US Navy No Longer Following Obama's Orders?

Watch and listen carefully to this recruiting commercial for the U.S. Navy:

The voiceover says he is sworn to defend the U.S. Constitution and "obey the orders of those appointed over me." It's no secret the Pentagon has been at odds with President Obama since his first inauguration day, but if you're a member of the armed forces then the Constitution requires you to follow the orders of the commander-in-chief, which, in our country, is a civilian called the president.

From this ad, one might infer that the Navy does not recognize the authority of the president, who is elected, and will only follow the orders of the Secretary of Defense, who is appointed.

We have had a president for six years who ran on an anti-war platform yet he has started and escalated war after war and caused the suffering and death of thousands upon thousands all over the world. Is it possible that the president really isn't in control of these affairs?
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Top reads for protesting, occupying, rallying

For those peaceably assembling in the streets and for those taking long rides to the protest rallies, there's a lot of time to read up on how our country arrived at this critical juncture in history and on what needs to be done to allow the economy to grow. Read these books before talking to reporters on camera or shooting a YouTube video to be sure you not only fully understand the issues but also are able to articulate them for others who may lack such clarity on the importance of these protests:

A Short History of Money and Banking, Gouge: the economic turmoil of today seems little different from the economic turmoil that plagued several periods during the 1800's, and much of today's troubles would have been predictable if anyone had paid attention to what had already happened in the past - and is sure to continue happening in the future if dramatic changes are not made.

A capitalist among the socialists occupying Wall Street - advertising works! If you're protesting, take a look at these books to be sure you not only fully understand the issues but can articulate them for the news media in seven-second sound bites.

Economics In One Lesson, Hazlitt: this essential work uses 23 real-life examples to illustrate the interconnected nature of the global economy. The value of stimulus projects, the impact of taxation on production, the relationship of employment and wages and the use of printing money or "monetizing the debt" are just some of the issues covered.

Fortune Tellers: Inside Wall Street's Game of Money, Media and Manipulation, Kurtz: this book from CNN's media watchdog reporter reveals how the investment banks, analysts, public companies and media such as CNBC, CNN and the Wall Street Journal effectively conspire to dupe individual investors of their money.

Animal Farm, Orwell: see how the downtrodden, overworked animals rise up against their capitalist oppressors! When they finally learn the truth about how their most charismatic leaders take advantage of their idealism, it's too late.

Night, Wiesel: If you think outsourcing jobs, Wall Street bailouts and paying a portion of one's own healthcare represent the pinnacle of man's capacity for inhumanity, cruelty and brutality against his fellow man then read this true story about what happened to Elie Weisel - and millions of other innocent people - when the Nazis came to town. 

Washington's Crossing, Fischer: You don't need to live as close to the town of Washington's Crossing as I do to marvel in astonishment at what Washington's army endured to oust the British and the Hessians from Trenton and the surrounding area. In light of President Obama calling Americans soft, I wonder if today's Americans would bother to go through what Washington's troops endured if only for their freedom and that of their families. You'll be amazed what people risked so that we would be free to peaceably assemble in the streets today.

If there are other books you think would be worthwhile for people protesting or considering protesting, please put the title and author in the comment box. I'd be happy to take a look.
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Chevron TV Spot Gives Up Right to Profits

TV Commercial at YouTube

Chevron Employee: “Last year, Chevron made a lot of money…”

Blue Collar Man: “Where does it go?!” (demanding tone)

Poster: “Oil companies should put their profits to good use.”

That’s right! Oil companies should put their profits to good use, just as every profitable company should put its profits to good use. But what Joseph representing the Blue Collar Man in the commercial means by “good” and what the audience this commercial is intended to placate means by “good” are very different than what most working, thinking people mean by “good”. Chevron is speaking to people who think they have a rightful claim on Chevron’s profits – people who truly believe that it’s not only “good” for Chevron to give its profits to other people but that it should be required to do so, even by law.

More troubling than this example of mainstreaming Marxism in America is Chevron’s giving in to it, that Chevron has accepted this socialist idea that its profits were not rightfully earned (maybe some weren't but that's for a different post). This commercial only legitimizes the case and promotes the wrongheaded idea to millions.

No one has the right to decide how somebody else spends (or saves) his/her money or his/her company's profits – at least not in America. Chevron’s refusal to defend its legitimate right and responsibility to earn profits - essentially its very right to exist - may soothe some public outrage in the short term but it only spells more trouble and eventual defeat over the long term. No need to fear Hugo Chavez nationalizing oil company assets – the oil companies are doing it themselves.
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