Mountain Views News          Saturday, September 10, 2011

12

LEFT TURN/RIGHT TURN

 Mountain Views News Saturday, September 10, 2011

HOWARD Hays As I See It

GREG Welborn


“In this present crisis, 
government is not the 
solution to our problem; 
government is the problem.”

- President Ronald 
Reagan, 1981

 

“There are no necessary 
evils in government. Its evils 
exist only in its abuses.”

- President Andrew 
Jackson, 1832

In his column last week, Greg Welborn 
drew comparisons between Presidents Ronald 
Reagan and Barack Obama three years into 
their presidencies (though there’s still about five 
months to go before Obama hits the three-year 
mark). 

It might be a little unfair, since President 
Reagan came into office at a time of relative 
prosperity left by President Carter, while 
President Obama inherited our nation’s worst 
economic crisis since the Great Depression. 
Rather than expounding on differing ideologies, 
we can look to government figures for a picture 
of outcomes:

Reagan saw 7.5% unemployment at his 
inauguration (January, 1981), which rose to 9.5% 
31 months later (August, 1983) - an increase of 
2%. 

Obama had 7.8% unemployment at his 
inauguration (January, 2009), rising to 9.1% 31 
months later (August, 2011) - an increase of 
1.3%. (U.S. Dept. of Labor)

President Carter left Reagan an 8.6% GDP 
growth rate, which grew to 9.3% in 8/81 - an 
increase of .7%.

President Bush left Obama a minus-0.7% GDP 
shrinkage rate, which became 1% growth by 8/11 
- an increase of 1.3%. (U.S. Dept. of Commerce)

Reagan inherited a budget (FY 1981) where 
government spending comprised 22.2% of GDP. 
For FY 1983 it became 23.5% - an increase of 
1.3%.

Obama inherited a budget (FY 2009) where 
government spending was 25% of GDP. For FY 
2011 it’s 25.3% - an increase of 0.3%. 

Reagan inherited a budget deficit equal to 2.6% 
of GDP for FY 1981, which went up to 6% of 
GDP in 1983 - an increase of 3.4%.

Obama inherited a deficit of 10% of GDP 
for FY 2009, which increased to 10.9% of GDP 
for FY 2011 - an increase of 0.9%. (Office of 
Management and Budget) 

At this point in their presidencies, the 
unemployment rate grew more under Reagan. 
The size of the federal government grew more 
under Reagan. The budget deficit in relation to 
GDP grew more under Reagan. Our economy 
grew more under Obama.

(One statistic is identical: Gallup showed 
approval for the president at the end of August 
2011 at 42% - the same as at the end of August 
1983.)

As suggested, I won’t expound on differing 
ideologies myself, but will leave that to President 
Andrew Jackson. (Our first Democratic president, 
and the last to have served in the Revolutionary 
War - a courier at age thirteen when, taken 
prisoner, he suffered scars on his hand and head 
when slashed by a sword for refusing to shine the 
boots of a British officer): 

“It is to be regretted that the rich and powerful 
too often bend the acts of government to their 
selfish purposes. Distinctions in society will 
always exist under every just government. 
Equality of talents, of education, or of wealth 
can not be produced by human institutions. In 
the full enjoyment of the gifts of Heaven and the 
fruits of superior industry, economy, and virtue, 
every man is equally entitled to protection by 
law; but when the laws undertake to add to these 
natural and just advantages artificial distinctions, 
to grant titles, gratuities, and exclusive privileges, 
to make the rich richer and the potent more 
powerful, the humble members of society-- the 
farmers, mechanics, and laborers -- who have 
neither the time nor the means of securing like 
favors to themselves, have a right to complain of 
the injustice of their Government. There are no 
necessary evils in government. Its evils exist only 
in its abuses. If it would confine itself to equal 
protection, and, as Heaven does its rains, shower 
its favors alike on the high and the low, the rich 
and the poor, it would be an unqualified blessing. 
. . .

“Experience should teach us wisdom. Most of 
the difficulties our government now encounters 
and most of the dangers which impend over our 
Union have sprung from an abandonment of the 
legitimate objects of Government by our national 
legislation . . . Many of our rich men have not been 
content with equal protection and equal benefits, 
but have besought us to make them richer by act 
of Congress. By attempting to gratify their desires 
we have in the results of our legislation arrayed 
section against section, interest against interest, 
and man against man, in a fearful commotion 
which threatens to shake the foundations of our 
Union. It is time to pause in our career to review 
our principles, and if possible revive that devoted 
patriotism and spirit of compromise which 
distinguished the sages of the Revolution and 
the fathers of our Union. If we can not at once, 
in justice to interests vested under improvident 
legislation, make our Government what it ought 
to be, we can at least take a stand against all new 
grants of monopolies and exclusive privileges, 
against any prostitution of our Government to 
the advancement of the few at the expense of the 
many, and in favor of compromise and gradual 
reform in our code of laws and system of political 
economy.”

Since the dawn of the Industrial Age, there’s 
been conflict between those seeking wealth 
creation which benefits all, and those who merely 
seek to concentrate existing wealth into the hands 
of a ruling elite. That latter group has held sway 
for most of the three decades since Reagan took 
office, as 80% of income growth has gone to the 
top 1%. 

The records of Presidents Reagan and Obama 
illustrate the effects of the two approaches on 
the economy; the meltdown of Fall 2008 and its 
aftermath is a warning to those who’d permit the 
relegation of “devoted patriotism” to nothing 
more than a cynical marketing strategy by those 
engaging in the “prostitution of our Government 
to the advancement of the few at the expense of 
the many”.

“Experience should teach us wisdom.”


9-11 Ten Years Later

This weekend will mark the 10th anniversary of 
9-11. It’s become one of those dates that doesn’t 
need an explanation. We don’t have to call it Flag 
Day, or Veterans’ Day, or Memorial Day. We have 
many great holidays in this country, but there are 
only a handful that resonate so deeply, and have 
become such a part of our culture and history, that 
we need only refer to them by their date. July 4th 
and September 11th are those kind of holidays, 
and on the occasion of the 10th anniversary, it’s 
altogether fitting to reflect on what we’ve learned.

First of all, we became acutely aware of just 
how special our country is. We were not attacked 
because we were the bad guys in the global 
neighborhood. The terrorists made it very clear 
that because they would never be able to rise to 
the level of our society, they would have to tear 
us down to their level. We were reminded that 
government by the people, for the people and of 
the people is not the norm in human history or 
in our time. We may have taken them for granted 
before, but today we still recite the Pledge of 
Allegiance and sing the Star Spangled Banner 
with newfound vigor.

Second, while the attack made clear that 
religion can be used as justification for great 
evil, religion was also shown to be the cause of 
great good and sacrifice. We learned how Fire 
Department chaplain Mychal Judge died because 
he stayed behind to tend to the spiritual needs of 
the firefighters. Lesser-known individuals, such 
as Al Braca, acted against their own self-interest 
out of the strength and love demanded by their 
faiths. Al stayed behind to pray for and with 
many of his co-workers who waited their turn – a 
turn which never came – to leave the 105th floor. 
And there were many more: Jews, Christians and 
Muslims whose commitment to God provided 
the courage to stay at ground zero and tend to the 
wounded and dying. 

Such commitment taught us that nobility is 
alive and well. In the span of only a few hours, 
we went from the jaded belief that heroes are 
only found in children’s stories to a refreshing 
realization that they are all around us. That 
rediscovered truth has only been reinforced by 
the sacrifices our service men and women have 
made over the last 10 years to keep us free and 
safe.

Third, we learned just how strong some of 
our friendships are. While there will always be 
arguments among friends, true friends put those 
aside during times of need. Who wasn’t touched 
to see Queen Elizabeth’s guards playing our 
national anthem outside Buckingham Palace? 
That had never occurred before. Reflecting the 
Queen’s, and her nation’s, deep friendship with 
us, God Save The Queen was replaced with the 
Star Spangled Banner, 
and Her Majesty’s 
military personnel 
saluted our flag. We may 
disagree and argue over 
the conduct of the war in 
Iraq or Afghanistan, but 
when the chips are down, 
we know that Britain has 
our back.

Fourth, we rediscov-ered an old truth about 
family. A poll taken after 9-11 found that 80% of 
us intended to consciously spend more time with 
family. In the years since, repeated polls have 
shown that most people have actually followed 
through on this pledge. This was not some silly 
New Years resolution. 9-11 was a mirror and a 
reminder that life can be fleeting. To our great 
credit, we learned our lesson well and have 
returned to embrace a basic value which will pay 
dividends well into the future.

Fifth, we realized before the dust even settled 
that we were being tested. The assumption was 
that America had grown complacent and lazy 
in its wealth and would not have the strength or 
determination to fight back. Ten years, a score of 
killed terrorists and at least 2 liberated Muslim 
countries later (with perhaps more coming), 
it’s pretty clear that America is neither lazy or 
complacent, and that it is still the last great hope 
of mankind on the earth.

Lastly, we’ve learned that America’s identity is 
not to be found in our buildings, financial centers, 
or military installations. America’s identity isn’t 
even confined to a place or one group of people. 
America’s identity is found in our common values. 
Whatever our original nationalities or ethnic 
origins, we Americans share common ground 
in our commitment to freedom and willingness 
to defend it. It is a freedom of religion, speech, 
and pursuit of happiness. It is a freedom from 
unreasonable search, confiscation of property, 
and tyranny. We were attacked because of these 
values. They scare those who rule by force, but 
we’ve learned they ennoble and energize the rest 
of us.

9-11 marks a date that was supposed to expose 
our weaknesses and bring us to our knees. It was 
meant to be the beginning of our end. Instead, 
9-11 reminded us how great we are, fortified our 
spirit and prompted a new beginning, both here 
and in the stale corners of the Arab world.

About the author: Gregory J. Welborn is a freelance 
writer and has spoken to several civic and religious 
organizations on cultural and moral issues. He lives 
in Arcadia with his wife and 3 children and is active in 
the community. He can be reached at gregwelborn@
earthlink.net.

BUSINESS TODAY

The latest on Business News, Trends and Techniques


FIND YOUR BUSINESS NICHE IN HEALTH CARE

RICH Johnson

STUPID REMARKS MADE BY 
POLITICIANS

If you are an existing or aspiring entrepreneur 
with a background or interest in health care, 
the San Gabriel Valley presents a gold mine of 
opportunities. Health care professionals and 
facilities in the region spend millions on goods 
and services, including a long list of disposable 
medical supplies needed to examine and care for 
patients. Think of the wide range of items used 
in hospitals, clinics, and private doctors offices, 
including professional attire like scrubs and lab 
coats, equipment like wheelchairs and blood 
pressure monitors.

Health care tops the list of industries that has 
experienced continuous growth throughout 
the recent recession and current snails-pace 
recovery. The primary reason is the burgeoning 
U.S. population of aging baby boomers who 
grew up during the 1960s and 1970s. Defined 
as persons born between 1946 and 1964, they 
represent approximately 20% of America’s 
population. This group is the focus of business 
plans and marketing campaigns that run into the 
billions of dollars.

“I’ve fallen and I can’t get up!” is the slogan 
that many in the public readily associate with Life 
Alert®, which is likely one of the oldest and most 
memorable campaigns that targets seniors. Think 
about the increase in the number and frequency 
of commercials and ads that you see and hear for 
products that target baby boomers within certain 
age groups – Viagra®, The Scooter Store® and many 
for health and life insurance.

With the oldest annual cohort of baby boomers 
poised to turn 66 next year, the youngest annual 
cohort will be just shy of celebrating their “golden 
years” as they turn 48 next year. Extensive 
research by The Centers for Disease Control 
reflects an average life expectancy of 77.9 years 
for individuals in the U.S. This guarantees a 
solid, identifiable and growing customer base 
that will continue to drive the demand for at least 
another 30 years.

The San Gabriel Valley is home to numerous 
community hospitals, clinics and private 
practices that are anchored by three large medical 
institutions located in the Pasadena-Foothills 
region, including Huntington Memorial Hospital, 
Arcadia Methodist and The City of Hope.

Virtually anything and everything used in 
the used in the healthcare industry, including 
professional consulting services, will be in 
demand. Architects and construction crews are 
needed to design, build and remodel health care 
facilities. Vendors will receive orders to provide 
cooking equipment, utensils and supplies for 
hospital cafeteria. These examples don’t begin 
to describe the bigger realities of supply and 
demand that will work in favor of entrepreneurs 
and investors with solid business ideas focused 
on the health care sector.

Recently I engaged in 
a Facebook discussion 
motivated by a friend 
considerably more liberal 
than me. He was criticizing 
Governor Rick Perry of 
Texas for screwing up badly 
as he had engineered significant cuts to that 
state’s firefighters budget and now look at all 
devastation caused by the wildfires in Texas. It 
was if the fires was Governor Perry’s fault. 

I did a bit of research and discovered California’s 
firefighting budget has been recently cut under 
the watchful eye of Democratic helmsmen Jerry 
Brown. And yet, Governor Brown is not to be 
found at the whipping post of my more liberal 
friend. I guess there is a spot for only one person 
at a time. And in this friend’s case the whipping 
post is reserved for conservatives.

Politicians from all sides of the political 
spectrum have been forced to make unfortunate 
spending cuts. It is the nature of our economy 
these days. To vilify one side or the other is an 
exercise in ridiculousness and qualifies as merely 
pouring gasoline on the fire of that that separates 
us. 

Another prankish practice of those who 
would divide us along party lines is the missteps 
of politicians when speaking. A fairly popular 
example is the following by former Vice President 
Dan Quayle: “I love California. I grew up in 
Phoenix.” And who can forget Vice President Al 
Gore’s: “During my service in the United States 
Congress, I took the initiative in creating the 
internet.”

The nice part of these misquotes is they are fun. 
And in the right context entertaining. I restate 
some of them to reinforce the idea that one side 
of the political spectrum is no smarter or dumber 
than the other. Here are some more:

“If we don’t succeed, we run the risk of failure.” 
Bill Clinton

“I think we can agree. The past is over.” 

George W. Bush

 “We are ready for an unforeseen event that 
may or may not occur.” Al Gore

“It will take time to restore chaos and order.” 
George W. Bush

 “A zebra cannot change its spots.” Al Gore

“There is a mandate to impose a voluntary 
return to traditional values.” Ronald Reagan

“George Bush doesn’t have the manhood to 
apologize.” Walter Mondale

“Well, on the manhood thing, I’ll put mine up 
against his any time.” George H. W. Bush

“Give Bill a second term, and Al Gore and I 
will be turned loose to do what we really want to 
do.” Hillary Clinton

 “President Carter speaks loudly and carries a 
fly spotter, a fly swasher – it’s been a long day.” 
Gerald Ford

“We’ve got a strong candidate. I’m trying to 
think of his name.” Chris Dodd

“People who like this sort of thing will find this 
the sort of thing they like.” Abraham Lincoln

In the words of the immortal Rodney King: 
“Can’t we all just get along?” Anybody who 
chooses to run for elected office puts themselves 
right in front of the target. Let’s walk a mile in 
our political adversaries shoes. It probably won’t 
change our positions but it will smooth things 
over. As I have stated in this paper before I did 
not support the candidacy of President Obama. 
However, I Was awfully proud of America for 
electing him. We’ve come a long way baby.

Be well my friends. 

Due to the high demand for her tutoring and education services, bookstore 
owner, Sally Morrison, is opening a new learning center here in Sierra Madre. 
Mindspring Education Center will cater to students (children and adults) 
interested in furthering their reading, writing, math, spelling, and 
comprehension skills. In addition, Sally offers assistance in study skills, 
homework, and test preparation. She also specializes in helping students 
with dyslexia and other learning difficulties. Those interested in summer 
sessions should contact Mindspring soon because space is limited.
As a result of this business expansion, Sally Morrison and Jeffrey Ingwalson, 
owners of Sierra Madre Books, will be closing the bookstore in June 2011. 
“We appreciate all the support we’ve received from our customers over the 
past few years, but are excited about our new venture. We look forward to 
continuing to be part of this community.”
For questions about Mindspring Education Center, please call (626) 355-1972.
For questions about Sierra Madre Books, please call (626) 836-3200.
Announcing:
The Opening of...
Mindspring Education CenterOne-to-One Instruction for All Ages37 Auburn Ave., Suite 7ASierra Madre, CA 91024(626) 355-1972www.mindspringEDC.com