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BY: Armstrong Williams
Transcending Race
The good news is that I have always been, and remain, someone who has transcended race. Much like the ancients, to me one's family, one's place, one's religion, one's trade are more important shapers of self than race. I am not alone. I have a friend, who is black but who's wife is white, who when asked, "What's it like to be in a mixed marriage?" wryly replies, "I wouldn't know, we're both Lutheran!" To him, the common mindset provided by a unified approach to the essential questions of life is more important than sharing skin pigmentation. Race hasn't vanished of course, but it need not be determinative or even necessarily very important.
BY: Armstrong Williams
The divide and conquer party
The Democrat created artificial "war on women" campaign is their desperate attempt by Democrats to anger the woman vote against conservative Republicans. On "Equal Pay Day", earlier this month, the White House cited numbers from the census bureau that women get paid 77 cents for every dollar men make. When asked by a reporter about the accuracy of the statistic as it relates to gender discrimination, considering the fact that women in the White House only make 88 cents on the dollar, press secretary Jay Carney struggled to answer the question.
Many variables account for the difference in pay between men and women, but none of those variables have to do with Republicans hating women. The "war on women" campaign against Republicans is a flimsy stack of cards that when blown on with facts, falls over.
BY: Armstrong WilliamsBill Maher and God ?Comedy has many approaches and subjects: leaders, governments, things we don't understand. In the vein of the latter, I suppose it is understandable to pick on religions. In any event, freedom of speech allows it. What is generally not condoned, however, is continuous and repeated sweeping insults to those with a differing point of view. The worst forms of prejudice and racism are bred out of this type of one-sided banter. Blacks in this country were never given the chance to defend themselves against claims of being less intelligent than whites during the time of slavery. Jews and non-Aryans were never given a chance to defend their humanity during the Holocaust, Muslims were never given a chance to defend themselves during the Crusades and on and on.Whenever a group of people is slanderously described repeatedly with no consideration of a contrary view intolerance flourishes, and the seedbed of human rights violations is laid. We should be more careful. Our country still feels the effects of slavery, the Holocaust is an unmentionable tragedy, and even the most fervent Christian regrets the Crusades. How is it then, that in this country we still hear this sort of rhetoric from seemingly intelligent men? Why is it that yet another group is being subjected to one-sided slander? Is it because comedians and some members of the more serious media are only willing to pick on people who generally don't defend themselves?Armstrong Williams is sole owner/manager of Howard Stirk Holdings, Inc and Executive Editor of American Current See
BY: Armstrong Williams
Developing an attitude of self reliance
The best solution in drastically reducing poverty is marriage. A single person with a child making ten dollars an hour, make $20,000 yearly. A married couple with a child at the same rate make $40,000 annually. They live a lower middle class and not a poverty life style. By living together their expenses are lowered per person and their joint family income allows them to substantially exceed the poverty levels. The policy implication resulting from this observation, is that government should do everything it can to promote marriage and discourage out of wedlock births. Government assistance should never discourage anyone from working or getting married, it should set the standard for developing a self reliance attitude.
The descendants of our nation's former slaves constitute the legacy of a deep spiritual well. A well so deep, and a force so powerful, that their forebears could endure the perils of the middle passage and the systemic depravity of intergenerational slavery in a foreign land. Not only did they survive, but they prospered and gave to their new homeland the finest elements of its culture: jazz, the so-called Negro spirituals, and the moral excellence of the Civil Rights movement. The accomplishments of other minorities resonate as well. In war, in peace, in culture and in commerce, all have come and all have contributed to the rich tapestry of America. Still, despite these riches, the passage of time, and expansion of opportunity, there is yet still a burden to bear. Nowhere more so than in their political outlook. If America is going to have a spiritual revival of faith, of values, and of accomplishment, it can have no better starting place than in the sons and daughters of its former slaves and immigrants. I believe our nation is now at the precipice of chaos, a chaos that ravages and affects minority communities above all, but it need not be so.
BY: Armstrong Williams
Logevity and Social Security
Interestingly enough, there were more centenarians in 2010 then there were Social Security recipients in 1937, the first year benefits were distributed. Those first recipients received a total of $1.278 million in 1937. The Class of 2010 centenarians had received no less than $18 billon at the time of the '10 census. That is $18 billion with a B.
There is absolutely no way that FDR thought social security would pay 53,364 people a monthly stipend for over 35 years. Less than 1% of the U.S. population was 65 or older in 1940, by 2011 that figure exceeded 18%. To give those percentages a number, 222,488 people in 1940 versus over 56 million in 2011.
The lifespan of the average American in 1935 was already unprecedented in the history of the world. In 1900, the average lifespan was 31 years, which was the norm for every advanced civilization at their peaks. Hobbes may have been describing the State of Nature when he said life was "…nasty, brutish, and short," but it just as much describes life in civilization until the last half of the 20th Century.
I know many of you are thinking, "Armstrong's writing another Social Security is going to fail column. Ho hum." But no, that point is obvious and has been written to death.
No institution could prepare itself for the unprecedented extension of life we have seen in the past 100 years. Humans were not designed to live as long as we have. Our longevity has not only fundamentally changed how our governments and institutions must deal with us, it has changed how we relate to others and ourselves.
BY: Armstrong WilliamsPresident Obama. "I am my brothers Keeper"President Obama should be commended for his recent speech in Chicago urging young black men to be more accountable and responsible.The less you can control your "oppression" the easier it is to accept and more fun it is to complain about how life is so unfair to you.So you delude yourself into believing a lie that transfers your own deep-seeded culpability onto the people you feel responsible.Go ahead, blame it on the system's secret preference for whiteness. Doing so is easier than acknowledging that you screwed by not giving your all or facing the fact that your parents taught you that no matter what you do, society wants you to fail.Rather than overcome, you stew in rage and jealousy that you were not born with a silver spoon.The left relishes in your resentment. It uses those feeling to convince people that it is protecting people from some nebulous evil "others" when it is actually trying to control society by protecting people from themselves. Every bill they write and law they enforce centers around their underlying assumption that a group of supposed "experts" know better than you.In the case of white privilege, they are protecting you from facing the fact that you are ultimately responsible for your own success or failures.Not only that, the left is trying to distract blacks with indignation over perceived injustices that we accept a government controlled by the left as our only salvation.Once you buy into to their vision, you see the world trough a paranoid and pessimistic prism where everything is an intricate network out to exclude you regardless of race, class, or gender. You cannot be judged on your own merits, rather you fail because you are not in the right group or club.
BY: Armstrong Williams
Are President Obama's recommended gun law restrictions reasonable ?
Security guards at our schools and better mental health treatment plans are decent enough ideas, but I'm doubtful that they will have the greatest impact toward reducing gun violence in our country. Do you believe from your experiences that the best solution to this problem is in the form of tighter gun controls?
President Obama's proposal, introduced earlier this year, includes more restrictions. Do you feel the following restrictions that he is recommending are reasonable ?
One, he seeks to reinstate the ban on assault weapons that passed in 1994 and expired in 2004. He also wants to ban magazines with more than 10 rounds, as well as to expand national background checks for all gun sales. He feels this would close a loophole that currently allows gun sales with no background checks at gun shows and private sales. The President's expansion of national background checks would include exceptions for transactions between family members. Again, do these additional regulations seem reasonable and progressive.
BY: Armstrong Williams
The majority of politicians, including President Obama, on theleft have given into the power of the Teacher's Unions. The President and majority leader of the Senate, Harry Reid, refuse to bring up school voucher legislation in Congress. Republicans continue to introduce school choice legislation, but no progress is made. Last month, Republican Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina introduced a bill that would provide $11 billion in federal funding to low-income families for vouchers to attend a private school. Many of these low-income families are of color and live in dangerous inner cities, but it would seem that politics is once again coming before our children's education. The chance of this legislation passing is a long shot.
But the status quo cannot last forever. America's current education system is based on a top-down one-size-fits-all government approach, but it doesn't have to stay this way. America's children are blessed with a variety of gifts and skills. The government doesn't know your child like you do. Parents, not government, understand the strengths and weaknesses of their children and how best they learn and grow. School choice is a fair and simple way to begin allowing the parent to make the decision of how best to educate their child. After all, God has given parents the primary responsibility of educating their children.
BY: Armstrong Williams
BY: Armstrong Williams
President Obama's loss credibility
I don't regret voting for president Obama, and will make no apologies
for it. I'm not the first person in history to fall for a politician's
empty promises of reasonableness and moderation. But I think the
way I voted is instructive on the subject of race in America. It's another
example of just how compelling an issue it is, how central to
our nature, that even a conservative like myself could vote for one of
the most liberal senators in Congress.
Life certainly hasn't been easy for President Obama since his
election. The broad array of constituencies that brought the president
to power have proven difficult for him to manage since his election
and reelection, as he seeks to galvanize a fractured base to defend his party's
agenda against a strong Republican onslaught.
Liberals are disappointed because he has not been the transformative
progressive they envisioned. Independents are disappointed
because he has dramatically increased government spending and
raised our national debt to previously unimaginable levels. Internationalists
are disappointed because his foreign popularity has not
translated into a de-escalation of global conflict. Many will continue their
disappointment, as Obama is now permanently a lame duck President.
BY: Armstrong Williams
The prism of race has obscured a realistic view of the Obama
administration. It's not going to solve all of black America's problems
– no government, no matter how representatively black, ever
will. To put this matter in perspective, the black community is
still complaining about the same issues it was griping about 40
years ago – through successive generations of liberal and conservative
administrations. What makes anyone think that things will
miraculously change because the chief executive happens to have
brown skin?
Gripe if you must, but the policies that Obama has managed to
pass in the first term arguably benefit blacks disproportionately. He
passed health care legislation. Guess which ethnic minority has the
largest percentage of uninsured? He passed laws regulating against
predatory lending. Who suffers the most from lack of access to affordable
credit? He stepped in to ease foreclosures and pressed banks
to negotiate with distressed mortgage holders. Which community
suffers the most from foreclosures?
BY: Armstrong Williams
Women balancing motherhood
Many may still scoff at women who choose the road of motherhood, but it's by taking this high road that this and every other society can be elevated to a place where everyone can reach the American dream. Women, by nurturing their families and supporting their husbands, can be the greatest force for positive change in America. However, if we continue with our selfish and greedy ways, we will continue to destroy the land our forefathers fought for and that we've come to love. In doing so we will complete the undoing of the most sacred institution mankind has known since the beginning of civilization, the family where two parents and their children are the most sacred of all.
BY: Armstrong Williams
It must halt the brain drain of its best, brightest and most educated young people, many of whom depart from the country in search of greater opportunities. An estimated 3 million-plus Nigerians are in the U.S. and Canada with many others residing in the United Kingdom. The departure of human capital should be halted and then ultimately reversed to welcome back the human capital that will propel the nation forward.Nigeria must also find ways to relentlessly battle corruption and improve its global image as a hotbed for lawlessness and scams. These hurt the image of the country, and too often overshadow the positive attributes for which Nigeria should be receiving attention.The security situation must also be further stabilized, and investments in infrastructure and education must proceed apace.Perhaps more than any other country on the continent, Nigeria possesses the resources and resolve to grow and develop into a major global player. It will take time and lots of hard work.But as it enters its second century, Nigeria's future appears to be one of limitless promise and potential.Armstrong Williams is on Sirius/XM Power 110, 6-7pm and 4-5am, Monday through Friday and S.C WGCV 4-5pm.Become a fan on Facebook- www.facebook.com/arightside, and follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/arightside.
BY: Armstrong Williams
The poorer get poorer and the rich get richer
By: Armstrong Williams
April 2008
Perhaps one of the most misunderstood minorities today is not
racial or ethnic. In fact, the minority I'm referring to comes with
people of every race, color, creed and religion - the wealthy. Make
no mistake about it. Building wealth is one of the most difficult
things someone can do, which is why so few people do it. How few?
Wealth estimates derived from 1998 Federal estate tax return data
show that about 6.5 million individuals in the United States had
gross assets of $625,000 or more and represented about 3.4 percent of
the U.S. adult population. As a group, they owned more than $11.1
trillion in total assets or 32.6 percent of the total U.S. personal
asset holdings. That's 3.4 percent of the population representing
32.6 percent of the country's wealth! The wealthy are a true minority
in the world and are often criticized and ridiculed for their success
in spite of the fact that everyone, given the choice, would
rather try it rich than continue being poor. I don't know where it
originated, but the cliché "the poor get poorer and the rich get
richer" has been in use for some time, implying that the poor will
never rise out of poverty. Is this true? Why do people stay mired in
poverty while others can pass on generational wealth?
BY: Armstrong Williams
BY: Armstrong Williams
BY: Armstrong Williams
BY: Armstrong Williams
Building businesses
Many minority communities either emphasize "get rich quick" ideas, or strive for professional athletics or entertainment, trying to hit the million dollar mark by their early twenties. In these regards minorities have exploited themselves, as they make money off of their likeness, as in an exhibition. Not to discredit or attack any individual's accomplishments through these fields, but what these communities must realize is that they must diversify; they cannot place all of their eggs in one basket, least of all one as small as that. Often, once the professional athlete gains his riches he does not understand how to turn that into wealth. According to Sports Illustrated, 78% of NFL players go bankrupt or nearly broke just two years into retirement. Among NBA veterans, 60% fall into the same predicament after five years.
What we need is for businessmen to get more involved in their communities outside of the school system. Instead of building another youth basketball center in a self-righteous act, they need to build centers to teach kids about computers and business.
BY: Armstrong Williams
Should the truth always be told ?
BY: Armstrong Williams
Upcoming Olympics
The Olympics really aren't truly international games anymore, for the Summer Olympics so many athletes live and train in the United States, yet they still play for their country? Take advantage of our county, facilities, and coaches even, but then your medals go elsewhere? We are such a globalize society now, I understand, but I think the old mystique was what made the Olympics great. When I was younger, I knew our athletes trained in our country and the soviets trained in theirs, it seemed like a more even playing field at least. That nationalistic luster has had its day, and it's what made the Olympics great.
BY: Armstrong Williams
Al Gore and global warming
Where is global warming when we need it? The Midwest is experiencing temperatures plunging to 36 below zero. Former Vice President Al Gore assured the world in his book "Inconvenient Truth" that this thing called global warming was taking place. If we were not to reduce our carbon emissions, energy consumption, and our economic output immediately, world temperatures would rise five degrees, polar ice caps would melt, and the oceans would rise over two feet. Mr. Gore should have entitled his book "Inconvenient Myth". The real life facts that we face today are not in the slightest of alignment with the allegations presented in his book. Temperatures in the US are at lows not seen in two decades and a scientific Russian ship-vessle is ice-bound in the Antarctic Ocean recquiring multi-national rescue efforts. We welcome Mr. Gore flying around in his private jet, burning outrageous amounts of fossil fuel in order to increase world temperatures. Thank you Mr. Gore unfortunately you have not created the carbon footprint we much needed this ever cold winter.
BY: Armstrong Williams
Al Gore and global warming
Where is global warming when we need it? The Midwest is experiencing temperatures plunging to 36 below zero. Former Vice President Al Gore assured the world in his book "Inconvenient Truth" that this thing called global warming was taking place. If we were not to reduce our carbon emissions, energy consumption, and our economic output immediately, world temperatures would rise five degrees, polar ice caps would melt, and the oceans would rise over two feet. Mr. Gore should have entitled his book "Inconvenient Myth". The real life facts that we face today are not in the slightest of alignment with the allegations presented in his book. Temperatures in the US are at lows not seen in two decades and a scientific Russian ship-vessle is ice-bound in the Antarctic Ocean recquiring multi-national rescue efforts. We welcome Mr. Gore flying around in his private jet, burning outrageous amounts of fossil fuel in order to increase world temperatures. Thank you Mr. Gore unfortunately you have not created the carbon footprint we much needed this ever cold winter.
BY: Armstrong Williams
Benghazi Manipulation
Does the Obama administration truly believe that We The People are ignorant and will blindly accept everything thing they and The New York Times tell us as truth? Last week this administration reported that the Benghazi incident had no significant affiliation or relations with Al-Qaeda. The report maintained that the raid of the American Consulate was the result of a mere spontaneous riot which was raised in response to an anti-Muslim film. Unfortunately for the Obama administration and NY Times' story, spontaneous riots never actually occur with the sort of precision planning involving the usage of military grade weapons that were used in the instance of the American Consulate attacks in Benghazi, Libya. Furthermore, in progressively undermining the Times' maintaining of their report, none of the Americans whom were actually there on the ground in Benghazi at the time find their report to be anything more than a great distance from the truth. In bringing light to the fact of the matter that American sources on the ground firmly hold that it is gravely implausible for the Times to even remotely suggest that the attacks in Benghazi was anything short of a highly sophisticated attack coordinated by Al-Qaeda or any other international terror group for that matter, would be purely ludicrous. Fortunately, bi-partisan efforts have been launched in Congress in challenging the fairy tale of a report.
Was this version of the Benghazi affair an attempt to exonerate Hillary Clinton from the State Department's disastrous performance done as a quid-pro-quo towards former president Bill Clinton for his support of Obama in the 2012 election?
|Does the Obama administration truly believe that We The People are ignorant and will blindly accept everything thing they and The New York Times tell us as truth? Last week this administration reported that the Benghazi incident had no significant affiliation or relations with Al-Qaeda. The report maintained that the raid of the American Consulate was the result of a mere spontaneous riot which was raised in response to an anti-Muslim film. Unfortunately for the Obama administration and NY Times' story, spontaneous riots never actually occur with the sort of precision planning involving the usage of military grade weapons that were used in the instance of the American Consulate attacks in Benghazi, Libya. Furthermore, in progressively undermining the Times' maintaining of their report, none of the Americans whom were actually there on the ground in Benghazi at the time find their report to be anything more than a great distance from the truth. In bringing light to the fact of the matter that American sources on the ground firmly hold that it is gravely implausible for the Times to even remotely suggest that the attacks in Benghazi was anything short of a highly sophisticated attack coordinated by Al-Qaeda or any other international terror group for that matter, would be purely ludicrous. Fortunately, bi-partisan efforts have been launched in Congress in challenging the fairy tale of a report.
Was this version of the Benghazi affair an attempt to exonerate Hillary Clinton from the State Department's disastrous performance done as a quid-pro-quo towards former president Bill Clinton for his support of Obama in the 2012 election?
BY: Armstrong Williams
Jesus race, the human race
By "proving" Jesus is one skin color or another, many people believe it discredits the history of another race while empowering their own. If Jesus were white, then God is white and favors Caucasians. On the other hand, proving He was black serves to affirm black aesthetics, culture, and history. Furthermore, "authenticating" Jesus' heritage can insinuate that one group is oppressing the truth in order to subvert history and a race of peoples.
We can point to historical examples of groups twisting Jesus' heritage. In the 20th Century alone we saw the Klu Klux Clan co-opt Jesus for religious justifications to oppress and lynch blacks. Nazi Germany actively pushed the idea of the Aryan Jesus, fabricating scholarship about Aryan colonies in Judea and such, in a direct attempt to de-Jewify Jesus.
Every insistence that Jesus is actually such and such ethnicity only serves to demean Christianity, obfuscate Jesus' message, and create hate and bitterness.
Why do we continuously allow ourselves to be distracted by these meaningless and divisive opionions about our Jesus and Santa's race?
BY: Armstrong Williams
Edward Snowden and our Government
There is an idea in government called the "noble lie," suggesting that some things are better left in the dark for the general public if we wish to conduct affairs of governance properly and maintain a safe and peaceful society. The noble lie extends to such matters as foreign diplomacy and national defense. The notion is that politics is a dirty game, and sometmes peeling back the layers can have a disastrous effect on the public trust, not to mention international relations.
Obviously, what comes to mind is the government now considering cutting a deal with Edward Snowden. Do you not believe that our government has it's own agenda and we will never know the true facts for these negotiations until decades later?
The question is : Will we be any better off knowing the truth in this Snowden/government case ?
I would argue yes, we are better for knowing. Transparency is one of the cornerstones of good governance and democracy.
BY: Armstrong Williams
Immigration denied entry
The easiest way I can prove the real importance of our immigration laws is to call your attention to a specific section of the Immigration and Nationality Act, (Title 8, United States Code, Section 1182) that establishes the categories of aliens who are to be excluded from the United States. It is vital to note that there is absolutely no distinction made about race, religion or ethnicity.
Among classes of aliens who are ineligible to enter the United States are those who suffer dangerous communicable diseases or who suffer from extreme mental illness and are prone to violence or are sex offenders are to be prevented from entering the United States as are aliens who have been previously deported, are convicted felons, or are fugitives from justice. Additionally, aliens who are human rights violators, war criminals, spies and terrorists are also deemed excludible as are aliens who would become public charges or work illegally, thereby displacing Americans in the workforce or causing wages or working conditions to be adversely impacted.
BY: Armstrong Williams
Sought out a different perspective on ACA from someone I respect. The following is her response. What are your thoughts ?
"With regard to the Affordable Care Act, I have not changed my mind. At all. Am I beyond disappointed in the exchange rollout and believe that a few folks should be fired, including Kathleen Sibelius? Absolutely. However, I still believe and fully understand the benefits of the law when it comes to accessibility of care and the trend toward the of coordination of care and a shift away from a fee for service mentality that is driving a lot of the costs. Remember that I have a very different perspective than most people as a former health insurance executive and have been in meetings with CEOs, business leaders, physicians, and policy leaders discussing what to do with regard to an exchange strategy, accountable care organizations, increasing transparency in costs for patients, etc. Those conversations would not have happened any time soon without the ACA, and at its core, the law is a great first step into transforming the largest (and one of the most inefficient) industry in our country.
None of the exchange rollout issues take away from the fact that the law itself is the right thing to do to make sure people in this country have better and eventually more affordable access to healthcare. An ER is not and should not be treated as primary care. And folks without insurance are already being subsidized by the rest of us (hence a $50 Tylenol in a hospital), so why not have them get coverage in the first place?"
BY: Armstrong Williams
Thoughts on Mandela
Nelson Mandela is truly a remarkable example of putting aside bitterness and anger even if it was in order to
effect a political end. In fact that is what makes him so special, that he had the discipline and moral fortitude to be able to realize the responsibility thrust on him as founding father of the nation upon his release to build a rainbow nation and succeed in bringing enemies together and form a nation of many peoples with one common goal, the well being of South Africa.
As Mr. Mandela is now being mourned by his native South Africa as well as the rest of the world, I cannot help but reflect on how much he genuinely meant to the world. He transcended race and progressed upon his own ability to move on. He truly was prophetic. On a personal level, one of my greatest keepsakes is a signed note of gratitude from both Mr. Mandela and Winnie that I keep framed on my office wall. That note was written on a page from my passport, the passport that acted as a shield from hate. It reminds me to never rent space in my heart or head to the hatred and bitterness. How fortunate I was to be there and live through that time, and to meet the man called Mandela was the experience of a lifetime.
BY: Armstrong Williams
Making money for a lifetime
To make money you must consistently create value. To consistently make your money for a lifetime you must be ethical, moral, legal and everyone around you must make more and more money.
A business that make nothing but money is a poor business.
All successful businesses must have a social agenda that empowers people, communities, and organizations.
Please remember that Money is only a tool that will take you wherever you need to go, but can never ever
replace you as the driving force. You are always the driving force of how far and deep your money can reach.
BY: Armstrong WilliamsWill real immigration reform ever happen ?It is clear that the administration has absolutely no desire to stop the flood of illegal aliens from entering the United States. And even less desire to seek their removal. According to my sources, the US/Mexican border is witnessing at least a 50% increase in illegal aliens running the border as compared with last year. Additionally, it is estimated that 40% of the illegal aliens in the United States did not run the borders and evade the inspections process but were admitted into the United States under the lawful inspections process either with visas or under the aegis of the Visa Waiver Program.Furthermore, promises of Comprehensive Immigration Reform by the president and by members of congress only serve to entice ever more aspiring illegal aliens from around the world to head for the United States, confident that if they can enter the United States they have nothing to fear.Many illegal aliens are exploited- there is no argument about that. However, their home countries would want to send even more of their illegal aliens to the United States. They count on the remittances as a major source of income for the economies. Last year, in fact, it is estimated that more than $200 billion dollars was wired from the United States to the countries from which these foreign workers- both legal and illegal aliens came.You may be surprised to know that according to the United Nations, India received the greatest amount of remittances from the First World, including the United States. it received more than $60 billion. China came in second and Mexico came in third.
BY: Armstrong Williams
The wealthy are a minority
The wealthy are a true minority in the world and are often criticized and ridiculed for their success in spite of the fact that everyone, given the choice, would rather try it rich than continue being poor. I don't know where it originated, but the cliché "the poor get poorer and the rich get richer" has been in use for sometime, implying that the poor will never rise out of poverty. Is this true? Why do people stay mired in poverty while others can pass on generational wealth?
The first myth that keeps people poor—in my opinion—is the myth of easy money, or more appropriately, "get rich quick" (without effort). Lotteries, gambling, hot stock tips, music videos all fuel the myth that money comes easy. While it may be easy to make money, keeping it and building wealth is a whole different story. Industries are built around people's ignorance of building wealth. Like a miracle diet pill that lets you eat whatever you want without exercising, beware of wealth promised without effort. Why do people continue to go to these "quick fixes"? I believe one of the reasons is a victim mentality. In other words, there is a sense that wealth is something owed to them; that by their existence wealth and ease of living is guaranteed.
BY: Armstrong Williams
Another day for thankfulness.
A friend of mine and I the other day were discussing the different seasons of life, and how times of difficulty can be, in the long run, beneficial. He told me that, despite being stuck in a job that he didn't like, and struggling to make ends meet, he felt as though God wanted him to be there to meet certain people at the right times.
I was struck by what he said and I remembered a line of C.S. Lewis: "there are no ordinary people." Everyone is unique, everyone is irreplaceable, and everyone is immortal. All of this other stuff—debating about our president every day, the votes, the money, the material realm—will be rolled up like a scroll on the Last Day, but people—whether it's your father/mother or the man or woman in the vehicle, on the bus, airplane, or train next to you—will still exist.
All of you who contribute on this page are infinitely more important and more valuable than whatever perspective you bring to our daily debates, than your political party, than your income, than anything else. You are important, respected, and cherish by me not as a supporter or non supporter of my way of thinking, but as men and women, as a beloved child of God. Just know my appreciation and respect for you and how much I enjoy and learn from your daily postings. Thank you .
BY: Armstrong Williams
Just trying my best to understand our President and the latest negotiations with Iran. Yes he is honoring his campaign promise as it relates to sitting down and talking with the Iranians. Maybe in the slightest of ways this could lead to an unprecedented break through given that Iran was once a great ally of our nation. However, we only have them in a freezing pattern and not asking them to give up or concede much in their march towards developing nuclear weapons. The Chinese already see this as an excuse to continue doing business as usual with the Iranians.
It is much worse than we know though. What is not being discussed is Iran's warhead and delivery program remains untouched. Despite Tehran's protestations that it has no intention of ever creating a nuclear weapon, Iran, in fact, has been developing a warhead for some fifteen years. That design is now near perfect and can move forward without a hitch, and all thanks to the Obama administration..
BY: Armstrong Williams
BY: Armstrong Williams
Heterosexual Pride Day
Last month our Military had it's first gay pride parade. It is because of this that I would like to propose an official day in America to celebrate Heterosexual Pride Day! Hey, while we're at it can we also have a White Pride Day or just celebrate White history month? Can the white people of Appalachia be allowed to celebrate redneck pride? Lastly, but not least can we have male liberation with Affirmative Action in colleges and Universities, equalizing the number of male college graduates; so they equal the number of female graduates.
BY: Armstrong Williams
BY: Armstrong Williams
Saying women must be responsible and aware in order to prevent getting into a bad situation is "mansplaining," or "slut shaming," or contributing to "rape culture." No it is saying that you do not walk down a dark alley in a bad part of town drunk and alone.
Telling someone they are overweight and it is unhealthy, pointing out how a proper diet and exercise actually improves their mental disposition and looks is "fat shaming" and not accepting them for who they are. There are even court cases where clients sue their trainers for mental anguish because they tell them to stop eating junk food and keeping working out. Is everyone taking crazy pills?
There is a difference between bullying; being rude; calling someone on their bad behavior; and constructive criticism; but frankly, I do not think that the left and the culture they have helped to create sees the difference anymore.
People can declare that life should just be full of love and acceptance, but to do so is to delude oneself. Life is not rainbows and unicorns. It is a grind that takes perseverance and fortitude to come out ahead.
Denouncing opposing ideas and thoughts as bullying cheapens those that are truly bullied and oppressed. If we are ever to overcome the rancor that permeates our modern society, we must fight against the attempt to give into political correctness and cry "bully!" any time someone hurts our feelings. Sometimes we should simply grow thicker skin, but we also need to take a step back and examine our own behavior. Instead of hiding in an echo-chamber of affirmation, we should engage those with different thoughts and experiences to understand their point of view. If we step out of our own projections, we might just find that the person we thought was a bully, is actually a friend.
Armstrong Williams is on Sirius/XM Power 110, 6-7pm and 4-5am, Monday through Friday and S.C WGCV 4-5pm.
BY: Armstrong Williams
Muslim fear in America
One thing that continues to make America great is freedom of speech. Freedom is not free nor is it always popular. From an American perspective, this freedom is worth defending at all cost and has been by many Americans since the country was started. The undertone of many conservative writers (myself included) is that Christians in the USA don't have equal rights to practice their religion as Muslims do. And at worst, that somehow a Christian nation, the USA, is allowing itself to be subjected to Muslims having special rights over Christians.
To the contrary, I would now say its less safe to be a Muslim in America since 9-11. This fear that hangs over moderate Muslims for their safety because of the extreme factions is not something that I'm happy about being an unapologetic God fearing man.
I'm the first to point out that American society isn't perfect and, in fact, one could argue its suffered an internal decay over the last 20 years. But neither have I seen a country or person on this earth that doesn't have warts of its own.
BY: Armstrong Williams
Will King Obama come clean
I am not sure our country can overcome the damage that King Obama has done to our once great nation. I know the King's sycophants will come to his rescue and condemn this morning pontificating by yours truly. However did the King flat out lie to you about to expect from Affordable Care? Did not the King's Champion Williams Jefferson Clinton implore his majesty to honor his word to the people regarding Affordable Care ? Will King Obama truly allow "we the people" to keep our Health care plan if this is what we prefer ? Will this White house find a solution that will halt the tripling of your premiums ? Believe it or not but I was truly praying that our President would succeed with Affordable Care and empower the people with more options. All of us regardless of our political leanings have given this King and his court the benefit of the doubt, time and time again. We can no longer ignore the facts that this white house has mislead, deceived, and made an embarrassing mockery of affordable care in our country. This is shameful and disheartening.
BY: Armstrong Williams
Hate Speech
In America circa 2013, your own intentions do not matter if you express any idea that can be construed as "hate speech." Intentions only matter when you enact the leftist idea of what is good even if it destroys people's lives.
According to the American Bar Association, "hate speech" is speech that offends, threatens, or insults groups, based on race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or other traits.
A noble gesture, but what happens when you call someone of a different race a jerk or more colorful explicative? If you are a white male, that is hate speech. If a black man says it to a black woman, that is sexual discrimination or harassment, another form of hate speech.
When it comes to policing language, it is the offendee's subjective interpretation that matters, not the offender's intent. In fact, the offendee's prior actions are not even a consideration—the person may have just run over your pet, but your anger and mental anguish does not compare to the supposed psychological damage the offendee suffers when you express outrage at that person.
BY: Armstrong Williams
Anyone can be bullied. Most often bullying isn't physical. It is intimidation in order to force action or words that don't truly represent the invididual being bullied. Political correctness is a form of bullying that is most prevalent in our society. Traditionally the only way to stop bullying is standing up to it. That may result in increased turmoil in the short run, but in the long run it has a dampening affect on the bullying. If one succumbs to bullying it only gets worse and never better.
BY: Armstrong Williams
Read Armstrong Williams, author of the brand new book Reawakening Virtues, content on RightSideWire.com and Come join the discussion live 4-5p.m. est at www.livestream.com/armstrongwilliams or tune in 4-5 p.m est on S.C. WGCV, Sirius/XM Power 110, 6-7 p.m. and 5-6 a.m. est, Become a fan on FaceBook, and follow him on Twitter
BY: Armstrong Williams
Tax exempt status
Our country is wracked by one budget crisis after another. When the IRS permits an organization to enjoy 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, every American must pay the difference. Knowledgeable tax experts tell us that for every one million dollars in donations received by a 501(c)(3) charity, $440,000 of it is subsidized by US taxpayers. That is why we must ensure that taxpayer dollars going to activities in Israel are working to achieve peace and reconciliation—which remains an American priority in the Middle East.
Some of the biggest tax-exempt organizations operating in Israel are doing the opposite. Many of these organizations are devoted not to charitable works but to political turmoil and confrontation between Palestinians and Israelis. And this agitation is powered by US taxpayer money.
BY: Armstrong Williams
Affordable Care redux
The president committed a major tactical error in not compromising with the Republicans to extend Affordable Care for one year. It is unlikely that the affordable care web site will be operational in sufficient time for Americans to utilize it prior to January's deadline. Consequently many Americans will be subject to fines if the deadline isn't extended. It appears that the administration will extend the deadline to accommodate many Americans subject to fines and threatening the loss of their existing insurance coverage.
If the President had compromised he could have extracted a quid pro quo from the Republicans and it would not had shut down the government for three weeks. Instead the public will hear the GOP's new mantra "I told you so" and the administration will again appear foolish for shutting down the government on the presidents intransigent adherence to principle.
BY: Armstrong Williams
Power in hands of too few
Are the current economic problems we face due to liberal capitalism or self-interest regardless of someone's position in society ? If it is self interest, which is an ineradicable quality of human nature that exists in all countries around the world and at all levels of society, then we have to look at which economic system is best able to direct it into positive, virtuous channels. And I would submit that it is capitalism that guides self-interest with sound individual principles and allows us, as a society, to elevate.
Our current financial crisis has taught the world a lot about the way the economy and individuals can behave if they have little or no regard for their neighbors. It wasn't the masses that created this economic mess, but a select few. Thus, if I were to speculate as to what went wrong, I would argue that too much power was concentrated in the hands of too few. Over history this has long been a recipe for wars and other disasters. Our current crisis is no different. So, don't blame capitalism. Capitalism and its virtues will rescue our nation from the global quagmire, though it may take some time.
BY: Armstrong Williams
Reclaiming Fatherhood
If the law made procreation a little more of a serious proposition for the American man, there might be more family planning, more birth control usage----in short, a much more serious approach to the decision to be intimate with women for the purpose of fathering children.
Such a law might also play a positive role in the lives of fathers who do want custody and who do want to remain a daily influence in the lives of their children. Our legal system simply makes it too hard for willing and capable---and even re-married---fathers to remain the primary care-takers of their kids.
There is also a troubling development in our culture, reflected in our school systems' emphasis of legitimizing single-parent homes through children's books and the like. Although these de-stigmatizing efforts are generally well-intentioned and help children feel better about having no father in their homes, they have the unintended consequences of trivializing the importance of two-parent households. In a sense, they glamorize single parenthood, or at the very least, desensitize us to its negative consequences.
BY: Armstrong Williams
End of excuses
Even if you live in a broken neighborhood, there is no reason to sell drugs or commit other crimes. Black men are more likely to get caught trafficking narcotics, beginning the cycle of incarceration from which 70% do not escape. There are plenty of legal methods to earn money. Just because they are not as quick or easy does not make them less worthwhile. They will teach you patience, endurance, and the self-reliance- all necessary values to make it in the world. Most importantly, it will keep you free.
There will always be others out there trying to make excuses for you and pardon your bad behavior. Do not let them, especially when they try absolving you of something by citing your race or "the system." Rebuke them, take responsibility, and learn from your mistakes.
Never let where you are from, nor where you are currently, hold you back. An absent parent or role model does not mean you cannot work hard in school, get a good job, nor be a good father or mother to your children.
If you are at the bottom of a pit, refusing to climb out is on you. You can ask for help from others in the pit, you can cry out to those already out, but only you can initiate the action to free yourself. And when you climb out, be sure to reach back and help those that helped you or are crawling out themselves.
BY: Armstrong Williams
Soft Bigotry of low expectations
Some principles remain the same no matter what the circumstances.
And that principle is that every person is special and has God-given talents to achieve what they were created to achieve . . . the only limitation is their own will to do it. The messages often conveyed, that is unsettling on so many levels, is that not everyone can achieve or be successful and we shouldn't tell them they can. We often hear that there are only a few people who can achieve what Bill Gates, Oprah Winfrey, Dr. Ben Carson, David Smith did.
That is not the point . . . it is not about the math of achievement, which ironically W.E.B. Debois suggested on several occasions. If we restrict our society to the concept of the "talented tenth" then we are saying that 90% of the population is irrelevant and already assigned to a life of servitude. It reminds me of the theory which often raises it's ugly head in this space, the "soft bigotry of low expectations."
BY: Armstrong Williams
Dan Snyder and the Washington Redskins
I respect Redskins owner Dan Snyder as a successful businessman and at the end of the day the team is his investment. It's not our place to tell him how to run his business. He can call it whatever he pleases. If some people choose to be thin-skinned and take offense, then that is their problem. But somewhere along the way this issue regarding the Redskins also became about personal attacks and that is a far more serious problem than some sports team's nickname. The Daily Caller website ran a recent story that purported to be about the leader of the campaign to change the mascot, but it amounted to little more than a smear against him. I have never met or even spoken with the Oneida Nation's representative Ray Halbritter. But I'm willing to bet that the Daily Caller reporter didn't either. Yet that did not stop them from publishing an "article" that relied on quotes from a detractor of Halbritter and "documents" that suggest he is not a legitimate member of the Indian tribe that he leads. In the interest of full disclosure, I wrote about the Oneidas several months back, when they expanded their growing enterprise with the opening of a new multimillion dollar restaurant and entertainment complex. I praised their business acumen as an example of the kind of entrepreneurship that this country needs more of. I happen to think that the Oneidas are wrong on this Redskins issue, and I disagree with them. Yet I respect their view and the fact that they believe what they are saying. Hopefully they can respect my perspective as well.
BY: Armstrong Williams
Disruptive cell phones
I am shocked and disappointed that some parents and politicians believe that cell phones as safety devices are a worthy tradeoff for disruptions at school. That philosophy is comparable to claiming that weapons should be allowed in school to prevent after school attacks. Frankly, it just doesn't make sense. Students survived for hundreds of years without cell phones and they don't need them now. If parents are seriously worried about the safety of their children, they can take other steps to ensure their safety. A cell phone is not the answer.
Public schools have become war zones with teachers and administrators acting as the unequipped arbitrators. Cell phones are a big reason these behavior problems are occurring in schools everywhere around the country. Students are inciting violence by calling gangs and older kids anytime an argument occurs, running away from teachers who see them talking on the phone, and turning their cell phone ring tones to a pitch that adults cannot notice because of hearing deficiencies. Students are downloading inappropriate movies and images and sharing them between friends which disrupts class and can lead to sexual harassment situations. Students are using cell phones to cheat by either taking pictures of their answer sheet, sending the image to other fellow students or even by text-messaging the answers. They also use cell phones to coordinate drug deals and to call into schools where they fake absences by pretending to be their parents or other false identities. Besides distracting the cell phone users, other students are unable to focus because of cell phone disruptions.
BY: Armstrong Williams
It is usual for conservatives to point to the social issues as having spiritual import, as having spiritual causes, and moral effects. But we often completely ignore the spiritual elements of our spending addiction.
In fact, the only thing that can remotely compare to the phenomenon of abortion—in which a person is so depraved that, rather than abstaining for sex, they must kill another human—is this spending addiction. We are so lustful after our spending that we are killing our children, and our children's children. Money that is borrowed is ultimately borrowed from them, and our dessert today is really a dinner taken from them.
Conservatives have written very many good books about how the welfare state softens the soul, and weakens the will of a people. But it takes a very soft soul, and a very weak will, to get a welfare state in the first place.
Plato wondered inconclusively if there was not some analogy between a soul and a state: can a well-ordered soul be likened to a well-ordered state? He spent hundreds of pages inquiring into the ideal state, in order to seek the ideal soul.
BY: Armstrong Williams
The ongoing debate for a serious budget reduction in the future does notwork without a big initial down payment in spending cuts. Today'sCongress cannot bind future congresses, and Congress has beennotoriously unreliable with respect to the fiscal management of thecountry's finances. Only a naive observer of America's today'spolitical environment could believe that congress will constrainspending to bring the deficit under control when the economy improves. The only point that the left may have is that fiscal stimulus may have asmall temporary benefit when the money is originally spent, but theextent of the benefit depends on how the money is spent, e.g.infrastructure, tax rebates, government program, etc., and technicalarguments about the multiplier effect of the spending. However, it has anegative impact when it is finally paid for.
BY: Armstrong Williams
BY: Armstrong Williams
There will never be a health care right.
Obamacare shows us that adding a right to health care has already taken away the most basic First Amendmentright of Catholics to exercise their religion. A right to abortion handed down by a court takes away the citizens' right to vote their conscience. Any new, or unnecessary right, always takes away an old necessary one. I wish it were not so. I wish that we could make everything good into a right, but we just can't.
Healthcare cannot be a privilege either, if we look at the true definition of privilege. Privilege is a special favor granted by another entity, whether it is government, the private sector, or within a household. It is also not something that we only obtain from the government. Healthcare is a service that is provided through both public and private means. If we want to live out the liberties granted to us by our founders, we should reserve our right to purchase healthcare in the free market, allowing opportunities for those to purchase at affordable rates, not by allowing healthcare controlled by bureaucrats.
Of course there is, and can never be, a right to health care. But there is, and will always be, the duty for us to take care of our brothers and sisters.
BY: Armstrong Williams
Affordable Care consequences
Businesses currently employing more than 50 uninsured employees will see their per employee costs increase $5,000 to $10,000. A business with 51 employees could have an insurance bill of $500,000! For all but the largest corporation, it will be cheaper and make more financial sense to pay the fine and not insure any of its employees.
Whether they offer insurance or pay the fine, the higher balance will be financed out of profits, necessitating higher prices to customers or a reduction in employment. If it comes out of profits, there is less money for the business owner to invest in business expansion assuming he has the profitability to pay the additional costs. Higher prices to consumers result in less money spent on other goods. Reduction in employment means higher unemployment. None of this is good for an anemic economy that can barely grow 2% annually after the 2008 recession.
Read Armstrong Williams, author of the brand new book Reawakening Virtues, content on RightSideWire.com and Come join the discussion live 4-5p.m. est at www.livestream.com/armstrongwilliams or tune in 4-5 p.m est on S.C. WGCV, Sirius/XM Power 110, 6-7 p.m. and 5-6 a.m. est, Become a fan on FaceBook, and follow him on Twitter
He has since spoken to several of his African American friends and asked them the same thing and 95% were in shock but a few said, it's the way it is…..he wanted my take.
What continues to impact him is that he so desperately wanted to say something to these individuals at this party, but thought it was out of his place, but nonetheless have been bothered by it all week.
What advice should I convey to my friend of 15 years ?
BY: Armstrong Williams
BY: Armstrong WilliamsPublic EducationPublic education teaching does not pay the greatest, you tend to get teachers of lower quality coming out of inferior schools. Honestly, why would you want to pay more money for schooling, earn less, and put up with all the garbage that teachers have to these days if you had the possibility to make big bucks as a computer programmer, lawyer, doctor, or venture capitalist?That is not to say there are not plenty of smart, qualified, and exceptional teachers; but there is no denying the brain drain in education can be directly correlation to higher earning potential in other fields.Qualifier aside, the result of such inadequately prepared educators is that the smart kids tend to go unchallenged and get bored, in turn they become a disruption and many are inadvertently tossed into the dustbin of "what might have been."So the generalist enters the unruly classroom focused on trying to maintain order and insuring the dumber and less motivated kids are catered to over the ones with true potential. The teaching itself has now become geared toward learning how to answer standardized test questions over developing the children's understanding of the how and why.
BY: Armstrong Williams
Please simplify our tax system
Surely good laws and regulations are essential in ensuring orderly societal direction and providing for the public good. A just, sound legal system can, in many ways, foster entrepreneurship and international trade. And by protecting the rights of minorities, they exemplify the best that Western Civilization has to offer.
One idea for simplification would be to abolish progressive taxation and institute a single, flat tax on all personal and business income. The Bible teaches us to tithe ten percent of our income. It does not ask one person to tithe more of their income if they are rich and less of their income if they are poor. By tithing ten percent, each pays to the common trust an equal proportion of their means. This practice alone would virtually eliminate the need for the army of accountants, tax lawyers and government agencies dedicated to enforcing and mitigating the laws of this country. But more importantly, it's what the founders envisioned – a tax levied based on the population, and not ability to pay. Perhaps they saw the inherent political danger in allowing politicians to vary this or that constituency's tax burden, which would be an invitation to the very kind of class warfare we're engaged in today. Imagine a nation in which all are in – everyone pays the same amount to the government. What would such a nation look like?
Read Armstrong Williams, author of the brand new book Reawakening Virtues, content on RightSideWire.com and Come join the discussion live 4-5p.m. est at www.livestream.com/armstrongwilliams or tune in 4-5 p.m est on S.C. WGCV, Sirius/XM Power 110, 6-7 p.m. and 5-6 a.m. est, Become a fan on FaceBook, and follow him on Twitter
BY: Armstrong Williams
BY: Armstrong WilliamsGovernment nappingWe don't need more Big Brother, but we do need the government to do its job and properly vet those who are going to be in sensitive positions, like Alexis, or Snowden, or Manning. Each case had glaring red flags, and each time government napped.In the end, what we have is a horrific phenomenon that has no easy answers. By now, the media should know better than to jump to conclusions and report fallacies. Also, pundits and politicians must stop trying to blame pop culture, weapons and ideologies that are not part of the causation. Instead, we need to start taking mental illness seriously, enforce laws we already have, and demand more accountability from our government and officials whose job it is to treat, protect, and/or investigate. This, unfortunately, will not be the last mass shooting, but we must work harder to prevent such tragedies before they occur.
BY: Armstrong Williams
BY: Armstrong Williams
We are not created equal
One of the founding principles of our great republic is stated in the first line, second paragraph of the Declaration of Independence, "We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal . . . " The idea of equality governs our interactions and expectations.
The simple truth of the matter is that all men (or women) are not created equal.
Because we are not all equivalent, there are certain facts that are unavoidable.
1) Some people are born with innate talents.
2) Some people are smarter than others.
3) Some people are born with more opportunities.
4) Some people have a greater drive to succeed.
However, we as humans living in America can overcome one of these inequities and not let the others limit ourselves.
BY: Armstrong Williams
BY: Armstrong Williams
BY: Armstrong Williams
BY: Armstrong Williams
BY: Armstrong Williams
BY: Armstrong Williams
Sports and Academics vs the Athlete
Now, for sure, some racist claim that Blacks are simply born with the natural ability to become exceptional athletes, however, such an argument has no merit. While it may be true that on the average black men are physically larger than other races, size and strength play only a minimal role in determining one's success as an athlete. To compete at the highest level of any sport takes a tremendous amount of discipline since the athlete must devote energy and time to perfecting such skills as dribbling or passing. In addition, success hinges greatly on the athlete's intelligence. He must not only commit large amounts of information to memory but must also be able to adapt to the play of his opponent. If the athlete is unable to think analytically, his jumping abilities and speed will prove useless as he will simply be outsmarted by his opponent. The fact of the matter is young black men excel at sports because they work at it, and they work at it because they know that it will be held to higher standard than all others. The coach who reassured his young player that he could play better did not really have to say anything at all; he already knew he was better, not out of any sense of false pride, but from understanding that he had adequately prepared himself to excel in such an atmosphere.
There should be no doubt in your mind as to whether many of the underachieving minorities in today's educational system, can't achieve and excel at the same educational level . What it takes to become an elite athlete in the world of sports, is no different than what is recquired in the world of academics.
BY: Armstrong Williams
Our Young Black Brothers
Many Young black men who are academically challenged must be compelled to compete in the classroom, if they are ever to achieve success in life. However, the only way public schools will be compelled to lift black men from the depths of academic despair is if they themselves are forced to compete with private schools. This can be achieved with school vouchers which would allow parents to put their children in schools that will hold them to higher standards in the classroom. Such policy has not taken off because teachers unions vehemently oppose vouchers. They recognize that vouchers would mean fewer teachers, fewer membership dues, the likely defections by public school personnel to privatized systems that have traditionally resisted centralized unionization, and the birth of competing collective bargaining entities. For the teachers' unions, the idea of competition can only mean giving up leverage. Nevertheless, if faced with such competition, public schools would be forced to push their young black men to succeed in the classroom, just as they push them on the basketball court.
BY: Armstrong Williams
Teaching isn't what it once was..
Public education teaching does not pay the greatest, you tend to get teachers of lower quality coming out of inferior schools. Honestly, why would you want to pay more money for schooling, earn less, and put up with all the garbage that teachers have to these days if you had the possibility to make big bucks as a computer programmer, lawyer, doctor, or venture capitalist?
That is not to say there are not plenty of smart, qualified, and exceptional teachers; but there is no denying the brain drain in education can be directly correlation to higher earning potential in other fields.
Detroit's Demise
BY: Armstrong Williams
Every pundit worth their salt has addressed Detroit over the past few weeks. On the Right you hear it is because of Democrat rule that lead to an untenable debt, mainly due to the pensions owed ($9 billion of the $11 billion debt). And they are 100% correct.
The left says, "It's just one of those things that happens." That was the actual profound analysis offered by the darling Heart of Liberalism Paul Krugman. It gives the powers that be cover to formerly remark, "Oops, my bad. Mulligan?"
There are no mulligans here. The government of Detroit screwed up over and over and over again. In 60 years the heart of America was destroyed, and all that the party that brought this demise about has to say is, "Sorry about that. Not our fault; stuff happens, ya know? We'll do better next time and it won't happen again."
The cognitive dissonance is staggering.
BY: Armstrong Williams
BY: Armstrong Williams
BY: Armstrong Williams
The Washington Post
The sale of the Washington Post has many implications. It is more obvious than ever now that Daily print newspaper business is a broken model. The sale of the Washington Post and the Boston Globe within a week (with a loss to the NY times corporation of approximately one billion dollars) is proof positive that the newspaper business has changed forever .
The Graham philosophy was that the Post would never be a national newspaper. They wanted to service Washington DC primarily and speak to the Power of the U.S. government. The Washington Post has made and destroyed President's, Heads of State, and Government's throughout it's illustrious history.
The Washington Post is a global brand which is why Jeff Bezos paid $250 million dollars to have the ability to speak to power daily. Not withstanding the Post losses over the last year of over a $100 million dollars , Bezos with a net worth of over $20 billion dollars and innovative marketing skills recognizes there is intrinsic value in the Post brand.
The Credit Divide
BY: Armstrong Williams
The issue of making consumer loans to people on the wrong side of the credit divide raises other issues that make lending to this group very expensive.
Despite a mid-July report by the S&P that says consumer credit default rates have decreased for the sixth consecutive month, the default rates among different demographics show a sharp divide.
First, default rates among the poor are much higher than among the rich. Therefore, everything else being equal, loans to the poor will reflect premium pricing to cover the higher default risks. Second, because these are riskier loans, the banks will be forced to have higher capital requirements to support these loans, leading to higher capital costs. Third, because these loans are smaller than similar loans to the wealthy, the expense of issuing and servicing the loans must be amortized over a smaller loan principal. This also makes a loan relatively more expensive to the poor. Fourth, loans to consumers tend to be subject to much more government consumer and banking regulations than loans to businesses. This too adds to the costs of low-income consumer loans.
Given the high cost of low-end consumer lending, it is no surprise that high cost payday loan companies and pawn shops have arisen to serve these low-end markets. It also should not be a surprise that the large commercial banks shun these markets.
BY: Armstrong Williams
BY: Armstrong Williams
Money is always a Verb
In money and banking one of the fundamental principles that are maxims that we are taught is that the Federal Reserve creates money. But that's simply not the case, and that reminds me, and we're going all the way back to elementary school for a moment; where we are taught that money is a noun. WRONG. Money is a verb. The definition of a Verb is too work. Money is created by commercial bank which means lending (hopefully to business people) and not buying government bonds. America back to work means banks lending money to its business customer base which results in greater employment and greater productivity.
Jobs are created only one way and that is through production. We must remember that jobs are a bi product of production.More jobs and a free market system allow more people to be competitive, and more successful. More successful people create a network which breeds more success: culturally, financially,and emotionally. I have created jobs for people over the years, good jobs, and I am proud of that, and buying a TV station willallow me to create even more. Minorities need this system because of all the trickle down results. The potential for a wealthier or more successful friend or family member can only help minorities rise out of poverty, and the free market system is the foundation of that.
BY: Armstrong Williams
Debt and Leverage
When it comes to leverage---debt---it has to be managed very carefully. I believe that it should only be used when you have enough in reserve to cover defaults. People who are overleveraged--like those who bought property with low income and no down payment (equity)---are vulnerable to any shift in the market. If you are overleveraged, or get into a variable adjusted rate mortgage, you end up paying more for the property than necessary, and when things become difficult, you may find yourself in trouble, living way beyond your means.
The virtues of saving, work and thrift must form the basic foundation of capitalism in this country again. It's what we have to get back to in order to restore sanity to financial markets. It's what we must reawaken in ourselves and everyone else if we want to establish America's rightful place at the head of the table among the leading economies of the world.
BY: Armstrong Williams
That nasty Stigma
The reality is that both Democrats and Republicans are absolutely right when they decry whichever set of preferential policies they oppose---legacy admissions and nepotism, on the one hand, and race-preferential policies on the other. The key difference is that the former only affects a handful of companies and random individuals who work in and, in some cases, run the "big businesses," while the latter has a vastly negative impact on entire classes of people in our 300-million-plus nation.
So, while the recipient of a legacy admission to Harvard might have to live with a stigma, he also might not. After all, he'll have the Harvard degree, and few of his future employees will be any wiser that his rich alumnum daddy got him into school; he'll either succeed in the real world or he won't.
Sure, his immediate circle of friends and family will know, but something more pernicious, pervasive and wrong follows around a minority who rises to the top throughout society: affirmative-action beneficiary.
With admissions quotas in place at many colleges and universities that require less of minority applicants, that nasty epithet--affirmative-action benificiary--has become commonplace.
BY: Armstrong Williams
Education results
At every turn we are putting obstacles in the way of preparing our children to succeed. Every politician's speech on education reform results in America ceding ground to the rest of the world. Each parent that insists their child is an angel and should be passed despite never doing homework is dooming the future generations of Americans through entitlement and low achievement.
We watch as America burns from the ground up, focusing on bullying and self-esteem over knowledge, achievement, and success. Acceptance of the status quo is without a doubt akin to saying "I hate America and my children."
BY: Armstrong Williams
Teachers share the blame
Good morning:
The high-minded progressives see public education as something to be protected from private competition and the ravages of better, more innovative systems from not only domestic systems independent of the decayed US institution, but also those from abroad.
Teachers are not without fault in public education. I feel most teachers are the whipping boy of education reformers, especially among the right.
In public education, teachers are not specialist in their fields unless they are coming to it as a second career. Typically, mathematicians do not teach trigonometry, nor do those with English literature degrees teach high school English. The vast majority of teachers are education majors with a subject matter certification.
BY: Armstrong Williams
Aaron Hernandez
A contract worth 40 million dollars, a newborn child, a fiancée, on top of being the star receiver for one of the NFL's best teams and historically successful franchises apparently didn't matter to Aaron Hernandez. How anyone in their right mind do something so sinister after becoming "set" for the rest of their life seems to be the general consensus. The headline for the Aaron Hernandez case however shouldn't be about the tragedy he was involved in, as horrific as it was, it should focus on the fact that despite stardom, athletes fame and fortune actually enhances their past demons, they become lost in an inner image struggle, and revert back to their comfort zone and their old life, too give them a deeper sense of power.
BY: Armstrong Williams
BY: Armstrong Williams
BY: Armstrong Williams
Mandela and forgiveness
Today is former South African President Nelson Mandela's 95th birthday. In the last century we have had amongst us one of the greatest transforming men in history .
Mandela's example of forgiving his tormentors and forgiving the South African government for it's brutal apartheid system, remains one of the greatest examples of a worldly leader.
A man whose life and career proved that righteousness prevails in the end. We may not see it initially but time is a corrective element to all things.
Mandela who saw and was subjected to the harshest forms of bigotry and discrimination changed his immediate world and the world at large.
This former prisoner has been received by King's , Queens, world leaders, ecclesiastical leaders, for it is recognized universally that we should all strive to be more like Mandela.
One of the great men of the 20th century, Mahatma Gandhi attempted to change South Africa to no avail. Gandhi stood up to the British Government and it capitulated. However when he stood up to the South Africans apartheid system he was reduced to tears and humiliation. Former President Mandela did not have the luxury of retreating to another land. He had no choice but to cast his bucket where he was and say No Mas!.
BY: Armstrong Williams
BY: Armstrong Williams
Final Zimmerman thoughts
George Zimmerman, like O.J. Simpson, must spend the rest of his life facing the torment of his conscience having taking the life of a young man in such a reckless way. Mr. Zimmerman must not only someday face his maker but spend the rest of his life enduring the pain and suffering of robbing someone of their God-given life. The rest of society must put this sad chapter behind us and let heal the wounds against racial harmony each case led to.But we also must be extremely cautious about trying to enact new laws as a result of the Zimmerman verdict. New laws and regulations enacted in response to bad outcomes in particular cases often in the end have unintended consequences. And continuing to prosecute Mr. Zimmerman at the federal level will only intensify racial animosity .Read Armstrong Williams, author of the brand new book Reawakening Virtues, content on RightSideWire.com and Come join the discussion live 4-5p.m. est at www.livestream.com/armstrongwilliams or tune in 4-5 p.m est on S.C. WGCV, Sirius/XM Power 110, 6-7 p.m. and 4-5 a.m. est, Become a fan on FaceBook, and follow him on Twitter
BY: Armstrong Williams Young people must establish work ethic early in life Young people need to learn to work. Their parents must not let them be idle all year for, as they say, idle hands are the devil's workshop. When I was growing up, it was early to bed, early to rise. My family worked hard, every one of us, starting even before the sun rose. Sure, I wanted to rest many times, but my parents wouldn't let me until our work was done. They needed a rest more than anybody. They taught by example and instilled in us a strong work ethnic. Today, many parents fail to provide that example. Now, I am not saying that young children should be put to work. We do not want a return to a time before child labor laws went into effect. Little children need and deserve their playtime. We should not take away their childhood. But once they reach a certain age, they must realize that it is time to accept a certain degree of maturity and responsibility, part of which involves going to work. Whether it is flipping burgers at McDonald's, delivering newspapers, washing cars, cutting lawns, or walking dogs, as long as they are working, they stay out of trouble, they learn better how to interact with adults. Plus, they get to make a little money. The trouble is, many young people today want something for nothing. They don't want to have to work for anything. They expect to be handed everything, and many parents often give in to their demands. What those parents should do instead is to force their sons and daughters to see the value of hard work. Being handed everything diminishes the value of everything. The rewards are much greater when you have to work for them. When you work for something you feel a real sense of worth, both in yourself and in the object or goal you are trying to reach.
BY: Armstrong Williams Can we sell Conservatism in the foreseeable future ? There is simply no way to sell conservatism to people anymore: people have other values now. Obama has fulfilled left-wing dreams that go back decades, not only bringing universal health insurance to a once-limited government, outlawing Catholics from owning businesses, and getting rewarded with four more years for doing so. I can only tremble to wonder what Valerie Jarrett meant when she said that Obama's second term will be about punishing their enemies, if this is what they have already done. The Republican Party lost multiple unloseable elections (see Mourdock, Akin, Romney). They did not merely let winnable elections slip away, but actively gave them to Democrats, a situation much more heartbreaking than the narrow defeats of 2010. At best, the Republican Party has even more cautionary tales for its younger members, more examples of what not to do, but that is small consolation for two more years of Obama and Reid. In the same way, the only good that will come out of this for the country is suffering, which is the greatest teacher. The Democrats will continue to show us what does not work. Read Armstrong Williams, author of the brand new book Reawakening Virtues, content on RightSideWire.com and Come join the discussion live 4-5, 6-8 p.m. est at www.livestream.com/armstrongwilliams or tune in 4-5 p.m est on S.C. WGCV, Sirius/XM Power 128, 7-8 p.m. and 4-5 a.m. est, 6-7 p.m. D.C. a.m. 730 WTNT, 7-8 p.m. WGNU a.m. 920 St Louis . Become a fan on FaceBook, and follow him on Twitter


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"Sacrificing this income can make it more difficult for stay-at-home moms to save for retirement - but it doesn't make it impossible," says David Lerner Associates Senior Vice President Christina Nash. "It's just as important for stay-at-home moms to plan for their retirement as it is for working moms."
Nash offers the following tips to help stay-at-home moms prepare for retirement:
* Rollover your 401(k) from your previous employer into an IRA. "If you participated in a 401(k) plan at your last job, don't leave the money behind - or worse, cash it out," says Nash. If you cash it out, you may be subject to early withdrawal penalties, and you'll probably have to pay income taxes at your current ordinary income tax rate.
A better option may be to rollover the funds into an IRA. "This may provide the most flexibility and control in terms of investing the money in accordance with your long-term retirement objectives," says Nash.
The process is simple: Inform the custodian of your former employer's plan that you wish to move your account balance into a rollover IRA. The custodian will either transfer the money directly to your IRA (this is known as a trustee-to-trustee transfer) or issue a check to you in the amount of your account balance. If you receive a check, be sure to request that the check be made payable to the custodian of your IRA for benefit of (or FBO) your name.
* Open a spousal IRA. With this option, your husband can contribute up to $5,500 per year (or $6,500 if you're age 50 or over) to either a traditional or Roth IRA in your name. Note that you and your husband must file a joint tax return to be eligible for a spousal IRA.
* Have your husband increase contributions to his retirement plan. Will your household budget permit increasing (or even maxing out) contributions to your husband's retirement plan? The maximum annual contribution to a traditional or Roth IRA in 2013 is $5,500 (or $6,500 if your husband is age 50 or over), while the maximum annual contribution to a 401(k) plan in 2013 is $17,500 (or $23,000 if your husband is age 50 or over).
"Keep in mind, however, that this money technically belongs to your husband," Nash points out. "If you divorce before retirement, you may have some rights to a portion of his retirement savings, depending on your state. But exercising those rights may be difficult."
* Open a solo 401(k) or SEP IRA. This may be an option if you operate a home-based business or have any other type of self-employment income. Solo 401(k)s can be established as either traditional or Roth. Each of these types of retirement plans has unique potential benefits, drawbacks and annual contribution limits, so study them carefully to determine which might be best for your situation. Download the slide deck at www.slideshare.net/davidlernerassociates/how-stay-at-home-moms-can-plan-for-retirement.
Material contained in this article is provided for information purposes only and is not intended to be used in connection with the evaluation of any investments offered by David Lerner Associates, Inc. (DLA). This material does not constitute an offer or recommendation to buy or sell securities and should not be considered in connection with the purchase or sale of securities. Member FINRA & SIPC.

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Jordan is in a peculiar situation. It is part of an intertwining web of problems that is found nowhere else on earth. Jordan, with its 1.9 million Palestinian refugees, has one of the largest populations of Palestinian refugees in the world. The UNRWA has a mandate to provide assistance to these refugees, but for how long?
Things I've noticed in my first two weeks sub-editting (what we call copy editing in the U.S.) for RE&D in Dublin, Ireland.
The next morning came quickly and soon we found ourselves outside the UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency) office again. However this time the UNRWA office was not our destination, the DPA (Department of Palestinian Affairs) office was.
The results of the twelve year inquiry into Bloody Sunday, when protestors were gunned down by British soldiers, will be released June 15.
An introduction to a blog about three Aggies producing a feature-film documentary about Palestinian refugees in Jordan.
Our first encounter with the UNRWA (United Nations Relief Works Agency) and the el-Hussein Palestinian Refugee Camp.
Last weekend, I remembered why I love working for The Batt. I am a nerd, and I love dressing up and going to renaissance festivals; and last Sunday I had the chance to meet former students George Appling and Eric Todd on the grounds of Sherwood Forest Faire, the festival they have founded, which opened Saturday.
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Exhaust Manifold
What is an Exhaust Manifold and where is it Located?
The exhaust manifold is the first component of a vehicle's exhaust system. It bolts to the engine's cylinder head and collects the exhaust gasses from the individual exhaust ports and combines them to one outlet to flow through the rest of the exhaust system. In addition to playing such an integral role in your car or truck's exhaust system, an exhaust manifold is also important for the safety of its occupants. With the help of an exhaust manifold gasket, it also prevents the toxic exhaust fumes from sneaking into the vehicle and harming those that are in it.
The majority of vehicles have exhaust manifolds that are constructed out of cast iron, although some vehicles have tubular steel manifolds made from either mild steel or stainless steel. Some vehicles also have a catalytic converter incorporated into the exhaust manifold.
Why Exhaust Manifolds Fail?
The most common reason of failure for an exhaust manifold is cracking due to the frequent heating and cooling cycles it encounters, and/or age. As the manifold heats up the metal expands, and as it cools the metal contracts. Over time this will weaken the casting, and will eventually cause the manifold to crack. The second common reason for failure is due to broken exhaust system hangers, which when this occurs, shifts the responsibility of holding up all of the weight from the exhaust system to the exhaust manifold. Unfortunately, exhaust manifolds aren't built for this and before long they give in to the extreme weight hanging off of them, resulting in failure.
Replacing an Exhaust Manifold
A broken or damaged exhaust manifold will not only fail most state safety and emission inspections, it could also potentially allow harmful exhaust gasses into the passenger compartment of your vehicle. Leaking exhaust manifolds may also result in poor vehicle performance and fuel economy due to inaccurate oxygen sensor readings. For these reasons it is important that you replace a leaking exhaust manifold as soon as possible.
The degree of difficulty of replacing an exhaust manifold varies depending on the vehicle, although many replacements can be done at home by someone with basic hand tools, a repair manual, and a bit of automotive knowledge.
For more detailed information about exhaust manifolds, how they work, different construction types, replacement tips and more, check out our in-depth exhaust manifold guide.
Need an Exhaust Manifold Replacement?
It is extremely important to have your exhaust manifold in good working order. At 1A Auto, we carry a full line of brand new, direct fit, aftermarket replacement exhaust manifolds. Needless to say, the quality of the design and material is important to a manifold's reliability. Replacement exhaust manifolds from 1A Auto are of the highest quality; many of our new aftermarket exhaust manifolds have been strengthened and redesigned to eliminate the vulnerable areas of the original design, and thus last on average 2-3 times longer than used OEM manifolds. All of our manifold and converter assemblies are EPA certified as well. We also offer many exhaust manifold kits that include other components such as heat shields, gaskets and hardware.
At 1A Auto, shopping for an exhaust manifold replacement for your car, truck, SUV or van is easy - we're here to help you select the right one for your vehicle! Call our customer service toll free at 888-844-3393 if you have any questions about the product, warranty, compatibility or to purchase, or you can buy online. For answers to some of the more frequently asked questions about our exhaust manifolds and in general, please see our FAQ section below.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exhaust Manifolds:
1. Will this exhaust manifold fit my car or truck?
Yes! 1A Auto spends over 8,000 hours a year researching our parts. Each exhaust manifold part number is matched to ensure the exhaust manifolds will fit all of the specific vehicles we list them for. As long as your car or truck meets all of the specifications listed for each exhaust manifold, 1A Auto guarantees fit.
2. Are these new exhaust manifolds?
Yes! 1A Auto offers quality, brand new exhaust manifolds. We stand behind our products and services; we do not offer re-built or re-furbished manifolds to our valued customers. All exhaust manifolds are made to perform as well as if not better than the originals.
What is the per item warranty on these exhaust manifolds?
The warranty type depends on the exhaust manifold. Most of our exhaust manifolds include a limited lifetime warranty, and some carry a 60 day limited warranty. The warranty covers the price of the item. The item's specific warranty is typically displayed in the details of the item page. If you have any warranty questions please contact our customer service toll free at 888-844-3393.
Does the exhaust manifold come with hardware and gaskets to install?
A few of our exhaust manifolds do not include any installation hardware. This information is displayed in the description. Each product description provides detailed information about the included components. We provide kits that include gaskets and some of the hardware. In most cases you can reuse the original hardware, or obtain it locally. If you have any questions about what is included with the item, please contact our customer service toll free at 888-844-3393.
What caused my old exhaust manifold to fail?
Tips on how to replace an exhaust manifold:
7. What else might be attached to my exhaust manifold?
Welcome to 1A Auto....
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Shop for Cub Cadet lawn mowers and other lawn care products at an Independent Cub Cadet Dealer near you. If you're looking for a place to purchase some of the best lawn mowers in the industry, use the Cub Cadet Dealer Locator tool below to find Independent Cub Cadet dealers in your area. For more information on lawn mower dealers or replacement parts, contact our Customer Support Center at 1-877-428-2349.
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You can also read manga online try the Zig Zag Don manga!
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For more than 10 years, YOYOTech has been one of the world's leading manufacturers of custom built PCs and overclocking. We have held the world performance record on several occasions and we take great pride in the creation of every new system. As testament to our acumen, we have won numerous awards from industry publications. Everyone who works at YOYOTech is an enthusiast and they all have their areas of specialised knowledge. From complex NAS systems to multi-screen gaming, no matter what you need, we have an expert who can help you.
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