Ok, briefly. Socialsm is not good. It is not good for choice, families, industry, and under only very specific cercumstances is it sustainable. Socialism is clearly the cousin of commnunism, and inevitably leads to communism. Given, socialism has it merrits, and capitalism is far from perfect, and America is far from being truly capitalistic. For the sake of argument, America is capitalism. The proof is in the pudding. Aaron, you live in Germany, one of the most succesful socialist economies on earth. Is life better there? Is is easier to raise a family? Is the environment more conducive of the gospel of Jesus Christ? There are less poor, that is evident. There are also less families, that is also evident. Capitalism would be great if we took care of our poor, but we do not, instead we rack up debt trying to keep up with the Joneses. This is why our economy is struggling at the moment. Shortly put, we are not keeping the commandments of God, and the Book of Mormon tells us repeatedly what happens if we, as a nation, do not keep God's commandments. Maybe a discussion is needed about what is truly important for a nation. Is it freedom, opportunity, healthcare, food, shelter, protection, equality?

After watching much of the inauguration festivities, I told Jackie that seeing so many people gather to celebrate the success of Obama reminds me of a story in Helaman wherein the wickedness of the people is shown by the fact that they gather together to mourn the death of their wicked chief judge (Helaman 9:10). Obama gave a great speech and it is wonderful and historical that we elected an African-American and thereby distance ourselves from some of our gravest offenses as a nation. Reviewing the joy seen in the massive crowds gathered for the inauguration I wondered if I am misjudging Obama—maybe I am way off.
After long consideration and more research I determined that I am not way off. Although many of Obama’s positions and policies are correct, there are some glaring problems with what Obama stands for and the direction he wants to take our country. I take issue with Obama’s stance on the following issues: Abortion, euthanasia, same-sex couple rights, trade, and taxes (specifically progressive taxes). I have a problem with Obama’s clear intentions to make our system more socialist. Furthermore, I find certain “controversies” surrounding Obama to be significant, such as issues with flag pins and saluting the flag, his obscure religious beliefs and practices, and statements made in relation to the bible and homosexuality.
I will post more and address each issue mentioned specifically above as time permits.

ObamaNation or Abomination?

Obama said in Chicago on December 18 2008: "I think it is no secret that I am a fierce advocate for equality for gay and lesbian Americans. It is something that I have been consistant on and something that I intend to be consistant on during my presidency". What a joke. Even the gays are starting to realize something is not right with Obama. When I heard him say that I wanted to ask "So Obama, what are some things that you intend NOT to be consistant on?" He is not even president yet and already his true colors are starting to shine through. How about the attempted selling his senate seat, are we to believe he was not involved? These are his buddies. Corruption is today's word for "Secret Combination", and let's just keep in mind that The Book Of Mormon is written for our day.

Socialism: So what do we think? Is socialism a good thing? What are the merrits of socialism? What are the problems? It SEEMS that socialism goes hand-in-hand with ideas that are detrimental to family, such as abortion and same-sexmarriage? Is there truly a correlation, or is it imagined?

Depression? I think so. I believe it was Francis Fukuyama who said that every generation endures 2 recessions and 1 depression. All signs point to depression but nobody will say it. The prophets have been telling us for years now to prepare the best we can for disaster. Lets do our best to be prepared.

Today US Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson held a press conference to clarify points about the $700 Billion bailout. He mentioned giving aid to companies that supply “consumer debt”. Does this mean that because individuals cannot repay their consumer debt, companies like American Express are failing? This is a good thing. Consumer debt is part of the main underlying problems with our economy, it is HUGE! Let the credit card companies crumble.
One reason Paulson gave for this bailout of the “American Expresses” is that these same companies provide student loans. I don’t buy it. These companies are not in trouble because John Doe, now Dr. John Doe, cannot repay his student loans. The problem is the Joneses (as in “keeping up with the Jones’). How do we define consumer debt?

Re Bailout for the Auto industry?: No way! Let them go under just like any other failing business. . The BIG 3 simply cannot compete, if we bail them out now, they will need bailing-out again every few years. Furthermore, when the BIG 3 go bankrupt the factories and infrastructure will still exist. The companies will be sectioned off with new management, new plans, and will be forced to be competitive.

Indeed, when the BIG 3 go bankrupt many jobs will be lost and it will be bad for the economy. If we bail the auto industry out, where do the bailouts stop? Who is next, what about the suffering airline industry?