Saxey.net

Quoty WordPress Plugin

Jeremy — Wed, 26 May 2010 09:51:13 +0000

So, I’m developing my first WordPress plugin. It’s simply called “Quoty” because it brings in quotes from the site http://quoty.org. Once you install and activate the plugin you will be able to configure it to pull a random quote from the site http://quoty.org based on usernames or tag names, and display it on your blog.

For version 1.0, I plan to have the following features:

Admin interface to specify which username or which tag name to use
Provide a template tag for inserting quotes into blog’s theme
Have an example of the resulting random quote on the admin configuration screen

After the initial release of the plugin I plan to add the following additional features:

Ability to display quote with a widget
Ability to add multiple usernames or tag names to get a quote from
Improve admin interface using ajax for adding/deleting authors/tag names
Option to set max char length of quote
Add button into toolbar (tiny mce) to make adding a quote into a post or page simple
Possibility of specifying quotes by username AND tagname (don’t think it’s possible with current soap api functionality of quoty.org)

I hope to release the initial version very soon (I’m contemplating “widgetizing” the plugin for the initial release since I think it’s pretty necessary for most non-techies). Hopefully I can get some good user feedback to improve the plugin beyond what I already have planned.

More Fascism In Healthcare

Jeremy — Tue, 11 May 2010 04:00:28 +0000

Mussolini, the fascist dictator of Italy, once defined Fascism as the merger of corporate and government power. In many industries in America, that is what we currently have (e.g. the banking industry, military industrial complex, healthcare / pharmaceutical). While this dynamic has steadily eroded the quality of services for consumers and benefited the corporations, politicians continually place blame on the private sector and “capitalism”. So they further intervene into the free market in the name of protecting consumers, which ends up benefiting the corporations even more and reduces the quality of goods and services even more for consumers, and then they once again place blame on the corporations themselves and sell the American people on more government intervention, and so on and so forth.

Understanding this process, it’s sad and yet comical to watch politicians demonize particular industries on the one hand, and then turn around and pass legislation that greatly benefits the most powerful players within that industry.

C4L’s Kevin Brett recently interviewed columnist and author Tim Carney on how the health care bill empowers the drug and insurance industries, why Barack Obama is not the foe of the special interests he’s believed to be, and what effect the legislation will have on our health care down the road.

While many, especially on the right, are quick to criticize this healthcare bill, saying it brings us closer to socialized medicine (which it will), don’t think for a moment that this is a Democratic healthcare bill that the left invented with their socialistic way of thinking. This bill is actually a bill that originally came from the right, thought up by the folks at the think-tank organization the Heritage Foundation. It was a response back in the 90s to Bill Clinton’s healthcare proposals of the time that never materialized. In fact, it is the model implemented in the state of Massachusetts by Governor Mitt Romney, a republican. The healthcare industry themselves brought up this proposal again about a year ago, but now it finally got through with Obamacare. If this exact bill had come from George Bush, I bet most republicans in congress and many Americans would have supported it that didn’t this time, simply because it came from a Democrat. It’s amazing how many get caught up in partisan politics and don’t take the time to see a bill for what it truly is.

Photos of Maui, Hawaii Trip 2010

Jeremy — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 03:46:11 +0000

In January Rhiannon and I went on vacation to Maui, Hawaii for a week. We went with her mother and grandmother. It was a great trip and we had a lot of fun on our excursions, which included snorkeling, zip-lining, whale watching, helicopter tour, Road to Hana and more.

Here are the some of the photos from the trip:

Maui, HI 2010

A Message About Mike Lee For Senate (Utah)

Jeremy — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 04:34:19 +0000

I received this email newsletter a few weeks ago by someone I admire and have linked to many times on this site. He lives in Utah and sent this email about a candidate for Senate running in Utah named Mike Lee. I’ve looked into Mike a little and don’t have any disagreements with the email sent to me so I am going to post the email here for your reading. One of the major ways in which we can stand up for our freedoms is to elect those to office that understand the Constitution and will uphold it. Our government is increasingly out of control and we desperately need to reign it back in by putting principled individuals into Congress that will fight against the despotic policies being pushed upon us.

Here’s the email:

Please dedicate a few minutes to this email and consider its message — yes, even if you don’t live in Utah.

As the Obamanation continues to erode the foundations of liberty — a work that has been consistently ongoing for decades — concerned Americans are, thankfully, waking up. Not all, and not even a majority — but a select few who are hitting the books, hitting the streets, and hitting their head against the wall, wondering what to do.

Books and streets — education and action — are key elements of restoring the liberty we’ve lost. As I explained in one recent article, I believe that we both need to tear down corruption and build up principled structures of good government in its place.

And that’s why I’m supporting Mike Lee for the U.S. Senate in Utah.

More importantly, it’s why you should support Mike, too.

You see, the current Senator — up for re-election this fall — is an aged, establishment-loving domestic enemy to the Constitution. It is true that he’s Republican, Mormon, and has experience. So, what? This man has repeatedly voted against the Constitution — a document he has publicly stated was for “an agrarian society”, rejecting its application to our day. (This despite the fact that he’s thrice sworn to support and defend the document…)

Mike is one of four Republican challengers taking on Bennett. After looking into each, I feel strongly that Mike stands the best chance at unseating the incumbent, and will actually, you know, support and defend the Constitution. (Shocking, I know.. it’s almost hard to visualize.) Mike knows and understands the Constitution, is willing and ready to bind himself down by the limited powers conferred in Article I Section 8, and is the right person to bring debate and discussion of constitutional powers back to the Senate. I feel so strongly about supporting Mike — and taking down Bennett — that I have become closely involved in his campaign, spending what little free time I have (seriously, ask my wife) to make sure he wins.

That’s where you come in.

We’re an all-volunteer staff, passionate about what we’re doing. We have a good chance at placing a constitutionalist into the Senate — tearing down tyranny and building up liberty — and need your help.

First: education.

I don’t want you supporting Mike because I do. Take some time to read through the content on his website. Watch some video clips of him speaking. If you’re in Utah, come to one of his events. Educate yourself and see why I think Mike is the right man for the job.

Second: donation.

As I said, we’re a volunteer staff. We need money not for our mortgages and vacations, but for signs, literature, and other material to help show other people why they, too, should support Mike. This is especially relevant to those of you who don’t live in Utah — Mike might not become your Senator, but your donation can help bring him closer to becoming an advocate for the Constitution in the halls of the Senate. In that sense, he’ll be representing everybody who cherishes this document, regardless of where you live. Please consider donating as much as you can, whatever that amount might be. We realize that money is tight for many these days, but the fight for liberty is one of the most important causes in which we can be engaged. I’m reminded of this quote by John Quincy Adams:

Posterity–you will never know how much it has cost my generation to preserve your freedom. I hope you will make good use of it.

It cost many our founding generation their blood and sweat, their lives and livelihoods. What is it costing you? Please, please, make a small sacrifice and donate to fuel this campaign. Liberty is not yet dead, and I’m convinced that we can make a difference here in Utah (and the nation as a whole). But again, we need your help.

Third: action.

This campaign is being carried on the shoulders of hundreds of dedicated and passionate volunteers — patriots like myself who are sick of the status quo, sick of an anti-liberty incumbency, and ready to make a positive change. Will you join us? Please sign up at the website and tell us how you would like to help. Whatever your talents and interests are, we’d love to use them to move this campaign forward.

Fourth and finally: communication.

Forward this email. Write a blog post. Talk to your friends. Do whatever it takes to spread this message, rally others to the cause, and inspire those around you to get up and get involved. We’re already harnessing social media to make sure Mike’s message receives a large audience, but being successful requires that people like you hit that forward button and send this message to those who need to hear it.

If you’ve made it to the bottom, then what can I say… you must care about this country! Again, please get educated, make a donation, volunteer, and share this email and Mike’s website with others.

THANKS!

Connor

Lew Rockwell: The Misesian Vision

Jeremy — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 04:28:17 +0000

A few weeks ago there was a series of lectures given at a “Mises Circle” event titled, “The Failure of The Keynesian State.” There were various excellent lectures, but one that I particularly enjoyed was that of Lew Rockwell titled “The Misesian Vision.” He talks about the state of society and how the ideas of liberty and economic freedom are seen as unreachable and strange and how we don’t even recognize the totalitarian controls currently placed on society.

There is a short introduction by Mises President Doug French with the lecture starting at about 1:30 into the video. Lew Rockwell’s lecture ends around 26:30 and then there are closing remarks by Doug French again. I highly recommend this video (and the lectures of the whole series, especially Ron Paul’s and Tom Woods‘):

Ron Paul’s State Of The Republic Address

Jeremy — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 03:37:10 +0000

A few days before President Obama’s State of the Union Address, Ron Paul gave a “State of The Republic” address, which is quite different from what President Obama said. While Obama sounded more optimistic and is saying the same type of things the media is about our current economic situation, Ron Paul’s address was much more pessimistic. However, it’s not that Ron Paul is a pessimist and Obama is an optimist; it’s that each has a much different understanding (or lack thereof) of reality and what the consequences of government meddling in society does. If there’s any doubt about who has a more accurate outlook, we’d do well to remember the past record of the media and those who advise Obama in regards to their understanding of the present situation versus Ron Paul and others (see videos I posted here for a reminder).

At the end, Ron Paul outlines his 8 point plan to transition back to the principles this country was founded upon, so that we might become a free society again. How different his suggestions are than Obama’s and how great it would have been had he won the presidential election instead in 2008.

Here is Ron Paul’s 8 point plan:

Balance the budget by reducing spending
Change our foreign policy to that of non-intervention
A full audit and more supervision of the Federal Reserve leading to abolishing the Federal Reserve
Legalize competition to the Federal Reserve with competing currencies
Regain respect for civil liberties and privacy while reigning in the CIA
Wean ourselves off the dependence of wealth transfers by government
Abolish crony capitalism: no subsidies, no bailouts, no regulatory or tax privileges to protect the powerful elite, especially the military-industrial complex
Eliminate the income tax, inheritance tax and taxes on savings and dividends.

Here’s the actual address:

Click here to view the embedded video.

The Constitution and Freedom

Jeremy — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 04:25:57 +0000

Judge Andrew Napolitano recently did an excellent video series on Freedom Watch about The Constitution and Freedom. He gives a history of the founding documents and breaks the discussion into the following 5 parts:

Why the Constitution is the greatest political document ever written
Congress’ role under the Constitution
The President’s powers and roles under the Constitution
Role of the courts under the Constitution
Role of the states under the Constitution

Click here to view the embedded video.

Merry Christmas!

Jeremy — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 14:00:11 +0000

Merry Christmas Everyone! Thanks for all the cards and presents. Have a great holiday!

Here’s a short video by the church from this year’s Christmas Devotional about giving on Christmas:

Click here to view the embedded video.

I met Ron Paul!

Jeremy — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 21:39:24 +0000

I saw Ron Paul speak this morning at Arizona State University for the 1st Annual Campaign For Liberty State Convention. It was great to hear him speak in person and see the enthusiastic crowd cheering on freedom and truth. Here’s a video I took of his entrance to speak to those attending:

Click here to view the embedded video.

I also got to shake his hand and take a picture with him!

Ron Paul and Me 12-5-09

Ron Paul House Floor Federal Reserve Speech 12/1/09

Jeremy — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 01:00:50 +0000

I haven’t given any updates on the Audit the Fed bill lately, but it is going surprisingly well. There have been a few blatant attempts to stop or gut the bill of any substance by the establisment but they have failed. There has been so much grassroots support and pressure put on officials that the bill continues to advance towards approval. The Fed has hired a former Enron lobbyist, gotten Fed economists to publish news articles, and Ben Bernanke himself has written an op-ed Washington Post article, all trying to get congressmen and the public scared to audit the fed, threatening dire consequences of such actions.

Yesterday, Ron Paul set the record straight by stating the important facts on the economy and the Fed:

Click here to view the embedded video.

I’m going to see Ron Paul speak at ASU this Saturday!