Dependence on foreign oil is something we have been trying to figure out since before I was even born.  I saw an interesting video from comedian John Daily

Click here to watch the videoAfter watching this I thought to myself.  Is it really that hard to become LESS dependent on oil?  Are there really no other solutions?

Here are a few solutions I have thought of in the last 30 seconds:

Wind power – we have lots of wind, turbines can be built…

Solar Power – half of my state has plenty of sunshine all year round…

Nuclear Power – sure it is a bit scary sounding, but really I am pretty sure we have some new technology out there and available since Chernobyl blew up close to 30 years ago.  Its cheap power…

If we were to use electricity, have plug in cars and find renewable energy sources we could reduce and eventually eliminate our dependence on oil.  Maybe if oil companies became energy companies they would look into the future and decide to spend some of the extra billions they have laying around on some alternative sources.  I am sure they do, but maybe a nice little tax break on profits could be given for spending and research on alternative fuels.

Lets stop talking about it and really start doing it.  Anyone have a good windmill kit provider I can take a look at?  I would love to power my house for the environmental impact of a simple spinning object in my yard.

It was a pretty fun evening in Springville, Utah at the Republican Caucuses.  It was my first time attending the event.  I have often heard of conventions and caucuses in states far away that everyone hears about when picking who the presidential candidates were etc., but for some reason I was always under the impression that the caucus was for party leaders.  Little did I know, the caucus is an event that anyone who is registered to vote can participate in.

In our local caucus it was required that you be registered to vote and declare that you were a member of the republican party in order to speak, vote etc. in the republican caucus meeting.  I went in support of one of my local neighbors to become a chairman of our precinct.  We had well over 100 people attend which was about double the number attending from the neighboring precincts.  It made me proud to see so many people were there to come and have their voice be heard.

This year the Utah Senate seat for Bob Bennett is up for election.  It has been a hotly contested seat this year with many vying for a chance to unseat the senator.  He has been in for a few terms now and his record has shown that he is willing to make deals and do what he feels he has to in order to make things go in Washington.  Many feel that he has compromised the beliefs of our party, state and its citizens and they are calling to unseat him.

During the caucus we nominated a chairperson, vice chair and secretary.  Then we nominated our delegates.  I was nominated for both the state and county delegate positions.  It was neat to be able to share my love of our country and constitution with my neighbors.  Being my first time, I was a bit nervous and did not get out all the things I wanted to say, however it was a good experience and I will be much better prepared next time the elections come around.

The caucus was fun, exciting and a very positive experience.  It was very interesting to be in the environment where everyone has similar beliefs and yet are trying to run for positions while promoting the same platforms (or very similar).  A quick note to all.  Go attend your caucus.  You will have a great opportunity to learn and take part in even more of the election process.

Recently in his February 10, 2010 testimony before the Committee on Financial Services, U.S. House of Representatives, Washington, D.C., the Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke prepared a report about the current economic policies of the Federal Reserve. The goal was to explain the exit strategy the Reserve has for removing the extremely risky lending habits it has been using to try and provide economic stability for our nation. You can see the entire report at: http://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/testimony/bernanke20100210a.htm#fn9.

Of particular interest to me is his statement near the end of his prepared statments in section 9.
“The Federal Reserve believes it is possible that, ultimately, its operating framework will allow the elimination of minimum reserve requirements, which impose costs and distortions on the banking system.”

WHOA! Did you read that? Do you know what they are suggesting? THIS IS THE LAST STRAW THAT WILL CAUSE THE CAMELS BACK TO EXPLODE INTO THE STONEAGE!

If you are not aware, recent history has caused us to move off of the gold standard, spend ourselves into oblivion as a country and now we are talking about removing the requirement for banks to hold funds in reserve.

The current money supply is made by bank a lending to bank b. Then bank b can lend out 90% of the money it has to bank c. Bank c can then lend to bank d who can then lend out 90% and so on and so forth. The 10% held is called the reserve. Actual HARD ASSETS (if you can call fake paper money hard assets) will no longer be required to be held by a bank.

So what does all this craziness mean? Your bank will no longer be required to hold any cash, they can lend out more and continue to make risky loans etc. at an even greater amount than they can today. It also means your money is going to be worth less as it will increase the money supply and INFLATION occurs when there is more money in the money supply.

Welcome to the $10 gallon of gas and the $5 value menu at your local McDonalds. Prices are going up my friends and your savings will take the hit. (Cash in the bank earning 1.45% interest doesnt cut it when inflation is 10%, you just lost 8.55% of your money).

Please contact your local representatives and ask them to support a bill to audit the Federal Reserve and bring to light the criminal activity that would have caused you or I to go to prison. Its not too late if we act.