Only in America

Only in America (12/14/2011) Every day the world around seems to get crazier. Headlines shout out moves by our government that make no sense, but yet we abide by the changes thrust upon us. I thought I would compile a short list of what I consider infringements upon our liberties that we could not imagine five years ago, and certainly never a decade or two ago. Through slow incrementalism we, the citizens, have eroded our own freedoms. Actions by TSA top the list; an agency which did not exist a decade ago but now employs approximately 50,000 screeners and has a budget of $8.1 billion. This agency now requires everyone to throw away water before boarding an airplane. Water is the essential liquid required to live on our planet, it puts out fires, and easily identified. But, only in America if you are drinking water while waiting in a security line is it now a security threat. A close second is last week’s incident by TSA strip searching 85 year-old Lenore Zimmerman. Only in America would a 100 pound 85 year-old be considered a terrorist requiring a complete vacate of common sense. Attending theme parks and sports events has brought another level of questionability to liberty erosion. Watching the “rent a guard” screeners at facilities like the Coca-Cola museum, Georgia Aquarium, Disney, or Sea World laughingly rifle through personal belongings with chop sticks while wearing latex gloves confirms the authoritarian moves of fear implementation and our own stupidity. Only in America would we trust our lives to $9.00/hour security guards and allow them to infringe on our privacy while claiming to protect a commercial enterprise from a bogeyman terrorist threat. Tracking citizens has become the latest trend by government both national and local. Although the constitution guarantees freedom from warrantless search and seizures, we have allowed government entities to track vehicles with GPS, install cameras using facial recognition software to track individuals, and license plate scanners watching and permanently recording the location of our vehicles. In addition, police departments now carry devices to take and download cellular phone data, without warrants, during stops. Only in America would George Orwell’s predicted tracking of citizens occur in our lifetime. Nearly everyone with a smart phone has a video camera with them 24-hours per day. The first sensationalized recording of police brutality was the Rodney King beating caught by news helicopters, and if the cameras were not on scene the LAPD would have denied the punishment they put on King. Nearly every day citizens are now arrested for filming their own arrests or the arrests of others. The most serious being Michael Allison in Illinois who faces five counts of wiretapping for filming his own arrest this past summer. If we cannot film the public servants hired by us, the citizens, to ensure rights are protected then a police state has truly come into existence. Only in America would filming a police officer lead to the arrest of an innocent bystander. Our country has changed before our eyes. Since the passage of the Patriot Act our government has accelerated its actions to interrogate, search, and control the innocent citizens of America. Our founding fathers warned against such actions and tried to protect us with the Bill of Rights. Only in America would we ignore history and readily give up Rights that were won with the blood of our ancestors.

Hang 'em

Hang ‘em (12/7/2011) Americans tend to bury their heads in the sand when it comes to government. Sadly a majority cannot name the Vice President, and certainly not the Secretary of State or the Speaker of the House. Thus, this is the reason for referring to “sheeple” or “zombies” to stereotype the average citizen. It seems the career politicians understand this and manipulate the masses for their own gain. The latest failure of the ruling-elite is to come up with budget cuts for the next ten years. The proposed method of manipulation to make this happen was so appalling every member of the House and Senate should be publicly hung for treason against the people. Over the last years, under Obama and prior to the Republicans winning the House majority, Congress has failed to submit a budget. This year with new leadership the Republican majority made a valiant attempt but was blocked by Democrats in the Senate from approving the budget. The new “super-committee” was created to break through the deadlock and find $1 trillion in cuts. What is more important to note was they were tasked with finding $1 trillion in savings over 10 years, starting in 2013. A simple task, right? $1 trillion over 10 years works out to $100 billion per year and the current budget is approximately $3.7 trillion in expenditures (outlays) and $2.6 trillion in revenues (incomes=taxes). A $100 billion cut per year is 2.7% of the total expenditures. Sadly, these ass-clowns running our country could not come to an agreement, but why should they? There are no consequences! Similarly, on November 18, 2011 Congress had a chance once again to demonstrate the interests of the country and the people were more important than their bipartisan bickering. Voting primarily along party lines the proposal for an amendment to the constitution failed to pass. Currently 49 states have some type of balanced budget amendment. Interestingly, the federal government has only balanced the budget six times in the last 50 years, four times while Bill Clinton was president. It is easy to ignore the actions of Congress as most people yawn over politics and turn on a Sunday afternoon football game. However, this past week the Federal debt hit a post WW2 high of debt to GDP (Total Debt/Total GDP) equal to 99.5%. In the next two weeks that number will move to triple digits and will not stop increasing. Interest rates are artificially low and any crisis remotely similar to Europe will drive the cost of treasury bonds higher therefore adding to debt faster. At the same time an economic malaise engulfs the country and GDP based on the consumerism of the threatened American shopper is likely to remain relatively flat. Congress is the only entity to change the course of America right now and it must make tough decisions to rein in spending. Arguments are taking place over taxes, but spending is the first, and easiest, place to cut. For instance: foreign aid, arts, museums, the Department of Interior, Department of Education, Department of Energy, and closing military bases overseas. The ass-clowns running Congress want to ensure they have a luxurious lifestyle based on a taxpayer funded income and pension for life instead of making tough decisions best for future generations. I assert today’s Congress is committing treason as they have become the domestic enemies of our country by willfully and knowingly harming our credit rating, impairing national security through reckless spending, and stealing the wealth of future generations.

Zombieland

Zombieland (11/30/2011) Watching the news last week was absolutely predictable as there was much speculation about zombies appearing on Black Friday to consume meaningless merchandise from China. I am guessing most of the zombies have garages full of past Black Friday festivals, plastic junk hidden away under children’s beds and some may have storage units holding booties from years past. For several weeks the zombies have been fed hype regarding deals on computers, tablets, televisions, clothes, and a myriad of other unneeded items. Last week’s newspapers prepared the zombies so they could map their plans with war like precision. Over the last several years the retailers who feed the zombies have become more sophisticated by using the internet. This allows some zombies to continue feeding on traditional foods at home, Thanksgiving leftovers, and use their computer to kill merchandise with their credit cards and a few online clicks. These zombies feel they have an edge against everyone since they maintain the protection of their homes and can start shopping and killing deals in the digital fantasy world; oblivious to social interaction and breathing fresh air. Not only was the news an accomplice to the zombies, but the media was being fed by our own government. There were reports if the zombies did not consume enough merchandise then the great beast, “The Economy,” would not survive. It appears the annual ritual of zombies appearing on the day after Thanksgiving has become the signal for the life of the beast over the following year. The President himself helped by ensuring merchandise for his campaign was marked down 10% on Friday, giving zombies a new purchasing outlet As stores opened the zombies took to hurting each other: A 55-year-old Marston, N.C., woman zombie who had just finished Black Friday shopping for Christmas presents with her sister zombie and son at Wal-Mart in Myrtle Beach was shot in the foot during a robbery in a nearby parking lot; in Phoenix, AZ a brawl broke out in the video game aisle as zombies madly tore open packages like they contained the cure for cancer; at a Pittsburgh area mall where a hot deal on yoga pants had some women zombies fuming. “Literally, girls zombies were punching each other,” said shopper Liz Wentling, and “girls were literally shoving each other, moms were getting into it.” In Rome, NY zombies at a Wal-Mart injured two female zombies and a male zombie was arrested after fighting in the electronics department. In another incident, a woman zombie trying to improve her chance to buy cheap electronics at a Wal-Mart in a wealthy Los Angeles suburb spewed pepper spray on a crowd of zombies and 20 zombies suffered minor injuries, police said Friday. Black Friday’s ritual has become more prevalent over the last several years, especially as the Beast has been dying. Roosevelt was the first to try to control the zombies during the Great Depression by moving thanksgiving a week earlier to stretch the holiday shopping season in 1939. But it was not until Philadelphia newspapers used the phrase in 1966 did the zombies have a festival day called Black Friday. The mid-1990’s propelled the frenzy to headlines and in 2002 Black Friday officially became the biggest shopping day of the year. Last week approximately 134 million zombies left their caves to kill deals nationwide on Black Friday. As the zombies face the hangover of debt from consuming too much meaningless merchandise retailers were quick to celebrate “the best Black Friday in years.”

Small Town Newspaper

Small Town Newspaper (11/16/2011) Imagine a world where no newspaper exists. Very soon we may live in such a time. Most people treasure newspapers as milestones of current events. For example, in my possession I have framed front page issues of The Chicago Tribune from November 23 and 24, 1963 detailing Kennedy and Oswald's assassinations. History books show pictures of Truman holding The Chicago Tribune on November 3, 1948 announcing his defeat to Dewey. Since the printing press was invented by Gutenberg around 1440, people have used shared printing to record history and news and this the newspaper has been the most popular daily diary of our world. Today, historians scour pages of black and white text to create the synopsis that becomes our history books. However these summaries are swayed by opinion and filter critical details. The average person typically keeps newspapers clippings; I have copies of my high school athletic feats, graduation announcement and other personal milestones. Most of us save birth, death and wedding announcements. In each of these cases without a local newspaper there would be no record. As I paged through last week's paper I read about school children, Council meetings, local sports, and crime. Arguably information is captured digitally via the Web and television, but only the small town newspaper remains accessible to everyone. A March 22, 2009 Time magazine article reported on a Pew Media analysis focusing on the question, “what happens when a town loses its newspaper?” For small towns the consensus seems to be one of indifference other than the loss of primary news sources via the “ecosystem” of local journalism feeding other outlets because only a small town newspaper provides the depth and diversity of local news. Unfortunately, newspapers are closing at an amazing rate, hundreds per year from major cities to the smallest towns. The brick and mortar business model is giving way to a low-cost digital media that many assert will ultimately replace print. As you page through this week’s paper take an extra moment to scrutinize each page, looking for particulars normally passed. For instance, read the crime blotter and note the detail forever saved to the historical record. Around the local section imagine looking back 50 years from now through an archive at the photos and current events of the day. While reading the editorial page’s letters and opinions picture future school children doing research on “The Great Recession” and compiling future history books from the non-digital account of today’s woe. I argue newspapers will always have a place in our world and remain the only reliable method to record history and present opinion. Support for our papers must start via circulation and supporting the advertisers. Patronize the businesses you see in print and let them know it was printed media dollars that brought you to their establishment. Let your editor know how columns impact you and take every opportunity available to contribute editorial content.

Live Life Like You’re Dying

Live Life Like You’re Dying (11/9/2011) Too many people put off until tomorrow the things they want to do today. Personally, I am a goal oriented person and manage my life with short-term and long-term objectives. For example, with the change of seasons in north Georgia I am very conscious regarding preparations for winter: cutting and splitting wood, testing space heaters, and making sure outdoor water pipes are winterized. Easy examples, but yet also easy to put off until a storm like the one that hit the northeast is upon you. Recently my wife and I have been watching the television show “24” from its beginning. In the second season the character George Mason is poisoned by radioactive material and knows he will die within the next seven days. Although he does not know specifically whether he will live days or a week, he begins making amends with his estranged son. Of course, this is fiction, but somberly reminds me life can change instantly. This past weekend two men were killed in a plane crash outside Williston, Florida. I knew one of the men, Mike Fuller, and planned to meet with him next week. In an instant, his life ended tragically. Movies like, The Bucket List, Eat Love Pray, or Soul Surfer win our hearts in the theater due the common theme of perseverance against formidable odds. In each case a goal is set, and a plan executed to ultimately triumph over personal tragedy or dreams. I am follower of James Altucher’s blog, “JamesAltucher.com” and last week he wrote a column titled, “The #1 Most Effective Habit” that articulated the same points I want to make. First among them is being proactive. Too often I meet people who tell me they want to travel, write a book, or even learn to fly, but all succumb to excuses and the “naysayers.” Altucher challenges his readers to start by making a list, eliminate the “bad people” and most importantly just get started. Over the last three weeks I have published a book, Clearly Ambiguous, hiked Yonah Mountain, and had a weekend away with my wife. None of the above is significant, but like the life goals in The Bucket List they incrementally take me to a better place in my life. Over the same three weeks I met a young man who hiked the Appalachian Trail last year and I read an article about 17 year-old Taylor De Lay who circumnavigated a homebuilt aircraft around the United States. I am guessing during the same three weeks many people did nothing, going to work, watching television, and griping about their misery. However, anyone can make a change in their own life. So my question is, “what would you do differently today if you knew you were going to die in the next week or month?” My follow up question is obvious, “since you know you will die (someday – we all will die), why aren’t you living your life like your dying?”

I call Bullsh-t

I call Bullsh-t (11/2/2011) It is disappointing to see the criticism emerging around the Herman Cain presidential candidacy. The irony spewed forth by the media is appalling and I call bullsh-t on this issue. For whatever reason there is a generally accepted media opinion of republicans as racist. The election of Barak Obama was a historic moment for America, the first non-white elected to office. There will be many other firsts to the presidency in the future, this is just the start. In 2008 accusations flew that conservatives were anti-Obama because he was black. The problem then became one of questioning any comments, statements, or plans by candidate Obama as being made by a racist, not by a person of differing opinions. Conservatives were shut-down and ultimately afraid to speak their mind regarding the questionable path down which President Obama wanted to take America. Fast forward three years and conservatives are again targeted by the liberal media bias as racist. Ironically, conservatives are now racists because many support a black man running for president. Herman Cain is a capable businessman with more experience and personal successes than Barak Obama. Instead of organizing communities he ran the Federal Reserve of Kansas City and one of the largest food retailers in the country. His 1994 debate against President Clinton over healthcare reform highlighted his capabilities as a knowledgeable man regarding issues. Personally, I have enjoyed Cain’s conservative radio show and never questioned his race as a factor regarding his views. Over the last three weeks MSNBC has been at the front of the hypocrisy regarding these issues. On October 14, Ed Shultz, host of the “Ed Shultz Show” commented, "You think about white Republicans who don't like black folks," Schultz explained. "It's almost as if this guy is trying to warm up to them and tell them what they want to hear." Last week On Martin Bashir's television program, Democratic strategist and MSNBC analyst Karen Finney said that Republicans are supporting Herman Cain because of his race. It appears in America to not be racist one has to be a democrat. It also appears even if you are black, you can be racist if questioning the education gaps and the possibility some fault lies personally with people. For my entire life democrats have successfully pandered to minorities in our country under the guise the only solution is through government to increase personal well-being. Most businessmen and Herman Cain too, will argue that success comes from individual achievement, not government charity. I do not want to be part of the government plantation and argue my support of Herman Cain does not make me racist. To MSNBC and the liberal media I call bullsh-t.

Good Job Mr. President (10/26/2011) President Obama surprised the press, Americans, and in one case, the world, with two major announcements in the last week. I give him kudos for the leadership he exhibited and the specificity of what he put forth. Unlike past political grandstanding, the announcements to withdraw troops and help homeowners with mortgage renegotiation were made without politicking and driven by what was best for others, not his political future. I believe if he can continue to be effective like this his poll numbers will rise and re-election may be possible. The announcement Monday to help homeowners unable to finance surprised everyone as the President made his way around Las Vegas. Initial reports showed a walk down a typical suburban street with expectations minimized due to the campaign-like presentation. However, by executive order the president bypassed congress and the new rules will take effect. On the surface they appear positive – underwater homeowners who are current on their mortgage may refinance. Underlying this is the risk associated with these loans has been transferred from the homeowner and bank to the taxpayer. But, where the homeowner remains, makes payments, and there is no default I consider this a win for all three parties. On Thursday President Obama announced all U.S. troops would leave Iraq by year-end, ending the most politically questioned war ever. With this decision a campaign promise was filled. Most Americans tuned out to this war long ago and with more than one trillion dollars spent overseas the real question is “why?” Long ago U.S. presidents learned meddling in Middle-East affairs comes at great expense, both political and through actual blood-shed. This decision is one of President Obama’s highest achievements. It must be foot-noted though, the decision was less a choice by President Obama but more than implementation of a consequence set forth by President Bush and Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki in December 2008 as part of the Strategic Framework Agreement. I have criticized the President many times over the last nearly three years for “missed opportunities,” leadership opportunities that were easy to implement but overshadowed by politics. When working for the good of the people and with less personal interest all politicians succeed and survive. The decisions made this week may have unintended consequences which only history will reflect, but their intent and immediate impact is important. Good job Mr. President, you deserve our appreciation this week.

War! What is it Good For?

War! What is it Good For? (10/19/2011) I have been traveling lately so my ability to tune to the news has been limited. However, it appears the United States is currently in the process of creating another “Gulf of Tonkin” event to justify an attack on a sovereign nation. It is hard for me to believe I would make such an accusation, but history repeats itself and desperate politicians will do anything to maintain their power. Let’s take a quick look at the facts. First, President Obama continues to slide week after week in the public opinion polls. His own party is currently turning against him and with regularity Hilary Clinton’s name is floated, via trial balloons, as a possible nominee or Biden replacement. This is a President, and party, who cannot accept the downward slide and has been working toward re-election, not governance, since January 2009. Second, the administration has lost control of several stories and will use diversions to deflect the outcome – a classic maneuver confirmed by Hollywood in the movie “Wag the Dog.” Today the administration is being investigated for two significant, impeachable events: “Fast and Furious” and “Solyandra.” The diversion playbook is far easier to play from than truthful acceptance of responsibility. Third, questions are currently rising around the alleged plot to kill the Saudi envoy to Washington. Additionally, the world does not recognize the right of the sovereign nation of Iran, a former war ally, to build its own nuclear program. Senator Diane Feinstein over the weekend affirmed her own skepticism regarding the plot by the Mexican used-car dealer to assassinate the Saudi; however she feels after her intelligence briefing there is a case. She did continue to comment this is not the time for war with Iran and America appears to be on an unavoidable collision course. Personally, I believe Ahmadinejad to be a ruthless dictator who should not possess nuclear weapons. However, we must draw a line and avoid a possible fifth war (Iraq, Afghanistan, Yemen, and Libya) as an attack on Iran has the potential to escalate to a nuclear event. President Obama has assured the world Iran would face the “toughest possible sanctions” for its part in the assassination plot. I suggest if there were no personal gain for his administration the President would back-channel his responses and leave pleas for public opinion out of the spotlight; quiet and decisive action is more effective than loud self-serving posturing. “War! What is it good for? Absolutely nothin’!” – Norman Whitfield.

I love Corporate Jet Owners

I love Corporate Jet Owners (10/12/2011) Our president loves to talk about “fat-cats”, “the rich”, and “millionaires and billionaires” as he makes a case for the malaise in which we find ourselves. The parallelisms to Carter’s same pleas with America in 1979 are eerily similar, especially knowing such criticisms and populist arguments drove the economy further away from recovery. One of President Obama’s specific criticisms targets corporate jet owners and it is with this I must take exception. If driven by jealousy and envy it might seem appropriate to target those rich guys flying around in their jets, but personally my family and I depend on corporate jet owners to pay our bills. Where the president misses the mark is he believes the government through Keynesian economics is best suited to transfer wealth and create economic growth, whereas I feel corporate jet owners are better suited. For instance, a jet must first be built and this is accomplished at plants like Gulfstream in Savannah, GA where 5,500 at all skill levels are employed. Additionally the supply chain, maintenance or even the multiplier effect of employees spending money locally all come from the purchase of corporate jets. Once in the air the jets must be fueled, maintained, and managed. A hangar with a staff of three to five is typical and two pilots are needed. Thus, the “evil” corporate jet owner directly employs people to take care of his aircraft paying at least $350,000 in total salaries and the appropriate taxes. Further economic stimulus results from the hangar rent and property taxes. Operating the aircraft requires fuel; a truck driver delivers the fuel and companies sell the fuel to the corporate jet owner. Additionally, every gallon typically collects $0.244 in Federal Excise Tax, $0.05-$0.20 in state and local taxes, and another $0.10 in miscellaneous taxes. A corporate jet owner will consume 50k-200k gallons of fuel annually, generating tens of thousands of dollars in tax revenues. Each time the aircraft lands at an airport’s FBO (Fixed Base Operator) employees keep their job by servicing and fueling the aircraft, like an old-fashioned service station. It is easy to be envious and jealous of those who have more, especially when you have never held a job or worked to start a company like our president, but under examination a different view comes to light; like a car a corporate jet is a tool to do business, to travel faster and more conveniently. In 2005 General Aviation contributed $150 billion to the economy, employed 1,250,000 million people and generated $53 billion in wages. As America’s single biggest corporate jet user, via the taxpayer’s pocketbook of Air Force One, I wish President Obama would rethink his populist arguments against corporate jet owners.

All Lots $79,900

All Lots $79,900 (10/5/2011) Driving to Gainesville (GA) one morning last week I passed a partially developed neighborhood with an enormous sign advertising, “All Lots $79,900 – Financing Available.” I laughed as I looked at the subdivision: empty lots next to “McMansions” displaying overgrown weeds, and electrical boxes and sewer pipes growing out of the ground like trees. The eyesore of the undeveloped properties is obvious and a developer's dream is awash in a failed economy. During the boom I was always troubled by such subdivisions; worthless land with infrastructure added and lots sold like South Florida swampland. Exorbitant prices were supported by the banking Ponzi scheme. How come no one every asked why a piece of dirt was nearly $350,000 per acre I wondered? Farmland returns value and is the reason people homesteaded. However since the first post-WWII subdivisions in Levitown Americans have succumbed to a delusion of home ownership as a measure of success. Imagery fuels this desire as Hollywood's settings range from Beverly Hills and Orange County to Chicago's North Lakeside Drive or beachfront on any shoreline. The middle class believes homes should be large and spacious when the affordable reality is quite opposite. Maybe the "Real Housewives..." should be set in a Toll Brothers or KB Homes three bedroom house in Orange County, Florida to generate a realistic picture of middle class life. In that show Mom and Dad would both work 50 hours per week and good times are replaced with conversations of budgets and staying afloat. The media continues to find false hope week after week of real estate market bottoms or economic turnaround. Housing starts are the lowest in recorded history, and loans to purchase a home are unattainable. The biggest criminals have been exonerated by "too big to fail" and continue to profit, and taxpayers now hold one-third of foreclosed properties. Instead of reporting on "Obamavilles" and digital soup lines of 45 million food stamp recipients a National Association of Realtors monthly press release reporting "pricing bottom reached" is promoted as gospel to only be contradicted the following month. The dreams remain alive for a life now gone; large houses, jet skis, and oversized trucks, but signs for $79,900 lots still fly. As businesses shutter, mayhem by youthful mobs continues, prices rise and wages stagnant I hope reality will set in. Across the country there are families living the dream in brand new, overpriced homes looking at the overgrown remnants of lost subdivisions and lost dreams. Someday soon the sign will promote the real value, "All Lots - Worthless."

School Taxes

School Taxes (9/28/2011) My first attempt at this week’s column rubbed some folks the wrong way so I made an effort to tone down the rhetoric. I was inspired to write about senior citizens and a feeling of entitlement over a recent property tax issue. My concern is one group working to exempt themselves from a tax at the expense of those who cannot vote: school children. With surprise, at the gym last week I saw a petition on the table for signing. The petition was to create a ballot initiative to exempt anyone aged 65 and older from the school portion of their property taxes. Sure, on the surface an argument to say, “I do not have school age children so I therefore should not pay school taxes,” appears valid. However, the fallacy in the argument is it can be applied throughout the entire tax code. Many taxes are “use” taxes: fishing license, state park fees, and even fuel taxes collected to pay for roads. Our society has agreed most other taxes are for the greater good. Researching my “refreshed” version of this column I found a Facebook page and many web sites for Seniors not paying taxes. Sadly, the consistency in the comments was one of entitlement, “I have paid enough in taxes,” or my favorite, “don’t we deserve a little break in our golden years.” I am appalled! I see supporting schools as investments in our future. Without an educated and skilled youth our country will continue to degenerate. The savings to her are minimal, but the impact of the entire group is substantial; millions of lost revenue per year. Personally I hate taxes and would seek to reduce any tax I pay, but I have long offered there are some necessary costs to live in a civilized society: defense, infrastructure, education, and minimal social safety nets. Our society is changing rapidly. There are far more takers of the social security system than ever anticipated and the system cannot persist. The number of retired citizens is higher and as property owners their school property taxes are an investment in our future, and their own future. Within the next twenty years most of today’s seniors will be covered in dirt, but their legacy will live as their grandchildren work to pay the debt they created.

9-11

9-11 (9/21/2011) I planned to write this column about three weeks ago, feeling it would be prophetic. However, due to personal time constraints I did not have a chance to get pen to paper until this past weekend. By then my worst fears were materializing; the media created frenzy around “potential threats.” One must understand the premise of false terror and political needs to keep feeding the “monster”. George Orwell explains this in 1984 as Emmanuel Goldstein; America’s Goldstein is Al-Qaeda. My heart goes out to all families who lost loved ones on September 11, 2001. Likewise, my heart goes out to the other losses in the same year and annually since then. Statistics make a case for where real threats lie, not the hype pushed at us every evening and in newspapers. On September 11th there were 3,116 Americans killed in the four airliner incidents. The Department of Homeland Security did not exist, and we were not at war in Iraq or Afghanistan. By comparison in 2001 there were 17,448 alcohol related fatalities and 42,116 total traffic fatalities – more than ten times the number killed the morning of 9/11. In 2001 there were 16,037 murders and 90,863 rapes. The numbers show far more people were killed in 2001 by preventable causes than the significant events of that morning. However, like any tragedy the knee-jerk reaction was to mobilize the U.S. military to capture Saddam Hussein and Osama Bin Laden. History reflects Saddam had nothing to do with the attacks and it took nearly ten years to flush Bin Laden out of a luxury home in Pakistan. Meanwhile twice as many military personnel have been killed as the number of deaths that morning and an unstoppable monster called “Department of Homeland Security” now employs 200,000 and has a budget of $98 billion dollars. Sadly, even with this monumental effort to fight the “war on terrorism” preventable deaths occur and the civil rights of ordinary Americans are violated daily as collateral damage to the Patriot Act and DHS overreaching tactics to ensure safety. I grew up in the Cold War, believing a nuclear winter would start in 20 minutes; similarly our children are growing up in a government induced façade of terrorism occurring any minute. Willfully new generations have learned to submit to security scans at public events, show papers, and give away freedoms. On the twentieth anniversary of 9/11, ten years from now, will we be living a pre-9/11 lifestyle or one of further submission? The next time you see law enforcement violating any American’s 4th Amendment Rights – executing searches of vehicles, bags, and even identification – ask yourself what the real threat is: government or foreign terrorists.