lance cashion: remote control

Threats to America: TSA, Terrorism, Cancer & I Opt Out?

(photo from good.is)
Dr. Josh Axe is an acquaintance of mine who I met at a conference last November. He has a great blog about health, fitness along with several other interesting topics. You should check out Dr. Axe's site.

In any event, he posted a great piece on his blog today that addressed the dangers of the TSA's new body scanners that have caused quite a ruckus as of late.Dr. Axe provides relevant and important information that every American should know in reagrd to these scanners and the risks involved. Here is a link to his post:

“I Opt Out:” What You Must Know About New Airport Backscatter Scanners -Dr. Axe

I responded with a further examination of the risks of the "enhanced" pat-down (body search) procedures by TSA personnel. What does "I Opt Out" really mean for me and my children? Below is my response.

Josh, thanks for posting informative and relevant information in regard to new TSA procedures.

As I have voiced my concern over the physical safety of the scanners and the pit-falls of “enhanced pat down” procedures. I think most reasonable people agree that safety is very important in regard to flying. We must weigh the real costs.

However, as you pointed out, there are long term health risks involved with undergoing a body scan. It comes down to risk ratios/probabilities.

Do I want to risk dying in a terrorist event? (odds 1 in 25 million)

Or, Do I want to risk developing cancer? (odds 1 in 2.4)

Both are pretty grim. Let’s take a look at the risks involved with ‘enhanced’ pat-downs. Obviously, there is a psychological side to this practice.

Can this procedure cause permanent harm to children?

By allowing a small child to undergo a invasive pat-down by a stranger (where their genitals may be handled), we are sanctioning this behavior in the eyes of our children. As adults we ‘get it’ but in the fragile mind of a child, this event can be traumatic and confusing.

I love my son (18 months old) and I like to travel.

Do I risk him dying in a terrorist attack?

Do I risk him dying of cancer?

Do I risk him suffering psychological harm?

These are tough questions people must ask. Due to the political correctness of our society, we are putting our population at great risk. Since we cannot profile would-be terrorists because it may offend someone or some group, we profile for objects that ‘may’ be used as weapons. This is fool-hardy.

The Israelis profile for humans who may be terrorists. I submit, by undergoing the scans and pat-downs, we are being conditioned to accept this as ‘normal’. This is not healthy for America.

Thanks and Happy Thanksgiving!

Lance Cashion

Perhaps I Opt Out of traveling with my children via commercical airlines.

What do you think about this?

Debate 101: Defense vs Deflection (in American Politics)

Today I'm going to discuss some debate basics.  You wish to make a statement (going on the offensive). 

Example: I believe PPACA (Obamacare) is a bad piece of legislation or Kathleen Sebebius is trying to intimidate private insurers.

First, we DO NOT attack the person.  We attack behavior, outcomes, actions, philosophy, and ideas.  There is a proper logical way to debate that garners respect and causes people to think, and an improper way that is negative, hurtful and makes you (and your cause) look foolish.  Many times, when you make statements that attack or question laws, ideals or philosophy, instead of getting a robust defense from your opponent, you are met with a deflection.  Often times, this goes unnoticed and you end up going down the road of defending a non-sequitur.  Meanwhile, your opponent has gone on the offensive.  I would like to point out that this is a tactic widely used by the Left (Liberals).  You must recognize it as a 'tactic'. Once you recognize it, you can call it out and defeat it. (simply)  Do this gently, as most who use this tactic don't realize it's a tactic (albeit easliy defeated).  Plus, by respecting your opponent, you keep your friendship in tact or build a new relationship.  I've won great friends though respectful debate.  I may not agree with them, but who wants to be surrounded by people you agree with all the time?  Boring!  Let's talk about deflection and keep in mind it is NOT a defense in debate.  Here's what it looks like...

Example:

YOU: I believe PPACA (Obamacare) is a bad piece of legislation and here is why (provide evidence to support your statement)

Opponent (reply): Tell me what Bush actually accomplished in 8 years? (Defelction)

See what happened? Let's unpack it;

Your opponent accomplishes two goals by deflecting (if you fall for it);

1. Your opponent avoids making a defense based on your initial statement or assertion. 

2. Your opponent places the burden on you to defend a position you did not take in the first place. 

It's called a deflection.  It draws the focus away from your original statement where your opponent is unable or unwilling to make a defense.

There are ways to avoid this.  First, before you make an assertion/statement, make sure you have evidence to support it.  Second, check your pulse. Make sure you are not emoting (this will backfire).  Third, if the opposition is going to engage, they must defend. Don't get sucked in by a question (the opponent must defend or choose not to engage).  Finally, when your opponent engages in the discussion, make sure you keep the focus on your original statement (provide evidence or re-state your position).

You must be aware at all times.  Logic wins in the end.  Think things through and when things get heated (emotional), call it out and re-focus on your original statement. Keep an eye out for emotionally charged words and statements like (racist, you hate puppies and kittens, etc).  When I see these tactics deployed, I know I have my opponent on an 8 count.  Their defeat is immanent.

Observation, logic and tact are not passive.  You must actively employ them in discussion.  Don't get thrown off course with a awry statement or deflection.

Be gentle in delivery. 

Do you debate?

Thanks

Lance Cashion

Defeat 'Them' on Nov 2nd

 

Remember January 3rd 2007: The Day Liberals Took Over

Look around an remember who got us here.  WE DID.  Each of us must take responsibility for allowing this to happen in our country.  The blame belongs on us.  Remember, this was the beginning of an era for Nancy Pelosi, Barney Frank, and Chris Dodd.  Have a look into Fannie Mae and Freddy Mac.  Follow the money.  See how these clowns enriched themselves, their political alies and began destroying a nation.

 

From Wikipedia:

The One Hundred Tenth United States Congress was the meeting of the legislative branch of the United States federal government, between January 3, 2007, and January 3, 2009, during the last two years of the second term of President George W. Bush. It was composed of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The apportionment of seats in the House was based on the 2000 U.S. census.

The Democratic Party controlled a majority in both chambers for the first time since the end of the 103rd Congress in 1995. Although the Democrats held fewer than 50 Senate seats, they had an operational majority because the two independent senators caucused with the Democrats for organizational purposes. No Democratic-held seats had fallen to the Republican Party in the 2006 elections. Democrat Nancy Pelosi became the first woman Speaker of the House. (link)

Soon, the realization that regardless of 'who' was president, they could not stand a chance against this mob of loons. 

The consequences of actions of these legislative bodies can be measured.  Outcomes do not lie. 

Have a look at donors and industries for our 'elected' representatives. http://www.opensecrets.org/politicians/index.php

Look around at our nation's situation.  THIS is what happens when the electorate fails to engage the political process. 

Get moving America!

Lance Cashion

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Entitlements: Can America avoid bondage?

Read the statement below

“A democracy cannot exist as a permanent form of government. It can only exist until the voters discover that they can vote themselves largesse from the public treasury. From that moment on, the majority always votes for the candidates promising the most benefits from the public treasury with the result that a democracy always collapses over loose fiscal policy, always followed by a dictatorship. The average age of the world's greatest civilizations has been 200 years.

Great nations rise and fall. The people go from bondage to spiritual truth, to great courage, from courage to liberty, from liberty to abundance, from abundance to selfishness, from selfishness to complacency, from complacency to apathy, from apathy to dependence, from dependence back again to bondage”. -Alexander Tytler

I submit that the American voters must elect representatives who will dismantle the huge, unsustainable entitlement programs that have entrenched themselves.

This is not a Macro-movement. It begins in American homes around the country. It begins with a decision to aggressively engage the American election process. This is a modern American Revolution.

What are you waiting for?

Thanks

Lance

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Do You Mind if We Move in with Your Family?

Dear Joe T. Payer,

I wanted to let you know that while you and your wife were at work and your children were at school today, my family and I moved into your house. It is absolutely beautiful! I am joined by my wife, our two children and my cousin. I have some wonderful news.; We’re expecting! The baby is due next week! We’re so excited to be living with you. We apologize that we DID NOT ask permission. However, my uncle and his family who are living with your neighbors told us that your permission was unnecessary.

As you may or may not be aware. The law requires you do the following for our family while we live with you.

1. Pay for the healthcare of my family
2. Pay for the education of my family
3. Pay for the delivery of my son next week
4. Pay for the healthcare, food, education, etc for my baby son
5. Pay us $475.00 per month while we live with you
*BTW, I’m not required to pay you a dime while we live with you*

Thanks and see you when you get home this evening…. Please bring some sandwiches and beer for dinner!

Sincerely,
L. Breaker

How would you like it if my family moved in to your home, without an invitation?

How long could you withstand this financial burden? A year? Two?

Think about it and let me know your thoughts below.

Lance Cashion
Ps. Great NY Post article here