Following is an article by Jeff Austin.

What if? Two words that begin a multitude of questions; some exciting and positive, some full of stagnation and fear and limitations on the human spirit. We run into the byproduct of “What If” almost daily, most of us oblivious (continue reading…)

Most of my adult life, I have heard about the plans for the bypass of the Shelby, NC bypass. I’ve never been sure what to call a bypass’ bypass, and have never really understood the purpose of it.

We’re told that the bypass of the bypass will benefit Cleveland County economically, and I have no doubt that it would bring increased (continue reading…)

Following is the Chairman’s report to the Cleveland County Republican Convention on Saturday March 12, 2011. The bulk of the comments differentiate the role of a party officer from that of an activist. This clarification is important, given the District Chairman’s support of a Democrat candidate over a qualified Republican candidate in the 2010 elections, and the subsequent damage done to the local party. As you will read in the postscript, damage to the party continues.

“We began 2010 with several goals. While we did not accomplish our entire mission, none could say that 2010 was not a successful year for the Cleveland County GOP.

“Due to your efforts, and that of others, Senator Burr and Representative Moore (continue reading…)

Scheduled this week in Cleveland County was the first of a series of public discussions on a plan to save the taxpayers of the county 63% of the cost of each election, which can be as much as $100,000 in some years. In addition to the savings to the taxpayers, the plan would increase the integrity of the elections process and reduce potential confusion of where to vote. I have some questions about the plan, (continue reading…)

There are those in the world who touch our lives in a unique and special way; a way that impacts who we are and how we think. These are rare individuals who actually open our minds. They teach us how to think; they educate us about the realities of the world, and how to live in it. Occasionally they are friends, sometimes they are mentors, and often they are teachers. Sometimes, on very rare occasions, an individual fills all of these roles. (continue reading…)

The Star recently published a well written editorial “Cline’s goal, sadly, comes up dry.” A strong point was made that unfortunately, Cleveland County should walk away from the plan of a reservoir in the northern part of the county.

John was a visionary. He understood better than most (and before any) that Cleveland County could not grow and flourish without jobs; that jobs came from industry; and that industry would not come to Cleveland County without the (continue reading…)

Every day, I hear people discuss the need for change. Every poll that I have seen overwhelmingly suggests that the vast majority of people believe that we are on the wrong track. The President’s approval ratings are falling, though his popularity remains high; Congress’ is in the tank, and Governor Perdue has lost all credibility in North Carolina by continuing to argue for increased taxes in spite of her campaign statements.

Obama offered change, and by gosh, we got it. But it was not the change America thought it to be. So what is it the people of the nation and the state searching for? We The People seek (continue reading…)

Great review… http://www.moneyshow.com/investing/blog.asp?aid=Blog-17412

My mom gave me “Shrugged” for my 8th grade summer reading project. Granted, I only read part of it that year, but I’ve read it every year for the past decade. I gave the same copy to my son for his 8th grade reading project, a tradition worth passing along. “Shrugged” should be required reading in high school; Rand’s works are required for my political support.

For more information on Ayn Rand or Objectivism, see the links on FreeSnake or visit http://www.aynrand.org.

Following is adapted from an email currently circulating. It makes a good point…

Teaching Economics In 1950’s
A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is 4/5 of the price. What is his profit?

Teaching Economics in 1960’s
A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is 4/5 of the price, or $80. What is his profit?

Teaching Economics in 1970’s
A logger sells a (continue reading…)

The following words are compiled in reflection of our nation’s founding, to be read as an editorial, plagiarized from our history. None of the following words are mine.

Proclaim liberty throughout the land…¹that all men are by nature equally free and independent² America is another name for opportunity. Our whole history appears like a last effort of divine providence on behalf of the human race.³ How little do my countrymen know what precious blessings they are in possession of, and which no other people on earth enjoy! You will never know how much it has cost (continue reading…)