Are You A Libertarian?

I grew up in a very conservative home. In high school and early college I was staunchly Republican. At least I thought I was Republican. Looking back I believe I picked Republican because it was closer to my values then Democrat. Then I discovered Libertarianism. I found myself constantly agreeing with them. Not necessarily their implementation but definitely their ideals.

Are you a Libertarian? Here are some tools to help you answer that question.

And the quiz:

So are you a Libertarian?

On Taxes

Recently a friend of mine offered up this link. From the Tax Foundation it helps you calculate your tax burden. It also gives you the added benefit of seeing how the Obama tax proposal would effect your taxes. Surprisingly I would actually pay less under the Obama plan. But to me that is little consolation.

Currently the federal government takes 18% of my income. Add my state taxes and I pay around 21% To me that is outrageous. Especially when I see most government programs and agencies as bloated and poorly managed.

I prefer a simplification of the tax code. A flat tax for everyone. I guess that is why this blog from CSM appealed to me.

Enjoy.

Extend the Bush Tax Cuts? It's the wrong question.

The Power of the Ant

Mankind loves to marvel at their accomplishments. We glory in our own creations. But in reality we are not the only things on this earth capable of wonderful and marvelous creations. Just check what these ants got up too. Note: No ants were harmed in the making of this video.

Short Video Goodness

Just found some really amazing short videos. Courtesy of Whitestone Pictures. I have loved all that I watched but recommend "Lest We Forget" and "Heartless: The Story of the Tin Man" (embedded below). I love watching talented people do great work like this.

Enjoy!

Heartless: The Story of the Tin Man from Brandon McCormick on Vimeo.

Bronte Power

So I was going to publish a real nice long essay. Instead I ran into this gem and had to post it.

Marcee this ones for you!!

Motivation

As many of you know I am contemplating redirecting my life. That has lead to lots of lists and soul searching. The main issue I keep running up against is: Why do I dislike my current job? By truly understanding the underlying causes of my discontent I think I will be better equipped to not repeat the problem.

This video does a lot to help me clarify things. It is mostly about how people are motivated (hint it isn't money!).

Essentially my job has a lot of purpose, occasional autonomy but I have no desire to obtain mastery over it. So I need to find a direction that will combine purpose, autonomy and mastery. Too easy...?

Missionary Moment

Check out this video from TED. In it Julia Sweeny describes a first discussion with two Mormon missionaries. First 5 minutes can easily be skipped.

Analysis:

It is obvious that Ms. Sweeny did research on the history and doctrine of the LDS church for this talk. Most missionaries don't start out with a long and drawn out description of such mundane facts. They focus more on the spiritual questions. Like the first question she discusses (and then comes back to). She is delveing into details for comedic effect--I get that.

I found her reaction to the first question a classic example of "when they are learned they think they are wise". Instead of addressing the question she pontificates (internally at least) about genderizing and anthropomorphizing God. It is only at the end of the video that she comes back to the real issues behind her reaction to the question. But interestingly she doesn't really resolve anything just leaves us hanging. Which, to me, says more about her own faith then anything else.