Caleb Reeve for President - 2016

What's Next for Religion?

2012-01-30T10:51:00.004-07:00

If you haven't heard, the Catholic Church has issued and Church-wide statement straight from the Vatican, with local Bishops adjusting for their regions specifically.

Here is a link to one of the letters.

Form your own opinions. But know what is happening.

Romney's Big Bet

2011-12-11T22:15:00.001-07:00

A lot of people are giving Mitt Romney grief for trying to bet Rick Perry $10,000 at the recent Iowa Debate. They say it was a political blunder and rubbed people the wrong way. I want to take a minute to defend the guy because I don't really have a problem with it. I will tell you why.

1. He wrote the book. If any one is going to know what was written, it is going to be the author. I think the point he was trying to make is that Rick Perry doesn't really know enough about the pieces left out of the subsequent editions of Romney's book. Put your money where your mouth is.
2. Mitt is good with money. How do you think he got rich? This was a safe bet. It wasn't Vegas, it wasn't a horse race or a football game. This was as close to a sure thing as it gets. Let's be honest, its not a trillion dollar stimulus that didn't really do anything.
3. Mitt is a wealthy man. $10,000 isn't a big deal to him...or Rick Perry. It could have been a dollar or a million. The amount isn't important. People need to put it in perspective.

On another note: The best part of these debates is the live commenting happening on Austin Baird's Facebook. A group of us get on there and comment about the debates as they happen. It is Mystery Science Theater mixed with the two old Muppets. Awesome.

More than a Crisis

2011-08-06T09:05:00.002-06:00

The thing I want everyone to take away from this fiasco is that all the talk of our tremendous debt between the right and left was nothing more than a pissing contest between parties. They fought just to fight, not for results, not for what is best for THE PEOPLE but for them. They voted for what they thought would give them the best chance to get re-elected.

In the end what happened? Nothing. The debt crisis was "averted" and "spending" was "cut." In fact, no actual cuts were made. It was all cuts in spending that might have taken place in the future. If the federal government was my pocketbook this is what would have happened:

I am in debt. LOTS OF DEBT let's call it $10 Million. So in order for me to not default on my loans and telling my creditors that I can't pay my debts I ask them to increase the limit of money I can borrow. In order to do this I have to show good faith that I am changing my ways. So what do I do? I tell them, "Look I have plans to buy the Bugatti Veyron, it's about $1.5 million. Instead of buying that I am going to buy the new Lambo which will only run me $300K."

My plans are to reduce my spending but what does that really say? Its says instead of cutting ACTUAL spending which would do a lot more good immediately, I will consider reducing future spending a little. I need a car to get around right? Show me a sane person in a lot of debt that would do something like move from a rented townhouse to a mansion in order to save money?

Guess what happened, we didn't default but our credit rating still dropped. I think it is time that we start holding our "leaders" accountable for this mess. The only way Washington can and will change is if we hold their feet to the fire and force them to be accountable.

And since I am not the type of person to just say we need to change stuff and then not offer any suggestions, here are a few.
1) Fix the tax code - zero deductions, zero loopholes, zero incentives.
a) The reason capitalism works is because the markets will produce what the people will buy. Government is standing in the way of industry because government is telling industry what areas to focus on.
b) I talked to someone that said, what is the point of doing the work I have to do to earn another $100,000 if I only get to get $35,000 of it? When it becomes someone's prerogative to NOT make money because the payoff isn't worth the work that goes into it, the tax code needs to be examined.
2) Social Security - Privatize it for everyone who wants to manage their own money. Money still comes out of your check and goes into an account, your account with your investments. The Government can provide a few options for you if you have not idea what you are doing. One thing if for sure, this Ponzi Scheme needs to end. I think we can even give people the option to pay. If people want their money now they can have it.
3) Welfare - I don't think people should be able to collect free money for not working. If you are offered a job and turn it down because you make more on welfare than you would at that job welp, sorry. Your benefits end when your options open. We can save a lot of money if we don't just give it to people for no reason.
4)Stop Electing the same people that do the same things over and over and over.

I won't get into the healthcare issue right now because frankly, in 8 years, who knows what will happen. Things may be so far out of my control by that point I won't have many options.

All I really know is that if you start working with the kind of people that want RESULTS not REELECTION you get both. Make it happen. Don't forget to Donate.

State of the Union

2011-01-27T11:50:00.000-07:00

eh.

Win the Future? That's like a wannabe played out Carpe Diem with out the snazzy Latin swag. Winning the future is a cop out and the normal Obama Rhetoric that I have become used to. I still have an impossible time believing anything he says. He got destroyed in the most recent election and now his message of tolerance and bipartisanship, which didn't exist in the first two years in his Presidency, is simply posturing to try to move to the middle and win again in a couple of years.

I think that is what bothers me the most and is the problem with politicians in general. They only want to be reelected and will say whatever they think the people want to hear. I don't want you pander to me. I want you to stand up for what you think is right, stick to your guns, handle your business.

I don't ever want to be a person that tells you what you want to hear. I want to tell you what I am feeling. Bring you an idea. Turn it into a plan. Implement that ish all up in your grill. Rub my accomplishments in your face. I said I would get a flat tax and BAM, here it is.

So what is the State of the Union? FAIR to OKAY and lacking real leaders and people with vision. There is a lot that needs to be done. WE have some ground to make up and we have to make some hard decisions. Some times you have to prune back a tree before it can grow into something that produces more. I feel that way with this Government. I need to make some cuts. Its gonna hurt. Its gonna work out. I'm Awesome.

On Government, Elections and Health Care

2010-03-25T18:22:00.004-06:00

So life is crazy in the USA right now! There is so much going on politically. The Health Care Reform just passed and people have such differing ideas and attitudes on this, it is hard to know what to think.

ON GOVERNMENT

So with the uproar of so many in this Country it makes me think of the Declaration of Independence. Speaking of Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness it says: "That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness"
Is this what we are headed for? Are the People getting this mad? But more importantly, if a time like this comes where the people must overthrow and institute a new form of government, can The People do it? Do we have the courage, the where-with-all, and the ability to do this? It is something to think about. What if it did come to this? What would need to happen? It is a scary thought.

ON ELECTIONS
When we look at it, the predicaments we are in, the problems we are having with our Government spending so much money, this is our fault. We let the people making these decisions get into office. We VOTED them into office. This is our fault! We let this happen.
I think the best way to go about it, instead of trying overthrow the government and lose many valuable lives, is to find and elect people that are NOT politicians. If we, The People, need to vote out every single member of Congress, Republican or Democrat, then that is what we should do. We need elected officials that are honorable, honest, and have the Mind of the People as their platform. We need our elected officials to not seek re-election, but to serve the people, with our interests, our well being, and our needs in the forefront of their mind.

ON HEALTH CARE

In regard to this Health Care Reform, I believe that there are and were other ways to bring about reform and change. I think and would say that The People are probably to blame. Greed on behalf of the health care receiver and laziness.

First of all, our, The People's, love for law suits and get rich quick mentality is a hindrance to ourselves. Malpractice lawsuits, many of which are frivolous, have been a primary reason for rising premiums and medical costs. Doctors have to insure themselves so heavily to offset the fear that one day they will be sued. This causes them to raise their prices, which then makes the insurance companies raise premiums. Its the domino effect at its best.

Another way we can combat health care costs and make things more affordable is as obvious as changing our diets and shopping habits. The bane of our existence is convenience and laziness. With a fast food meal in our hands for 5 bucks in a matter of minutes we take the easy way out for meals. It is so cost effective to eat out and do things quickly. But there is a severe cost we are paying. Obesity, heart disease, diabetes are all things that result from our unhealthy eating habits. Let me tell you that I am guilty of this as well. I am trying to make a change. If we spent our time making meals, eating healthy foods, and taking the time to be more conscious of what we are putting into our bodies we can drastically reduce the cost of health care simply because we are more healthy!

I find it troubling that we can't go out and buy healthy foods, fruits and vegetables, without spending an exorbitant amount of money. How is this our fault? Because we live in a capitalistic society. Business, the markets, will produce what ever the people will buy and make them the most money. What we choose to eat and what we buy in stores tells the Businesses what they should produce. If that ends up being Whoppers and processed foods then that is what will be produced. If we can change the mindset of consumers to demanding cheaper fruits and vegetables then that is what the market will provide.

By reducing the risk and penalties Doctors face by doing their jobs, ie. fewer law suits and subsequent insurance, we reduce the cost of health care on an aggregate level. By eating better, we create for ourselves fewer medical needs. Less heart disease, lower cholesterol, less obesity, fewer cases of early onset diabetes. This reduces the cost, for every one!

On Healthcare

2010-03-10T19:54:00.001-07:00

Let's talk just briefly about preventative maintenance. I watched a documentary recently called Food Inc. If you have NetFlix you can watch it instantly. Here is what I learned from it.

Think about how much time, money and energy it takes to get a cow to a supermarket. I'm talking more than just birthing and feeding it. Where does the food come from? Its mostly corn, so you have to grow the corn, harvest the corn, ship the corn, distribute the corn. How much fuel, pesticide, water, land, trucks, electricity, etc. You get the point. Corn is just the main ingredient in the food, there's more to it than that. And that's just the food!

Think about if you went back to a field and some grass and some cows. Isn't that healthier and better for the environment? Sure its not convenient or mainstream but you end up with better meat and a smaller carbon footprint.

Then there is the fact that it costs too much to buy healthy food. I can go to Burger King and spend $2 and get a burger and a drink. It is easy and fast. I can't go to a store and spend $2 and get a meal.

The Answer!

2009-12-14T10:01:00.003-07:00

If I am going to run for Governor of Utah I need to come up with some ideas and plans that will help this State in these difficult financial times. Spending has been cut to the minimums from what I understand and now programs that are deemed to be 'less necessary' are suffering. Our schools are out of money and its no wonder that our students are going to be the casualties of this.

My solution is to start a State Lottery. As unpopular as it may be with the local LDS population I believe it is the best choice to boost state income and give it to school districts, teachers, and students.

Here is why it is so great. It is basically a voluntary tax. Only the people that want to play the lotto will play it. There is no coercion involved. If you don't believe in it then don't buy a ticket.

The State benefits from taking a portion of each lotto transaction and putting it in an account that can be used specifically for schools and state higher education colleges and universities. My idea is that each school district will get a percentage of the income based on their student population. Bigger districts get more money. Duh.

There is a start up cost but that would be paid off quickly with the income. It will be a self sustaining, perpetual income to the State. This isn't a new idea. Other States have done this and found great success. You can protest the idea but all you really doing is saying that you don't want our children and young adults to get a worthwhile education. Heaven forbid we give the schools money to provide better supplies, facilities and teachers. I think this is the fastest and most effective way to do it.

2010 - Governor of Utah

2009-07-15T20:58:00.003-06:00

I decided today that since the position is opening that I should get the ball rolling, and run for the Governor of Utah.

I have to make sure I qualify since I moved to Arizona for a few years...but my family did own property in Utah. So I think I do Qualify. So donate and back me up!

While I'm On

2009-05-21T11:03:00.002-06:00

I just saw a report that said 47 of the states have budget deficits. You know what a lot of them have or are looking to do? Raise Taxes. And it seems they think that is the only way to fix the problem.

Well I have an idea. LIVE WITHIN YOUR MEANS! Here is a little life lesson I have learned: Don't spend more money than you bring in. I use this method and its kept me out of debt. States and the federal government should takes notes and do the same. Trim it up.

Obama: I'm over Him

2009-05-21T09:18:00.002-06:00

He bores me and I don't see why so many people think he's so rad. I just don't believe him when he talks.

Worries Abound

2009-03-05T12:25:00.002-07:00

In the days ahead there lies uncertainty and worry for most of us. As jobs seem to disappear daily and as government spending explodes, we are certainly justified in our cause for concern. As the stock market crumbles and we face mortgage failures, we are fearful of what is in store for our great Country.

I urge each of you to be heard. I think it is time we united ourselves in the cause of freedom. If we sit idly by we may lose everything we have. That reality is closer to some of us than is comfortable. I feel your pain and worry.

Do you feel powerless? Watching things happen, decisions being made that directly affect you and you can’t do anything to stop it. Well, all I can say is that the majority voted these people into power. If things go as badly as some think, we have only ourselves to blame. We, the People, voted for this. Now it is our responsibility to tell the people we voted for to act in OUR best interests not their own. We need to let our leaders know that there is no “Next Term” if you don’t satisfy OUR demands. Do what is best for US. We chose you to represent US.

If we continue to vote for people that don’t honestly care about us then we deserve the failures and the problems that come because of those people. We are not powerless. Speak and be heard.

As your President I will do my best to listen to We, the People. I want insight and feedback. I want to create an environment where the people can live a life with out the interference of government. I want to provide a vehicle that allows We, the People, to flourish and be the greatest nation on the Earth.

Taxes

2009-01-16T10:27:00.003-07:00

I am in favor of a simplified tax, a flat tax. Here is my plan.

No one gets taxed on the first $20,000. Regular deductions will be made on that money throughout the year. as it is now, but then fully refunded. After that, a flat tax on all the money an individual makes will be taxed at a rate of 20%. From $20,001-infinity, 20% across the board. There will be no write-offs, no deductions for children or any other reason, no depreciation, nothing. Simply 20%.

Let me tell you why this is a good idea because I know you are wondering. First, with such a simple tax plan we can eliminate a huge portion of the IRS. This would save millions and millions of dollars in oversight, regulation and wages. Government can make better use of the money they have then on audits and disputations.

It also make the system completely fair. No longer will those with enough money to hire smart accountants be the only ones able to benefit from the thousands of loopholes that exist. No longer will there be an inequality among tax brackets and groups of people. Everyone bears the same burden.

Another advantage to a flat tax is that it allows for better forecasting and budgeting. It is much easier to create a budget off a number like 20%.

As for businesses, the taxes will break down in a similar fashion. No company will be taxed on their first $250,000. After that, all monies will be taxed to infinity at a rate of 15%. The difference allows companies to use their added tax savings to build the company. No credits, incentives, write-offs, or any such thing.

It may not always be used for such reasons but the fact remains; as companies have more money to spend, invest, and divest, it puts them in a position to grow and make more money. As they make more money, they pay more in taxes, but not unfairly or excessively.

This does in some ways benefit small businesses but as they use their untaxed money to grow the company they will hit that level and start paying taxes.

The reason I call for no write offs, incentives, or any other device is because it eliminates private interest. It eliminates lobbyists. It promotes good and better business. For example, if people are drawn to companies and products that promote a "Green" lifestyle then meet the demands of the consumer or suffer.

So there it is. My tax plan, simple, practical, logical, fair...what's not to like other than the fact that you still have to pay them? :)

Guns

2008-12-01T16:25:00.000-07:00

Someone asked me what Libertarian views I had. I will tell you. Guns. Me and the Libertarians feel the same way about guns. Here is their view and I agree with it.

I reason that reasonable people act reasonably. Criminals act criminally. Crazy people act crazy. Guns don’t kill people; people kill people...with guns. But outlawing citizens from owning and carrying guns is not the answer. I wrote a blog about it awhile ago. You can read it here.

You shouldn’t be scared of guns. A well regulated militia, as stated in the Constitution, means it may be wise to encourage the citizens of our country to train themselves and learn how to properly and safely handle and use a fire arm. A government sponsored program to certify you in firearm safety and operation, conducted bi-annually, is something I would support.

Are there certain guns that only the military should be privy to? Yes.
Are there certain people who should not be allowed to own guns? Yes.

Let me know if I can be more specific.

Abortion

2008-11-12T17:22:00.000-07:00

I was asked to address this topic first. Pro-Choice or Pro-Life?

I don't look at it in terms of for or against abortion. I think there are emotions, both deep and rooted in this issue; and to call it an issue may very well undermine and make light of the whole topic.

Legally speaking, I think women should have the right to do as they will with their bodies. I can't see a government or body of people making a decision that affects someone on such a personal level. I don't think that is fair. We, as a people, do not have the authority to take that right away one way or the other.

Morally speaking, I do not believe abortion is right. I will not make a personal judgment on anyone who chooses to do so or who has chosen that path. Again, it is their choice. I have certain religious beliefs that I adhere to. These beliefs lead me to think abortion is morally wrong. I don't support abortion. I have never been a party to it. I have never facilitated, financed, or aided in an abortion. At the time of writing this, I have never been in a position to be responsible for causing a woman to become pregnant and thereby be put in a position to consider having an abortion. I think those that have abortions based on things other than preservation of one's own life or because of rape or incest are acting selfishly and will be held accountable for their actions in the afterlife.

Politically speaking, in the role of your President I wouldn't go about trying to overturn any Supreme Court decisions. I would not base a nomination of a Supreme Court Judge solely on their stance towards abortion. I would not use public funds to support any group, Pro-Life or Pro-Choice. I would not appropriate funding for programs that support one side or the other. I would accept funding from either side with the understanding that I will do nothing to favor one side or the other. I won't be bought.

My feeling is that if you choose to have an abortion, for reasons other than preservation of the female's life or in cases of rape or non consensual incest, which would cause undue physical limitations on a live born baby, the state and/or government should not be financially responsible. If you have an insurance company or the private funds to pay for an abortion then it is your prerogative to do so. Public facilities, those that receive money from government, state or federal, should perform abortions on those requesting it, who are financially capable of doing so. Private facilities can choose to perform abortions but both would be required to perform an abortion in situations where there is a critical, immediate, life threatening emergency which would require an abortion to save the female's life.

I think abortion is a personal decision. If you are against it than you do not have to participate in, condone it, or be even partially financially responsible for it.

I hope you can see the reason and logic behind my stance. It may not be the answer you want but I think it is fair. It is one that allows people to choose for themselves how they would like to proceed with this issue. Nor does it place any undue burden, financial or moral, on those who do not agree with abortion.

Welcome!

2008-11-11T19:15:00.000-07:00

This is the venue where I will start my campaign for the Presidency of the United States. 2016, I will be turning 36. Add me to your blogging lists, donate to the Campaign! Start now, you have 8 years! (All money received will actually be used to further my campaign and make the public aware. Never will there be an impropriety or mismanagement of funds.)

Let me tell you about my political self. I am politically unaffiliated. I have republican, democratic, green, libertarian, constitutional, and independent thoughts and beliefs. I believe in doing what is best and what is right for our Country. You will see, as these posts continue, where I stand on the issues.

I will not and do not cater to special interests. I won't be bought and can't be sold. I will take anyone's money who is willing to give it to help my campaign. If the KKK, Black Panthers, Big Oil or Tobacco, the NRA, Al Gore, Kobe Bryant, Saudi Arabian Princes, Iranians, Hollywood actors, P. Diddy, Carrie Underwood, Charles Schwab, Harry Saks, Greg Luganis, Ellen, Oprah, Seinfeld, or family and friends want to give me money I will take it. Don't expect me to cater to any demands.

I'm not crazy or radical. I'm decent, logical, determined, and sensible. I do well to educate myself. I am not too prideful to ask for help or understanding. If I don't know the answer I will tell you that. Then I will go and search for it.

If you have any questions ask away. My policies are subject to change, according to what I think is best for this great Country and its wonderful people.