Soldiers vs Politicians – A Soldier Died Today w/ Dr. Joyce Starr

Rights Radio: A Poem about Patriotism. Show Date: July 22, 2010 – read by Dr. Joyce Starr

Click to listen and/or read below.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

---

A Poem about Patriotism by Lawrence Vaincourt

He was getting  old and paunchy and his hair was falling fast,
And he sat around the Legion, telling stories of the past.
Of a war that he had fought in and the deeds that he had done,
In his exploits with his buddies; they were heroes, every one.

And tho’ sometimes, to his neighbors, his tales became a joke,
All his Legion buddies listened, for they knew whereof he spoke.
But we’ll hear his tales no longer for old Bill has passed away,
And the world’s a little poorer, for a soldier died today.

He will not be mourned by many, just his children and his wife,
For he lived an ordinary and quite uneventful life.
Held a job and raised a family, quietly going his own way,
And the world won’t note his passing, though a soldier died today.

When politicians leave this earth, their bodies lie in state,
While thousands note their passing and proclaim that they were great.
Papers tell their whole life stories, from the time that they were young,
But the passing of a soldier goes unnoticed and unsung.

Is the greatest contribution to the welfare of our land
A guy who breaks his promises and cons his fellow man?
Or the ordinary fellow who, in times of war and strife,
Goes off to serve his Country and offers up his life?

A politician’s stipend and the style in which he lives
Are sometimes disproportionate to the service that he gives.
While the ordinary soldier, who offered up his all,
Is paid off with a medal and perhaps, a pension small.

While the ordinary soldier, who offered up his all,
Is paid off with a medal and perhaps, a pension small.
It’s so easy to forget them for it was so long ago,
That the old Bills of our Country went to battle, but we know

It was not the politicians, with their compromise and ploys,
Who won for us the freedom that our Country now enjoys.
Should you find yourself in danger, with your enemies at hand,
would you want a politician with his ever-shifting stand?

Or would you prefer a soldier, who has sworn to defend
His home, his kin and Country and would fight until the end?
He was just a common soldier and his ranks are growing thin,
But his presence should remind us we may need his like again.

For when countries are in conflict, then we find the soldier’s part
Is to clean up all the troubles that the politicians start.
If we cannot do him honor while he’s here to hear the praise,
Then at least let’s give him homage at the ending of his days.

Perhaps just a simple headline in a paper that would say,
Our Country is in mourning, for a soldier died today.
It’s so easy to forget them,
For it is so many times

That our Bobs and Wayne’s and Johnnys,
Went to battle, but we know,
It is not the politicians
With their compromise and ploys,

Who won for us the freedom
That our country now enjoys.
Should you find yourself in danger,
With your enemies at hand,

Would you really want some cop-out,
With his ever waffling stand?
Or would you want a Soldier–
His home, his country, his kin,

Just a common Soldier,
Who would fight until the end.
He was just a common Soldier,
And his ranks are growing thin,

But his presence should remind us
We may need his like again.
For when countries are in conflict,
We find the Soldier’s part

Is to clean up all the troubles
That the politicians start.
If we cannot do him honor
While he’s here to hear the praise,

Then at least let’s give him homage
At the ending of his days.
Perhaps just a simple headline
In the paper that might say:

“OUR COUNTRY IS IN MOURNING,

A SOLDIER DIED TODAY.”

Special Appreciation to Richard Roberts for identifying the author and to R.C. Vaincourt for providing missing text.

Pass On The Patriotism!

YOU can make a difference.

A veteran is someone who, at one point in his life, wrote a blank check made payable ‘To My Country’ for an amount “up to and including my life.”

That is Honor, and there are way too many people in this country who no longer understand it.

Tax Day Tea Party Syndrome by Tax Mama Eva Rosenberg

Tax Day Tea Party Syndrome: Guest Column by Tax Mama Eva Rosenberg. Tax Mama declares, “Americans are revolting. And I’m proud of it.” Rights Radio endorses Eva Rosenberg’s point of view. Let the party begin.

Americans spend over 28% of their year just working to pay a variety of taxes. (Tax Freedom Day was April 13th in 2009.) The Internal Revenue Code in 2005 stood at 7 million words in 736 code sections, up from 718,000 words in 103 code sections in 1955.

Tax Day Tea Party Syndrome
By Eva Rosenberg, EA

Your TaxMama® www.TaxQuips.com

As I understand from my old civics classes, the original Boston Tea Party took place essentially due to two issues:

1. Taxation without representation
2. Taxes assessed upon taxes

Oh, there’s more to it than that. And part of it had to do with making it clear to King George that American colonists would not permit him to impose taxes that they’ve already rejected. http://www.eyewitnesstohistory.com/teaparty.htm

So what’s bugging us today?

You’ve got to be kidding!

Well, first of all, Americans spend over 28% of their year just working to pay a variety of taxes. (Tax Freedom Day was April 13th in 2009.)

Next, the proliferation of tax laws has gotten out of control. Nina E. Olson, IRS’s Taxpayers Advocate quantified the current complexity of our Internal Revenue Code in a Wall Street Journal article last week calling for a simpler tax system. She spells out that “Since the beginning of 2001, there have been more than 3,250 changes to the tax code — an average of more than one a day — including more than 500 changes last year alone.” http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123933106888707793.html

According to The Tax Foundation The Internal Revenue Code in 2005 stood at 7 million words in 736 code sections, up from 718,000 words in 103 code sections in 1955. By contrast, the King James Bible has 788,280 words in 66 books, the Harry Potter series has just over 1 million words in 7 books, and the English translation of War and Peace has 560,000 words. http://www.taxfoundation.org/blog/show/24620.html

IRS is auditing a disproportionate number of very small businesses. While most auditors are quite reasonable, some of those auditors are downright pigheaded, tormenting truly innocent and compliant taxpayers – and treating honest folks like liars and criminals.

The smallest business-owners, often single parents running home-based business to keep home and hearth intact, suffer huge volumes of licensing and compliance demands. It’s practically impossible for a small business to track and address all of them, without overlooking any and getting into trouble. When it comes to compliance, one glimmer of hope for small businesses is a service called BusinessLicenses.com http://snurl.com/license-tax. Even so, why should we be subject to so many reporting demands?

And the inequities! This morning, a tax professional in Virginia just discovered that folks who buy new homes in Washington, DC may not use the new first time homebuyers credit of $8,000. http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f5405.pdf They are limited to the special DC credit of only $5,000. http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f8859.pdf

People who bought homes (outside DC) in 2008 got shortchanged. Not only did they only get $7,500. But they have to pay that money back. Buyers in 2008 get to keep the whole credit.

And then look at where the money is being spent!

42% goes to military spending. Yet I doubt that 42% of Americans want to spend that much of our money to wage wars. Though, it’s perfectly obvious we would spend less than half of that if the stewards of our monies made sure we weren’t being ripped off by American and foreign contractors. http://www.rd.com/your-america-inspiring-people-and-stories/outrageous-baghdad-boondoggle/article118977.html

22% goes to health care. If the government had better control over the funds that are spent, don’t you think that we actually provide adequate health care and education for much less money? http://www.usdoj.gov/dag/pubdoc/hipaa00ar21.htm

Nearly 9% of our taxes goes to pay for anti-poverty programs. That’s another word for welfare. While Americans do want to help the less fortunate, they sorely resent having their generosity abused by folks who make a living working the system, instead of working. And intensely resent those who’ve become wealthy stealing from the social services systems by lying and filing multiple claims. It’s time to focus that money on helping people get training and jobs to bootstrap themselves.

Living in poverty is no excuse. Look what Tahiera Monique Brown and her neighbors were able to do! http://www.usdoj.gov/dag/pubdoc/hipaa00ar21.htm

See what major leaguer Dave Valle started with micro-loans and minimal funding in the Dominican Republic. He gave people pride and purpose – and fun!

http://www.rd.com/your-america-inspiring-people-and-stories/majorleague-baseball-player-helps-the-impoverished-start-businesses/article125462.html

Why isn’t our government controlling costs better and encouraging and rewarding self-help style behavior?

Why are we giving billions of dollars to billionaires who not only reaped huge rewards while getting us into this global financial crisis, but have the nerve to get bonuses for making these very same bad investments?

Of course Americans are revolting!

And I’m proud of every one of us!

Government Grants for Small Business Scams

Don’t be a victim of government grant, easy money scams. According to the SBA, “Nothing good in life comes easy, and that includes getting financing for your small business.”

Here’s an excellent SBA article that every small business owner should read – courtesy of the Fox Valley Chapter of SCORE.

“Despite advertisements to the contrary, no federal government agency — including the Small Business Administration — offers grants to start or expand small businesses.  Most foundations, corporations and private institutions that sponsor grant programs follow the same policy, except in cases where the business involves development of a new technology, or is a nonprofit organization.

“The SBA does administer several loan programs in partnership with local lenders, community development organizations, and micro-lending institutions (agencies that specialize in limited, short-term financing).  SBA backs those loans with a guaranty against non-payment that eliminates some of the partner’s risk.  In other words, your application for an SBA-backed loan is actually an application for a commercial loan structured according to the SBA’s requirements.

“SBA loan programs include the basic 7(a) program; “504″ loans, which are delivered through Certified Development Companies (CDCs) for acquiring real estate, machinery, or equipment as part of an expansion or modernization; 7(m) Micro-loans of up to $35,000; and post-disaster recovery and assistance loans.  Complete details on these programs and their application requirements are available under the Services section of www.sba.gov.

“Depending on where you live, your small business may be eligible for assistance from state and local economic development agencies.  Most often, the assistance takes the form of workspace, training, and administrative support for start-ups; reduced rates on existing office or production space; and tax incentives.  Others sponsor micro-loan programs for specific business types such as childcare and firms that locate in or support designated enterprise zones.

“Established small businesses can apply for federal grants to carry out various publicly mandated services or programs.  As with the SBA loan program, they must be operated for profit, have a place of business in the U.S., significantly contribute to the economy, and meet size standards for its industry.  For example, wholesale trade industries are limited to 100 employees, while most retail and services industries can have average annual receipts of no more than $6.5 million.  More information is available at grants.gov, a central storehouse of information on over 1,000 grant programs from 26 federal agencies.

“Another source for researching potential grant opportunities is The Foundation Center’s Foundation Directory Online at fconline.fdncenter.org. This subscription service offers access to a directory of more than to 80,000 grant makers.

“For more assistance with creating a financing strategy for your new or growing small business, contact SCORE “Counselors to America’s Small Business.”

“The Fox Valley SCORE Chapter offers free, confidential counseling to small businesses, including start­ups. Affiliated with the U.S. Small Business Administration, SCORE has counselors available in seven locations in the counties and suburbs west of Chicago.

“To sign up for an appointment at the location closest to you, go to ScoreFoxValley.org.”

To your business empowerment!

Dr. Joyce Starr

Economic Stimulus Support for Other Nations – China & India

Economic Stimulus Plan Q & A – Courtesy of Dr. Dave!

“This year, taxpayers will receive an Economic Stimulus Payment.”

This is a very exciting new program that we will explain using the Q and A format:

Q. What is an Economic Stimulus Payment?
A. It is money that the federal government will send to taxpayers.

Q. Where will the government get this money?
A. From taxpayers.

Q. So the government is giving me back my own money?
A. Only a smidgen.

Q. What is the purpose of this payment?
A. The plan is that you will use the money to purchase a high-definition TV set, thus stimulating the economy.

Q. But isn’t that stimulating the economy of China ?
A. Shut up.

Below is some helpful advice on how to best help the US economy by spending your stimulus check wisely:

If you spend that money at Walmart, all the money will go to China.
If you spend it on gasoline it will go to the Arabs.
If you purchase a computer it will go to India.
If you purchase fruit and vegetables it will go to Brazil, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico (unless you buy organic).
If you buy a car it will go to Japan or South Korea.
If you purchase useless crap it will go to Taiwan.

And none of it will help the American economy. We need to keep that money here in America.

You can keep the money in America by spending it at yard sales, going to a baseball game, or spend it on prostitutes, beer and wine (domestic ONLY), or tattoos, since those are the only businesses still in the US.

Or…You can recession proof your thinking. Most people are killing themselves financially by focusing on the recession and money problems – and therefore making it worse.  These videos could help stem the tide of recession thinking.  Click Here

More from Dr. David Goldenberg…

Economic Revival Strategies: How & When

Pets in Condos: New HUD Rules re Training Emotional Support Animals

New HUD rules strike down Emotional Support Animal (ESA) training provisions. Pet unfriendly condos and HOAs may have no choice but to turn pet-friendly.

The new HUD rules in “no pet” housing are as follows:

1. Specialized task training of ESAs is unnecessary – “emotional support animals do not need training to ameliorate the effects of a person’s mental and emotional disabilities. Emotional support animals by their very nature, and without training, may relieve depression and anxiety, and/or help reduce stress-induced pain in persons with certain medical conditions affected by stress.” (This includes emotional support emotional support dogs and emotional support cats.)

2. Documentation of the need for an ESA may come from a “physician, psychiatrist, social worker, or other mental health professional.” In Florida, “other mental health professionals” refers to the following health care professionals duly licensed by the Florida Department of Health:

* licensed mental health counselors
* licensed clinical psychologists
* licensed clinical social workers
* licensed marriage and family therapists.

Rights Radio Power Hour: How to Look after Your Pet in a Recession

Rights Radio Power Hour: The Houston SPCA (Cable TV’s Animal Planet – Animal Cops Houston)

Rights Radio Power Hour: Pet Food False Advertising Lawsuit – Content of Commercial Pet Foods

Rights Radio: HOA Pet Gate Case Gone Amuck

READ THE RULING HERE!
Read more

Electric Bill: How to Save Money on Your Utility Bills

How to save money on your average household electricity bill. Even if you lose your job, you are required to pay your electric bill each month. Here are 10 ways you can cut that bill.

1. Turn off and unplug anything that you’re not using, including your television and stereo.
2. Solar Panels. Learn how to build solar panels nd wire them together to produce electricity for your home.
3. Reuse bath water for laundry. Even well-off Japanese households use old bath water to do laundry!
4. Weatherize. The stimulus bill provides Indiana with nearly $132 million over two years to weatherize homes. Investigate help in your state.
5. Fueltank mobile device chargers can simultaneously charge two small electronic devices without the use of an outlet. Proprietary voltage regulator technology senses the amount of power required to charge your devices. LED fuel capacity indicators display when charging indicator button is pressed.
6. Swap Appliances. Swap appliances that are ten years old for newer appliances. It can save you thousands of dollars in reduced electricity bills. (A Frigidaire Energy Star Refrigerator uses less energy than a 75-watt incandescent light bulb!)
7. Energy efficient air conditioners and heating systems. The new stimulus offers a 30 percent tax credit of as much as $1,500 for installation of energy-efficient air conditioners, energy efficient heating systems and energy-efficient windows and insulation.

To your savings!

Dr. Joyce Starr

Rights Radio Self Help Hour: How to Lose Your Home for $400 or Less

How a missed $400 homeowners association dues payment escalated into foreclosure and eviction in Texas. Homeowners association rights and wrongs with authors Dr. Joyce Starr and Dr. David Goldenberg.

A homeowner based in Texas missed a $400 payment to his homeowners association – which soon mushroomed into an additional $3000/plus in legal fees and interest, foreclosure and finally, eviction. Dr. David Goldenberg, author of one of the three books in our Homeowner Rights Defense Kit (available on StarrPublications.com), joined me for a lively discussion on February 12, 2009:

How to avoid setting off a homeowners association or condo association foreclosure avalanche when you’re standing in
front of it.

Here’s the email I received from the homeowner:

“Hi, I am writing to you about the my homeowners association. I have been working out of the country or out of the city for most of the year last year. I owed the home owners association $400 and by the time I realized their was a problem, they had turned it over to their attorneys, and instead of owing $400 the bill was several thousand dollars. I had been in contact with their attorneys less than two weeks ago trying to negotiate a fair settlement. I had to go back out of town, and when I returned Wednesday night I had an eviction notice on my door. The HOA had foreclosed on my home, sold it in an auction, and now I am being evicted from my home over an $400 original bill. I am not behind on my house payments, but now I will be evicted from my home because their is no oversight on home owners associations by the government to keep HOAs from abusing people. Please address this issue, because I understand that about 30 others were done the same way as me.”

Dr. Goldenberg argued that the owner:

1) Had a legal responsibility to read and understand his obligations as set forth in  his homeowner association documents;

2) Should have alerted the HOA that he would be traveling and arrange for some form of ongoing communications;

3 Arranged automatic payments from his bank or immediately paid the past due amount before it escalated out of control.

He reminded us about the Admiral who failed to pay his Association dues because he had been kidnapped and was being held captive! Unsympathetic judges ruled against the unlucky Admiral, and he lost his home.

An HOA or condo  has a legal responsibility to demand delinquent payments in writing within a specific time frame, in order to prevent economic collapse. However, I pointed out that while Associations are justified in leveling fines for delinquent payments, excessive legal fees make it impossible for owners to catch up. The owner in question would have gladly paid the $400 and even the fine. He could not pay $3000 in legal fees and interest. As a result, he was foreclosed and evicted. Dr. Goldenberg agreed.

A tort reform group based in Texas offers excellent suggestions for mediation that I will include in a subsequent post on this topic. (The question is: who will pay for the mediation, and can it be conducted in time?)

Purchase the Homeowner Rights Defense Kit

Listen to the program below. Share your ideas on how to solve this insidious problem by sending your comments.

Dr. Joyce Starr

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Next Page »