easing nor did they even outline how we as a people will ever pay our 16 Trillion dollar national Debt.

The Constitution was only mentioned once by the governor in the part of the debate on the role of the Federal Government. The Governor went into quoting the declaration of independence and not the constitution. My answer to Mr. Lehrer’s question on what is the role of the Federal Government would have been short and simple:

“The role is limited to the 18 or so enumerated powers in Article I, Section 8 of the constitution no more and no less!”

These topics would have been covered if the Libertarian Candidate Governor Gary Johnson was invited to participate in the debates and it explains the reason why both major parties fought to exclude him.

To my conservative friends to whom will read this posting who will undoubtedly say I am being unduly hard on Governor Romney all I can say is that I expected better from him.

Just my opinion D.B.

Posted in Articles by Dennis Brady, National US Politics

‘THE RISING RATE OF SUICIDES- THE PERMANENT END IS NOT A SOLUTION TO LIFE’S PROBLEMS”

Sep25
2012 Leave a Comment Written by Jane Heller

In the last month, I have been hit with very bad news; another person I have known had committed suicide. This time, the suicide was one of my old high school classmates whom had served in the military for four years. This was now the fourth male that I have attended school with along with two females, a neighbor, and a movie director. These statistics do not even include the people that I have known whom have attempted to take their own lives and were fortunate enough to have people intervene and stop their deaths from taking place.

It is not easy to write this article as I am having flashbacks to memories I have had with each one of these people. Ironically enough, most of my memories of these people were of good times and laughing with them. One of the biggest regrets that I have had in dealing with these suicides is the fact I never got to tell these people how much they meant to me. I always think, “if only someone could have talked to these people including neighbors, friends, classmates, and co-workers.” I wish I could have talked to them and tried to intervene or help these people get help.” My friends and I have been able to help two of our female friends and get them help just in time which is the good news; the bad news is the people that we couldn’t help.

One of the biggest things that people think about is the question of why the person has decided that their problems were so big that they decided to put a permanent end to a problem. In dealing with the people that I have known, there were common themes. Some people had legal problems while others were depressed or had suffered abuse. Ironically enough, only one person that I can think of had a medical issue.

FAMILY ISSUES

One of the saddest moments I have had was when I was in college and I was coming home to my apartment after being at the news station. I pulled into my parking spot only to see crime tape across my neighbor’s door. I asked what happened and found out that she had taken her own life after she had lost a custody battle in her divorce. Ironically, the woman was a paralegal and worked for one of the top law firms in the city. To this day, I wonder what would have happened if she could have hung in and kept fighting for her child. The pain must have been so bad that she could not bear it anymore. The sad part of the whole situation was that her child whom is not an adult now will never get to see her ever again.

DEBT

In another situation, a girl that I went to high school and college with had a boyfriend whom was in a great deal of debt. In a very desperate attempt, he took his bills and spread them all over the floor. After this, he took a gun and shot himself in the head before calling the news station. The sad part of the whole situation was the fact that he lived for awhile and my two friends had to drive to the hospital and see him after he had just shot himself. I will never forget how tragic this was and how I had to see the impact on my dorm-mates as they had to deal with the aftermath. I will never forget seeing the one woman punching her hand into the wall in frustration and crying out. I remember seeing articles in Los Angeles about men with families whom had become so overwhelmed with their debts that they took their lives. Unfortunately, one man took the lives of his family members along with his own life. The whole matter of suicides is very tragic and is an increasing problem growing in epidemic proportions.

LEGAL ISSUES

Another friend that I grew up with and would walk to school with every day had also taken his own life. I will never forget the call that I had from a friend whom conveyed the bad news that “Tommy” had taken his own life. I was very sad and had memories of hanging out with “Tommy” and growing up with him. I remembered his mother and how she would always waive to us as we were walking off to school. It is very sad to think of the impact that his suicide had on his family and friends and if he only knew how many people cared about him. Once again, I cannot help but wonder what could have happened or could have been different had someone been able to intervene and help him with his problems before they became so overwhelming to him.

DEPRESSION

Depression is always a major factor in people whom choose to end their lives. Sometimes, the biggest surprises of people whom commit suicide are the ones whom seem to have it all. Many of these people have great wealth, friends, family, social status, and amazing jobs. People in the entertainment industry are examples of the ones whom seem to have it all and yet seem to be very sad deep down inside. Some of the people suffer from mental illness while others may be temporarily depressed. I have personally witnessed some of my acting friends whom have everything going for them and yet seem to crack under the pressure.

Watching a person suffer is a very hard thing to do. I have seen people with amazing talent become depressed and turn to the wrong sources in order to deal with their depression whether it be drugs, alcohol, gambling or hanging out with the wrong people. Sometimes, a person just needs to know that people care about them and that a higher power can also help with the situation.

MILITARY AND PTSD

In the latest bit of bad news, I found out that one of my classmates had “hanged” himself. I was very confused as to what had happened. When I asked my friend, he told me that the “Brian” was in the military and had gone through a painful divorce when he had gotten out. In an attempt to understand what happened to the my friend that I had remembered as being happy, I looked up the statistics and was startled to see that people in the military were killing themselves in record numbers. I was astonished to hear that the rate of suicides in military personal was averaging nearly one a day.

Soliders’are human beings and do not need to be treated like robots. Unfortunately many of the soldiers are coming home with medical issues, injuries, and a very high rate of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Multiple tours of duty are also a great cause for the PTSD along with the fact that our soldiers are in a constant state of awareness and have their lives on the line constantly. When the soldiers are coming home, they are faced with a high rate of unemployment, foreclosures, family issues, and great financial burdens.

BE A FRIEND AND SHOW PEOPLE YOU CARE

My biggest regret with all of the people involved is that they were not able to get the help that they needed or perhaps they felt hopeless. Sometimes, all someone needs is to feel that someone cares. I remember the time that my neighbor was suffering from a deep depression. The neighbor was a Vietnam Veteran and had some issues with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Depression. Creampuff has a sixth sense and knows when people are suffering.

My neighbor Tom was having a very tough time and was self medicating to the point that he was passing out and hit his head in his apartment. Creampuff went to the rescue and sensed the neighbor’s grief. Creampuff scratched at the door to be let out and ran down to check on the neighbor. Tom and Creampuff formed a very strong bond to the point that he would ask to babysit Creampuff. The cat that had been on death row at the animal shelter and was a rescue pet formed a very strong bond with the Vietnam Vet to the point that they would be drawn to each other and beg to hang out together.

I remember seeing the neighbor Tom and checking up on him. As he was driving, I noticed him wearing a rubber bracelet that the VA had given him. The bracelet had the phone number for a suicide hotline for veterans. To this day, I think Creampuff helped Tom through some tough times. I guess that the moral of the story could be that if a little fluffy cat can help save the life of a former Marine, we as people should be able to reach out to each other and help each other in times of need. When a person tries to tell you that he or she is hurting, please listen and take is seriously, if not, it could be the last time you may see that person and you may always wonder what if someone just could have talked to them. Please don’t wait until it is too late!

FOR MORE INFORMATION HERE ARE THE NUMBERS FOR THE SUICIDE HOTLINES:

VETERANS: (800) 273-8255

REGULAR: (800) 273-8255 TALK or (800) SUICIDE OR (800) 784-2433

THERE ALSO OTHER RESOURCES SUCH AS PRAYER LINES, ETC.

700 CLUB 800-823-6053 24 HOUR PRAYER LINE

Posted in Articles by Jane Heller, Culture & Society

“Panem et Circenses”, Bread and Circuses, The 2012 Presidential Election

Sep25
2012 1 Comment Written by Dennis Brady

Imperial Roman Decadence (Image from: Anvnews.net)

The people that once bestowed commands, consulships, legions, and all else, now concerns itself no more, and longs eagerly for just two things – bread and circuses!

- Decimus Iunius Iuvenalis (Juvenal) 55 – 127 AD

Last month when I was looking at the Republican & Democratic conventions I remembered a quote from the ancient Roman satirist Juvenal which is shown above. Juvenal lived in the late first early second century AD. He lamented on the passing of the Roman Republic which had ended a century earlier and was now was becoming a distant memory to Roman Citizens. The Roman constitution was now a footnote in history and the once great Roman Senate which had great representatives such as Cato and Cicero had now become nothing but a figurehead at the mercy of the ever growing power of the emperors.

Juvenal wrote scathing satire on the state of citizenry of the Roman Empire. He realized that they no longer took the duties of citizenship seriously as they did a century ago under the republic. They had become spectators of their country pacified by the Imperial Government. The Emperors largess was doled out to them in the form of free food distribution, chariot races, violent gladiatorial and other contests. He wrote that Roman citizens under the Republic which had: “once bestowed commands, consulships, legions, and all else, now meddle no more and longs eagerly for just two things — bread and circuses.”

The spectacle of the conventions I saw seemed nothing more than long political commercials for both parties. No debate on various issues were even allowed as evidenced by the embarrassing voice vote on supporting Jerusalem as the capital of Israeland including the word God in the DNC party platform. The GOP also did not tolerate deviation from the “Script” of party unity with not allowing Representative Ron Paul’s name into nomination by quickly changing its convention rules at the last minute. Neither convention tackled the great issues of the day.

The Democratic convention did not mention the growing debt bomb which has the real possibility of destroying our children s future. They pandered to the well-publicized

President Obama

“gender-gap” and assertion of the GOP’s plan for a “war on woman” with a little help with their friends in the main stream media. To the DNC all women want is for the public at large to pay for their birth control and to payroll their killing of their unborn children if they so choose.

The GOP’s message was simple and utterly moronic elect us and we will manage the intrusive Federal Government better than the other party. The Neo-Cons still want to give our borrowed largess to foreign nations who in many cases despise us, and only trim the budget around the edges as not to offend any constituency. The progressive disease that has long affected the Democratic Party has taken route in the GOP under the guise Neo-Conservatism.

Progressives in both parties are cynically counting on citizens being distracted by our modern day “Bread & Circuses”. If we don’t change things soon the “prophecy” contained

Govenor Romney

in the famous quote attributed to Alexander Fraser Tytler will come true that a republic cannot exist as a permanent form of government. It can only exist until the voters discover they can vote themselves largesse out of the public treasury. He then went on to say the majority of the citizens will always vote to themselves more largess out of their treasury. This he wrote leads to an economic crisis then a dictatorship.

Have we as a people become as Juvenal observed of his in the first Century countrymen and lost the ability to govern themselves so distracted by today’s means of mindless self-gratification?

I will not attempt to tell my readership who to vote for in this election. I will only convey my opinion what I intend to do in the voting booth. I pray that Barack Obama will not be re-elected. I believe he is misguided in his socialistic philosophy and I do believe whetherhe admits it or not believes in the constitution he took an oath to protect. He does not believe in its precepts of limited government, states’ rights and sovereignty of the individual. I think his re-election will be disastrous for our republic; I also pray I am incorrect with that accretion.

I also cannot vote for the Republican Candidate Mitt Romney. In his heart I believe he isa progressive neo-conservative. He believes like many in his party he can tame the beast of a “Post Constitutional” Federal Government. I do believe he will do less harm then if our current president is reelected which might buy us some time to wake up as a nation and return to a constitutional government.

I plan to vote for Former New Mexican Governor Gary Johnson the Libertarian Party candidate. He believes in limiting the power of the Federal Government and returning powers usurped back to the states and the people.

Govenor Johnson

Part of my decision my dear readers to vote for Gary Johnson I admit is a cop-out. I realize in my home state of New Jersey current polls show the President ahead by ten points or more over Romney. If the polls were close in my state I would have to reevaluate this decision. A strong Johnson showing in uncontested states might send a message to Mitt Romney if he is victorious and persuade him to follow a more constitutional course in his governance, as for Mr. Obama I have no such hope.

Let us say a prayer that that God will show us the way.

Just my opinion D.B.

Member 2011-2014

Posted in Articles by Dennis Brady, National US Politics

The Rise of Local Historic Districts, and Governmental Abuse of Individual Property Rights

Aug28
2012 Leave a Comment Written by Dennis Brady

I am always amazed how far we Americans have drifted away from our founding principles and passively give away our God given rights to our state and federal governments without even a whimper of protest. In my small Northeastern New Jersey borough of Closter an ordinance was passed in 2001 and updated a few times since then designating parts of the borough as an historic district. The owners of homes in this district have to adhere to strict rules on the outside of their homes and are not allowed to change or alter their appearance. This was not a voluntary agreement between the owners and the Town Council or with the Boroughs historic commission nor was these restrictions just put on new owners who accepted such a restriction. This ordinance applied to current owners who may have wanted to update/change their homes when they brought their home prior to the passing of the ordinance.

My town is not the only one in my state to pass such rules; the neighboring town of Oradell has just passed a similar ordinance. This also is not a New Jersey phenomenon it is happening all over the country. I am not opposed to reasonable zoning regulations. I in fact have served in the past on my local zoning board but to single out certain property owners who happen to own buildings that in opinion of some citizen or elected government committee is historic and thus enables them to strip owners of their fundamental property rights is against what our country stands for.

On the Federal Level extreme environmentalists also do the same. There are many cases in which a bureaucrat from the Department of the interior or EPA comes on private property determines that some endangered species inhabits the land or the property has a small stream, puddle or other “body “ of water to abuse the “Clean Water Act” therefore seizing by stealth private property. The property owner still owns the property, has to pay taxes on it but is severely restricted on its use. The constitution is clear that the Federal Government has no right to essentially seize property without properly compensating the owner (5^th Amendment). Not only is this an infringement of personal property rights

by the federal government but a violation of state sovereignty. By the strict application of the constitution’s original intent the federal government should only have control over federal lands or if a particular use of a property affects another state. The founders never intended the federal government to interfere with internal state affairs or individual property rights.

Of course progressives say this is for the public good; it is for the good of society.

Well if the federal, state or local government feel such a compelling need there is a“constitutional” way for them to obtain the rights to the property, it’s called” Imminent Domain” . The government states it case in acquiring the property for public use and purchases it from the owner at fair market value.

The destruction of property rights which began 100 years again by the federal Government has now trickled down to the state and local level. We have become not property owners in classical sense of the word but become renters paying our “rent” in the form of “Property Taxes” to the state and local level. On the Federal Government level they can confiscate state lands without consent from the states. It’s time we return to the constitution and stop the abuse of individual property rights at all levels. Regulations on property should only be enacted when the use of a property affects adversely in a physical way third parties, neighbors or the community at large.

Personal Property rights should not be whittled away because of some ideal of preservation. If you feel a structure or space must be preserved then you as an individual or group have the right to buy that property. If your Local or State Government feels there is a public interest in preserving the property for public use then they can purchase it. The government or you have no right to seize or impose your will by taking others property rights away.

Remember one day it could be your rights or property that the government may one day covet.

Just my opinion D.B.

Posted in Articles by Dennis Brady, National US Politics, NJ Politics

RIP TONY SCOTT

Aug27
2012 Leave a Comment Written by Jane Heller

Tony Scott

As a veteran of the entertainment industry, people used to ask me who I liked to work with the most when it came to the movie crowd. I would get the question, “Who are your favorite actors and directors.” When it would come to the favorite director list, the one person that would first come to mind was Tony Scott. When I was browsing the internet this week while talking on the phone, I was in shock to find the article that the famous director had according to reports “jumped off of a bridge” and “committed suicide.” I was in complete shock. My first thought was “What on earth happened?” and the second thought was that this cannot be right-please do not tell me this really true” I was heartbroken and confused. The shock is still wearing off. Why would a man who has had everything going for him take his own life? Tony Scott was one of the top Hollywood directors and had a wife and adorable twin sons. Mr. Scott directed some major films and produced television shows including The Good Wife and Numbers.

I had the honor of working with Mr. Scott on the movie titled “Domino.” The movie was about the former model Domino Harvey. I have worked on over 250 sets over the years and in all honesty, of all of the shoots I had ever been on, Domino was one of the most action-packed set and one of the most exciting sets. Tony Scott was an amazing director whom was full of energy. My memories of the director are of him flying around in helicopters and talking out of the megaphone and constant action all around him. I remember people on the set saying, “He is so full of energy.” Mr. Scott was full of life and excitement.

I have memories of filming by Hoover Dam and going over to the Arizona side for the shoot. On another day of filming, we were at Bonnie Springs in an old western town. The locations were always changing and the filming would be at a rapid pace. I will never forget the day we shot at the Stratosphere casino and dusk was starting to set in. There was a magical moment in filmmaking where Mr. Scott took an amazing shot in a helicopter/FBI scene. When the lighting changes, actors will often hear the directors and photographers getting nervous saying, “Hurry up, we are losing light.” I was one of the actors playing an FBI agent on the rooftop as the helicopter was landing and taking off. The sun was setting in the background and the shot was amazing as he was able to get the helicopter taking off and landing with the red sun in the background. I remember the other actors glowing in amazement as they stood in awe and high fiving each other saying, “He nailed it.” The shot was going to be amazing and to this day, the movie scene is one that will be notorious.

I remember being in awe of the Tony Scott wondering how he had so much energy. He would zip around in the helicopters, talk on satellite phones, and be filming multiple actions scenes in one day. I will never forget the rush of adrenaline I had as they filmed me winding in and out of the canyons from Red Rock canyon back towards Las Vegas. The adrenaline was rushing as I had the helicopter overhead and the film was rolling. I have always been in awe of the film and television industry people whom seem to have such amazing energy and dedication to their work. Many times people think that actors are just in the business for the money, however, I am with the belief that most people in the industry are in the business to entertain and because they have a love of the craft. Sometimes the projects may even become obsessions where directors and producers put a great deal of pressure on themselves.

Many people in the entertainment industry will often work themselves into the ground. A twelve hour day is actually considered to be a normal day or even a short day in the industry. When the clock is ticking the movie has to be wrapped by a certain deadline, the pressure is on. I even remember one day working on a set with Julie Andrews and Blake Edwards where I worked a sixteen hour day and wrapped at around 2:OO a.m. I will never forget the moment when I hopped on the elevator with Ms. Andrews and she was still full of energy and singing. I was amazed when she told me I did a “good job” that day as I stood in awe of how talented and professional she was.

I remember having to wake up at 3:30 in the morning to be on the set almost two hours away in order to get the shot near the Valley of Fire. The hours and dedication that the professionals in the entertainment industry put in are unbelievable. Working with Tony Scott was much like working with Blake Edwards and Julie Andrews, they all had very common characteristics- they were consummate professionals with amazing talent and dedication to their craft. These people will always be legends and their legacies will live on until the end of time.

In trying to understand the death of Tony Scott, I would rather live with the memories of his amazing movies and how fortunate my acting friends and I were to be able to work under his direction. The movies and television shows that Tony and his brother Ripley Scott have produced and directed will go down in history as some of the greatest films in our time. The Scott brothers have always been ahead of their time and had messages to send to us. My heart goes out to the friends and family of Tony Scott. The entertainment industry lost a great director. One of my last memories of Mr. Scott was when I was passing him on the set and turned around and said goodbye as I was being wrapped, he winked and smiled at me as I was walking away, I will remember him as a happy director with a great deal of energy and talent. Tony Scott and his movies will be greatly missed. As the actors would say, “RIP Tony.”

Posted in Articles by Jane Heller, Media, Movies

Teaching kids about mistakes

Aug10
2012 Leave a Comment Written by Diane Lang

As adults we tend to get upset when we make mistakes. I have heard clients, friends and family be really hard on themselves when they make a mistake. What we don’t realize as parents is that our kids hear what we say and watch our non verbal behaviors and every time we get upset at ourselves for making a mistake we are teaching our kids that it’s not ok to make a mistake which is not the truth. We should teach our kids and ourselves that mistakes are good, they are actually teachable moments. We learn so much from our mistakes. Our mistakes lead us to our best path. It’s time that we change our perspective on mistakes and admit we make them, admit it’s ok and then move forward with a smile and all the knowledge we just learned.

Here are some tips on teaching our kids about mistakes

Teach your kids that we all make mistakes. Yes, everyone makes mistakes including mommy and daddy. Mistakes are a part of life. Give some examples of mistakes you have made. Tell your kids what you have learned from your own mistakes. If you have benefited from a mistake let your kids know.
Teach your kids that its’ good to make mistakes.
Teach your kids about persistence. Teach your kids when they make mistakes but keep trying that they are winners. Hard work is all about the effort.
Teach your kids to make their own definition of success. Don’t let the media portray that success is all about money, fame and beauty. Kids need to know there is much more to success and that we all define success differently. Let your kids know money doesn’t equal happiness.
Teach your kids the reward of the Journey. Accomplishment is not about winning or losing, it’s about persistence and the journey to get there. Teach your kids all the good that comes out of mistakes. I met some great friends out of my biggest mistakes. I learned how strong I was each and every time I made a mistake. I learned to laugh at myself. I could go on and one but you get the point.
My mistakes have directed me into my true path. I made lots of career mistakes but they all lead me to where I should be and where I’ am now, this is an important lesson to teach your older kids. As a college professor, you see a lot of kids get so hard on themselves for going to the wrong college, going for the wrong major, etc. It’s ok; you learn from it and end up in the right direction it’s all about the big picture.
Mistakes don’t define who you are.
Talk about mistakes and not giving up at family time. Discuss the topic at dinner. Make sure your child knows that you believe that you try and try again till you succeed. Mistakes do not equal quitting.
Young kids (up to puberty) want your acceptance and approval. If you tell your kids it’s ok to make a mistake and make light of it, they will feel better about mistakes. Don’t pressure your child about making mistakes. Kids feel stress.
Follow your own advice and really accept that it’s ok to make mistakes. Remember, kids are visual learners. The best way to let them know mistakes are ok is to show them through your own actions.
Explain to your kids there is no such thing as perfection and trying to reach it is an unrealistic expectation that sets you up for failure.
Teach your kids to be resilient. Teach them to laugh at their mistakes, to write down what they learned from their mistakes, discuss ways they can correct their mistake.

For more information please visit Diane’s website at: www.dlcounseling.com or e-mail Diane at Lifeline36@aol.com

Posted in Articles by Diane Lang, Culture & Society

Confessions of a former Neo-Con, A Constitutional Libertarian Manifesto!

Aug10
2012 Leave a Comment Written by Dennis Brady

Yes I admit it, I was a Neo-Conservative for many years. I usually supported most of the GOP platform which included government intervention in the economy through corporate welfare and a blind adherence to an ever growing military presence in the world expanding NATO and increasing the military budget without ever questioning why we designated ourselves as policeman of the world. I also believed wholeheartedly in the federal government’s war on drugs and individual state sovereignty must yield to the federal government in many areas.

I also got caught up in the European view of the political spectrum with the Fascism, National Socialism on the extreme right, Marxism, Communism, and Socialism on the extreme left with Liberal Western Democracy somewhere in the middle of the spectrum. I respected the founders but in many cases I believed the constitution they carefully crafted fell short. I bought into the lie of a “living Constitution” which could be interpreted outside of original intent of the founders to try to remedy perceived modern day ills.

I have come over the past few years reject wholeheartedly the Neo-Conservative philosophy. I have come to believe this philosophy which has come to infect many conservatives and a huge part of the Republican Party is as alien to American political thought as Progressive movement is. The adoption of this philosophy by the GOP has been so destructive and has made most recent presidential elections the choice between the lessors of two evils. The frustration of not having a clear choice in political ideals and the Hypocrisy of both major parties has been astounding. The political atmosphere has caused the American people to be apathetic and thus helped Progressives to achieve most of their goals to undermine our republic.

The question everyone must ask is: CAN MEN GOVERN THEMSELVES? The classical American view of the political spectrum reflects this with on one side the complete absence of government on one extreme side (Anarchy) and on the other extreme all of the “isms” that mankind has endured in the last century (All the Totalitarian forms of government: Fascism, National Socialism, Marxism, & Communism). Somewhere much closer to the absence of government than to Totalitarianism is the constitutional republic that our founding fathers set up.

The individual states formed the federal Government not the other way around. The constitution was intended to be taken as a formula for the federal government. The states have the primary sovereignty and only granted the federal government only those enumerated powers listed in the constitution. The progressives have indoctrinated the public over the last hundred years in the idea of a “Living Constitution” to be interpreted by the will of congress, Current federal courts (Yes including the Supreme Court) , or even popular sentiment at a particular point in time, if this was the original intent the founders they would have never crafted a constitution. The central government under the constitution is to be “Federal” NOT a “National” government.

I realize that questions of original intent will arise now and again in the courts. The courtsshould rely on the transcripts of the individual states ratifying conventions and the Federalist papers to interpret original intent. The founders provided two methods of changing the constitution the progressives have gone around the constitution by promoting it as a “Living Document” to increase the Federal Governments power that they would never have achieved by the amendment process.

Senator Robert Taft (1889-1953)

The conservative moment should go back to its traditional roots as presented by the late Senator Howard Taft. His believed in individual liberty, Federalism and a non-interventionist foreign policy. He believed in a strong defense but he abhorred American designating itself the world’s policeman. His views on American foreign policy were that of John Quincy Adams who stated:

“ [America] goes not abroad, in search of monsters to destroy. She is the well-wisher to the freedom and independence of all. She is the champion and vindicator only of her own. She will commend the general cause by the countenance of her voice, and the benignant sympathy of her example. She well knows that by once enlisting under other banners than her own, were they even the banners of foreign independence, she would involve herself beyond the power of extrication, in all the wars of interest and intrigue, of individual avarice, envy, and ambition, which assume the colors and usurp the standard of freedom.”

Our ever increasing military intervention over the last few decades are draining our

John Quincy Adams

treasury and over extending our military forces. The most blatant examples were in Bosnia, Libya, Haiti, in which we have had no national interest at all. Even in Afghanistan and Iraq I have come to the conclusion I was wrong by following the neo-con program of nation building which has proven itself to be a utter failure.

The neo-cons in the GOP have supported in some cases big government programs as bad as the progressives have. Cases in point are “No Child Left Behind” and the unsustainable Medicare (Part D) Prescription program.. The Federal government has no Constitutional role in education and its interference is evident as seen in the declining test scores and standards since the Department of Education was established in the 1970’s.

Every GOP president since Herbert Hoover has increased the size and scope of the Federal Government with the possible exception of Ronald Reagan, remember the overreaching EPA was even started by Richard Nixon.

Our founding fathers answered the question: CAN MEN GOVERN THEMSELVES?

Their answer was a resounding YES! Our founders were children of the enlightenment in which they believed that since all men are endowed with natural rights that are not granted from a monarch or state; neither could rights be granted by them. These rights come directly from the creator and cannot be taken away and the only purpose in government was to insure the protection of these rights. The “Classical” liberal/ constitutional Libertarian philosophy of limited government which recognizes these rights and is what our republic was founded on.

Just my Opinion D.B.

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Posted in Articles by Dennis Brady, History And Personal Reflections, National US Politics

The “New” Parenting – parenting with too much technology

Jul31
2012 Leave a Comment Written by Diane Lang

One of the stressors, I hear from my clients today is: How can I be a good parent with all these distractions? Between my cell phone, texting, e-mails, etc. I feel I never get a break.

Parents always felt overwhelmed and busy but now add technology that has made our work weeks much longer and we feel like the world never stops. The new work week looks way different then the days of 40 hours a week. Most people work 60-80 hours a week due to longer commutes and always being “on” due to technology.

This is just part of the battle. Technology also causes communication issues within families. I hate to tell this true story but it gets exactly to the point. I was at dinner the other night and I saw a family of four sitting around the table waiting for their food. The mom was reading the menu but the dad and the two kids were all texting or searching on their phones. It made me sad to see a family actually have the opportunity to spend quality time together and not take advantage of it. Unfortunately, the example I gave above is quite common and becoming the norm. I know in my own household if I’m in the house and my husband is outside in the yard he will call me on my cell before walking inside to talk to me.

We have created a society of instant gratification and laziness. We see the problems in kids. Their lack of physical exercise, social skills and obesity are big issues today. Its one thing to have a group of friends but nowadays we hear kids say” I have over a 100 friends on Facebook” but yet they only have met a few in person.

We are up against new issues in parenting and relationships in general and there are no new rules or handbooks to handle this situation. Some tips still apply to keeping a happy healthy home.

1. Communicate – we always tell parents to spend some quality time with their kids. It used to be have family dinners together. We now have to add to the dinner, that there should be no technology! The dinner table should be sacred time where every one joins in the conversation.

2. Be an active listener – in the world of technology, we don’t have as much face to face time BUT when we do it’s important to be a good listener. Make sure to have direct eye contact. Watch your non-verbal language, show you’re listening by nodding your head, facial expressions, etc. Listen to the whole story or question, pause to think about it and then answer. Really listen when someone talks – don’t think about your answer or another topic, show your care.

3. Socialization is a key factor in our happiness. Join in with family events; community, friends, etc. make sure a lot of your socialization is in person, we need face to face interaction.

4. Lose the attachment – all the latest technology is great and helpful but don’t NEED it. Don’t allow your life to be controlled by technology. Have technology free times such as after 8pm at night. This is your time to spend with family, read a book etc.

5. Be a good role model – you teach your kids through your actions. Kids are visual learners so if your kids constantly see you on the phone, texting, etc they will follow suit. If you’re ignoring your kids to text or sitting at the dinner table with your laptop or TV on, you will have your kids repeat the same behavior. Kids will imitate what they observe. What do you want them to see?

Posted in Articles by Diane Lang, Culture & Society

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