I can (and will) give you all sorts of stats and stories to prove that the French have created an unsustainable society, but the best evidence of all comes from an opinion column. Along with what this writer actually says, it's where he says it that's shocking: The New York Times.
"I lived for about a decade, on and off, in France and later moved to the United States. Nobody in their right mind would give up the manifold sensual, aesthetic and gastronomic pleasures offered by French savoir-vivre for the unrelenting battlefield of American ambition were it not for one thing: possibility.
You know possibility when you breathe it. For an immigrant, it lies in the ease of American identity and the boundlessness of American horizons after the narrower confines of European nationhood and the stifling attentions of the European nanny state, which has often made it more attractive not to work than to work."
The key word he used was "possibility" because it really sums up everything that capitalism is about. You stay at work an extra hour because of the possibility that your boss might notice and eventually promote you. You put your home on the line to start your own business because of the possibility that you might become the next Microsoft or Google. You spend your life savings to send your children to college because of the possibility that they will be presented with a life full of endless possibilities.
As the Times columnist said, France has lost that -- and it's not hard to understand why. Archaic laws, senseless social programs, poor (but free) education, enclaves filled with disenfranchised immigrants and unemployed youths, and massive public debt have combined to make France a nice place to visit, but a pretty depressing place to live.
I talk a lot about how our government -- to borrow a term from the great economist Thomas Sowell -- can't think "beyond stage one." They try to solve problems with obvious solutions without thinking about the consequences of those solutions. But we didn't invent that kind of narrow, short-term thinking...France did.
France decided that the best way to keep their citizens working was to create all kinds of laws and regulations for employers to follow. Most of us know about their 35-hour work week and long summer vacations, but that's only the start. The number of rules that French companies have to follow in order to hire or fire someone would put the New York City Teachers' Union to shame.
But what France forgot was that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. The consequence of all those laws to prevent unemployment was massive unemployment, especially among the young. It's really just common sense -- if you can hire and fire at will, you are much more likely to take a chance on new employees, especially young ones without much experience. But when "at will" instead turns into ironclad, virtually lifelong commitments, you're much more careful about whom you hire.
The numbers show that this is exactly what's happened as 23 percent of young people in France are unemployed. To fight that trend, France's former prime minister created another set of regulations, called the "first job contract." It gives employers the ability to hire anyone under 26 years old for what is essentially a two-year trial period. During that time the draconian state employment rules are loosened, enabling companies to take more chances.
Now, 64 percent of all French youths aged 15-24 take part in the temporary work program within a year of completing their education -- but many of them hate the idea. Having grown up in a country where a job was always viewed as a right, they believe the "first job contract" program victimizes them and, as they say in their protests, "institutionalizes insecurity."
Maybe one reason why they say that is that -- pardon my French -- they're not that smart. After all, most students in France go to schools that are virtually free and have no restrictions on entry (including no minimum test scores or grade point average). In addition, teachers are government employees, which makes sense, considering that over 25 percent of all jobs in France are in the public sector.
The result of this wonderfully non-discriminatory, sunshine-and-lollipops approach to education is a drop-out rate of 40 percent, lecture halls that are bursting at the seams, universities without any interest in research, and the distinction of not even placing one school in the top 40 of the most recent worldwide rankings. France has only three schools in the top hundred.
Combining terrible educations with a government that acts like a countrywide HR department from hell does not set the French up for economic success. And it shows. While the government takes 44 percent of GDP in taxes every year (the euro-zone average is closer to 40 percent), it's not nearly enough. Someone has to pay for all the free education, health care, and short work weeks -- and, right now, it's France's lenders. A government-commissioned report pointed out that, without drastic action, France's debt load will go from 66 percent of GDP today to 80 percent by 2010 to a catastrophic 100 percent in 2014.
Is America destined for the same fate? If we keep going the way we are, absolutely. For proof, just listen to the way a recent Economist article described the general attitude there:
"[In France] there is a lingering culture of suspicion of profit, and a demonisation of business leaders, encouraged by a mainstream left that still equates efficiency with injustice."
Now ask yourself: Is America moving toward that way of thinking, with all of its laws and feel-good regulations, or away from it?
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Sunday, March 7, 2010
An Eternal Perspective...
My husband got a phone call the other day form his mom, talking about his dad. The hospice nurse called and said that my father in law is starting to show the "failing signs" ....my mind has been racing. It almost has seemed unreal in a way that my father in law would truly pass someday because he has fought so hard to be alive. He has not once followed a single pattern of anyone else who has had his cancer. In watching my husband today and yesterday, I can see the worry, being scared, sad, and on the verge of tears, almost every time I look at him. he is so strong. I only hope when the time comes I can hold myself together and be there for him. Even thought I know I am going to be a mess. My father in law is a wonderful man.
In thinking of all that has been going on, I was thinking about the word "Grief" or "Grieving". Grief, is the sense of suffering that accompanies loss, is a common part of mortality as we lose loved ones or experience other tragedies. Because Jesus Christ has suffered the pains and afflictions of all mankind, we can be comforted and healed as we pray to the Father in His name and rely upon His Atonement.
"Just as the lame man at the pool of Bethesda needed someone stronger than himself to be healed (see John 5:1–9), so we are dependent on the miracles of Christ's atonement if our souls are to be made whole from grief, sorrow, and sin. If grieving parents and loved ones have faith in the Savior and his plan, death's sting is softened as Jesus bears the believers' grief and comforts them through the Holy Spirit. Through Christ, broken hearts are mended and peace replaces anxiety and sorrow. . . . As Isaiah stated concerning the Savior, 'Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: . . . And with his stripes we are healed' (Isaiah 53:4–5).
"The prophet Alma also spoke of Christ's healing power as he taught the Gideonites. Referring to Christ, Alma stated that he would go forth 'suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people. . . . And he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, . . . that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people' (Alma 7:11–12). Whatever the source of pain, Jesus understands and can heal the spirit as well as the body"
Faith is what I know is going to help our family out those first few months and will still help us 2-3 years from whenever the time does come.... If I honestly didn’t know the gospel was true or didn't have this Gospel in my life, I think that losing someone would be unbearable. I am NOT saying it is an easy thing whatsoever, but I do know that with having an Eternal perspective, it makes things so much easier. I know that we will meet one another again, I know that his dad will accept the Gospel, and I know that he will be welcomed by His family and friends who have passed already and Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ will welcome him back home, in their presence. It is a comfort to me to know that we lived with our Heavenly Father and Christ before we came to this earth and are excited to see us return.
I have been reading a book called "Glimpses of Heaven"....it is written by a woman who used to be a hospice nurse and she talked about peoples experience right before they pass. It is an amazing book! I know that we are to“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.“In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Prov. 3:5–6).
I know that we must have complete trust in our Father’s plan of happiness and our Savior’s part in that plan. Trusting in His plan give us peace. I know that because of the Savior;s part in that plan which was his Atonement that Big Chuck will be able to be forgiven of any sins or mis doings in his life, and be able to accept the fullness of The Gospel of Jesus Christ. I know that I am so grateful for God’s gift of laws and commandments. Peace, hope, and direction are outcomes of striving to live the teachings of Jesus and obeying His laws and commandments.
The scriptures teach, “Great peace have they which love thy law” (Ps. 119:165). They also teach that “he who doeth the works of righteousness shall receive his reward, even peace in this world, and eternal life in the world to come” (D&C 59:23).
To me the commandments and laws of God are like the kite string. They will lead us and guide us upward. Obedience to these laws gives us peace, hope, and direction.
The other thing that i can think of that we can do to receive these blessings of peace, hope, and direction is to learn to respond to the promptings of the Holy Ghost and acknowledge to the Lord our gratitude for this great gift. I know personally that when we have big trials, they are so hard while going through them, but the person that we become after them is remarkable if we stay close and rely on our Loving Heavenly Father and His son. I know it, without a shadow of a doubt. Conveying that to others and having them know it just as strongly is another story.
I know you are thinking...."Lauren why are you writing as if he is dead?" My answer is I'm not, I am however trying to prepare myself in some way so that when the time does come i can be able to know where to turn and be able to give comfort to those that I love who will be suffering right along with me, and be able to help them see blessings even in death. I did find three verses in the Doctrine and Covenants that had caught my eye when I was looking up comfort “And all they who have mourned shall be comforted. And all they who have given their lives for my name shall be crowned. Therefore, let your hearts be comforted concerning Zion; for all flesh is in mine hands; be still and know that I am God” (D&C 101:14–16).
THIS was exactly what I needed to read and find, and it had been there all along in my scriptures. Sometimes, I know I do, but we forget to turn to our scriptures for sweet blessings and personal revelation. I’d always heard that the scriptures would help me in my life, but I never really understood how much, until I had gotten married, and had a child and then was sealed in the temple. Even more so know with family trials we have been dealing with. There is Great solice that comes from reading and studying in my scriptures. Throughout the rest of my life I know that I will have many challenges and obstacles that I have to overcome, and I know that I will always strive to go to my scriptures first. .
I have much more going through my head but as I sit here, at midnight, on a wooden chair, being 7 months pregnant and uncomfortable, my wonderful couch aka "My bed" is calling me to relax and sleep. Until next time....
In thinking of all that has been going on, I was thinking about the word "Grief" or "Grieving". Grief, is the sense of suffering that accompanies loss, is a common part of mortality as we lose loved ones or experience other tragedies. Because Jesus Christ has suffered the pains and afflictions of all mankind, we can be comforted and healed as we pray to the Father in His name and rely upon His Atonement.
"Just as the lame man at the pool of Bethesda needed someone stronger than himself to be healed (see John 5:1–9), so we are dependent on the miracles of Christ's atonement if our souls are to be made whole from grief, sorrow, and sin. If grieving parents and loved ones have faith in the Savior and his plan, death's sting is softened as Jesus bears the believers' grief and comforts them through the Holy Spirit. Through Christ, broken hearts are mended and peace replaces anxiety and sorrow. . . . As Isaiah stated concerning the Savior, 'Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: . . . And with his stripes we are healed' (Isaiah 53:4–5).
"The prophet Alma also spoke of Christ's healing power as he taught the Gideonites. Referring to Christ, Alma stated that he would go forth 'suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people. . . . And he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, . . . that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people' (Alma 7:11–12). Whatever the source of pain, Jesus understands and can heal the spirit as well as the body"
Faith is what I know is going to help our family out those first few months and will still help us 2-3 years from whenever the time does come.... If I honestly didn’t know the gospel was true or didn't have this Gospel in my life, I think that losing someone would be unbearable. I am NOT saying it is an easy thing whatsoever, but I do know that with having an Eternal perspective, it makes things so much easier. I know that we will meet one another again, I know that his dad will accept the Gospel, and I know that he will be welcomed by His family and friends who have passed already and Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ will welcome him back home, in their presence. It is a comfort to me to know that we lived with our Heavenly Father and Christ before we came to this earth and are excited to see us return.
I have been reading a book called "Glimpses of Heaven"....it is written by a woman who used to be a hospice nurse and she talked about peoples experience right before they pass. It is an amazing book! I know that we are to“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.“In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Prov. 3:5–6).
I know that we must have complete trust in our Father’s plan of happiness and our Savior’s part in that plan. Trusting in His plan give us peace. I know that because of the Savior;s part in that plan which was his Atonement that Big Chuck will be able to be forgiven of any sins or mis doings in his life, and be able to accept the fullness of The Gospel of Jesus Christ. I know that I am so grateful for God’s gift of laws and commandments. Peace, hope, and direction are outcomes of striving to live the teachings of Jesus and obeying His laws and commandments.
The scriptures teach, “Great peace have they which love thy law” (Ps. 119:165). They also teach that “he who doeth the works of righteousness shall receive his reward, even peace in this world, and eternal life in the world to come” (D&C 59:23).
To me the commandments and laws of God are like the kite string. They will lead us and guide us upward. Obedience to these laws gives us peace, hope, and direction.
The other thing that i can think of that we can do to receive these blessings of peace, hope, and direction is to learn to respond to the promptings of the Holy Ghost and acknowledge to the Lord our gratitude for this great gift. I know personally that when we have big trials, they are so hard while going through them, but the person that we become after them is remarkable if we stay close and rely on our Loving Heavenly Father and His son. I know it, without a shadow of a doubt. Conveying that to others and having them know it just as strongly is another story.
I know you are thinking...."Lauren why are you writing as if he is dead?" My answer is I'm not, I am however trying to prepare myself in some way so that when the time does come i can be able to know where to turn and be able to give comfort to those that I love who will be suffering right along with me, and be able to help them see blessings even in death. I did find three verses in the Doctrine and Covenants that had caught my eye when I was looking up comfort “And all they who have mourned shall be comforted. And all they who have given their lives for my name shall be crowned. Therefore, let your hearts be comforted concerning Zion; for all flesh is in mine hands; be still and know that I am God” (D&C 101:14–16).
THIS was exactly what I needed to read and find, and it had been there all along in my scriptures. Sometimes, I know I do, but we forget to turn to our scriptures for sweet blessings and personal revelation. I’d always heard that the scriptures would help me in my life, but I never really understood how much, until I had gotten married, and had a child and then was sealed in the temple. Even more so know with family trials we have been dealing with. There is Great solice that comes from reading and studying in my scriptures. Throughout the rest of my life I know that I will have many challenges and obstacles that I have to overcome, and I know that I will always strive to go to my scriptures first. .
I have much more going through my head but as I sit here, at midnight, on a wooden chair, being 7 months pregnant and uncomfortable, my wonderful couch aka "My bed" is calling me to relax and sleep. Until next time....
Monday, March 1, 2010
Being a mother. The best blessing I have in life.
Chuck and I watched a movie last night called "Everybody's Fine" and then a few weeks back we watch "I can do bad all by myself" both of these movies dealt with children and it really got me thinking about how much I love my children, and how much I have learned in my short time of being a parent. I know even when I am a Grandparent one day I will still be learning how to parent. One of my favorite songs is from Primary Called " I am a Child Of God" These are the words:
I am a child of God,
And he has sent me here,
Has given me an earthly home
With parents kind and dear.
Lead me, guide me, walk beside me,
Help me find the way.
Teach me all that I must do
To live with him someday.
I am a child of God,
And so my needs are great;
Help me to understand his words
Before it grows to late.
Lead me, guide me, walk beside me,
Help me find the way.
Teach me all that I must do
To live with him someday.
I am a child of God.
Rich blessings are in store;
If I but learn to do his will
I'll live with him once more.
Lead me, guide me, walk beside me,
Help me find the way.
Teach me all that I must do
To live with him someday.
I am a child of God.
His promises are sure;
Celestial glory shall be mine
If I can but endure.
Lead me, guide me, walk beside me,
Help me find the way.
Teach me all that I must do
To live with him someday.
Children come into this world whole, innocent, and pure (see Moses 6:54). “They cannot sin, for power is not given unto Satan to tempt little children, until they begin to become accountable before me” D&C 29:47
We are commanded to become like them, In all that we do. How they learn and view things and here are some scriptures illustrating this.....
“And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,
“And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
“Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven” Matt. 18:2–4
There are very high requirements of righteousness, purity, holiness, and sinlessness needed to enter the kingdom of God are taught throughout scripture check out-------- 1 Cor. 6:9–10; 1 Ne. 10:21; Alma 7:21; Hel. 8:25; Moses 6:57.
Some things I have learned while being a mother:
Spend time with my child soon to be Children.Pray for them. Help them love the sabbath & obey the sabbath. Teach them to have faith in Heavenly Father and in His Son, Jesus Christ. We know we are to quiet our fears with Faith in the Lord. Make time for Teaching & Learning. Remember what my calling is as a mother.
I want you to know that I truly, truly rejoice in being a woman (even the bad things, of once a moth :0) ).. especially being a Latter-day Saint woman. I am so grateful to live in this time and day, because Heavenly Father has made known what the divine role of women is and his plan for our salvation, this is a day of many opportunities for our personal growth and individual expression. Ive learned this the easy and hard way.
I am GRATEFUL to be the wife of an amazing son of our Heavenly Father, one who loves the Lord, who honors his priesthood, who presides as head of the house & patriarch in our home. I am so thankful to be a mother. I have never been sorry for that choice to become a parent, and to stay home with my son through the day. I am so thankful that my husband does all within his power to make sure that this can be done.
I am a child of God,
And he has sent me here,
Has given me an earthly home
With parents kind and dear.
Lead me, guide me, walk beside me,
Help me find the way.
Teach me all that I must do
To live with him someday.
I am a child of God,
And so my needs are great;
Help me to understand his words
Before it grows to late.
Lead me, guide me, walk beside me,
Help me find the way.
Teach me all that I must do
To live with him someday.
I am a child of God.
Rich blessings are in store;
If I but learn to do his will
I'll live with him once more.
Lead me, guide me, walk beside me,
Help me find the way.
Teach me all that I must do
To live with him someday.
I am a child of God.
His promises are sure;
Celestial glory shall be mine
If I can but endure.
Lead me, guide me, walk beside me,
Help me find the way.
Teach me all that I must do
To live with him someday.
Children come into this world whole, innocent, and pure (see Moses 6:54). “They cannot sin, for power is not given unto Satan to tempt little children, until they begin to become accountable before me” D&C 29:47
We are commanded to become like them, In all that we do. How they learn and view things and here are some scriptures illustrating this.....
“And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,
“And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
“Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven” Matt. 18:2–4
There are very high requirements of righteousness, purity, holiness, and sinlessness needed to enter the kingdom of God are taught throughout scripture check out-------- 1 Cor. 6:9–10; 1 Ne. 10:21; Alma 7:21; Hel. 8:25; Moses 6:57.
Some things I have learned while being a mother:
Spend time with my child soon to be Children.Pray for them. Help them love the sabbath & obey the sabbath. Teach them to have faith in Heavenly Father and in His Son, Jesus Christ. We know we are to quiet our fears with Faith in the Lord. Make time for Teaching & Learning. Remember what my calling is as a mother.
I want you to know that I truly, truly rejoice in being a woman (even the bad things, of once a moth :0) ).. especially being a Latter-day Saint woman. I am so grateful to live in this time and day, because Heavenly Father has made known what the divine role of women is and his plan for our salvation, this is a day of many opportunities for our personal growth and individual expression. Ive learned this the easy and hard way.
I am GRATEFUL to be the wife of an amazing son of our Heavenly Father, one who loves the Lord, who honors his priesthood, who presides as head of the house & patriarch in our home. I am so thankful to be a mother. I have never been sorry for that choice to become a parent, and to stay home with my son through the day. I am so thankful that my husband does all within his power to make sure that this can be done.
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