Consistent. Principled. Action.
Monday, October 30, 2006
Another Change to Health Care Recommendations Location and Time
1) Another Change in Commissioners Court session to consider Health Care Recommendations
Hang in there with me, there is another change to the court session that will consider the Health Care Recommendations. The session is now scheduled for Wednesday, November 15 at 6 PM in the Central Jury Room, 210 S McDonald Street, McKinney. This is a second change to the location, so please let as many people as you can know this change so that our citizens can attend if they so choose.
2) Trust our Citizens with Charitable Contribution Decisions
Over the past few weeks, we have explored together some philosophical underpinnings of government spending, looking at the historic speech given by Ronald Reagan in 1964 as Americans started the long road back from liberal domination of political thought.
One of my speaking points is that government should not compete with private enterprise or private charity. When government provides funding for non-profit organizations, it strips any need for the organizations to maintain an edge of excellence, because as Reagan said, "A government bureau is the closest thing to eternal life we will see on this earth", which ensures a steady source of public funding as far as the eye can see.
Sir John Cowperthwaite, Financial Secretary of Hong Kong, responsible for the dramatic growth in personal incomes of Hong Kong residents starting in the early '60s, said "In the long run, the aggregate of decisions of individual (citizens), exercising individual judgment in a free economy, even if often mistaken, is less likely to do harm than the centralized decisions of a government, and certainly the harm is likely to be counteracted faster." This captures the essence of why we should trust our citizens to make their own decisions to contribute generously to non-profit organizations that earn their confidence, rather than trust in government to make those decisions for us. I continue to believe that the citizens of Collin County will step up to the plate if they know of and agree with the need.
I encourage you to make plans to attend the public hearing on the health care recommendations, now scheduled during the evening hours of November 15. This meeting should provide an object lesson in political philosophy at work. I plan to be there.
Sincerely,
Keith
Hang in there with me, there is another change to the court session that will consider the Health Care Recommendations. The session is now scheduled for Wednesday, November 15 at 6 PM in the Central Jury Room, 210 S McDonald Street, McKinney. This is a second change to the location, so please let as many people as you can know this change so that our citizens can attend if they so choose.
2) Trust our Citizens with Charitable Contribution Decisions
Over the past few weeks, we have explored together some philosophical underpinnings of government spending, looking at the historic speech given by Ronald Reagan in 1964 as Americans started the long road back from liberal domination of political thought.
One of my speaking points is that government should not compete with private enterprise or private charity. When government provides funding for non-profit organizations, it strips any need for the organizations to maintain an edge of excellence, because as Reagan said, "A government bureau is the closest thing to eternal life we will see on this earth", which ensures a steady source of public funding as far as the eye can see.
Sir John Cowperthwaite, Financial Secretary of Hong Kong, responsible for the dramatic growth in personal incomes of Hong Kong residents starting in the early '60s, said "In the long run, the aggregate of decisions of individual (citizens), exercising individual judgment in a free economy, even if often mistaken, is less likely to do harm than the centralized decisions of a government, and certainly the harm is likely to be counteracted faster." This captures the essence of why we should trust our citizens to make their own decisions to contribute generously to non-profit organizations that earn their confidence, rather than trust in government to make those decisions for us. I continue to believe that the citizens of Collin County will step up to the plate if they know of and agree with the need.
I encourage you to make plans to attend the public hearing on the health care recommendations, now scheduled during the evening hours of November 15. This meeting should provide an object lesson in political philosophy at work. I plan to be there.
Sincerely,
Keith
posted by Keith Self # 7:04 AM
Monday, October 23, 2006
Important Change in Commissioner's Court Date
I appreciate every person who takes the time to read what I write every week. I am trying to not waste your time, but I need to articulate my political beliefs so that are no surprises when I am in office. Thank you for reading and for your support.
1) Important Change in Commissioner's Court Date
The previously scheduled Commissioner's Court on November 14 has been changed to Wednesday, November 15. This is the court session where the health care recommendations will be discussed, so if you intend to participate in county business, please note this change.
2) Early Voting starts today! Make your voice heard! VOTE!
1) Important Change in Commissioner's Court Date
The previously scheduled Commissioner's Court on November 14 has been changed to Wednesday, November 15. This is the court session where the health care recommendations will be discussed, so if you intend to participate in county business, please note this change.
2) Early Voting starts today! Make your voice heard! VOTE!
3) Ronald Reagan
Today I want to expand on the recommendation that I gave last week to read the historic speech by Ronald Reagan in 1964. The speech is a long read, so let me pull a few excerpts for you. This speech is a wonderful textbook for responsible government in many areas and there are many more great ideas in the speech.
On "left" or "right", liberal or conservative:
"You and I are told increasingly that we have to choose between a left or right, but I would like to suggest that there is no such thing as a left or right. There is only an up or down--up to a man's age-old dream, the ultimate in individual freedom consistent with law and order--or down to the ant heap of totalitarianism, and regardless of their sincerity, their humanitarian motives, those who would trade our freedom for security have embarked on this downward course."
On government control of the economy:
"I for one resent it when a representative of the people refers to you and me--the free man and woman of this country--as "the masses." This is a term we haven't applied to ourselves in America. But beyond that, "the full power of centralized government"--this was the very thing the Founding Fathers sought to minimize. They knew that governments don't control things. A government can't control the economy without controlling people. And they know when a government sets out to do that, it must use force and coercion to achieve its purpose. They also knew, those Founding Fathers, that outside of its legitimate functions, government does nothing as well or as economically as the private sector of the economy."
Lastly, on the permanent nature of government programs:
"No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this Earth. "
Sincerely,
Today I want to expand on the recommendation that I gave last week to read the historic speech by Ronald Reagan in 1964. The speech is a long read, so let me pull a few excerpts for you. This speech is a wonderful textbook for responsible government in many areas and there are many more great ideas in the speech.
On "left" or "right", liberal or conservative:
"You and I are told increasingly that we have to choose between a left or right, but I would like to suggest that there is no such thing as a left or right. There is only an up or down--up to a man's age-old dream, the ultimate in individual freedom consistent with law and order--or down to the ant heap of totalitarianism, and regardless of their sincerity, their humanitarian motives, those who would trade our freedom for security have embarked on this downward course."
On government control of the economy:
"I for one resent it when a representative of the people refers to you and me--the free man and woman of this country--as "the masses." This is a term we haven't applied to ourselves in America. But beyond that, "the full power of centralized government"--this was the very thing the Founding Fathers sought to minimize. They knew that governments don't control things. A government can't control the economy without controlling people. And they know when a government sets out to do that, it must use force and coercion to achieve its purpose. They also knew, those Founding Fathers, that outside of its legitimate functions, government does nothing as well or as economically as the private sector of the economy."
Lastly, on the permanent nature of government programs:
"No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this Earth. "
Sincerely,
Keith
posted by Keith Self # 7:41 AM
Monday, October 16, 2006
Speaking Engagements and Health Care on Court Agenda
1) Speaking Engagements
I have two speaking engagements this week that will be open to everyone:
Allen Republican Womens Club
Tuesday, Oct 17, 7 PM at the Allen Municipal Courts Building
Frisco Candidates Forum
Wednesday, Oct 18, 6:30 PM at the CCCCD campus in Frisco, 9700 Wade Blvd
2) Action by the Commissioners Court on the Health Care Task Force Recommendations
The Commissioners Court put the Health Care Task Force Recommendations on the agenda for the court session scheduled for Nov 14 at 9 AM in the Commissioners Courtroom.
As we prepare for the Court to take action on the recommendations, I ask you to do two things:
a) Please re-read what I consider a great speech, given by Ronald Reagan on Oct 27, 1964, almost exactly 42 years ago. Titled A Rendezvous with Destiny, it can be found at http://www.reaganfoundation.org/reagan/speeches/rendezvous.asp
Because of the passage of 42 years, many of us do not recognize the names that Reagan mentions, but mull over his ideas as you read; they are what is important in this speech. If you are unsure of your personal political philosophy, I heartily recommend this speech to you.
b) A well-known dictum states, The power to tax is the power to destroy. I ask you to consider a new corollary to that well-known phrase. My draft corollary states, The power to confer tax funds is the power for the government to create and sustain, rather than the people. In capitalism, the hundreds of thousands of decisions that we, the people, make every day are supposed to determine the success or failure of individual organizations and businesses. When the government at any level takes that function, it departs from capitalism and enters socialism.
More on this topic as we approach November 14. You can also re-read previous comments on this blog on this subject.
Sincerely,
Keith
posted by Keith Self # 7:00 AM
Monday, October 09, 2006
Uncontested Candidate Declared Elected and others
North Korean Nuclear Test
The North Korean Nuclear Test this morning is only the latest proof of the uncertain and dangerous world in which we live. The world is still sorting itself out following the decades of being a bi-polar world from WWII until about 1990. We cannot let down our vigilance as we continue to maintain our strength and our defenses in this unstable world environment. We are fortunate to have US Congressmen Johnson and Hall representing us in the US House. They are men who understand the concept of peace through strength and that freedom of not free.
Uncontested Candidate Declared Elected
There is a new designation on the ballot in November, Uncontested Candidate Declared Elected. I fit this category, so you will see my name on page 2 of the ballot, but there is no place to indicate a vote for me or the other uncontested county level candidates. Thank you again for your strong support during the primary and runoff. Do not let this deter you from voting either early or on Election Day. Our contested candidates need your support.
Meeting Department Heads
I am now in the process of meeting the department heads of the county staff. I am learning the details of their jobs and getting a broader picture of the scope of my new position. While I will not violate the confidence of our meetings, they are being very helpful to me. As January 1 draws nearer, I continue to look forward to that day when I will represent you as your County Judge. I am excited about the next 4 years!
Sincerely,
Keith
posted by Keith Self # 7:34 AM
Monday, October 02, 2006
Register to Vote!
I want to take a break from county business for a week to discuss the upcoming election.
Register NOW to Vote!
Do your part to maintain our vibrant republic representing the will of the people; that is YOU! Register to vote!
The deadline to register to vote in the November General Election is October 10. Voter registration forms may be found at the County Elections office, local libraries, post offices or on the Texas Secretary of State's web site. To request a postage-paid voter registration application from the Texas Secretary of State, please visit www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/voter/reqvr.shtml
I encourage everyone to register, and then go to the polls on November 7 to cast your ballot.
Your vote is one of the most precious rights that you have. The issues of our day are too important and impact our daily lives too much to leave to a small minority to decide. Please do not abdicate your responsibility to keep our county, our state, and our nation operating on the principles espoused in the Republican Party platform,
Strong Families
Limited Government
Opportunity for All
Personal responsibility
Rugged Individualism
Principled, Innovative Leadership
Honest Compassion
Quality Education
Freedom
You can find more about the Party platform at http://www.texasgop.org/site/DocServer/2006_Plat_with_TOC_2.pdf?docID=2022
I would personally move Freedom to the head of the list, but that is just me. I believe that the remainder of the list supports freedom. Having lived in several countries that do not enjoy the freedoms that we take for granted every day, I desire above all to protect the freedom you enjoy in our great communities around Collin County.
I do not have an opponent in the general election, but some of our Republican candidates do. I know that many of you have indicated that you may not vote for some Republicans on the ballot, but the general election is not the time to endanger our Republican incumbents. We should make our Republican choices during the primary and runoff, much as you did in my race. I encourage you to vote for Republicans on November 7, and then make new choices if you care to during the next Republican primary/runoff cycle.
See you at the polls on November 7!
Sincerely,Keith
Register NOW to Vote!
Do your part to maintain our vibrant republic representing the will of the people; that is YOU! Register to vote!
The deadline to register to vote in the November General Election is October 10. Voter registration forms may be found at the County Elections office, local libraries, post offices or on the Texas Secretary of State's web site. To request a postage-paid voter registration application from the Texas Secretary of State, please visit www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/voter/reqvr.shtml
I encourage everyone to register, and then go to the polls on November 7 to cast your ballot.
Your vote is one of the most precious rights that you have. The issues of our day are too important and impact our daily lives too much to leave to a small minority to decide. Please do not abdicate your responsibility to keep our county, our state, and our nation operating on the principles espoused in the Republican Party platform,
Strong Families
Limited Government
Opportunity for All
Personal responsibility
Rugged Individualism
Principled, Innovative Leadership
Honest Compassion
Quality Education
Freedom
You can find more about the Party platform at http://www.texasgop.org/site/DocServer/2006_Plat_with_TOC_2.pdf?docID=2022
I would personally move Freedom to the head of the list, but that is just me. I believe that the remainder of the list supports freedom. Having lived in several countries that do not enjoy the freedoms that we take for granted every day, I desire above all to protect the freedom you enjoy in our great communities around Collin County.
I do not have an opponent in the general election, but some of our Republican candidates do. I know that many of you have indicated that you may not vote for some Republicans on the ballot, but the general election is not the time to endanger our Republican incumbents. We should make our Republican choices during the primary and runoff, much as you did in my race. I encourage you to vote for Republicans on November 7, and then make new choices if you care to during the next Republican primary/runoff cycle.
See you at the polls on November 7!
Sincerely,Keith
posted by Keith Self # 9:18 AM
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