Self-serving Bureaucrats

Today began the Sotomayor hearings. It was quite a demonstration of Senators in action. Clearly their postions were made obvious, their rhetoric along party lines. Does anyone in Washington stand for the Truth in which they themselves might believe? To quote Bill Johnson (Dreaming With God, Destiny Image Publishers, Shippensburg, PA, 2009, pg.106) , “People instinctively want to be governed by people who are honest and righteous. They want leaders who are not self-serving, but will actually govern sacrificially for the benefit of the whole.” What we want we are not getting. Where did America go wrong?

Sotomayer did not say much today - which was wise. Her answers tomorrow and Wednesday will be the interesting part - depending too on the speechmaking that could well continue by the Senatorial panel. Please know, as I am sure you do, that the selection for the Supreme Court is vitally important to our lives. The vote we make for a President sets the stage for the Supreme Court make-up of the future.

Not the best picture, but the woman above is your next Supreme Court (a lifetime postion) Judge. Thank you Mr. President Obama. Keep praying.

Revenue Generator = Tax = Cap and Trade

Cap and Trade. We are all getting knee capped by the Administration. Cap and Trade will produce no measurable benefits in slowing their falsely claimed Global Warning. It is not a crisis; it is not a problem. In the 70's (not that long ago) the media's attention was on global cooling. This bill imposes regulations on Americans - and Obama considers such regulations good for Americans. One regulation (in the Cap and Trade bill) will impact your decisions on your home. Your home will need to be energy efficient and subject to inspection. If not now, when you sell it a government inspector will need to be called in (at a cost of course) and tell you what needs to be done before you can transfer to a new owner. I understand regulations as to safety, but as to personal choice - well this is Big Brother intruding. "O-Bama!" All new construction will have to meet energy standards (need I remind you there is no measurable benefit to such standards only a cost/TAX to Americans (more money for Congress to spend on their junkets, pet projects and pork, 'pork' which = 'bribe') and more for the federal government in terms of $'s and control of our lives.)

You need to understand what the Democrats and the Administration are up to. My fellow Americans - this is not good. This is just not right. Those that voted for Obama and the Democrats need to consider what is afoot. You thought you were doing the right thing at the time. I was not a Bush fan either. I know it is not what you had expected in the name of 'change' and put forth by Obama, but please keep your eyes open and your mind receptive to the facts. Be informed. Stay informed and speak up.

This Administration is making energy more expensive for no gain. The only beneficiary is the Government. Not you and not me. And not the economy. This is not for the jobs - we will lose jobs. People will find it even harder to sell homes. Manufacturing will take place over seas - the result - American jobs lost. Think it through logically. Only in America is this taking place. Remember JOBS = Just Obama Buying Support for all the plans he has for Big Brother (and if you include Pelosi - Big Sister).

I continue my writing with a Christian focus. I pray for America and remain proud to be an American. But I am not currently proud of Congress, especially the Democratic lock-step, Stepford Democrats.

Check on your Congressman and Senator. Where do they stand on Cap and Trade? My Representative Klein is all for it. I am no longer in his camp as he is not showing me anything closely resembling an understanding of what America wants, only what his party wants and the benefits in it for him. Write them. Let them know what you feel. And you if have no opinion on this matter, you need a Wake-Up call.

Washington and the Nation you are in my prayers. But I pray too for that day in November 2010 when I can be of some aide in having my prayers begun to come true.

Pray with me.

Opps - New Taxes for those Earning less than $250K

Bill Burton's (in the Obama Press corp - on the Obama mouthpiece side) answers to Juan William's excellent questions (subsituting for Bill O'Reilly on the O'Reilly Factor on July 1, 2009)as to the obvious and hidden taxes on the horizon due to Obama's desired programs, primarily Cap and Trade and Health Care Reform (ala Government Health Care), whether justified or logically supported or not, was showing the cracks in the walls of defense for our President. The $250,000 threshold under which no new taxes will ever occur is now becoming a 'preference', a prelude to another Change as Obama has promised. He even had the audacity to think listeners would accept his rhetoric that increased costs passed on to consumers by businesses as a result of government legislation, decisions or regulations, are not a tax. His obvious claim that Cap and Trade was a JOBS bill was most harmful knowing the meaning of JOBS as Just Obama Buying Support.

This goes along with the new definition of "pork" born again from the trade-offs made to Democratic members of Congress to get them to pass Cap and Trade. "Pork" = "Bribe" (my definition). Knowing the exchanges for the coal districts vs. areas that are truly good for energy in America, like natural gas, were costly to the goal of the Bill and to Americans shows that the Boys and Girls in Washington are naive and selfish. It isn't just the Democrats, but they are certainly the most obvious at the moment in showing us their true nature (too au natural for me) and it is not a pretty sight.

Are you aware of the provision in Cap and Trade requiring homeowners to upgrade their properties at the time of a sale to meet Green Standards to be established by the legislation - or more liking the Green Czar.

All the facts are neither on the table nor known. This is a new program for this Administration - Pass it and then write it the way we want it.

Will it be possible to ever undo some of the do-do that Obama is dumping on this great Nation of ours?

2010 can't come any too soon.

Washington Liars - Cap and Trade

This headline is obviously not a tribute to our representatives in Washington. Right now the Democrats are being the example of this Nation - and not very good ones. If "Blago", a name associated with Illinois and Chicago political shenanigans (and if you think he is alone in such actions, think again) is now a term for graft, then the Democrats = Blago-crats. Oh my! - the deception and bribery.

For the House to get their Cap and Trade bill passed (creating their own smog of self-interest - cough, cough - over global warming) 'pork' (a Washington word that should be restated as 'bribes') was allowed for those on the fence to garner their votes. More than one member of the Democratic House (all Republicans opposed) were against the bill and planned to vote 'no', but with a little money thrown their way (yes - a vote 'yes' can be bought) - the Gov. spending for a local district need that might even get the name of the member of the House carved into the 'pork' for posterity - they voted 'yes' (you guessed it).

N. Pelosi flies (by attitude and also by air) in the face of global warming restraint by traveling in a jet plane weekly (which at first was too small for her - b#@*%, b#@*% - my sympathies) at the one-way cost to tax-payers of $60,000 ($120,000 per week) so she can work her 3 days in Washington. Washington needs a bill like NY State has - members of the legislator only get paid to work. No show - no pay. Afterall they are working for us - am I correct on that point - or are we their indentured servants. Madoff is alive and well in the House, Senate and now the White House. Lies, deception, fraud, graft, and eventually we will all find our savings disappearing. The Cap and Trade legislation passed by the House was not even finished (more work was needed in the writing), never read, and the small print - who cares - it can only hurt the People not the Government. The Democrats voted anyway and Obama forced the issue. This is all while America (the World for some) was mourning the loss of McMahon, Fawcett and Jackson. Ain't there no respect for the Entertainment Industry. Now Global Warming has made Mr. Gore over a $100 million according to some sources (and he's now an entertainer). He still uses personal jets and limos - no solar panels on his home.

Now we learn also a report presented to the EPA noting there was not the level of concern about global warming to justify the bill (unfinished bill) was suppressed. The Environmental Agency is to protect the environment and tell the truth (as yet the word "truth" has not been stricken from our vocabulary - only 'blurred') about the air and grass and CO2 and things like that, but are they now puppets for Obama and the Democrats and only give the information they want us to hear. Should I repeat myself - Big Brother is Talking - Big Brother is Watching - Big Brother is Obama and the Democrats. And with Bigger Government Big Brother can be even Bigger - that is Bigger Brother. Where is mother when you really need her? The report (the 'truth') that EPA emails now show was asked to be shelved was just not what the President wanted to hear or have published (again - the 'Truth') so his bill could be passed. Ah yes we elected this Barack Hussein Obama-man so we can have Change. Well I don't know about you but most of the dollars I had are becoming small Change.

Obama quotes Abe Lincoln (when it is convenient). A friend emailed me recently and included the following from Lincoln as a "Quote of the Day". Read it - do you think Obama, Pelosi, Reid and other Washington Democrats have ever read this - no, couldn't do it - it must be suppressed. Sounds True to me!

" You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich.
You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong.
You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift.
You cannot lift the wage earner up by pulling the wage payer down.
You cannot further the brotherhood of man by inciting class hatred.
You cannot build character and courage by taking away men's initiative and independence.
You cannot help men permanently by doing for them what they could and should do for themselves. -- Abraham Lincoln"

My reading this tells me that Washington is not heeding anything like this. Cap and Trade is only one of many bills Obama and his Democratic team are pushing with a goal of unknown consequences. They have lost sight of reality and have no notion of the harm that they may be doing. If they have good intentions I must be missing something. More self-interest seems to be driving the Government train, and soon - I pray - that train needs to run out of steam.

Keep a record of the votes your representatives make and when not for the people - next time pull the level for the other guy.

One last thing - look at California. What has the habit of that State to tax and tax done to that State. People are leaving the State in droves (those they wanted money from anyway). They like charity in California. Obama likes charity. California and Obama want to control all charitable giving. I say 'no' that is not their job. I have written in past Blogs that Government should not be in the Charity Business. (March 24, 2009 - Government and Charity) Certainly they give out money to help those in need (most Democrats give little of their own for that purpose using the Gov. as their gifting pot - VP Biden is an historical poster-boy example). But as a parent if you cannot even help your children the way they would like - say paying for college - then so be it. That's the way it is. Cut back we must. Government also. One idea. In good times when the Government is enjoying excess funds then the Government can support national and local charities that are doing good. Give the money to existing non-profit charities to give - religious groups or otherwise - restrict the funds to helping and not operations (or for evangelism or the like) - like for housing, health care, scholarships, food, afterschool, day care, job hunting, clothing and so much more - but not as a legislative act. Use tax-payer funds for the Constitutional role of Government.

FAT & VAT Redux

From Drudge report today (excerpted):

A proposal to help bankroll universal health coverage with a dime-a-can increase in the price of soft drinks.

House Democrats have lots of potential targets for higher taxes as they aim to expand health care coverage to reach the roughly 50 million that experts say are uninsured.

Also under consideration are higher alcohol taxes, increases to the Medicare payroll tax and a value-added tax, a sort of national sales tax, of up to 1.5 percent or more.

The list of options being weighed by the tax-writing House Ways and Means Committee, and obtained Thursday by The Associated Press, aims to raise some $600 billion over 10 years to partially pay for President Barack Obama's goal of overhauling the nation's health care system to tame costs and cover the 50 million uninsured.

The final price tag for that effort could top $1 trillion, with cuts to Medicare and Medicaid covering the rest of the cost.

The tax options include:

- Increasing the price of soda and other sugary drinks by 10 cents a can. (FAT)

- Applying a potential 2 percent income tax increase to single taxpayers earning more than $200,000 a year and households earning more than $250,000. (FAT Cat)

- A new employer payroll tax could target 3 percent of employers' health care expenditures.

- Taxing employer-provided health insurance benefits above certain levels - a less likely option but one that still is in the running.

* * * * * * * * *

Coming this Friday - the Dems report.

Social engineering - health care prevention - and the VAT addition now 16% Fed Sales Tax. All to help with the health by government plan.

Bill on the table proposed to eliminate Union Workers from Tax on health benefits - where is the fairness?

Watch even your loose change.












Vote out those incumbants in 2010.

Need to Vent

Obama motors (once GM or Chrysler) will provide $7,500 to buy a car, that is more than most people pay in taxes (83.4% pay less taxes), but not a Ford. Is Ford not a car? Let's see. No government investment -no government control - no union ownership - it looks like a car, but it lacks some parts - those that require a subsidy to keep it running. How can it run otherwise? I just don't understand and my name is Obama and I am all for Unions. More Union ownership - and I'll lead the way. I will have no hand in operations, but I will choose the CEO, tell you where to advertise, tell you what to make, require gas milage standards, but other than that - well there may be a few more things - but managers you just go out there and manage the Company.

Oh yes, and more jobs in the U.S.; Chevy - move those parts manufactured in China to the U.S. UAW wants that. What Givafinger says is - if it's going to be sold here it's got to be built here. Cost more - not to worry - Okay, my friend in the White House will just subsidize more. We are going to make America's Obama car company as efficient (and made in the USA) as Amtrak which the government has been running since - can't remember, but it has been a long, long time. Losses - oh yes it loses money, but there are members of congress that like stops made in their districts. We can justify those loses - or a least vote to cover them.

George F. Will (columnist) calls the GM bailout a jobs program for the UAW. Good point!

Investors with secured bonds deserve less than the unsecured creditors. Can't you see they haven't made the same sacrifices as UAW? What? Is accepting less than 30 cents on a dollar not a sacrifice. But they will say yes to the sacrifce and not complain. Why? Because they also have TARP to cover them and if they want any they have to play the Obama-game.

A Good economy - Recovery on Track per Obama's latest teleprompter readings - on its way to recovery. Our goal was 8% unemployment. We are at 9.4%. His tea leaf is a lot different than most peoples. Or his telepromter readings were written over a month ago hoping that by now we would be at 8%. This is from a man that can't understand why the cost of our Government's borrowings are increasing. Dah!

Is Washington really serious when it talks about fiscal responsibility?

Phew! I feel better. November 2010 can't come soon enough.

Fight The Good Fight

First - From Fox News.


Pentagon Briefings No Longer Quote the Bible
AP| Politics

… Briefings No Longer Quote the Bible The Pentagon said Monday it no longer includes a Bible quote on the cover page of daily intelligence ..... Pentagon said Monday it no longer includes a Bible quote on the cover page of daily intelligence …
Story|05/19/2009

A response from a Fox listener: by bethclaresfo [May 20, 2009 4:07:20 PM]
"Bush is a Christian, therefore he had the right to accept the scripture quotes from the Pentagon. BO claims to be a Christian, and does not want the scripture quotes. Another indication that BO is not what he claims. Any real Christian in the position of President of the U.S. would read scripture everyday to help guide him/her. How many Christians who are just trying to get thru a simple day, without the responsiblities of running a country, read scripture everyday to help guide them in their decision making? My educated guess, as a bible reading Christian, is most of them."

Second - From Fox News

San Diego Home bible Study - Couple Ordered to Stop Holding Bible Study at Home Without Permit - From FoxNews
Thursday, May 28, 2009 "Pastor David Jones and his wife Mary have been told that they cannot invite friends to their San Diego, Calif. home for a bible study — unless they are willing to pay tens of thousands of dollars to San Diego County.

"On Good Friday we had an employee from San Diego County come to our house, and inform us that the bible study that we were having was a religious assembly, and in violation of the code in the county." David Jones told FOX News.

"We told them this is not really a religious assembly — this is just a bible study with friends. We have a meal, we pray, that was all," Jones said.

A few days later, the couple received a written warning that cited "unlawful use of land," ordering them to either "stop religious assembly or apply for a major use permit," the couple's attorney Dean Broyles told San Diego news station 10News.

But the major use permit could cost the Jones' thousands of dollars just to have a few friends over.

For David and Mary Jones, it's about more than a question of money.

"The government may not prohibit the free exercise of religion," Broyles told FOX News. "I believe that our Founding Fathers would roll over in their grave if they saw that here in the year 2009, a pastor and his wife are being told that they cannot hold a simple bible study in their own home."

"The implications are great because it’s not only us that’s involved," Mary Jones said. "There are thousands and thousands of bible studies that are held all across the country. What we’re interested in is setting a precedent here — before it goes any further — and that we have it settled for the future."

The couple is planning to dispute the county's order this week.

If San Diego County refuses to allow the pastor and his wife to continue gathering without acquiring a permit, they will consider a lawsuit in federal court."

*******************************************


Now from me --

Now we wait and watch to see where actions such as the above lead us. Some Christians see these and similar actions by the secularist community as signs of End Times. I don't know if I would go that far, but certainly times are changing. How we fight back is another question. By being strong in our faith and making others aware of developments is one way. We are not the ones to judge or condemn others for their actions. We can only hold to our faith in the Lord and be sincere in our own actions. Write, pray, be open about your faith. We still live in a free country and must continue to battle to insure our freedoms are never compromised - this for all, not just Christians. Be proud of who you are and share your beliefs with others so they know too its Okay to be a Christian.

Pray every day!!!

Fat & VAT

A friend reminded me today that Obama's team, directly or indirectly, subversively, has proposed a Fat tax, in addition to the VAT tax. Anything with sugar, like sodas and candy, and I know they will come up with more fattening things to tax to help all us weight watchers. Obama is truly watching out for us all. Bless that man.

Keep Praying

The only thing we can do is keep praying.

Obama, however, is a worry. His priorities seem at odds with America, and the needs of the American people. We are in a crisis.

In the April 13, 2009 edition of The Weekly Standard, Sam Schulman wrote in an article entitled, Honor Killing, American-Style, “In the Obama Administration there can be no dissent from the view that abortion must be unrestricted, paid for, and with no shilly-shallying about parental notification, partial birth abortion, or other such measures that would actually reduce the frequency of abortion.” He goes on to tell his readers Obama “is also poised to rescind a regulation protecting the ‘conscience exemption’ on abortion.” If abortion violates your beliefs, it won’t matter, do it anyway. He notes “Obama’s intolerance of the consciousness of so many of us is particularly curious.” While Iran is launching missiles in defiance of Obama’s verbal goal of mid-east peace through “tenderness” and a gentle hand-holding, kumbayah stuff, “against those who would attack us”, “to those Americans who wish merely to refrain from what they regard as harming babies – the president extends not a hand but a fist.” How well stated – what about priorities?

In the May 23, 2009 issue of World Magazine, Edward Lee Pitts wrote in his article, Serving America, “AmeriCorps will be tripled from 75,000 positions to 225,000 during the next eight years. The largest expansion of full-time, government-subsidized public service since…the Peace Corps.” Sen Jim DeMint said this “would make AmeriCorps the nation’s 14th-largest company.” “The increased volunteer pool could give vast power for the federal government to place added restrictions on nonprofits.” I have said all along that the federal government should not be in the charity business. But Obama clearly wants to take over the business of serving those, in his own way, that are normally served by charities. Eliminating deductions to charities goes to that same end. Is this a priority – even intelligent? Why should ‘we the people’ be supporting Planned Parenthood, ACORN, the ACLU, and any other group that should find their funding from external sources. Let those whose views are strong support those organizations, non-government, that do what pleases them. Government involvement only politicizes matters that should be left to the people, not to Obama or any other President. Is America becoming Obama’s personal charity, his personal cause, his socialist agenda fulfilled?

Obama-Motors, with the Unions as a majority shareholder – would you buy a car from the UAW? Can you imagine what a car built by the Unions and the Government combined might look like? One thing is for sure, the new ‘mpg’ constraints are designed to sell Obama-motors cars, at a cost to the tax-payers. As to the future, the Obama tax and spend team is optimistic, but the Federal Reserve has a different opinion. The governor of Minnesota is taking a different tack – he is reducing taxes. He says that no economy ever emerged from a crisis by tax and spend. Taxing only finds its way to small businesses, as well as big, and the tax payer, big and small, pays, continues to pay and finds less each day in their pocket. What is left to spend and support the optimism Obama is foisting upon us all? To those employed and barely paying for the health care insurance an employer provides, Obama wants to tax the insurance they receive as income. How does that help?

And the beat goes on. Obama is beating his drum for a new social order, the government doing for you and me just about everything. To him conceptually those on the dole will preserve the vote, a form of insurance, for those that will continue to vote for his social order. “I give to you and you vote for me.” – this is the mantra I hear in my head and have nightmares about. What ever happened to capitalism, the American dream, and private enterprise?

Obama is the Captain of the Ship that is America today. Are you confident he is steering us in the right direction? I cannot say that I am. Protect your rowboat. Make sure it floats and you have both oars. We may need to use them sooner than later.

We live with Government. We vote. We elect. We trust. But we can be deceived. Taxes are the Government’s tool for financial support of programs, obligations, representative’s personal wants for their constituency (“pork”), and general needs for services expected of the Government. Honesty, a desired and promised trait, seems lacking. The platform provided an elected or appointed official can be a “bully pulpit” for good, but today seems more likely a power base for control and greed.

Keep praying.

California Speaks For Us All

Has California spoken for the Nation? A Blue state rejects tax increases - voters vote and say 'no more.' Is Washington watching and listening? Is this a precursor to the 2010 vote? What can Washington do that it is not considering at this moment? Following is my Top 10 suggestions for savings. Please send me your thoughts. Add to this list. The first item could be quite significant in many ways.

What Washington Can Eliminate or Consider - My Top 10

1. Reduce size of staff of Congressmen and Senators - at least half of current budgets for staff. Have them demonstrate to everyone they too understand the economic crisis and the squeeze on us all.
2. Eliminate naming opportunities for Congressmen, Senators and other Government members (except after death) on buildings, bridges, roadways, etc., unless contributions made are by the elected official themselves (out of their pockets and the goodness of their hearts). (Call it the Byrd Amendment)
3. Reduce franking privileges, the use of free postal services. Much can be saved here - use email.
4. Eliminate Subsidies, Farm Subsidies, Sugar subsidies, Energy Development subsidies, Any other subsidy.
5. Get the Federal Government out of the abortion business, the business of voter registration and other non-specific activities of Government – such as payments to Planned Parenthood, ACORN and the like. Let the support for these groups come from non-government sources – charities. (Get the Government out of the charity business)
6. Allow States, only, to tax oil, energy companies (alternative energy sources too), to the extent resources are recovered from that State, and to be paid for and to the benefit of the Residents.
7. All requests for payments by Government (like earmarks) shall be in separate legislation. Such requests must stand alone, not as a component of another piece of legislation, and be accompanied with the name of the author.
8. Better still - Eliminate non-essential Earmarks - the purpose clearly stated for any considered "essential.".
9. Reform campaign finance and simplify documentation for non-incumbents. (Washington needs to stop playing games to protect their turf, after all this is supposed to be Government for and by the people. Do you get the impression at times it is Government for and by the incumbents?)
10. Limit the time candidates can campaign for an elected office. Say 6 months max. It would clear the airways for other news – maybe worldwide news and not just political and entertainment news.

Much can be done by Washington to save Billions, make Government more efficient, more effective, and more reflective of the desires of the wonderful peoples of our great Nation.

I have more that can be listed, but I am sure you do too. One already noted to me was reducing the days for mail delivery.

Yes, thank you California voters for speaking for the majority. Now more of us need to speak up. Washington - you can do it - but only if you want to do it for the people.

100 Days

I don’t know about you, but these past 100 days have widened my eyes to new concerns for those of faith. Herein are my views and concerns. Rhetoric by President Obama as to his believing marriage should be between a man and a woman (during the Rick Warren interview) is questioned in light of his verbal support for the Iowa decision for gay marriage and no statements of any kind for States (Washington, NY, and MD) that have continued their support for traditional marriage. He has vowed to overturn DOMA. Was this a clue to the ‘change’ we can expect?
Obama has authorized an increase in our National Debt, to be paid by many future generations, by spending 3.6 trillion dollars, $12,000 for every man, woman and child in America, exceeding total debt incurred by every President ever elected – all 43. We are facing a Barack Hussein Obama (he used his Hussein name when in Turkey) activist social agenda that may cost far more than dollars already being spent in the ‘emergency’ forums led by Obama. This will not help our economy. Charities may be crippled from his desire to reduce or eliminate the charitable deduction for giving. More government social programs would result – a larger government a consequence.
Untold numbers of unborn babies will never see the light of day because of our new President’s positive posture towards abortion, despite verbal statements for minimizing abortions as an objective. Obama agreed to spend tax-payer dollars to help pay for ‘forced’ abortions in China. Women appointed to positions in Washington, making future decisions for Americans, all have a pro-abortion bias. In a recent White House Health Care Conference not one pro-life advocate was invited. Obama does not support moral or ethical grounds as a reason by medical personnel if they refuse abortions, fertilization or adoptions. They must do even what they do not believe is right. Obama says. Stem cell research using embryonic stem cells which has never found one treatment option (after 25 years) will now be funded by tax-payers, Obama supported; even knowing adult stem cell research has resulted in over 70 treatments. Obama stated on the campaign trail “if” adult stem cells work as well or better (they work!), why stir the pot of moral issues. A child pornography defending lawyer, a lawyer for Playboy, Penthouse and the ACLU is Obama’s choice for Deputy Attorney General of the U.S. The first appointed Federal judge says the name Allah is okay in his state’s legislature’s prayers, the name Jesus is not. Our defense spending will be at pre-WWII levels. Is this an area of savings we can afford; will our security be more at risk under the leadership of a man most able in politics, but now questionably capable at leadership.
Nationalization has not been suggested, but now we the people own a majority of GM, and our President has already fired the CEO. Obama never ran a Company before, only ran a Presidential campaign, let alone demonstrated the ability to judge the quality of an Industry leader.
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Napolitano has reported concerns of the threat of 'right wing extremism' and warns of 'potential emergence of terrorist groups' 'antagonistic toward the new (African-American) presidential administration and its perceived stance on issues, including immigration and citizenship, the expansion of social programs to minorities, and restrictions of firearms ownership and use.' The report expresses concerns about Christian Identity groups. She called violent right-wing groups the 'most dangerous domestic threat.' The tea party participants were not mentioned. Obama recently suggested they were of no consequence. Terrorists as we have known them since 911 were not mentioned.
I can only believe this is all part of God’s plan and the Almighty has reasons for what we are seeing in our new Federal Administration. I am not trying to judge Obama, only expressing concerns for the ‘change’ and ‘change’ again we have experienced in 100 days and the repeated prompter speeches and what seems staged press conferences that sound good but are by all appearances designed for each respective listening audience. Consistency on positions on important issues seems lacking. President Obama - you can stop campaigning now and start leading. You won the election. I will continue to pray for your success.

Christians Fighting Back

Freedom of speech is a standard for America. A new proposal for hate crime legislation in the pipeline, however, suggests what is said or written can be deemed a hate crime if opposition to certain groups is suggested. It tosses out the old "sticks and stones will hurt my bones, but words....." What if the Bible story of Sodom and Gommorah had to be removed to satisfy government hate crimes laws. Would that raise a concern as to freedom of speech, even freedom of religion? Looking for motive may become a way of establishing a criminal offense for hate, whether it is actually hate, or simply a different point of view and an expression of a preferred way of life (the other way of life then may feel hated since your stated preference was mentioned.) What you say or write or even read may be motive enought. How wrong would that be?

There is talk in Wasington of restricting radio stations, a balancing act as it were, from broadcasting one viewpoint over another. In other words if conservative talk radio was more popular than liberal talk radio - the case today - thus engendering more ad revenues for the stations by supporting such programming (makes business sense), regardless of the point-of-view of the station itself, the Fairness Doctrine as being discussed, would necessitate the radio station allow for the same amount of liberal talk - even if was costly to the station. I do not consider National Public Radio equal - it is definitely slanted more towards a liberal standard, but has anything been done by the Government itself to balance their own station - at least a station they support?

Texas, to the credit of that State, has allowed for freedom of speech, but a court battle had to be waged to allow school children to mention the bible, quote verses, or even use the name Jesus in school. In 2007 the Governor signed a bill protecting the rights of children in Texas public schools to express their religious beliefs. It is the Schoolchildren's Religious Liberties Act (actual name - Religious Viewpoints Antidiscrimination Act). Go Texas. Today's paper (the Palm Beach Post) mentioned another accomplishment for Texas, the court affirming a Texas law that calls for schoolchildren to have a moment of silence during which they can pray, reflect or meditate. There was a group opposing such action as unconstitutional thus requiring a court case to settle this challenge. It cost time and money, but resulted in freedoms kept. Go Texas. Maybe these standards will find there way into the law of the land - State by State if necessary. Christians can fight back and do.

If you know of similar laws in other States, I'd like to know too. Please respond.

Groups like the ACLU, and others, with a liberal, secularist agenda, often propagandize their postions making many school administrators and personnel in public places think the postions they espouse are the norm, using legal threats and statements that are simply not true. The threat of legal action alone is scary. Lack of knowledge, or appropriate information causes cases where freedom of speech or content in written pieces, even public discussions is being restricted in error. We need to know our rights and fight for those rights. School principals, college deans, government personnel in positions of authority, even corporate personnel, especially human resource directors need to know all the facts, so that Christian freedoms, individual freedoms are not being wrongly subjected to restraint. Why would a group in an office having a bible Study - open to everyone - be prevented from such a group session if conducted on their own time?

We all need to know our rights and the law, and any proposals that might restrict our freedoms in any way. Christians - fight back. Be prepared. Be aware. But be loving.