Who Does America, Who Do We, Stand For? What Do We Stand For?

 Who Does America, Who Do We, Stand For?  What Do We Stand For?

During this RNC convention, and post the DNC Convention, we can reflect on a bit of American History.  This is not a look at progress, especially for minorities, which has occurred and continues.  Equality for all is more equal and in line with the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights.  What we are going to take a look at is ‘we the people’ of America.  

Presidents since the turn of the 20th Century, from 1900, have had a tendency towards progressivism, and that is not a positive term for those that seek success on their own.  We are not a perfect union, we are not comprised of perfect people, but we have achieved more than any other Nation in the world in a rather short period of time. The founding fathers, as it were, the originators of the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights, were scribes of a system more perfect than themselves. The freedoms for all we enjoy today were the freedoms as purposed, but not as lived at the time and for many years after.  The documents were adopted as the guiding principles for America, the United States, but unfortunately they were not fully ascribed to on day one. There were issues, many resolved, and some still being dealt with.  With the Constitution as our continuing guide the end results, fully adjudicated, will be a more than perfect Union. 

Now to address the questions raised. 

Do you prefer self-rule or to be ruled by elites, intellectuals, political representatives, and their staff, that decide everything for you?  As a starter it was Ronald Reagan that said, “Government in not the solution to our problems; government is the problem.”  What is interesting is that the question posed offers a ‘choice.’ Much of what we discuss involves choice, whether people prefer to choose or have decisions made for them. 

Does Size Matter

With that as a starting point, consider the size of government; the bigger the government, the bigger the problem.  The corollary is obvious.  And the bigger the government the more things the employees need to find to do to justify their positions and continued existence.  This translates into regulations, finding and regulating everything they can, leaving no activity, purpose, employee, employer, business or pocketbook untouched.  From the water you drink to the way you think big government needs to departmentalize, to organize, to oversee, to regulate and to control possibilities and outcomes.  The advent of business success through exploration, as oil, to railroads, the automobile, and manufacturing, of many items Americans never knew they did not need, enabled many to become very wealthy.  There were concerns, to which there was some truth, that employees were being exploited. The debate was over lower wages to keep prices low to maintain competition and create demand.  But also workplace conditions, hours engaged, even child labor became issues.  There were more employees than there were wealthy entrepreneurs, those that created the jobs the employees worked, and thus more voter potential.  So the progressives believed they could hold office, appeal to the majority voter, by protecting the worker, transferring wealth, and restricting the entrepreneur from getting out of hand, thus curbing monopolies, conglomerates, and that which they referred to as big business.  Yet we are reminded that no business is too big to fail.  Protectionism of some businesses that were in decline was considered proper thinking, to protect the job and the employee, but apply that to the buggy whip, and you have people employed making products nobody any longer needs. 

To protect workers the Department of Labor was formed. Due to a few greedy business owners, a minority in my view at the time, an entire Federal Department was created to impose sanctions, regulate and oversee conditions in manufacturing.  Today that Department’s major purpose is to insure the existence of Unions.   Unions vote for those that will maintain their status.  This Department provides the guidelines for Posters you see in every workplace.  With the Covid there are many directives for not just workers but all of us to distance, mask-up, lockdown, dine outside, not inside, and avoid crowds, so suggested.  Then there is insurance, unemployment insurance, an agency to provide payments when you lose your job, not when you quit, mind you, but when you lose your job. Then there are the standards set for family leave, minimum age, minimum wage, work hours, hours permitted to work, safety factors, and more.  Much of the latter is justification for those Department employees.  It is the Unions that are given the grace of government. Question.  Is the Department of Labor needed any longer?  What about States Rights?  I’ll get to that.

To Your Own Self Be True

Lest we forget, self-rule.  What is that?  It is what you can do for yourself.  You can create, innovate, manufacture, provide a service, such as being a barber, physician, beautician, realtor, gardener, musician, cook, chef, artist, entrepreneur, carpenter, plumber, electrician, auto mechanic, bus or truck driver, Uber or Lyft driver, boat captain, pilot, educator, and more.  The only impediment may be, can be, and in many cases is education, licensure, regulation or permission, and qualifications.  That is when self-rule meets government. You can start a social network, and you are free to do as you will, until considered too big, too important, too much for the government operatives to accept and thus become regulated. Before regulation comes congressional hearings.  Regulation is considered by those regulating, ‘good for the people.’ Terms are used that are politically correct to make the meaning of restrictions on freedoms to operate acceptable to the masses, those that vote more than the others (the creators, implementors, doers).  One such term, often used, is ‘fairness.’ What is ‘fair?’  Add to that ambiguous words as ‘right’ and ‘just.’  

America achieved its greatness via self-rule, entrepreneurship, innovation and success in selling its goods, agriculture, and services nationally and worldwide.  Today many want to curb the extent of America’s ability to manufacture and supply the world, even where to manufacture and what to manufacture.  For instance silver and gold is not processed in the USA, but in other countries.  We can dig for the ore, but not turn that ore into a finished product, by regulation, unless we go outside the States.  Regulation became so restrictive, and expensive to comply, it was necessary to find offshore locations whose regulatory environment to the processor was more favorable.  Competitive edge is important to self-rule, it is an objective, it is why people innovate. But to the progressives if an advantage is achieved there is a problem. That means ‘disparity’ (another word of convenience), and thus discrimination (which progressives link to ‘disparity’) towards those that are not as competitive.  The term used, applying our nations’ creed of equality, is ‘equal outcomes.’  But that is a misnomer.  As equal results are not possible.  There may be an occasional tie, but even in sports there are playoffs to determine the victor.  

Equal

We are equal in God’s eyes, and in terms of human rights. We have equal rights as to protection under the law, as to how we start, such as in education and opportunities. But after that there are many, many variables. Yet the obstacles are obvious: human size, sex, innate ability, talent, intellect, motivation, environment, family, and desire, et al.  Overcoming the obstacles can result in disparities making one person more successful than another.  Then to those who all too often are referred to as ‘left behind’ come the cries of ‘discrimination.’  The cries may be direct or indirect.  The indirect cries are from third parties, mostly political, seeking their own personal advantage, or taking advantage of an opportunity.  Rhetoric often supersedes action. 

Our society needs daily encouragement, not discouragement. We need to herald our champions, those that overcome the hurdles and make something of themselves, to include happiness.  ‘Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,’ that is America’s mantra.  We live, we are free, and as such can overcome hurdles, if we so choose.  It may take many attempts. 

On a race track oval there are starting blocks for the competitors.  We can assume they have all trained for the event, but if there is an open spot anyone could take it.  When the gun goes off the race begins.  That is the first hurdle, just starting.  Then everyone proceeds at their own pace, some faster than others.  Hurdles along the way or not, just a smooth track, the one that crosses the finish line first, breaks the tape, receives the reward.  Is that ‘fair’?  To some they know their limits, others may return to training,  knowing with hard work, extra effort, they can exceed their current limits, personal hurdles, and the next time do better, and even break the tape.  The same applies to education, skills with musical instruments, vocational trades, services, not just sports. Everyone needs someone at the end of the line encouraging, even if it is to just finish.  The victors should stay at the finish line to encourage all the others to complete the task, cross the line, achieve their own personal best. It is not just the winners than can be happy, but those that do their best as well.  There is more than one way to be a winner. 

All the Same

Sameness is boring. Even when it comes to computers they are not the same.  An Apple is not a Microsoft, Dell or Hewlett Packard computer.  Or cars, as a Lexus is not a Ford, or Buick, or Jeep or a Kia. In every sector those that produce try to make their products better, more appealing, faster, smarter, and even more profitable, if not per unit, by volume.  Not every car is attractive to every person. There are automobiles attractive to some and not to others.  Ugly may be beautiful and visa versa. It is all in the eyes of the individual, based on personal ‘choice.’  In the progressive ideal world, as in Russia (socialist, communist) your car choices are limited, in many cases even as to color. Choice is limited due to government dictates, as a parent decision for you. Under self-rule choice is exponential, you decide.  The prevailing argument always is there are exceptions, reasons to restrict choices; some obvious impediments, some not so, such as affordability, availability, sensibility or compatibility. 

Because we do have choice, what we are offered is not the same.  As what is offered becomes less, our choices are restrained.  Education is an example.  There are many schools.  Having your children go to a school of your choosing would be wonderful.  There may be reasons to pick one over another, but just having the choice would be good.  Today Unions oppose, in many areas, parents making or having the right to choose.  Same applies to education in each State.  During the Carter Administration a Department of Education, at the Federal level, was created.  This reduces having 50 State’s deciding how to offer education in their areas, limiting the decision to just one voice, that of the Federal Government.  To me this imposes significant restraint on the potential for new and creative, innovative ideas, in education, ideas that if successful can be shared, with the other 49.  It is the progressive ideal to have one source for everything, the Federal establishment.  They want to replace mother, father, and mentor with their own ideas, thoughts and history.  They want to control every aspect of your lives, even the choices you make.  And they want you to believe what they are doing is for you, is in your best interest. 

Health Care is another area, such as progressives offering universal health care. They call it Medicare-for-All. The system to be controlled by the Federal Government.  You will have but a single choice; the Government’s choice for you.  Your doctor, your hospital, your walk-in clinic, the extent of care received, even whether or not you deserve the care necessary, such as for age reasons, will no longer be your decision.  What you can afford will not matter.  There has even been talk of death panels, which do exist already in several countries that offer universal health care.  Self-rule is out the window.  This is another area that should be left to the States.  Let Governors and their elected State officials decide on health care delivery systems for their residents, giving residents a vote on the matter.  

States Rights were an important mandate to those that structured our government.  It remains important today, while the progressives seek to centralize all decisions at the Federal level.  At one time Senators were not elected by the people in their States but selected by the Governors and State legislatures (who were voted in by the residents), thus having House representatives for the people, and the Senators for the State’s interests.  That was changed during President Wilson’s (28th) reign and the 17th Amendment. The progressives trampled on State’s rights again. President Wilson oversaw the passage of legislative policies of a progressive nature which until the1933 New Deal, under FDR (32nd), were unprecedented.

Beware, not everything ordained by Government is the same for everyone. If fact often what the Government dictates is more favorable to government and its officials, which you elect and then the elected appoint or hire employees (with onerous dismissal clauses in employment contracts), than the people.  Hearing the description ‘deep state’ conjures up conspiracy theories, which in truth have some validity.  It is difficult for a new President to reduce staff due to tenure and work rules created by previous administrations.  This is most inefficient and costly.  It also leaves important posts occupied with opposing party loyalists that become dissenters, leakers and internal obstacles to succeeding for the masses.  The masses are We The People, the tax-payers.  And then there is the ‘pork.’  Government using our dollars to support their favored backers and loyalists.  The bigger the government the more potential for corruption, the bigger the cost of operations and the easier to hide and disguise expenditures and uses less favorable to citizens.  

Labor Department

In my view, established in March 1913 by then outgoing President Taft (27th) and incoming President Wilson, this Department of the Government, Labor, a Cabinet position, has done more harm to creativity and productivity in America than helped.  It heralded the Progressive doctrine towards oversight of individuals.  It purpose is "to foster, promote and develop the welfare of working people, to improve their working conditions, and to enhance their opportunities for profitable employment.”  However profitable employment is productive employment, not jobs burdened with costly regulations.  

I am not opposed to proper clean and safe working conductions, but question whether a political Union protection racket was necessary. For the businessman the Department of Labor restricts his abilities, and thus the instinct to find job opportunities, by imposing the will of government upon the will of the entrepreneur. And this can occur via the Union.  Unions make demands, often unwarranted and although beneficial to the employees that pay into the Union, not to the possible outcomes on students, consumers, households or the economy.  An example today is in education,  Teachers Unions making demands to return to teach that increase the cost of education for all of us, limit the choice of a parent to have their children go to a preferred school, even homeschooled (‘school choice’), and in some cases oppose parents from monitoring how there kids are taught and what they are taught.  And we cannot ignore tenured teachers that have lost their drive, are more rote and mundane in their methods, and have little creativity.  Fresh ideas are ignored for the protection of a class of educators, not for the benefit or the ability to learn and gain knowledge of the student. 

Another example; Unions in the automobile industry were able to garner higher and higher wages for the worker, but the result was to move manufacturing to foreign lower wage countries, a loss of American jobs, opportunity and tax revenue, as well as engender an increase in competition from imported foreign cars at lower prices.  

President Regan (40th) 

In 1980 Ronald Regan was elected, a conservative, a self-rule believer, after years of progressivism.  Ben Shapiro, his book, How to Destroy America in Three Easy Steps, wrote (pg. 160), “Regan’s economic agenda was threefold: first, lowering taxes in order to stop punishing businesses for success, and to incentivize investment and growth; second, to relieve regulatory burdens that had hamstrung entrepreneurs; and finally, to stop inflation in its tracks, granting the predictable basis for economic growth missing since the advent of government growth under LBJ (36th).”  Needless to say at the end of his administration America's “economy was booming.”  This was because Regan got the Government out of the way of free enterprise as much as he could.  Today we can say the same thing about Trump. Unfortunately, the impediment for both was and is the size of government and federal spending, an inability to curb the oversized growth of each.  

20th Century

There were 17 Presidents in the period 1900 to 2000, starting with Teddy Roosevelt and ending with Bill Clinton.  Under Teddy we had a “Square Deal” that would address his primary concerns for the era—the three C’s: control of corporations, consumer protection, and conservation.  Woodrow Wilson focused on Banks and Trade.  Wilson was the most progressive seeking as much Federal government intervention and involvement as possible. He passed the Clayton Act  (1914) which provided support for labor unions by exempting labor from antitrust prosecution and legalizing strikes and peaceful picketing. The progressive process enabling government to take a greater role in controlling the lives of American citizens had begun.  From the end of the Wilson era (1923) until FDR’s election (1933) America experienced the death of a President, scandals in congress (Teapot Dome), a quiet period of growth with respect for States Rights (Coolidge - 30th), and the Crash of 1929. With FDR came the New Deal, and a resurgence of progressivism resulting in the growth of the Federal Government.  The next dramatic phase of progressivism in the 20th century was under LBJ, and the Civil rights Act of 1964 along with Medicare and Medicaid.  

But more recently it has been the Obama/Biden Administration that reinvigorated the Progressives. Ben Shapiro (his book mentioned previously) noted (pg. 163), “the Obama administration became a proponent for identity politics centering on a narrative of America as an oppressive country, with racism baked into its DNA.” Obama understood the effectiveness of class politics, a specialty of FDR, and agreed that the “government was the solution to every problem” (pg. 151).  Educators, professors, and writers from Charles Beard to Richard Hofstadter to Howard Zinn to Noam Chomsky and 1619’s own Nikole Hannah-Jones have been allowed to dominate and be spewed from the mouths of teachers inviting many in our schools to embrace their anti-conservative, anti-capitalistic, history more as “politically driven ‘social science’” (pg. 179), blaming the present for the past (ignoring reality and progress), and codifying America as an inherently “power hierarchy” (pg. 175). None of which is correct.  

Jimmy Carter, responsible for the oil crisis, the takeover of Iran by the ayatollah, and a continued decline in our Education system was weak compared to Obama.  Obama, however, was ill-equipped and surrounded himself with incompetents.  He kindled the fire of rage and racism today we see in the knee-jerk reactions and pre-judgement of the likes of the BLM activists.  His beer summit with a policemen and black intellectual, locked out of his home and investigated by the cops for trying to break-in, did not ease racial tensions, but exacerbated them.  There was no racial bias noted in this situation.  As with George Floyd, the Ferguson affair, and Jacob Blake, without proof criticisms were made, condemnation and prosecution sought, guilt assumed. In this instance a disorderly conduct misunderstanding was portrayed as a racial incident.  This as the example of repeated incidents that lacked sufficient evidence for final judgment resulting in riots, burning of property, threats, attacks on police officers, occupation by violent protestors, destruction and deaths. 

One particular Ben Shapiro comment found most poignant, having to do with political posturing by leftist progressive democrats, “When demand for victimization narratives exceeded supply, (these politicos) mine American history for … oppression, then declare the modern ills can be attributed to historical injustices” (pg.170).  Racial progress is constantly downplayed by these, those I refer to as, ‘divisivists.’ 

Socialism

There is much discussion today about socialism.  The progressive movement takes many of its directives from marxist and socialist ideas, whereupon business success is shared with the employees, healthcare is offered everyone at government (tax-payer) expense, and wealth is redistributed as much as possible.  Examples of socialism exist today in Cuba, Venezuela, Russia, much of China, Sweden, Denmark and Norway, although the latter three are not strictly socialist.  Natural resources of these small countries are shared and help to provide for the welfare of the whole. Socialism is also the methodology in many Muslim majority nations.  An unfortunate aspect of socialism is a lack of incentive by workers to innovate, create, or be as productive as possible, as the consequences are a taking or sharing of the potential wealth produced, and a lack of justification to work harder, as there is no additional reward for doing so.  The government oversight becomes that of a dominant party insisting on production, with penalties exceeding benefits. Those persons that are creative may seek to leave to find a more open, self-governed society, if possible.  Those that are critical of the system, or the dissenters, are removed, their voices quelled, so as not to have any adversity caused.  No protests. In some cases peaceful protests are permitted, closely monitored, to give the appearance of a more civilized, objective, leadership. 

What Does America Stand For? Viewpoints Right and Left

The concern is whose side are you on? What do you believe?  What have you been taught?

Right, Red, Conservative

From the GOP viewpoint, or that of Republicans, and Trumpians.  The position favors capitalism, entrepreneurship, family, religion (God), personal charity, small government, more incentives and less entitlements, deregulation, school choice, balanced curriculums (more conservative viewpoints added to counter today’s overwhelming liberal concepts being taught), reduced government spending, teaching actual American history (the bad and the good), anti-communism, anti-socialism, patriotism (love of Country), America’s uniqueness, equality of opportunity, realistic about equality of outcomes, freedom, freedom of speech, nationalism, closed borders, self-rule, self-defense (gun rights), independence, immigration control, health care as individual’s choose, voter ID’s (all citizens to vote), States Rights, illegals do not receive same benefits (tuition & health care) as citizens, rights of individuals (granted  by God) precede rights of government (granted by humans), right to life, government of laws (moral and biblical), government to not be political, and fiscal responsibility, of individual and government.  The Conservatives believe opportunity is equal, but encouragement, incentives, family (direct or indirect), and desire are also needed, instilled through proper educators and mentors. Failure only means you get up and try anew. Relying on government is an error of judgment. God’s role and importance to our society is to remain and be embraced. 

Left, Blue, Liberal

From the Democratic viewpoint, that of Obama, Sanders, FDR, LBJ, and Biden. The position favors socialism, labor Unions, welfare, government as overseer of everyone, government as the nation’s charity (at the expense of bureaucracy), secularism, increased welfare and entitlements, consumer protectionism through regulation, limits on education, continued progressive and liberal politically charged social science ideals in curriculums, revisionist history to reflect an evil and oppressive nature of America, wealth transfer, equal outcomes, making, identifying and maintaining victims in society to advance political narratives, America is not unique, government as a power hierarchy deciding for people, downplaying racial progress, individualism until it becomes costly to society, limits on freedom of speech, globalism, open borders, no limits on immigration, universal health care, no voter ID’s, federal control over States, free health care for illegals, free tuition for illegals, activist government, government determines people’s rights, right to choose life (abortion OK), government of morals as determined by humans (not biblical), government and politics are joined, and taxation to achieve redistribution and ‘fairness.’ The Left believes opportunity is not equal, disparities translate to discrimination and must be balanced by oppressive regulation and welfare.  Discouragement, downplaying one’s individual abilities, as a victim, is common.  Failure is not an individuals hurdle, it is a product of the system, either as part of the system or not.  Reliance on Government is recommended. 

What About You

Where do you fit?  In what hole do you prefer to insert your peg? When considering the factors what leads towards unity? What leads to division? What do you prefer?  Are you for more Federal Government or less.  What about the role of the States?  Progressives have succeeded in bringing to Washington, creating Cabinet Posts, the Department of Labor, the Department of Education and the Department of Energy, all to impose controls nationwide on the workplace, workers and employers, teachers, students and curriculums, and the use and development of energy in the USA, from speed limits, to tax on gasoline, to the climate-control ruse to compel less fossil fuel in favor of alternative sources. 

All our actions when we vote have an impact on Government, its direction and its size, certainly the personalities that sit in judgment, their opinions and biases, and those that influence legislation, such as lobbyists, wealthy individuals and corporations.  There is much to consider whenever we fill in a circle, trip a lever or otherwise choose a politician as representative or issue to become law. What do you stand for?  What do you want America to be?

 

by Thomas W. Balderston, author, blogger. 

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Tax-payor Funded Abortion - Say No

Today, Wednesday, July 15, the U.S. House of Representatives will vote on a bill that will allow public funds to be used to pay directly for abortions in our nation's capital. If this measure passes, taxpayer money appropriated by Congress will be sent directly to the abortion industry in Washington , D.C. Tell your member of Congress to oppose this change in the law and to vote against the passage of H.R. 3170 if it continues to allow the use of locally generated tax revenues - public money - to be used for the killing of innocent human lives in the womb. (Reproduced for the most part - From FRC)

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.

Change in Washington - Daily - Ever changing - Contact Your Representative.

TARP repayments were to be for the benefit of the people. Now Barney Frank wants to reinvest money repaid into housing. Wasn't he one of the primary causes for the housing meltdown. Hearings on TV now. Watch your wallet. What we have given to the new Congress is a license to create Big Brother. They are hard at making it happen. Only the American people can cause change.

Note: On change. The change we are seeing from the Obama Admin. is dynamic. Everyday it changes, from campaign promises to public policy. Ever changing - only so the Democrats can operate in lock-step without individual thought. The Democrats are becoming Stepford-like under the threat of Admin. pressure. What happened to freedom of thought, even among those in the party in power?

Politics: Be alert, be aware, be informed. Sen. Harry Reid said it succinctly - we will have Government Health Care - other alternatives like free choice - will not be considered. Bigger Government is the aim. Think about what you want. Let your Representatives know.

To Contact your Congressman: https://writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome.shtml

To Contact your Senators: http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm

Email is preferred as letters will be delayed due to the need for the postal service to scrutinize mail for potential harm to the recipient - which makes sense in light of incidents with anthrax.

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.

What's Happening in the World?

Jackson has died. The media is obsessed. What else is happening in the World?

N. Korea continues with provocative actions - more missile launches as Washington watches. Obama press sec'y Gibbs says, "It's not surprising!" - but is quiet on anything Washington is or can do about it. In the future "Oh My!" will be an expression substituted with "O-Bama!".

Anything planned for the troops returning from Irag? A hail to their Victory parade on the like. Even an Obama greeting and thanks - also thanks to Bush 43.

A major troop assault is taking place in Afghanistan. What about it?

Cap and Trade is ready to hit American hard - impacting on the recession. Ethanol uses more energy to produce than it produces. Natural Gas is the way America needs to go, but Obama wants a go slow on this - why. Drill, drill, drill - that is still what I believe.

The Health Care pocketbook breaker is just another JOBS creator for Washington - Remember JOBS = Just Obama Buying Support. Over 87% of Americans are covered and they like having the best health care system in the World. The cost of the other 13% - give them greater access to Medicaid and let the Medicaid lines form. Do you want to be in that line if you do not have too? Obama wants the same line for all. And Obama will have his own doormen - or Czars, deciding who moves up in the line. "O-Bama!"

What would pay for Health Care in America - as it is - and reduce costs dramatically is Tort Reform. Say it over and over again - Tort Reform, Tort Reform, Tort Reform. But that would take lawyers agreeing - and what is Washington made-up of - attorneys - they are lawyers too! Obama has already said "no" to that. After all it is called the 'practice' of medicine - mistakes will be made. For those that check out their doctors like many checked out Madoff (failed to actually) then they take a greater risk. What kind of doctors will you have access to under the Obama Plan. No one in health care could survive - the result all hospital, nursing homes, psych facilities, etc. will become government run - just like GM. If anyone responds to a health emerging even the Government Motors ambulances will have to wait in line at the Government run Hospitals to get you into line for your Government mandated health care and probably a doctor that only required two years to learn their trade - then trade you off to another real Doctor and another line. "We can see you in 4 months." "O-Bama!"

Don't forget any health care benefits you receive Obama wants taxed - that is unless you join a Union. It's the New American folks and Big Brother is Obama.

Washington continues with it's lies. And bribes, which equals "pork."

Now same sex couples (non-married of course - for the moment) can get the same benefits that married couples have as employees of the federal Government. What if your college roommate just moved in a week ago (same sex), can he/she also travel with you (on the People's dime) - as a same sex mate? By the way non-married co-habitators of a heterosexual persuasion are excluded. 12 years together - sorry. "O-Bama!"

Unemployment continues to rise - even when Obama says no, only 8%. Well it's 9.5% and rising.

Obama's dreams are different than most people's dreams.

What about a Divorce between Republicans and Democrats - split the Country? I'll take the capitalistic part. There will be a Socialistic part for those that prefer that. An idea recently emailed to me by a friend. I will share soon.

2010 - 2010 - 2010 - Vote the liars out. Identify and then say sorry - you are out! Vote.

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.

True even Today. A quote over 100 years old.

"'Do you pray for the senators, Dr. Hale?' No, I look at the senators and I pray for the country."
Edward Everett Hale - 1822-1909 - American author and Unitarian Minister.

Another quote (same gentleman)
"A child who is early taught that he is God's child, that he may live and move and have his being in God, and that he has, therefore, infinite strength at hand for the conquering of any difficulty, will take life more easily, and will probably make more of it...."

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.

Creation - Excerpt #4 - Wake Up! Wake Up!

Creation
God created a perfect world in an orderly manner. From a formless void, God created light, then the expanse of the sky, making morning and evening, then land, sea, and vegetation, then the sun, the moon, the stars, then birds and fish, and then animals. It was a rational approach and a well-planned product awaiting God’s last gesture. Lastly, God made man in our image (Gen 1:26) and went on to say, “God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him.” (Gen 1:27) He prepared the way for man.

Something from Nothing
Can something come from nothing? As a child, I often looked to the sky with great bewilderment. How infinite it appeared. Where did it all come from? Where did it all go? Was there just a void, a vacuum, space without planets, stars, sun, nothing? And then why earth, a life-sustaining planet, in the middle of nowhere? How did I get so lucky to be here on earth as a human and not a dog, or chicken, or lion, elephant, or whatever? I could have been a plant. Just what is the probability for all this to happen? Here I am living on a planet hanging in infinite space, on a surface that supports life. It provides water, fruits and vegetables, meats, and air that sustains me. It provides resources that make living more comfortable and more interesting. And it all works together; each element on earth seems to need another. What is it? Well it is, I believe, God. He planned well, an intelligent designer. And he did this all for me; for man (and woman). There is no other place like it. No one has discovered, even though people keep trying, any place like it.

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.

Wake Up! Wake Up! - excerpt #3 - Resurrection

Here is another piece of the new book. Final Proof reviewed and returned to Publisher. A few more months to go.

Paul’s Conversion: Written Account—Timely
It is the resurrection that is the distinguishing characteristic of Christians and unique to the Christian faith. Historical evidence is compelling. Witnesses and written accounts close to the time of the event provide significant proof to the reality of the resurrection. Paul mentioned the resurrection and witnesses to the resurrected Christ in the Bible in 1 Corinthians 15:5-8.

Paul (formerly Saul) persecuted those who believed in and spoke of Jesus. In 32 A.D., “Paul publicly took part in the execution of Stephen, a follower of Jesus, by stoning.” A book I found particularly fascinating on the life of Paul, Rabbi Paul, by Bruce Chilton, offers much in understanding this man, this Pharisee who condemned and authorized the killing of people of the “Way,” and experienced his enlightenment, his meeting with Christ, while en route to Damascus to meet in synagogues, sanctioned by the high priest (of the temple in Jerusalem), in search of more names of those to be condemned for what the Jews considered heresy.

Paul was on a path to Damascus to meet with other Jewish leaders seeking evidence of those “who belonged to the Way” so he may take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. There he met Christ in visionary form but nevertheless real. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” Paul was told. Paul was blinded and sapped of his strength for three days. Events led to Paul being used as God’s “chosen instrument.” A disciple, Ananias, was sent to inform Paul of his conversion, to “see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Then, before Paul ever met an apostle, any one of the twelve, he began to preach about Jesus and the resurrection. Jews even threatened to kill him, but he escaped. There were many skeptical of his conversion because of such a role reversal, at one time arguing against Christ and suddenly vociferously defending Christ as the Messiah. Paul’s life up to this point had been as a servant of the Jewish faith, a dedicated scholar of the law, having studied with the most respected rabbinical teachers. And with one event, he converted.

It was three years before Paul traveled to Jerusalem and met with the apostle Peter. There he confirmed what he had received and understood; he confirmed his belief in the risen Lord with a witness. Their notes agreed. Paul was in Arabia and had been preaching before Gentiles and Jews for years before encountering a witness to Jesus’s life and resurrection, yet he related the same story, the realization he learned from time spent with Jesus.

In Paul’s letters, his most famous possibly the letter to the Romans, Paul speaks to Jews and Gentiles and shares the gospel, the good news that Christ died for our sins, he overcame sin and death, and thus, as believers we are “justified by faith.” (This is the theme of Romans 4.) Paul always reminds his readers of their inclination to sin. He also struggled and fought the good fight his entire life. The nature of his authority as a converted Jew is expressed in his letter to the Philippians, while incarcerated in Rome. He had experienced all that a Jew possibly could, more than most if not all at that time, “circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee, as for zeal, persecuting the church, as for legalistic righteousness, faultless” (Philippians 3:5-6). It would be hard to find someone with more impeccable credentials. Yet he saw the light and became a disciple for Christ and for everyone by sharing his experience and his knowledge so others too could enjoy a Christian life.

Such evidence is compelling and difficult to refute. Documentation that led to the writings in the New Testament occurred within three to seventy or eighty years after the death and resurrection of Jesus. The proximity of the writings adds to the reality of the events. In comparison, it was over four hundred years before written accounts of the exploits of Alexander the Great became available. Everybody seems to accept the exploits and accomplishments of Alexander the Great. Historical, factual evidence, even documentation from witnesses of the life and times of other religious leaders from Muhammad to Buddha, to Joseph Smith, Jr. (founder of Mormonism) is lacking. Often too, background information, even archaeological evidence, of the prophets of other religions does not exist, and the writings are of the prophets themselves, not their followers. The supporting documentation tends to be one-sided, one-dimensional, without outside opinions, companions, witnesses to the person and the beliefs suggested. Christians did not make up what they believe; it has been analyzed, studied, debated, researched, dug up, and further analyzed as no other religion. The evidence continues to pour in as scholars and archaeologists continue to uncover additional support for the truth and reality of events that were the path to Christian belief. Many researchers continue in an effort to disprove what Christians already believe, but in their efforts only add to the plethora of supporting evidence.

A Christian Belief
If you study and find too that the resurrection actually took place, was witnessed and documented soon thereafter, then you too will become a person who believes in Christ. Those who deny the resurrection are misguided. They may be good people, have spiritual elements, but they have missed or are not willing to embrace the evidence. For what it means, what it proves, is that the guidelines set forth in the Bible are indeed the Word of God; the events in the life and death of Jesus and his purpose on earth took place, and everyone knows now the method and the means for personal salvation.

For forty days Jesus provided visual proof. There were hundreds of witnesses. There are people today, most often atheists, who clamor for God to appear, to show himself as evidence. But that evidence has already been provided, and the historical evidence, the timeliness of the written accounts and the lives subsequently led by the disciples of Christ, people who died for their belief, add to the reality of the situation and the reality and deity of Christ Jesus.

As for the atheists, even if God were to appear to them, any one of them, they would doubt, they would not believe, they would provide or find an excuse for what they experienced. Certainly if one and not the other had such a meeting, it would be the other who would not believe, even if the atheist who saw God converted.

Chuck Colson, known mostly for his role in the Watergate scandal, the conspiracy to cover up the Watergate break-in, and the subsequent fall of President Richard Nixon, wrote “This is the great choice every human being has to make: Is the resurrection account true or only a myth? If the latter, it is an abomination, taking away any validity to the Christian claim. Believing that the resurrection was merely symbolic doesn’t create liberal Christianity or a more enlightened version of our faith as many argue; it reduces Christianity to something utterly vain, a belief system like paganism. For if we were to believe Christ was not bodily raised, then Christianity would rest on the belief in a human sacrifice—offering an innocent man to die for our sins. This is not enlightened thinking; it is barbaric. It is why so-called liberal Christianity is untenable, no better than paganism.”

Colson converted to Christ before he went to prison.

Easter is the time of year that the resurrection took place. It is the day we remember and revere the life of Christ and his sacrifice and know too that God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit reign and are offered to everyone with compelling proof to believe, get to know, prepare together for the future, and as a community of the faithful, enjoy eternity—the day thy kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven.

Obama Psalm

I take no credit for this. I'm just the messenger. (Thank you RD)

PSALM 2008-2012: FIRST BOOK OF DEMOCRAT

OBAMA IS MY SHEPHERD,
I SHALL NOT WANT.
HE LEADETH ME BESIDE STILL FACTORIES.
HE RESTORETH MY FAITH IN THE REPUBLICAN PARTY.
HE GUIDETH ME IN THE PATH OF UNEMPLOYMENT..
YEA, THOUGH I WALK THROUGHT THE VALLEY OF THE BREAD LINE,
I SHALL NOT GO HUNGRY.
OBAMA HAS ANOINTED MY INCOME WITH TAXES,
MY EXPENSES RUNNETH OVER MY INCOME,
SURELY, POVERTY AND HARD LIVING WILL FOLLOW ME
ALL THE DAYS OF MY LIFE.
THE DEMOCRATS AND I WILL LIVE FOREVER
IN A RENTED HOME.
BUT I AM GLAD I AM AN AMERICAN,
I AM GLAD THAT I AM FREE.
BUT I WISH I WAS A DOG
AND OBAMA WAS A TREE.
> >
> >
"A government big enough to give you everything you want,
is strong enough to take everything you have."
-Thomas Jefferson -

Wake Up! Wake Up! - Excerpt #2 - More on the Bible

Advice
The Bible offers proverbs filled with words of wisdom and advice.

Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:3-6

Poetry
Poetry can be found throughout the Bible. The Psalms provide a multitude of examples. One that most readers will know or have heard of is Psalm 23.

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his namesake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23


Odes
An example of an ode from the Bible can be found in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

A Toast
To celebrate a friendship, a toast, from Song of Songs 5: “Eat, O friends, and drink; drink your fill, O lovers.”

Songs
Many songs have been inspired by the Bible and its many meanings. But the greatest songs are about love. There is a book of the Bible, Song of Songs, that provides many words of love. Interpretations made compare the love of wisdom to that of the love of a woman and a man and a woman. Well worth a read.

Guiding Principle
And as for guiding principles, they too are throughout the Bible. Again, we turn to Proverbs:

A man who lacks judgment derides his neighbor; a man of understanding holds his tongue. A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret. For lack of guidance a nation falls, but many advisers make victory sure. Proverbs 11:12-14

If you falter in times of trouble, how small is your strength. Proverbs 24:10

Familiar Phrases or Idioms

• Stairway to heaven (Genesis 28:12)
• For the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23)
• Make swords into plowshares (Isaiah 2:4)
• Man does not live on bread alone (Deuteronomy 8:3)
• Be fruitful and multiply (Genesis 1:28)
• East of Eden (Genesis 3:21)
• Adam’s rib (Genesis 2:21)
• Blessed are the peacemakers (Matthew 5:9)
• As old as Methuselah (Genesis 5:25)
• Jacob’s ladder (Genesis 28:12)
• Land of milk and honey (Exodus 3:8)
• The meek will inherit the earth (Psalms 37:11)
• Strangers in a strange land (1 Peter 2:11)
• Let my people go (Exodus 5:1)
• Eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth (Matthew 5:38)
• Jezebel (Esther 4:14)
• Queen of Sheba (1 Kings 10:1)
• Wisdom of Solomon (1 Kings 4:29)
• The patience of Job (from the Book of Job)
• Leviathan (Isaiah 27:1)
• Spare the rod and spoil the child (Proverbs 13:24)
• The skin of my teeth (Job 19:20)
• Welcome the little children (Mark 9:37)
• Forty days and forty nights (Genesis 7:12)
• The floodgates of heaven (Genesis 7:11)
• The Golden Rule (Luke 6:31)
• Much will be demanded from those who have been given much (Luke 12:48)
• A voice calling in the desert (Luke 3:4
• Wolf in sheep’s clothing (Matthew 7:15)
• Salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13)
• Go the extra mile (Matthew 5:41)
• Daniel in the lion’s den (Daniel 6:7)
• The poison of vipers is on their lips (Romans 3:13)
• A time for war and a time for peace (Ecclesiastes 3:8)
• On earth peace to men (Luke 2:14)
• Turn the other cheek (Matthew 5:38)
• Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:24)
• Weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matthew 8:12)
• Den of thieves (Mark 11:17)
• Good and faithful servant (Matthew 25:21)
• Physician, heal thyself (Luke 4:23)
• Cast the first stone (John 8:7)
• Stand your ground…stand firm (Ephesians 6:14)
• Written on their hearts (Romans 2:15)
• The handwriting on the wall (Daniel 5:5)
• The kiss of Judas (Mark 14:45)
• Walk on water (Matthew 14:29)
• Greater love hath no man than this (John 15:13)
• Death, where is thy sting (1 Corinthians 15:55)
• The root of all evil (1 Titus 6:10)
• Light of the world (Matthew 5:14)
• The light of life (Psalm 56:13)
• The seventh seal (Revelation 8:1)
• In the twinkling of an eye (1 Corinthians 15:51-52)
• I am the Alpha and Omega (Revelation 1:8)
• Fight the good fight (1 Titus 1:18)
• Armageddon (Revelation 16:16)
• Holier than thou (Isaiah 65:5)
• Sheep, gone astray (Isaiah 53:6)
• As a hen gathers her chicks under her wings (Luke 13:34)
• Wipe away every tear (Revelation 7:17)
• Woe is me! (Isaiah 6:5)
• Can a leopard change his spots? (Jeremiah 13:23)
• A drop in the bucket (Isaiah 40:15)
• Eat, drink, and be merry (Ecclesiastes 8:15)
• Give up the ghost (Job 14:10)
• Am I my brother's keeper? (Genesis 4:9)
• Fat of the land (Genesis 45:18)
• A lamb for the slaughter (Isaiah 53:7)
• The blind leading the blind (Matthew 15:14)
• Old wives’ tales (1 Timothy 4:7)
• Soar on wings like eagles (Isaiah 40:31)
• From the lips of children (Matthew 21:16)
• Written in the Book of Life (Revelation 20:15)
• Four corners of the earth (Revelation 20:8)
• Brotherly love (Romans 12:10)
• The Spirit is willing, but the body is weak (Matthew 26:41)
• Busybodies (2 Thessalonians 3:1;Titus 5:13)
• Jars of clay (2 Corinthians 4:7)
• Potter’s field (Matthew 27:7)
• A household divided against itself will not stand (Matthew 12:25)

So much of our language today contains words, idioms, and phrases from the Bible, and most do not realize the source. “Surely ignorance of the Bible is bound to impoverish one’s appreciation of English literature?” And the writer of the prior quote is an atheist.

Final Proof - Wake Up! Wake Up!

Received a Final Proof from Tate Publishers. See photo - one of a kind.

Completed today - I hope - abridging book for Audiobook.

My gracious thanks to all at Tate who have made this process possible. Just a few more months to go.

Another excerpt tomorrow.

Watch What Obama Does

Received an email from a friend of a friend (you know how that works) that I'd like to share.

It read: "My friend went to hear Charles Krauthammer. He listened w/ 25 others in a closed room. What he says here, is NOT 2nd-hand but 1st. You would do well to read & pass this along to EVERYBODY that loves his country. This is VERY serious for the direction of our country. The ramifications are staggering for us & our children.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Subj: Charles Krauthammer Speech/Comments on the ‘New Economy’ & Barack Obama
*****************************************************

To my friends & associates:

Last Monday was a profound evening, hearing Dr. Charles Krauthammer speak to the Center for the American Experiment. He is a brilliant intellectual, seasoned & articulate. He is forthright & careful in his analysis, & never resorts to emotions or personal insults. He is NOT a fearmonger nor an extremist in his comments & views. He is a fiscal conservative, & has a Pulitzer prize for writing. He is a frequent contributor to Fox News & writes weekly for the Washington Post. The entire room was held spellbound during his talk. I have shared this w/ many of you & several have asked me to summarize his c omments, as we are living in uncharted waters economically & internationally. Even 2 Dems at my table agreed w/ everything he said! If you feel like forwarding this to those who are open minded & have not ‘drunk the Kool-Aid’, feel free.

A summary of his comments:

1. Mr. Obama is a very intellectual, charming individual. He is not to be underestimated. He is a ‘cool customer’ who doesn't show his emotions. It's very hard to know what's ‘behind the mask’. Taking down the Clinton dynasty from a political neophyte was an amazing accomplishment. The Clintons still do not understand what hit them. Obama was in the perfect place at the perfect time.

2. Obama has political skills comparable to Reagan & Clinton. He has a way of making you think he's on your side, agreeing w/ your position, while doing the opposite. Pay no attn. to what he SAYS; rather, watch what he DOES!

3. Obama has a ruthless quest for power. He did not come to Washington to make something out of himself, but rather to change everything, incl. dismantling capitalism. He can’t be straightforward on his ambitions, as the public would not go along. He has a heavy hand, & wants to ‘level the playing field’ w/ income redistribution & punishment of the achievers of society. He would like to mode l the USA to Great Britain or Canada .

4. His 3 main goals are to control ENERGY, PUBLIC EDUCATION, & NAT’L HEALTHCARE by the Fed. govt. He doesn't care about the auto or financial services industries, but got them as an early bonus. The cap & trade will add costs to everything & stifle growth. Paying for FREE college education is his goal. Most scary is healthcare program, because if you make it FREE & add 46,000,000 people to a Medicare-type single-payer system, the costs will go thru the roof. The only way to control costs is w/ massive RATIONING of services, like in Canada . God forbid.

5. He’s surrounded himself w/ mostly far-left academic types. No one around him has ever run even a candy store. But they’re going to try & run the auto, financial, banking & other industries. This obviously can’t work in the long run. Obama’s not a socialist; rather a far-left secular progressive bent on nothing short of revolution. He ran as a moderate, but will govern from the hard left. Again, watch what he does, not what he says.

6. Obama doesn’t really see himself as President of the USA , more as a ruler over the world. He sees himself above it all, trying to orchestrate & coordinate various countries & their agendas. He sees moral equivilency in all cultures. His apology tour in Germany & England was a prime example of how he sees Ameri ca , as an imperialist nation that has been arrogant, rather than a great noble nation that has at times made errors. This is the 1st President ever who has chastised our allies & appeased our enemies!

7. He’s now handing out goodies. He hopes that the bill (& pain) will not ‘come due’ until after he’s reelected in 2012. He’d like to blame all problems on Bush from the past, & hopefully his successor in the future. He has a huge ego, & Mr. Krauthammer believes he is a narcicist.

8. Republicans are in the wilderness for a while, but will emerge strong. We’re ‘pining’ for another Reagan, but there’ll never be another like him. He believes Mitt Romney, Tim Pawlenty & Bobby Jindahl (except for his terrible speech in Feb.) are the future of the party. Newt Gingrich is brilliant, but has baggage. Sarah Palin is sincere & intelligent, but needs to really be seriously boning up on facts & info if she’s to be a serious candidate in the future. We need to return to the party of lower taxes, smaller govt., personal responsibility, strong nat’l defense, & states’ rights.

9. The current level of spending is irresponsible & outrageous. We’re spending trillions that we don’t have. This could lead to hyper inflation, depression or worse. No country has ever spent themselves into prosperity. The media is giving Obama, Reid & Pelosi a pass because they love their agenda. But eventually the bill will come due & people will realize the huge bailouts didn’t work, nor will the stimulus pkg. These were trillion-dollar payoffs to Obama’s allies, unions & the Congress to placate the left, so he can get support for #4 above.

10. The election was over in mid-Sept. when Lehman brothers failed. Fear & panic swept in, we had an unpopular President, & the war was grinding on indefinitely w/o a clear outcome. The people are in pain, & the mantra of ‘change’ caused people to act emotionally. Any Dim would have won this election; it was surprising is was as close as it was.

11. In 2012, if the unemployment rate is over 10%, Republicans will be swept back into power. If it's under 8%, the Dims continue to roll. If it's between 8-10%, it’ll be a dogfight. It’ll all be about the economy.

I hope this gets you really thinking about what's happening in Washington & Congress. There’s a left-wing revolution going on, according to Krauthammer, & he encourages us to keep the faith & join the loyal resistance. The work will be hard, but we’re right on most issues & can reclaim our country, before it's far too late.

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

Interesting.

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.

An Excerpt From Wake Up! Wake Up! - #1

Love the Gift: A How-To Book

My child, hear my Words, Words of the greatest sweetness, surpassing all the learning of the philosophers and the wise of the world.

The previous chapter closed by suggesting we get to know God better. The process for me involved reading, and the big step was reading the Bible. And to get to know God, that really is the way to start. What could be better? Begin by reading what was written by messengers, witnesses, and apostles of the Lord. You will get to experience history, places, and developments and be enlightened and delighted by what you learn.

What a challenge. Read the Bible from cover to cover. It was quite an experience for me. Or I should say, it is quite an experience, since it continues to this day. Just about every day I read a portion of the Bible; it may be just a few lines or most of a chapter. Something strikes a chord, makes me think about a passage, or a situation occurs that causes me to find an answer or the right thing to say in the Word. I have not been disappointed yet. It is like Ask.com: you go to the reference, and you find an answer to your question.

My initial attempt took over a year. I was often confused or had questions and began to search elsewhere for added clarity, historical evidence, confirmation from another source, or just to learn more about the topic that was presented that for me just needed more detail. I was successful each time. My interest and enjoyment grew. The Old Testament is a difficult read, and remembering all the kings and the tribes of Israel, where and when they came and went, was quite a task. Also, how God was presented took a bit of work to fully comprehend and appreciate. Creation: okay, I got it, but was it successful? Did God achieve his end, especially with Adam’s error? Why the Jews, the chosen people, and all their trials and tribulations and their errors too?

The Old Testament and the New Testament are quite different. The God in the New seems different in some ways from the God of the Old. I know they are both God, but with the New, we now have Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Most of what occurs in the New is forecast in the Old and often in ways that tell the Jews that there will be consequences for their actions. There is a lot crammed into sixty-six books and one thousand or so pages (depending on the font and the footnotes). The Old and the New, however, go together, and in the New there are changes, a means for the mistakes of the Old to be corrected in the form of a new covenant or a new creation. God, his Son, and the Spirit work as a team to transform man, everyone, into being part of that team to make the world the heaven on earth God planned.

The Gift of Love
The gift of Jesus, of God, is love. And the answers to all questions can be found in one place, one source—the Bible. How simple is that, a how-to source? The Bible is the Word of God, God-breathed , for all to read and understand. Admittedly, it is not an easy read. But it is worth the effort, the time, and the dedication because it will open the reader’s eyes to a life that is good. There are many metaphors, some conflicting elements, but taken as a whole, it shows why all people are today, and have been since the birth of Christ Jesus, God’s children. If asked whether some passages as written actually happen, is that the way it all took place (literally), I must admit I cannot answer, but what I can say is that they are true, helpful, and powerful messages.

Seeing God
The Bible is a way of seeing God. It is the means by which God speaks to us every day. God comes to us via the Bible. Conditions of our lives, situations that occur, are addressed by the Bible and by God speaking to us through the Word. Scripture is all encompassing. The Bible is not an exclusive document; it was written for everyone.

Most people read books, some more often than others. My wife reads more than a book a week. But how many of you have read the Bible? It is the biggest seller of all time, written in just about every language and with various translations. The different translations and writings attempt to make the Bible more readable, more understandable, and more widely available to greater numbers of people. It is a resource that has found a way to be there for everyone. Have you read it? If you have time to read a daily newspaper or a book, set aside just fifteen minutes each day to read the Bible. Read the Bible, and the gift becomes more apparent and more readily available.

There are so many stories, so much advice, poetry, odes, songs, and guiding principles. It is a joy to read, and the impact it will have on you as reader cannot be fully appreciated until you yourself get involved with and captured by the Word of God.