Where do Our Rights Come From?

I came across this video today and thought it was well worth posting.  Judge Andrew Napolitano makes some important points to consider. 

Mediocrity Reigns

It's getting more and more difficult to watch the proceedings in our nation's capital.  What seems to be taking front and center stage are deceit, outright lies, immaturity and mediocrity.  There was a time when the title "Senator" or "Representative" commanded respect.  Sadly, it now engenders distrust or outright contempt in many, and rightfully so.  The best and brightest in our society seem to avoid entering political life. 

I fear that Congress is a microcosm of our society.  Whatever happened to civility?  Where did the pursuit of excellence go?  Why do so many people refuse to take responsibility for their behavior?  Too many people have begun to accept mediocrity in their daily lives.  We settle for poor service in businesses, we do just enough to get by, we don't demand that our children behave or perform well.  Is it any wonder that our congressional representatives often behave badly?  They are simply a reflection of we, the people. 

We would all do well to take a critical look at our own words and actions.  There is an abundance of hatred and vitriol on both sides (I happen to believe it's worse on the left than the right).  Hopefully, we as conservatives can take stock, strive for excellence in our personal lives, and not sink to the level to which too many have fallen. 

Narcissistic Pride?

Obama still has not taken action on Afghanistan.  There's been speculation that he doesn't want to anger the far left of his party or that sending more troops to Afghanistan will prevent passage of health care "reform".  

There may be another reason, one that I haven't heard floated in the various media.  Obama was against the surge in Iraq and, to my knowledge, he has never admitted that it did indeed work.  If he were to send a surge of troops to Afghanistan, would this not be a de facto admission that the surge in Iraq worked, something he is loathe to admit? 

Whatever the reason, it's absolutely morally depraved to be playing politics with the lives of our brave soldiers.  Is Obama ever going to step up to the plate and be a president, or will he spend four years being the perpetual candidate? 

Pimp My Peace Prize

So, Barack Hussein Obama has won the Nobel Peace Prize?  In recent years, the Nobel Peace Prize has been so highly politicized and devalued that it's virtually worthless.  For heaven's sake - it's even been awarded to Al Gore!

There is no real peace in the world right now.  North Korea continues to rattle its sabers, Iran continues to defy and threaten the world, the struggle intensifies in Afghanistan, etc., etc., etc. 

I have a novel idea:  why not award prizes for actual achievements and not just for effort and intent.  What a concept!

Senator Admits He Won't Read Healthcare Bill

Senator Tom Carper, Democrat from Delaware, has admitted he probably won't read the "arcane" language of the healthcare bill. 

Apparently, these bills start out in committee being written in "plain English".  Somewhere along the way, as it's being written into the legislation, it acquires language that is too difficult for the average person to comprehend.

Senators and representatives don't seem to be more intelligent than average Americans (in some instances, they're obviously less intelligent).  Shouldn't legislation be written in a way that can be understood by the majority of people? 

Just think for a moment:  Congress is poised to pass legislation that has the potential to further devastate our economy and increase governmental control over our lives.  It is the height of irresponsibility to vote on this without knowing what is actually in the legislation.  Could it be that they don't want us to know what's in it? 

What am I missing here?  What do you think?