Today was not a good day for leadership.
First it was Calderon. You know — the Mexican President, Felipe Calderon? His administration has attempted to rid Mexico of the narco-traffickers using thousands of Mexican troops and hundreds of millions of dollars in U.S. aid, but cartel members have killed thousands in an effort to maintain control of the lucrative drug trafficking routes. More than 18,000 people have been killed since Calderon launch his military offensive in 2006.
Then in an unprecedented mucho ballsy move he comes to the U.S. today and complained about Arizona’s immigration law (SB1170), when all the state wants to do is protect itself against a flood of illegal immigrants from Calderon’s country! And, how about that Congress’s standing ovation for the Mexican leader?! Adding insult to injury in this twilight zone was President Obama complaining whining about Arizona trying to do something about a problem he- President Obama and the federal government- have created and choose to ignore. George W. didn’t help. Combined with the fact they can’t be bothered to read the law that they’re criticizing. If they did, they’d find out that parts of Arizona’s law are word-for-word the same- exactly- as the federal statutes on immigration. I’ll save my viewpoints on how Mr. Calderon should spend his time trying to create opportunities for his own citizens, so they’re not driven by poverty and desperation to sneak into this country illegally for another day. The fact is that this “pony show” is all about pandering to Hispanics for votes.
And speaking of pandering…
Polaris Industries Inc., (parent company of Victory motorcycle) announced today that it will establish a new factory in Mexico’s Monterrey/Saltillo area. Talk about great timing on doing your part for the American economy — exporting American jobs along with the factories. This major realignment will begin immediately and will lead to an eventual sale or closure of the Polaris’ Osceola, Wis., manufacturing operations. Polaris stated the realignment allows it to invest in and outsource certain “nonstrategic” component manufacturing processes while improving on-time delivery to customers, and providing savings in logistical and production costs. Make no mistake, it is all about the money.
Scott Wine, CEO of Polaris, stated in a press release:
“Pursuing opportunities in new markets outside the United States, while concurrently evaluating our cost structure to improve our long-term competitive positioning, are key components to our growth strategy. This decision was based on a thorough review of our worldwide operations and will allow us to improve our ability to meet the quality, delivery and cost standards desired by our dealers and customers.”
Harley-Davidson has made it public they are also considering a move out of Wisconsin. Inconceivable? Think again. Polaris plans to have their factory in Mexico operational beginning in the first half of 2011. Can H-D be too far behind?
My philosophy is that if my neighbor doesn’t have a job, sooner or later I won’t have a job either.
Photo courtesy of Harlistas.
Northwest Harley Blog 
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Kenosha, Wisconsin: Blessing Obnoxious Noise
May 20, 2010
Noise Free America
For immediate release
Contact:
Ted Rueter
877-NOISE-NO
noisefree@hotmail.com
Albany: St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Kenosha, Wisconsin has won this month’s Noisy Dozen award from Noise Free America offering its blessing to illegal motorcycle noise.
Recently, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, a member congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America sponsored its 21st annual annual “bike blessing.” Pastor Grant Quever, donning a red, white, and blue doo-rag, climbed a ladder and proclaimed to 500 bikers, “God is good!” A biker in the crowd responded, “And he’s good all the time!”
According to the Kenosha News, Pastor Quever stated that many motorcyclists “have had close calls, and for those who want to be good disciples of Christ, our goal is also to help people connect through Christ.”
Ted Rueter, Noise Free America’s director, commented that “the decision of Pastor Quever and St. Paul’s Lutheran Church to ‘bless’ motorcycle riding is a disgrace. Undoubtedly, the vast majority of the motorcycles at this event were blatantly illegal. The federal Noise Control Act of 1972 prohibits modifying a motorcycle exhaust for the purpose of making noise. Motorcycles are quiet when they leave the factory; they are noisy because of the intentional, illegal actions of bikers.”
“Also,” Rueter continued, “there are numerous Bible verses which support the importance of peace and quiet:
-Psalms 107:30: “Then are they glad because they be quiet; so be bringest them unto their desired haven.”
-Isiah 32:18: “And my people shall dwell in a peaceful habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.”
-1 Thessolonians 2:2″ “For kings and for all that are in authority: that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.”
Rueter also noted that Pastor Quever’s “blessing” of illegal motorcycles is directly contrary to Biblical emphasis on respecting the law. Romans 13:1-2 states: “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.”
Pastor Quever’s “blessing” of illegal, obnoxious motorcycle noise violates the principle of loving thy neighbor. Romans 13:8 states: “Love thy neighbor as yourself. Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore, love is the fulfillment of the love.” Pastor Quever’s actions also run counter to Matthew 5:5, which states: “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.”
“Thunderous motorcycle noise greatly harms neighbors,” Rueter stated. “Motorcycles with illegal exhausts can reach 120 decibels–which is physically dangerous. Excessive noise is threatening and intimidating. It can cause hearing loss, sleep deprivation, chronic fatigue, and aggressive behavior.”
Pastor Quever’s “blessing” of illegal motorcycle noise is nothing but pandering, Rueter said: “Jesus came to heal the sick and comfort the afflicted, not to sanction unrighteousness and lawlessness. St. Paul’s Lutheran Church’s attempt to be popular with the Harley crowd is a theological disgrace. I cannot believe that God looks favorably upon this endorsement of criminality.”
Noise Free America is a national 501c3 citizens organization opposed to noise pollution. Past “winners” of the Noisy Dozen award include the Wisconsin state legislature and the city of Madison.
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I believe it was the pope who explained in a message not long ago that while many experience tranquillity and peace when coming into contact with nature, a correct relationship between man and the environment should not lead to “absolutizing nature” or “considering it more important than the human person.”
Why is it that NoiseFree wants to reduce everything to an overly simple parable? Now its theological pronouncements to reflect their anti-views. Isn’t there a danger in turning a noise-free-world into a “new divinity?”
Dude, you hit it right on the head here…and i thought i was the only one feeling a bit paranoid with what was going on politically and business wise. Thanks for confirming my fears, i guess! LOL.
Thoroughly enjoy your blog man….great reads and insights! Ride safe!
Who do these idiots think are going to buy their wares when all the jobs are sent over seas and everyone in the states are unemployed? I thought about a Victory Polaris product but not now.