Author Archive for Todd

Some random thoughts on redistribution

Published
by
Todd
on Friday, October 24, 2008
in Politics
. 10 Comments

This post is inspired by a conversation started over at Chris Kirk’s blog. Check it out.

I’m not a full-blown Libertarian, as much as I like to pretend that I am – both in real life and on my Facebook page. I think that philosophically, I align with many of their beliefs, but on a practical level, I have a problem with a number of their stances. Particularly I think abortion should be illegal (you know, the whole “murder” thing) and hard drugs (pretty much everything but Marijuana) should probably just stay out of my local Wal-Mart.

But one area where there is no questioning an alignment between my ideological and practical beliefs is the Libertarian stance on personal property.

Sharing the wealth sounds really noble. There are very poor people and there are stupidly rich people and that’s not fair. We should remedy this by taking money from the rich and giving it to the poor. That is fair. Right. Just. Patriotic.

But what about the work it takes to achieve wealth? What about the personal time and material investments that were required to make money? Is it fair to steal the results of hard work, exceptional brilliance or even blind luck?

Despite claims otherwise, taking money from people who have more is punishing them for being successful. And, the result (goal?) of punishment is changed behavior. Rather than work to improve their standing, people will start making business and financial decisions that limit their penalties rather than enhance their success. It might sound ludicrous, but I think people will change their behavior to avoid success.

And that’s the LAST thing we need in this current economic climate.

No, it’s not fair that there is such disparity between wealth and poverty. But the government is not the solution. Higher taxes are not the solution. Forced “sharing” is not the solution. And, based on our history, it appears that the church won’t be the solution either.

So what IS the solution?

Obviously, I don’t have a clue. I think the Fair Tax would help. I think a greater emphasis on personal and corporate responsibility is a start. Not bailing out companies who make foolish business decisions while we allow individuals who are just as foolish to flounder would be a smart PR move.

But that’s all I’ve got. What do you guys think?
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NOTE: The winner of the caption contest will be announced on Monday. There is still time to get your entries in, so let’s be clever folks!

Social Media Panel

Published
by
Todd
on Monday, October 13, 2008
in Social Media
. 9 Comments

This morning I had the opportunity to speak at WSU Comm week on a panel with Suzanne Tobias from the Wichita Eagle and Shawn Hilferty from KWCH. We spoke about how we use social media in our day-to-day work environment. Being the verbose guy I am, I went on the longest (sorry fellow panelists). But I think the panel was well-received. (I haven’t seen an tweets or blog posts to convince me otherwise.)

On Wednesday, I’m participating in another quasi-panel for PRSA students, also about social media. Then, on Friday, my colleague Jen and I are presenting to the Anabaptist Communicators National Conference about – you guessed it – goat cheese. No, just kidding. It’s about social media.

Wichita’s a small town, so I’m hoping that I can keep this speaking gig going for as long as possible, before people start (if they aren’t already) getting weary of me.

If you’re a PRSA member, Anabaptist communicator or a talented sneak, stop by one of the presentations this week. I’d love to have you.

David Kamerer snapped this photo of me with my friend Andy. Bobby Rozzell suggested I host a caption-creation contest. Well, consider the contest open. The prize is TBD, but will definitely be worth the effort.

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Take On Me: Literal Interpretation

Published
by
Todd
on Wednesday, October 8, 2008
in Random
. 7 Comments

I really wanted my first post after nearly a month to be hard-hitting, relevant and valuable. Sadly, I realized if that was my criteria, I would never post again.

So here it is, for your viewing pleasure, Take On Me: The Literal Interpretation.

This makes far more sense than the original.

Happy Wednesday everyone.
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A post from the other Ramsey

Published
by
Todd
on Thursday, September 25, 2008
in Adoption and Hayley
. 3 Comments

Typical conversation in our home:
Me: “You really need a new blog post, it’s been nearly two weeks.”
Todd: “I know, but I don’t have time, or anything to write about.”
Me: “Well, you need to do something because you’re going to lose readers.”
Todd: “Why don’t you write a post for me?”
Me: “No.”

Yes Internet, it’s me, Todd’s lovely wife, she of the hula-ing and scrunched-up face.

In the past I have turned down Todd’s offers of writing blog posts because I never feel I have anything to write about that anyone else would want to read. Todd tells me I need to get over that, because if everyone else felt that way we would have no blogs, and then what would America do during the day to avoid actual work? I have relented in this case, though, because three* bloggers are trying to raise money for adoption:

Brian Seay’s Un-Raffle – You can win a trip (but this is not gambling)!

Steven Bush – You can buy a pretty picture!

The Neills – You can buy a pretty hair bow!

If you’re able, please give what you can to these three families! And please stop back by Todd’s blog in about 5-7 years (timeline still under negotiation) and donate to our own adoption!

Thank you, Internet, for reading my blog post.

Hayley

*I understand that there could be many more than 3 bloggers currently raising money for adoptions but these are the ones I am currently aware of.**

**Yes, I totally ended my sentence with a preposition. Todd knows how to push my buttons, and I know how to push his.

Is this healthy?

Published
by
Todd
on Friday, September 12, 2008
in Marriage
. 11 Comments

hayley smilingI love my wife. Seriously. She’s awesome.

But I like making her mad.

Not raging, out-of-control, throwing-cell-phones mad. Just irritated, my-arm-slapping mad.

I blame it on the fact that I am an only child and never had the opportunity to mess with any siblings. But who knows why I take such enjoyment from seeing Hayley’s face scrunch up in annoyance.

Fortunately for me (not for Hayley), I’m fairly adept at triggering a response. After only eight years together (counting our courtship), I’ve figured out what to say and how to say it to get the reaction I’m looking for. It’s frightening to think what emotional terror I’ll be able to cause after 20.

Is this normal? Do other people out there take pleasure in frustrating their spouse?

Please let me know I’m not a bad husband.
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I love the Internet

Published
by
Todd
on Thursday, September 11, 2008
in Random
. 0 Comments

It makes me sad to think of the days before the Internet. How in the world did people survive missing out on videos like this?

Eccentric Dance

Thank you tubes for interconnecting and bringing us The Google, YouTubes and The Todd Blog.
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