"That looks good to me." "I don't see anything wrong with that."
"...every man did that which was right in his own eyes." Judges 17:6
"The way of a fool is right in his own eyes..." Proverbs 12:15
"Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD ponders the hearts." Proverbs 21:2
"And he did evil in the sight of the LORD..." I Kings 15:34
I John 1:1-7 "That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin."
Where are our own eyes? On what are they focused? Do we each seek out and do what we please? What is right in our own eyes?
Or have we turned our eyes upon Jesus? Is it His will that we follow? Is what we do right before the eyes of God?
We cannot serve two masters. We cannot walk in the light and darkness at the same time.
We each make a choice...
"And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve;... but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." Joshua 24:15
Sunday, May 31, 2009
The Desoto Pulls to the Left
Don't you just hate it when you are driving along and you have to keep fighting to keep headed straight down the road and in the center of your own lane. Whether it is something wrong with the car, like the alignment; or, maybe the wind is blowing strong from one side. Well, the Desoto always pulls to the left. But in this case, I believe it is both that there is something wrong with the Desoto and there is a bitter, cold wind blowing in that direction.
The "wind" is always accusing the "Right" that we are "racist". If you believed everything they say, you would be sure that Right-Wing Republicans are all a bunch of bigots.
Now we have the Desoto. I am convinced that there is also something wrong with her alignment. She has made some racist comments in the past. The Left is making excuses for her "poor choice of words" but they are sure that she did not mean what she said. She has made it clear that when she is on the bench, Justice is not blind.
I could care less what race she is or the color of her skin. What bothers me is that I care that she cares what race I am!
Cyber Czar
Yes, BO is going to appoint another Czar. We have a Bank Czar and a Car Czar. We can all look at both of those industries and see how well the Czars are doing. So, why not add another. (Side note-Is it just me, or does the title of Czar sound just a little Russian or Communist?)
Well, BO has announced that he is going to appoint a Cyber Czar. What the heck is that? Well, according to BO, he will be a "cyber security coordinator". In his speech, BO told us that there is "too much freedom" on the Internet. Then he went on to tell us that the purpose of the Cyber Czar is to make sure the Internet stays "open and free". Now which is it? Is it too free now or do we need to make sure it stays free? I am getting confused.
We can all rest assured that letting the Government take over control of the Internet will make it much better, much more secure, much more open and of course much more free - but not too free. There is an old saying that fits BO very well. "Give him an inch and he will take a mile." When the BO administration takes control of the Internet, which will be for our own good, you can bet that it will evolve from making sure it is secure to a total control over it, with some limitation on content and I would expect some form of tax on it's use. MMW! (mark my word)
Sometime during BO's first term (and I hope his only one), there will probably be a push to impose some form of control over Conservative Talk Radio. Whether it is the "fairness doctrine" or some other means, the Left wants the Right eliminated. If they cannot take us "out" they want to silence the Right. Once they pull that off, do you really believe they will leave the Internet wide open to Right-Wing propganda? The Cyber Czar just may come in handy down the road for them.
Remember, they were at war with us but we were not at war with them.
Friday, May 29, 2009
The Rino Award
What is a Rino? It could be a short name for a rhinoceros (if it were spelled as Rhino), the African animal with the large horn on it's snout.
It is a term used for someone who claims to be a Republican but is acting more like a Democrat. A current example of a Rino is Colin Powell. He claims to be a Republican and has actually worked for three Republican Presidents, the latest being President Bush (43). (I know what you are thinking, how could he still be 43 when he was 43 at the time he was elected and he looks a lot older, now.) But, he endorsed BO for President. He continues to criticize Bush and Cheney, mostly Cheney in the past few weeks. He lectures Republicans on how we should be and act so as to get along with the Democrats. He thinks that Conservatives need to shut up, because we are destroying the Party. Colin Powell is a Rino - Republican in name only.
It would be one thing if he were just stating that he is a Moderate Republican and tell what he believes, but he is on TV show after show trying to be the "face" of the Party. Anyone who does not agree with his form of Republicanism needs to step aside and let the Moderates lead us into another miserable loss at the polls.
Since I agree with almost nothing he is saying, Colin Powell is the winner of the first "Rino" award. And you ask, what does he get for his award? Nothing, absolutely nothing!
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Desoto
According to the Liberal cRats, only a white man can be a racist. When any other person commits the same "sin" as the white man, they are excused because they have been the victims of the evil white man for centuries.
A white man cannot refer to a black man as a "Blacky", but a black man can call a white man a "Whitie" and no one thinks twice about it. Have you noticed that a white man cannot call a Mexican, a Mexican any longer? You must use the term "Hispanic" or you could be labeled a racist. "Mexican" means someone from Mexico, but the facts only get in the way of white bashing. A black man can call another black man the "N" word and that is fine. Don't even think about using that word if you are white.
We have special organizations and schools for "Blacks", such as the Black Chamber of Commerce, a university for Blacks, NAACP (CP=Colored People), "Black" churches, etc. If a white man started an organization for only "Whites", he would be an outcast, branded as a racist and most would not associate with him. When a white, iCan't politician makes a racist comment, his career is over. When a black politician does the same, he is considered to be brave and gets re-elected.
Now, we are getting ready to add a racist to the Supreme Court. She, Sonia Sotomayor, is not only a racist, but an anti-Constitution, activist Judge who believes it is the proper role of an Appeals Court Judge to "make policy".
Why do I call her a racist? First, what does "racist" mean. According to Dictionary.com, racist means the following:
1. a belief or doctrine that inherent differences among the various human races determine cultural or individual achievement, usually involving the idea that one's own race is superior and has the right to rule others.
2. a policy, system of government, etc., based upon or fostering such a doctrine; discrimination.
3. hatred or intolerance of another race or other races.
You determine if the following quote, which she said, is racist, “I would hope that a wise Latina woman with the richness of her experiences would more often than not reach a better conclusion than a white male who hasn’t lived that life,” 1. Is that a statement that reflects a belief that there is an inherent difference among the human races (and sexes)? 2. Does that statement portray that she believes the Latina would be superior to the white? If you answer "yes" to either or both, you have to agree that she fosters racist views, and maybe sexist views, also.
Also, "that life" that she refers to, that the "wise Latina" has lived is unique to that one person. Not even another wise Latina has lived that life. She has also not lived the life of a "white man" and cannot relate to those issues or see from that perspective. That is why her statement is nonsense! No one has lived another's life! Besides, personal background is not supposed to be a qualification for the Supreme Court, no mater how compelling the story might be. She is supposed to be considered because of being immensely qualified for the position. As she is not to consider race in how a case is decided, her race should not be relevant in her confirmation.
Sotomayor (henceforth referred to as "the Soto", or since we are being culturally correct, "Desoto") is not only a racist, she has issued opinions where a large majority have been reversed by the Supreme Court. She has issued an opinion that states that an individual does not have a Constitutional right to own a gun. She has issued an opinion on a discrimination case, where substantial Constitutional issues were involved, without ever addressing any of them and basing her decision on the right to discriminate by a City, since the victims were mostly white. She fails to see "reverse discrimination" as "discrimination".
Desoto gave a talk to some graduating law students. In the talk, she made the statement that the Appeals Court level is where "policy" is made. This shows a total disregard for the Constitutional limits on the rights and duties of a Federal Judge. She has made statements that show her belief that empathy and emotions and personal background should all play a part in Judicial rulings.
America cannot afford to have a person with these beliefs and prejudices appointed to a lifetime position on the Supreme Court.
Whatever happened to, "Justice is Blind"? From what she has said and the way she has already ruled, it appears that her decisions are based largely on the issues she is supposed to be "blind" about. Justice is not justice where the issue is decided based on race, sex, religious belief, etc. The Law is the Law! It is not to be interpreted based on empathy or racist views.
Her appointment will be another "nail in the coffin" of the late, great USA.
Remember, they were at war with us, but we were not at war with them.
A white man cannot refer to a black man as a "Blacky", but a black man can call a white man a "Whitie" and no one thinks twice about it. Have you noticed that a white man cannot call a Mexican, a Mexican any longer? You must use the term "Hispanic" or you could be labeled a racist. "Mexican" means someone from Mexico, but the facts only get in the way of white bashing. A black man can call another black man the "N" word and that is fine. Don't even think about using that word if you are white.
We have special organizations and schools for "Blacks", such as the Black Chamber of Commerce, a university for Blacks, NAACP (CP=Colored People), "Black" churches, etc. If a white man started an organization for only "Whites", he would be an outcast, branded as a racist and most would not associate with him. When a white, iCan't politician makes a racist comment, his career is over. When a black politician does the same, he is considered to be brave and gets re-elected.
Now, we are getting ready to add a racist to the Supreme Court. She, Sonia Sotomayor, is not only a racist, but an anti-Constitution, activist Judge who believes it is the proper role of an Appeals Court Judge to "make policy".
Why do I call her a racist? First, what does "racist" mean. According to Dictionary.com, racist means the following:
1. a belief or doctrine that inherent differences among the various human races determine cultural or individual achievement, usually involving the idea that one's own race is superior and has the right to rule others.
2. a policy, system of government, etc., based upon or fostering such a doctrine; discrimination.
3. hatred or intolerance of another race or other races.
You determine if the following quote, which she said, is racist, “I would hope that a wise Latina woman with the richness of her experiences would more often than not reach a better conclusion than a white male who hasn’t lived that life,” 1. Is that a statement that reflects a belief that there is an inherent difference among the human races (and sexes)? 2. Does that statement portray that she believes the Latina would be superior to the white? If you answer "yes" to either or both, you have to agree that she fosters racist views, and maybe sexist views, also.
Also, "that life" that she refers to, that the "wise Latina" has lived is unique to that one person. Not even another wise Latina has lived that life. She has also not lived the life of a "white man" and cannot relate to those issues or see from that perspective. That is why her statement is nonsense! No one has lived another's life! Besides, personal background is not supposed to be a qualification for the Supreme Court, no mater how compelling the story might be. She is supposed to be considered because of being immensely qualified for the position. As she is not to consider race in how a case is decided, her race should not be relevant in her confirmation.
Sotomayor (henceforth referred to as "the Soto", or since we are being culturally correct, "Desoto") is not only a racist, she has issued opinions where a large majority have been reversed by the Supreme Court. She has issued an opinion that states that an individual does not have a Constitutional right to own a gun. She has issued an opinion on a discrimination case, where substantial Constitutional issues were involved, without ever addressing any of them and basing her decision on the right to discriminate by a City, since the victims were mostly white. She fails to see "reverse discrimination" as "discrimination".
Desoto gave a talk to some graduating law students. In the talk, she made the statement that the Appeals Court level is where "policy" is made. This shows a total disregard for the Constitutional limits on the rights and duties of a Federal Judge. She has made statements that show her belief that empathy and emotions and personal background should all play a part in Judicial rulings.
America cannot afford to have a person with these beliefs and prejudices appointed to a lifetime position on the Supreme Court.
Whatever happened to, "Justice is Blind"? From what she has said and the way she has already ruled, it appears that her decisions are based largely on the issues she is supposed to be "blind" about. Justice is not justice where the issue is decided based on race, sex, religious belief, etc. The Law is the Law! It is not to be interpreted based on empathy or racist views.
Her appointment will be another "nail in the coffin" of the late, great USA.
Remember, they were at war with us, but we were not at war with them.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Grannys Got Her Gun!
Do you notice a look of self-confidence?There is nothing like the strength you feel when you are backed up by an assault rifle. It even comes in decorator colors.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Mixed Emotions
Memorial Day is much more than a holiday, or three-day weekend, for many families across America. To them, it is a time of remembrance, but not on the same level as it is for the rest of us. The rest of us appreciate the great sacrifice paid by so many on our behalf and we may attend a ceremony during the day.
To them, this is a day of strong, mixed emotions. They are the ones left behind by those who paid the sacrifice. They are the ones who feel the loss, personally. We remember and appreciate, they remember and cry.
At the same time, in many of those homes, there is a sense of great pride. Their loved ones put us before themselves and with honor, gave it all.
How do you reconcile eternal heartache with overwhelming pride? Maybe you cannot. Maybe they just learn to live with each other.
To them, this is a day of strong, mixed emotions. They are the ones left behind by those who paid the sacrifice. They are the ones who feel the loss, personally. We remember and appreciate, they remember and cry.
At the same time, in many of those homes, there is a sense of great pride. Their loved ones put us before themselves and with honor, gave it all.
How do you reconcile eternal heartache with overwhelming pride? Maybe you cannot. Maybe they just learn to live with each other.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Where Did They Fall?
Who were they?
They were just like you and me. They were some Mom's son, a Dad's pride and joy, a brother to a little sister, a best friend, a neighbor just down the street, a kid you taught in school or Sunday school, a member of your scout troop, a husband to a young wife, an unknown dad to a child growing up across the street.
What were they?
Before going off to war, they were salesman, students, teachers, athletics, doctors, laborers, business owners. They ran the theater or waited on tables at the corner diner, they were average men and women who answered the call.
After going off to war, they were soldiers in trenches, marines hitting beaches, pilots, mechanics, Captains, Privates. They were doing jobs they had never imagined. They were mopping decks on ships in the Pacific, manning a gun in a bomber over Europe, running communication wire in a battlefield, disarming land mines in a jungle.
When were they?
Because of man's propensity to war, they are from all times. Since our nation was founded, they have been answering the call. They fought for independence from England, the War of 1812, the Civil War, the war with Mexico, World War I-the war to end all wars, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, in Panama and Bosnia, the Gulf War, the war in Afghanistan, the Iraq War, the Cold War...
Where did they fall?
They were on a ship in Pearl Harbor, half buried in cinders on Iwo Jima, drowning off of Juno Beach, washing ashore on some isolated island in the middle of nowhere. They were trying to cross through a hedgerow in France, fight an enemy in the sands of Africa, hanging from a parachute in a tree in Germany, crumpled in wreckage of a once mighty bomber. They were on the floor of a prison hut in some jungle, they were tied to a post, stuck in the mud of a trench, or in some burning tank.
Why?
This may be the hardest question to answer. Why did they go? The call they answered was a call to defend freedom for us and provide freedom for others. They went to stop the likes of Hitler or Saddam. They had in their hearts a desire to stop evil.
They signed up for war for a variety of reasons: adventure, revenge, a family thing, my friend is going, they killed my brother, it's the right thing to do, patriotic reasons...
The truth is, some of the answers will never be known. Some of the dead will never be found. Some of the Mothers will never receive a flag and some of the children will never know Dad. With all the loss, pain, destruction and heartache experienced by so many over the short length of America, we would not be here without them being there!
What if the settlers had settled for being under the British king? What if the South had succeeded in splitting the USA into small pieces? What if Americans had stayed out of the affairs of Europe in 1917-1918? What if we appeased Japan and Germany and accepted that it was not our fight? What if Iraq had taken over other countries? What if the Taliban and Al Qaeda were still freely operating in Afghanistan? What if Saddam were still torturing and killing his own people?
What if Iran is left to develop a nuclear weapon? What if North Korea overruns the South? What if China eyes Japan? What if Russia and Iran decide it's time to rid the world of Israel?
What if America sleeps while a dictator assumes control? What if all of those liberties and freedoms that so many fought and died for are forfeited without a fight?
We have a debt to the past generations who provided the freedom we enjoy, to extend the same to the next generation. Too much blood has been spilled by too many brave men and women, for us to give up our liberties, our rights, our freedoms as if they had no value!
Friday, May 22, 2009
Memorial Day
In memory of the fallen heroes...
"Once each May, amid the quiet hills and rolling lanes and breeze-brushed trees of Arlington National Cemetery, far above the majestic Potomac and the monuments and memorials of our Nation's Capital just beyond, the graves of America's military dead are decorated with the beautiful flag that in life these brave souls followed and loved. This scene is repeated across our land and around the world, wherever our defenders rest. Let us hold it our sacred duty and our inestimable privilege on this day to decorate these graves ourselves -- with a fervent prayer and a pledge of true allegiance to the cause of liberty, peace, and country for which America's own have ever served and sacrificed. ... Our pledge and our prayer this day are those of free men and free women who know that all we hold dear must constantly be built up, fostered, revered and guarded vigilantly from those in every age who seek its destruction. We know, as have our Nation's defenders down through the years, that there can never be peace without its essential elements of liberty, justice and independence. Those true and only building blocks of peace were the lone and lasting cause and hope and prayer that lighted the way of those whom we honor and remember this Memorial Day. To keep faith with our hallowed dead, let us be sure, and very sure, today and every day of our lives, that we keep their cause, their hope, their prayer, forever our country's own." --Ronald Reagan
Thursday, May 21, 2009
My Wife Gives Me Heartburn
I know what you must be thinking, he is such a romantic! I humbly, do not see myself as any more of a romantic than the typical, great husband.
My wife gives me heartburn. When I tell her that, she always gets a smile on her face. I'll tell you guys, try it! Tell your wife that she gives you heartburn and watch the loving smile appear.
You may want to follow it up with a little explanation. Sandee asked me, as we were leaving the house, if I needed a coat. I told her that just being with her makes my heart warm and a heated heart sends hot blood through my body, making the rest of me warm. So, the heartburn that she gives me causes an enhanced relationship experience.
My wife gives me heartburn. When I tell her that, she always gets a smile on her face. I'll tell you guys, try it! Tell your wife that she gives you heartburn and watch the loving smile appear.
You may want to follow it up with a little explanation. Sandee asked me, as we were leaving the house, if I needed a coat. I told her that just being with her makes my heart warm and a heated heart sends hot blood through my body, making the rest of me warm. So, the heartburn that she gives me causes an enhanced relationship experience.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
SNAP
SNAP - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly called Food Stamps.
I recently heard on the radio that one in ten Americans receive SNAP. I found that hard to believe and decided to check it out. According to the official web site, in February of 2009, 32,600,000 people received food stamps. That is 10% of our population. For 2008, the average monthly benefit per person was just over $100.
Along the same lines, unemployment benefits in New York were just extended to 72 weeks. That is almost one year and five months.
For the month of April, 2009; 56,600,000 were on Social Security. That is approximately 17% of the population.
Modern day entitlement programs got their big start with the New Deal, in the 1930's. As we all know, government NEVER reduces or eliminates any of these programs, they only grow. We not only have those FDR started, we have more added on a continual basis. For example, the Medicare Prescription program recently became law and added another benefit to millions of Americans. In 2005, it was estimated that the cost of this program would be $1,200,000,000,000. ($1.2 Trillion) over the first decade. Have you ever known of a program that did not cost more than the government estimated?
Why would our elected officials continue, term after term, to enlarge entitlement programs and those who qualify? Why would they go against the philosophy of each person having personal responsibility? The answer lies in BO's statement to Joe the plumber, "We need to spread the wealth around." Taking or stealing from one group and giving it to another tends to create an entitlement mentality in the citizens (and non-citizens) who are on the receiving end. Once the people get dependant upon the handouts, they make sure (with their votes) to keep the politicians in power who are responsible for giving them the freebies. Therein lies the motivation for the Democrats. They are taking the money from those who earned it and giving it to those who did not, in other words, they are buying votes, with your money, to guarantee their own political power.
Sadly to say, the Republicans are looking more and more like the Democrats in this area. They seem to have signed onto the idea that they can out "redistribute" the Dems. With both sides trying to buy votes, you can only imagine what will happen to tax rates. Someone once said that Liberalism works until the one group runs out of money.
I recently heard on the radio that one in ten Americans receive SNAP. I found that hard to believe and decided to check it out. According to the official web site, in February of 2009, 32,600,000 people received food stamps. That is 10% of our population. For 2008, the average monthly benefit per person was just over $100.
Along the same lines, unemployment benefits in New York were just extended to 72 weeks. That is almost one year and five months.
For the month of April, 2009; 56,600,000 were on Social Security. That is approximately 17% of the population.
Modern day entitlement programs got their big start with the New Deal, in the 1930's. As we all know, government NEVER reduces or eliminates any of these programs, they only grow. We not only have those FDR started, we have more added on a continual basis. For example, the Medicare Prescription program recently became law and added another benefit to millions of Americans. In 2005, it was estimated that the cost of this program would be $1,200,000,000,000. ($1.2 Trillion) over the first decade. Have you ever known of a program that did not cost more than the government estimated?
Why would our elected officials continue, term after term, to enlarge entitlement programs and those who qualify? Why would they go against the philosophy of each person having personal responsibility? The answer lies in BO's statement to Joe the plumber, "We need to spread the wealth around." Taking or stealing from one group and giving it to another tends to create an entitlement mentality in the citizens (and non-citizens) who are on the receiving end. Once the people get dependant upon the handouts, they make sure (with their votes) to keep the politicians in power who are responsible for giving them the freebies. Therein lies the motivation for the Democrats. They are taking the money from those who earned it and giving it to those who did not, in other words, they are buying votes, with your money, to guarantee their own political power.
Sadly to say, the Republicans are looking more and more like the Democrats in this area. They seem to have signed onto the idea that they can out "redistribute" the Dems. With both sides trying to buy votes, you can only imagine what will happen to tax rates. Someone once said that Liberalism works until the one group runs out of money.
Self-Castration
NO! Not me!
I have heard some explanations as to why the United States does not seem to be involved in end-times, Bible prophecy. Most have stated that a cause could be that the USA has been taken out by nuclear weapons. That seemed plausable due to the arming of our enemies with atomic weapons. That seemed plausable due to the USA being the "great Satan" according to some Islamic radicals, who believe God has called them to wipe us all out.
I now have another take on the subject. The reason the US may not play any prominant role in the end-times, is that we have been castrated as a strong nation. According to Dictionary.com, castrate has the following meanings: 1-to deprive of streength, power, or efficiency; weaken; 2-emasculate. Emasculate has the following meaning - to weaken, to render effeminate, unmanly softness.
We are watching BO and his administration and the puppet government, on a daily basis, slice away at the strength and power this nation has been admired for, by much of the rest of the world. One marble, after another goes rolling across the floor and out the door.
Whack, whack, whack!
I have heard some explanations as to why the United States does not seem to be involved in end-times, Bible prophecy. Most have stated that a cause could be that the USA has been taken out by nuclear weapons. That seemed plausable due to the arming of our enemies with atomic weapons. That seemed plausable due to the USA being the "great Satan" according to some Islamic radicals, who believe God has called them to wipe us all out.
I now have another take on the subject. The reason the US may not play any prominant role in the end-times, is that we have been castrated as a strong nation. According to Dictionary.com, castrate has the following meanings: 1-to deprive of streength, power, or efficiency; weaken; 2-emasculate. Emasculate has the following meaning - to weaken, to render effeminate, unmanly softness.
We are watching BO and his administration and the puppet government, on a daily basis, slice away at the strength and power this nation has been admired for, by much of the rest of the world. One marble, after another goes rolling across the floor and out the door.
Whack, whack, whack!
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Missing Link Found
I heard on the news, today, that some "scientists" in Europe announced that they had found the "missing link" between apes and humans. The fossilized evidence is 47,000,000 years old and is supposed to look like a 1'9" tall monkey.
Disclaimer: I am not a scientist, but I have a observation. If it looks like a monkey, maybe that is exactly what it was. Just because it was short, does not mean it is something rare. Have scientists ever heard of baby monkeys?
I have also wondered, whenever I hear some claim that something has been dated to be 2,850,000,000,000 years old. Are they serious? Even something that is only 47,000,000 years old, what is the margin of error, 45,000,000 years +-? This group will state things like this as actual fact. They do not say that it could be over 10,000,000 years old, they say it is 32,000,000 years old. I do not care what they say, you cannot convince me that they can accurately test to determine the difference in a bone or in a fossil (rock) as to whether it is 10,000,000 or 12,000,000 years old.
It is scientists like these that are determined to prove evolution, that have resulted in us having scientists that say global warming is a fact that cannot be debated any longer. The quality of their statements ranks right along side their friends, the liberal politicians.
Disclaimer: I am not a scientist, but I have a observation. If it looks like a monkey, maybe that is exactly what it was. Just because it was short, does not mean it is something rare. Have scientists ever heard of baby monkeys?
I have also wondered, whenever I hear some claim that something has been dated to be 2,850,000,000,000 years old. Are they serious? Even something that is only 47,000,000 years old, what is the margin of error, 45,000,000 years +-? This group will state things like this as actual fact. They do not say that it could be over 10,000,000 years old, they say it is 32,000,000 years old. I do not care what they say, you cannot convince me that they can accurately test to determine the difference in a bone or in a fossil (rock) as to whether it is 10,000,000 or 12,000,000 years old.
It is scientists like these that are determined to prove evolution, that have resulted in us having scientists that say global warming is a fact that cannot be debated any longer. The quality of their statements ranks right along side their friends, the liberal politicians.
The "F" Word
Were there certain words that your Mom (assuming that your Mom is different than my Mom) did not like for you to use. Well, my Mom did not like the "F" word. I imagine that you are thinking that you completely understand her position.
Well, the banned word in our family was "fart". For some reason that word really bothered her. She was fine with "gas", but not fart. I guess that everyone draws a line somewhere! Her line was just before you get to fart.
Have you ever had your mouth washed out with soap, literally? Well, I can proudly say that I have, but it was not for saying fart. I have no idea what I might have said as it was when I was 2-3 years old. (How bad could it have been, I did not even know the word fart at that time.)
It's interesting how different families have certain words that are used within the "family home" but the parents seem to find embarrassing when one of the kids boldly say one of them in public. I remember a trip to see Dr. Armstrong, who also just happened to be our neighbor and lived across the street from my soon to be embarrassed Mom. I must have been having stomach problems as the good doctor asked me if I had had a B.M. Well, B.M. was not familiar to me as that was not one of our family words. When I could not answer that question, with a red face, Mom asked me if I had grunted.
Now, you tell me this, which word are you more comfortable with, "fart" or "grunt"? As for me, I will take fart any day. I also have to draw the line somewhere.
This brings me to a half related story. Mom took one of my little sisters (Sharon - due to she had stuffed something up her nose and Mom could not get it out) to see Dr. Armstrong and left Ron (it was Ronnie at that time) and I in the car. Well, good intentions went awry and I "accidentally" put a cinder in one of Ron's ears. When Mom brought Sharon back out, she had to turn around and take Ronnie back into the doctor office for additional assistance. We all laugh about it now, but for some reason, Mom did not find it funny at the time. In fact, it is probably one of the times that she wished she could use the "fart" word.
If you are wondering how she got even with me for both of the above, she got the good doctor to order daily enemas for what must have been a couple years. Yep, every afternoon when I was out playing and minding my own business, she would either call me in for a nap or an enema. After that experience, enema is another one of those words that are across my line.
Well, the banned word in our family was "fart". For some reason that word really bothered her. She was fine with "gas", but not fart. I guess that everyone draws a line somewhere! Her line was just before you get to fart.
Have you ever had your mouth washed out with soap, literally? Well, I can proudly say that I have, but it was not for saying fart. I have no idea what I might have said as it was when I was 2-3 years old. (How bad could it have been, I did not even know the word fart at that time.)
It's interesting how different families have certain words that are used within the "family home" but the parents seem to find embarrassing when one of the kids boldly say one of them in public. I remember a trip to see Dr. Armstrong, who also just happened to be our neighbor and lived across the street from my soon to be embarrassed Mom. I must have been having stomach problems as the good doctor asked me if I had had a B.M. Well, B.M. was not familiar to me as that was not one of our family words. When I could not answer that question, with a red face, Mom asked me if I had grunted.
Now, you tell me this, which word are you more comfortable with, "fart" or "grunt"? As for me, I will take fart any day. I also have to draw the line somewhere.
This brings me to a half related story. Mom took one of my little sisters (Sharon - due to she had stuffed something up her nose and Mom could not get it out) to see Dr. Armstrong and left Ron (it was Ronnie at that time) and I in the car. Well, good intentions went awry and I "accidentally" put a cinder in one of Ron's ears. When Mom brought Sharon back out, she had to turn around and take Ronnie back into the doctor office for additional assistance. We all laugh about it now, but for some reason, Mom did not find it funny at the time. In fact, it is probably one of the times that she wished she could use the "fart" word.
If you are wondering how she got even with me for both of the above, she got the good doctor to order daily enemas for what must have been a couple years. Yep, every afternoon when I was out playing and minding my own business, she would either call me in for a nap or an enema. After that experience, enema is another one of those words that are across my line.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Future NRA Member
Yesterday, Sandee and I took Tyler to Phoenix to the NRA annual convention and trade show. Watching Tyler in that place was as good as taking a kid to Disneyland. As you can imagine, there were a lot of guns in the convention center. There are not many of them that he did not handle. He has photos of himself holding several assault rifles. Each time we found another booth, he would grab one and said that this is now his favorite. Sandee told me that she believes we have another conservative Republican on the way. I can only pray that is so!
Big Brothers
Being the second of five, with one older brother and three younger sisters, has its advantages and disadvantages. But, from my present perspective, having a big brother has been a good thing. I did not always feel that way, though.
When we were really young we did some things together: rock fights with the Coon boys, climbing apple trees with the Whipple boys, playing in the woods, playing army or cowboys and indians, etc. At this time, our arguments went something like this, "I got you! No, you didn't! Yes, I did! You missed!"
When we were really young we did some things together: rock fights with the Coon boys, climbing apple trees with the Whipple boys, playing in the woods, playing army or cowboys and indians, etc. At this time, our arguments went something like this, "I got you! No, you didn't! Yes, I did! You missed!"
As we got a little older we had some of the same interests, such as: building model cars, camping in the woods, blowing up model cars with firecrackers, shooting plastic army men with BB guns, racing the go-cart, etc. But, as Ron grew tall and I stayed short, there seemed to develop more of a gap between us than just our age. He began to do more grown-up things, or at least teenage things, and I was still a boy. I grew jealous and resentment developed. We ended up not getting along very well for a period of time, having fights and arguments. One argument, which I started, resulted in each of us breaking the other's model cars. That was the end of that era, as neither one of us ever made another.
At the time, I did not believe this was my fault, but looking back, I am sure that it was. I wanted to be like Ron, to be able to do what he was able to do, and I could not. Some of this continued into our teens. Ron was a senior in high school when I was a freshman. Being very small for my age (4'5" when I began high school), I got picked on a lot by juniors and seniors. But, soon, I found that being Ron's little brother had some advantages. He was popular, athletic and had a good reputation at school. As people began to realize that we were related, it helped my situation. By the time he went to college and I started my sophomore year, most of the teachers and students knew me and most got along with me.
There were a few exceptions to good relationships with other students. Most of these seemed to be older boys who had also been small for their age and probably had been picked on. So, now that they were older, they were looking for a target to take out some frustration. These usually did not turn into anything big and did not last very long. But, there was one senior who was an exception to why others picked on me. His name was Paul and he was also a lot larger than I, he was very athletic and strong and he was popular. I never have figured out why he chose me as a target for unrelenting harassment, but he did. Even though I had grown 12 inches during my freshman year, I was still small (95 pounds). He did not just tease me, he treated me as though he was mad at me as if I had been mean to his dog, or something. This went on for a few months. Finally, I got tired of it and stood up to him. He used that as an excuse to physically attack me, picking me up and throwing me across the room. Then, all of a sudden, during the spring, it all stopped. I did not know why, but I was glad.
It wasn't until many years later that I found out why it stopped. Even though I had kept the situation to myself, at home, somehow Ron found out what Paul was doing to me. When Ron came home from college for spring break or Easter, he confronted Paul over all of this. That is what saved me.
Another important event between Ron and I happened on the 7th green during a round of golf. He may not remember this, but I still do. I was frustrated after some bad shots, then missed a putt, and I consciously cussed out loud. I believe it was the d--- word. I, in a way, was testing him to see what his reaction would be to me cussing. He got after me, told me to never do that again and he did not talk to me the rest of the game. That made an impression and helped me keep a clean mouth.
When I weigh the pros and cons of being a little brother, I have to say that the pros tip the scale. Once Ron went to college, it seems that we have gotten along very well ever since. We saw less of each other, but I believe that one of the main changes was that I grew up a little. Being a little brother is not all bad! Thanks!
At the time, I did not believe this was my fault, but looking back, I am sure that it was. I wanted to be like Ron, to be able to do what he was able to do, and I could not. Some of this continued into our teens. Ron was a senior in high school when I was a freshman. Being very small for my age (4'5" when I began high school), I got picked on a lot by juniors and seniors. But, soon, I found that being Ron's little brother had some advantages. He was popular, athletic and had a good reputation at school. As people began to realize that we were related, it helped my situation. By the time he went to college and I started my sophomore year, most of the teachers and students knew me and most got along with me.
There were a few exceptions to good relationships with other students. Most of these seemed to be older boys who had also been small for their age and probably had been picked on. So, now that they were older, they were looking for a target to take out some frustration. These usually did not turn into anything big and did not last very long. But, there was one senior who was an exception to why others picked on me. His name was Paul and he was also a lot larger than I, he was very athletic and strong and he was popular. I never have figured out why he chose me as a target for unrelenting harassment, but he did. Even though I had grown 12 inches during my freshman year, I was still small (95 pounds). He did not just tease me, he treated me as though he was mad at me as if I had been mean to his dog, or something. This went on for a few months. Finally, I got tired of it and stood up to him. He used that as an excuse to physically attack me, picking me up and throwing me across the room. Then, all of a sudden, during the spring, it all stopped. I did not know why, but I was glad.
It wasn't until many years later that I found out why it stopped. Even though I had kept the situation to myself, at home, somehow Ron found out what Paul was doing to me. When Ron came home from college for spring break or Easter, he confronted Paul over all of this. That is what saved me.
Another important event between Ron and I happened on the 7th green during a round of golf. He may not remember this, but I still do. I was frustrated after some bad shots, then missed a putt, and I consciously cussed out loud. I believe it was the d--- word. I, in a way, was testing him to see what his reaction would be to me cussing. He got after me, told me to never do that again and he did not talk to me the rest of the game. That made an impression and helped me keep a clean mouth.
When I weigh the pros and cons of being a little brother, I have to say that the pros tip the scale. Once Ron went to college, it seems that we have gotten along very well ever since. We saw less of each other, but I believe that one of the main changes was that I grew up a little. Being a little brother is not all bad! Thanks!
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Mark and Anne
Mark and Anne are celebrating their anniversary this weekend. It is hard to believe that they have been married for five years.The changes in their lives have been numerous: marriage, moving to Idaho, buying a house, finding work, getting pregnant, having Ben, becoming Mom and Dad, getting pregnant again...
They have gone from two individuals to one family. I could not have asked for a better husband for Anne than Mark. From every indication, he loves her with all of his heart. What more could anyone want. And this I can say without any prejudice, Mark did pretty good for himself, too. Anne is in love with Mark and Ben. She seems to have what she wanted, a good husband and a family. Both of them love God and have a desire to follow Jesus.
This family is part of "My Favorite People". It does my heart good to hear from them and know that they are doing well. I am filled with joy whenever I get to see them.
Mark and Anne, stay focused on what is most important - God, your spouse, your children, your Dad. I love you all with all of my heart.
Friday, May 15, 2009
The Battle for the Future
As the Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan continue, as the battles intensify in Pakistan, as Iran threatens extinction of the Jews, and as the World guards against terrorist attacks by radical Islamists; there is another battle going on. It is the winner of this other battle that will ultimately claim victory in all of the wars raging in the Middle East.
As we fight on the ground and from the air, as we plan and carry out those plans to win a battle here and there; the missing element in our National strategy has to do with the spiritual war going on. If we as a "Superpower" in military strength ignore that our foe(s) are not just fighting us in conventional ways, but are engaging in a Jihad - or spiritual war, we will be at a disadvantage.
Our enemy is not just radical Islamists, but the evil spirit that drives them. They are motivated to do crazy things, even blow themselves up, even have their children blow themselves up, in the name of Islam. Some argue that Islam is the religion of peace. If there is any truth to that statement, they seem to be hiding that part of their religion fairly well. At least the radical wings of Islam are about anything but peace. They promote violence, killing, maiming, domestic violence, suicide and war. They claim that Allah has called them to eliminate the Little Satan (Israel) and the Great Satan (USA). They believe it is their duty to kill the infidels (meaning anyone who is not a believer in their form of Islam) and any apostates (meaning any Arab who does not subscribe to their radical version of Islam).
If we as Americans (public, government and military) fail to recognize that this is a spiritual battle, we will only be trying to win by fighting half of the war. Our enemy is waging spiritual war against us. They are not interested in a peace treaty, or negotiations, or compromise, or defeat, or cease fire, etc. They believe Allah has called them to win and kill all of us. You cannot sit down, across a table, and use arbitration to settle the differences. They want us dead! Nothing else will do. If they fail at their calling, they believe they will not go to heaven, will not get their virgins, etc.
A lot of us cannot go to war as a soldier. We cannot fight in the battles in the sand of Iraq. We will not take up a gun or drop a bomb or launch a missile. Those parts of this war must be fought by our designated military personnel. The other battle is our responsibility. We can and must take up spiritual warfare. We can do that from right where we are, right now. We have to pray that God will open the hearts, eyes and minds of the people in the Middle East. We have to pray that the Truth of God and Jesus will reach the millions of people in those countries and that a revival will occur and that their leaders will repent and/or be replaced by God loving people.
The future of free nations is riding on winning the spiritual battle. We have to take this seriously!
As we fight on the ground and from the air, as we plan and carry out those plans to win a battle here and there; the missing element in our National strategy has to do with the spiritual war going on. If we as a "Superpower" in military strength ignore that our foe(s) are not just fighting us in conventional ways, but are engaging in a Jihad - or spiritual war, we will be at a disadvantage.
Our enemy is not just radical Islamists, but the evil spirit that drives them. They are motivated to do crazy things, even blow themselves up, even have their children blow themselves up, in the name of Islam. Some argue that Islam is the religion of peace. If there is any truth to that statement, they seem to be hiding that part of their religion fairly well. At least the radical wings of Islam are about anything but peace. They promote violence, killing, maiming, domestic violence, suicide and war. They claim that Allah has called them to eliminate the Little Satan (Israel) and the Great Satan (USA). They believe it is their duty to kill the infidels (meaning anyone who is not a believer in their form of Islam) and any apostates (meaning any Arab who does not subscribe to their radical version of Islam).
If we as Americans (public, government and military) fail to recognize that this is a spiritual battle, we will only be trying to win by fighting half of the war. Our enemy is waging spiritual war against us. They are not interested in a peace treaty, or negotiations, or compromise, or defeat, or cease fire, etc. They believe Allah has called them to win and kill all of us. You cannot sit down, across a table, and use arbitration to settle the differences. They want us dead! Nothing else will do. If they fail at their calling, they believe they will not go to heaven, will not get their virgins, etc.
A lot of us cannot go to war as a soldier. We cannot fight in the battles in the sand of Iraq. We will not take up a gun or drop a bomb or launch a missile. Those parts of this war must be fought by our designated military personnel. The other battle is our responsibility. We can and must take up spiritual warfare. We can do that from right where we are, right now. We have to pray that God will open the hearts, eyes and minds of the people in the Middle East. We have to pray that the Truth of God and Jesus will reach the millions of people in those countries and that a revival will occur and that their leaders will repent and/or be replaced by God loving people.
The future of free nations is riding on winning the spiritual battle. We have to take this seriously!
Thursday, May 14, 2009
BO is no AH
I have heard some state that Barack Obama is acting similar to Adolph Hitler in the 1930's. When Hitler came to power, he quickly expanded the powers of his position, much in the same way BO is doing. AH attacked those who opposed him, much in the same way BO is doing (only BO is not killing them). AH basically ignored the laws, much as BO is ignoring the Constitution. AH was an egomaniac, just as is BO. AH surrounded himself in his government with thugs, just as BO has done.
So, why do I defend BO and say that he is not like AH? You have to remember that AH built his military, increased production of weapons, improved the national defense capabilities. That is not at all like BO. BO has halted production of the F-22 jet fighter. BO has canceled a planned Destroyer. BO has slowed the progress on our missile defense program. BO has canceled two of 11 Aircraft Carrier Groups. These two could not be further apart on national defense and a strong military.
AH made sure captured enemy would not go on to fight Germany again. BO has ordered Guantanamo Prison closed and proposed releasing the prisoners. In fact, some may have already been released and some who were released in past years have been caught fighting our soldiers, again.
So, why do I defend BO and say that he is not like AH? You have to remember that AH built his military, increased production of weapons, improved the national defense capabilities. That is not at all like BO. BO has halted production of the F-22 jet fighter. BO has canceled a planned Destroyer. BO has slowed the progress on our missile defense program. BO has canceled two of 11 Aircraft Carrier Groups. These two could not be further apart on national defense and a strong military.
AH made sure captured enemy would not go on to fight Germany again. BO has ordered Guantanamo Prison closed and proposed releasing the prisoners. In fact, some may have already been released and some who were released in past years have been caught fighting our soldiers, again.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Double Standards
As J. D. Hayworth puts it, "I am all for equal rights, just not special rights."
We live in the midst of double standards. They are all around us.
Dictionary.com defines Double Standards: as "any code or set of principles containing different provisions for one group of people than for another..."
Most special interest groups that lobby for "equal rights" are actually looking for special rights. They are wanting a double standard. They may have been victims of a double standard in the past and now want the abuser to be the victim. Usually, they are not looking to "get even", but are wanting to get ahead. There is an old saying, "two wrongs do not make a right." That applies here. Reversing the double standard does not make it even or fair, it creates a new set of victims and the consequential anger from the mistreatment.
Double standards are commonplace in politics. Over the past few years, I have noticed that there is an outcry of shock and a call for punishment whenever a Republican messes up. But, when a Democrat seems to do just as bad, or maybe worse, you do not hear or see the same reaction.
When a Republican has an affair, he loses his position of authority (Newt). When a Democrat has an affair, it is all forgiven and we are told that it is none of our business and it did not interfere with his duties (Bill). There are many examples of this in Washington. When Bush II was elected President, the Democrats and media suggested that he not have Inaugural parties due to the recession. When BO was elected, even though there was a recession, did you hear any call to scale back the celebration? When Bill suggested overhauling Social Security and making part of it private, it was a good idea. But, when it was George who picked up the idea and tried to get it implemented, it was a horrible idea.
How about when Bill did little or nothing about terrorist attacks against American interests and the media and left seemed to be content. But, when George continued reading to school children a few minutes while waiting for confirmation as to what was happening, it showed him to be completely incompetent. When Democrats support Acorn in trying to cheat and steal an election, not a problem. When Bush honestly won the Florida election, he was attacked for eight years about how he stole the election.
All of these are double standards. So, I was wondering why this is the case in politics? There are two reasons that I can come up with. First, the media, in general, wants to destroy the Republicans and makes mountains out of mole hills whenever they get a chance. Second, we who are on the right tend to hold our elected representatives to a higher standard than those on the left.
Why would this be the case? When a Republican falls, we are disappointed and we express that we expected more from them. We hold them to a high standard and many times they are out in public expressing that they hold themselves and others to a high standard. So, when they fall, we are surprised and disappointed. It seems that the left does not hold their leaders to a high standard and they do not seem to hold themselves to any, either. So, when they fall, it is not a big deal as they had not promised to be better than that and their followers were not expecting a higher level of morality.
Until the left changes, the double standard will remain. The only alternative would be for us to copy the level of morality for the left and not care. We have core principles that we are not willing to sacrifice, so us taking on the left's attitude about doing wrong, will not happen. And that, I believe, is the main issue. We have a set of core principles under which we operate. If we abandon them, we will no longer be who we are. To be even with the left is not enough of a prize for us to be like them.
I would rather take the high road and stumble and fall, over and over again; than to not try. Taking the low road, on purpose, just so you will not have far to fall, is accepting depravity as a way of acceptable life.
We live in the midst of double standards. They are all around us.
Dictionary.com defines Double Standards: as "any code or set of principles containing different provisions for one group of people than for another..."
Most special interest groups that lobby for "equal rights" are actually looking for special rights. They are wanting a double standard. They may have been victims of a double standard in the past and now want the abuser to be the victim. Usually, they are not looking to "get even", but are wanting to get ahead. There is an old saying, "two wrongs do not make a right." That applies here. Reversing the double standard does not make it even or fair, it creates a new set of victims and the consequential anger from the mistreatment.
Double standards are commonplace in politics. Over the past few years, I have noticed that there is an outcry of shock and a call for punishment whenever a Republican messes up. But, when a Democrat seems to do just as bad, or maybe worse, you do not hear or see the same reaction.
When a Republican has an affair, he loses his position of authority (Newt). When a Democrat has an affair, it is all forgiven and we are told that it is none of our business and it did not interfere with his duties (Bill). There are many examples of this in Washington. When Bush II was elected President, the Democrats and media suggested that he not have Inaugural parties due to the recession. When BO was elected, even though there was a recession, did you hear any call to scale back the celebration? When Bill suggested overhauling Social Security and making part of it private, it was a good idea. But, when it was George who picked up the idea and tried to get it implemented, it was a horrible idea.
How about when Bill did little or nothing about terrorist attacks against American interests and the media and left seemed to be content. But, when George continued reading to school children a few minutes while waiting for confirmation as to what was happening, it showed him to be completely incompetent. When Democrats support Acorn in trying to cheat and steal an election, not a problem. When Bush honestly won the Florida election, he was attacked for eight years about how he stole the election.
All of these are double standards. So, I was wondering why this is the case in politics? There are two reasons that I can come up with. First, the media, in general, wants to destroy the Republicans and makes mountains out of mole hills whenever they get a chance. Second, we who are on the right tend to hold our elected representatives to a higher standard than those on the left.
Why would this be the case? When a Republican falls, we are disappointed and we express that we expected more from them. We hold them to a high standard and many times they are out in public expressing that they hold themselves and others to a high standard. So, when they fall, we are surprised and disappointed. It seems that the left does not hold their leaders to a high standard and they do not seem to hold themselves to any, either. So, when they fall, it is not a big deal as they had not promised to be better than that and their followers were not expecting a higher level of morality.
Until the left changes, the double standard will remain. The only alternative would be for us to copy the level of morality for the left and not care. We have core principles that we are not willing to sacrifice, so us taking on the left's attitude about doing wrong, will not happen. And that, I believe, is the main issue. We have a set of core principles under which we operate. If we abandon them, we will no longer be who we are. To be even with the left is not enough of a prize for us to be like them.
I would rather take the high road and stumble and fall, over and over again; than to not try. Taking the low road, on purpose, just so you will not have far to fall, is accepting depravity as a way of acceptable life.
Church Bells and Weenies
Today, in Phoenix, a Bishop of a church was found guilty of violating a noise ordinance. His church had been ringing bells at various times during the day. Four neighbors complained and that was all that was needed to charge him with the crime. It has the potential of having him do some jail time.
It went to trial, as he believed it to be a religious right. The neighbors testified that the bells "affected their daily routine" and "held them captive in their own homes". That is where the "weenies" part comes in. There was no evidence of decibel levels being too high, in fact, there was no evidence of a limit on decibel levels being part of the ordinance.
This story made me wonder something, would we being hearing about the same charges being filed, same guilty verdict, and a judgement coming down; if the church was an Islam Mosque and the noise was the call to prayer being broadcast over an amplification system?
What has happened to some people? What made so many, weenies? Most neighbors did not mind the bells. So, what happened to the solution of just going over to the church and asking them to turn down the volume on their electronic bells? Why are so many people bitter?
Church bells have been a tradition since before this country was founded. Why, all of a sudden, are they something that gets a pastor arrested? Why would any "neighbor" file charges over such a thing? I notice the same angry attitude when I read letters to the editor. There are a lot of people who seem to be mad and are looking for someone to take the brunt of their anger.
How tough are we as a nation when we have so many weak citizens?
It went to trial, as he believed it to be a religious right. The neighbors testified that the bells "affected their daily routine" and "held them captive in their own homes". That is where the "weenies" part comes in. There was no evidence of decibel levels being too high, in fact, there was no evidence of a limit on decibel levels being part of the ordinance.
This story made me wonder something, would we being hearing about the same charges being filed, same guilty verdict, and a judgement coming down; if the church was an Islam Mosque and the noise was the call to prayer being broadcast over an amplification system?
What has happened to some people? What made so many, weenies? Most neighbors did not mind the bells. So, what happened to the solution of just going over to the church and asking them to turn down the volume on their electronic bells? Why are so many people bitter?
Church bells have been a tradition since before this country was founded. Why, all of a sudden, are they something that gets a pastor arrested? Why would any "neighbor" file charges over such a thing? I notice the same angry attitude when I read letters to the editor. There are a lot of people who seem to be mad and are looking for someone to take the brunt of their anger.
How tough are we as a nation when we have so many weak citizens?
Monday, May 11, 2009
Bageebees!!!
I have heard of the bageebees, before; but, I had never experienced them. That all changed this morning. Today, I had the bageebees scared out of me.
First thing this morning, I was typing and Sandee came in to see what I was doing as soon as she got up. We talked a few seconds and then she began to shake the bookcase with her hands. Then her head began to bow over. It dawned on me that she might be starting to faint. Even though I was only six to seven feet away, I was not able to get there in time. She collapsed and fell back, hitting the back of her head on the floor, pretty hard.
I picked up her head and saw a familiar, wide-eyed, blank stare. There was no response, only the same stare that I saw a couple years ago when I found a dead man in a house I was appraising. This is where the bageebees got scared out of me. Thank God, after 5-10 seconds, she began to respond. Within a couple minutes she was talking normally and I got her back to bed. She ended up feeling normal the rest of the day. She thinks that she had got up to quick from bed, walked in to see me and got extremely light-headed, enough so as to black out.
As she was coming to, she said that she thought she was dreaming. The first thing she saw was my head in her face, asking her if she was OK.
You know that you love someone. You even realize that you really love them. This morning, I realized, in those few seconds, just how much I really, really love her. I am a blessed man!
First thing this morning, I was typing and Sandee came in to see what I was doing as soon as she got up. We talked a few seconds and then she began to shake the bookcase with her hands. Then her head began to bow over. It dawned on me that she might be starting to faint. Even though I was only six to seven feet away, I was not able to get there in time. She collapsed and fell back, hitting the back of her head on the floor, pretty hard.
I picked up her head and saw a familiar, wide-eyed, blank stare. There was no response, only the same stare that I saw a couple years ago when I found a dead man in a house I was appraising. This is where the bageebees got scared out of me. Thank God, after 5-10 seconds, she began to respond. Within a couple minutes she was talking normally and I got her back to bed. She ended up feeling normal the rest of the day. She thinks that she had got up to quick from bed, walked in to see me and got extremely light-headed, enough so as to black out.
As she was coming to, she said that she thought she was dreaming. The first thing she saw was my head in her face, asking her if she was OK.
You know that you love someone. You even realize that you really love them. This morning, I realized, in those few seconds, just how much I really, really love her. I am a blessed man!
Friday, May 8, 2009
An Ignorant Electorate
"For no people will tamely surrender their Liberties, nor can any be easily subdued, when knowledge is diffused and Virtue is preserved. On the Contrary, when People are universally ignorant, and debauched in their Manners, they will sink under their own weight without the Aid of foreign Invaders." Samuel Adams, in a letter to James Warren, November 4, 1775.
Is that a true statement? If so, what has happened to the American people? If not so, it means that well informed, intelligent people will willingly surrender their freedom. Is that the case? I do not believe so. I do not believe that a free man or woman, well informed and educated, will choose to give up their personal liberty or freedom. This would also mean that the Declaration of Independence is wrong.
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."
Do you see that? "Liberty" is a right granted to man by God. Liberty is not a gift from our Government to us and they have no right to take it away from us.
Let's assume that Samuel Adams was correct in what he wrote. So, what was he telling us?
Where is America, right now? We are in the process of losing our liberties; one-by-one, day-by-day! How can this be possible? The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution lay out our rights, liberties and the power of the people. If these documents are the recipe for our freedom, how can our Government be engaged in the systematic dismantling of our individual freedom and liberties?
The answer lies in the writing of Samuel Adams. Evidently, accurate knowledge is not being diffused and virtue is not being preserved. We now have a major portion of the American public who would fall under the category of "universally ignorant, and debauched in their manners". Debauched means: self-indulgent, morally corrupt, and excessive indulgence in sensual pleasure. Does that sound like modern-day USA?
Our country has been dumbed-down, on purpose. Why would I say, "on purpose"? Because those who wish to take our liberty from us have also read Samuel Adams. They also believe he was correct. If we are educated and maintain moral uprightness, they cannot succeed in their plan to steal our freedom and change our country. They had to be patient. They had to have a plan. They had to seize control of the appropriate areas, such as the education system and the courts, in order to implement their agenda. As we look back, they were successful at each of these goals. They began, decades ago, to dumb-down the then present generation. They then proceeded to do the same to the next generation. They encouraged illegal immigration and built the welfare system. They have succeeded in building a population of voters who are not knowledgeable and who are not maintaining high levels of morality. They have removed God from many areas of public awareness. They have watered-down what is being taught in public schools concerning American history and civics. They have taken away the sense of personal responsibility in many, which resulted in more dependence upon welfare and higher crime rates. The family unit has been demoted and Government, through welfare, has stepped in to replace missing Dads, etc. Children are not being taught by parents nor are they attending a good church.
America is in the process of sinking under it's own weight. I believe it was God's hand guiding the forming of this country and holding it up during trying times. As we, as a country, have rejected God and each have gone their own way, it appears that God is removing His hand of support and protection from us.
I also believe that it is not too late. I believe that if America will repent, God will hear and be merciful. I believe there is still time to gain knowledge and restore virtue. This comes down to individuals doing their parts. Do what you need to do to learn, grow, and draw close to God. Then, spread that to others. Be an example and teach and lead. We have a lot of work to do and we can do it, one convert at a time.
The radical Left did not get in this position over night and we will not get them out over night. We have to be patient. We have to have a plan. We have to gain in the necessary areas - the hearts and minds of the individuals. Will it be said, 20 or 40 years from now, that we succeeded in our agenda? Will Americans be free or be slaves to the Government?
Remember, they were at war with us, but we were not at war with them. It is time to prepare for war! First comes basic training and boot camp.
Is that a true statement? If so, what has happened to the American people? If not so, it means that well informed, intelligent people will willingly surrender their freedom. Is that the case? I do not believe so. I do not believe that a free man or woman, well informed and educated, will choose to give up their personal liberty or freedom. This would also mean that the Declaration of Independence is wrong.
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."
Do you see that? "Liberty" is a right granted to man by God. Liberty is not a gift from our Government to us and they have no right to take it away from us.
Let's assume that Samuel Adams was correct in what he wrote. So, what was he telling us?
- First - Free people will not surrender their freedom, without a fight.
- Second - Free people cannot be easily subdued when they are knowledgeable and maintain virtue. Virtue refers to the goodness of the people, the moral excellence of their character.
- Third - When people are ignorant and of low moral character, they will sink under their own weight. Or, to put it another way, they will give up their freedom, voluntarily.
Where is America, right now? We are in the process of losing our liberties; one-by-one, day-by-day! How can this be possible? The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution lay out our rights, liberties and the power of the people. If these documents are the recipe for our freedom, how can our Government be engaged in the systematic dismantling of our individual freedom and liberties?
The answer lies in the writing of Samuel Adams. Evidently, accurate knowledge is not being diffused and virtue is not being preserved. We now have a major portion of the American public who would fall under the category of "universally ignorant, and debauched in their manners". Debauched means: self-indulgent, morally corrupt, and excessive indulgence in sensual pleasure. Does that sound like modern-day USA?
Our country has been dumbed-down, on purpose. Why would I say, "on purpose"? Because those who wish to take our liberty from us have also read Samuel Adams. They also believe he was correct. If we are educated and maintain moral uprightness, they cannot succeed in their plan to steal our freedom and change our country. They had to be patient. They had to have a plan. They had to seize control of the appropriate areas, such as the education system and the courts, in order to implement their agenda. As we look back, they were successful at each of these goals. They began, decades ago, to dumb-down the then present generation. They then proceeded to do the same to the next generation. They encouraged illegal immigration and built the welfare system. They have succeeded in building a population of voters who are not knowledgeable and who are not maintaining high levels of morality. They have removed God from many areas of public awareness. They have watered-down what is being taught in public schools concerning American history and civics. They have taken away the sense of personal responsibility in many, which resulted in more dependence upon welfare and higher crime rates. The family unit has been demoted and Government, through welfare, has stepped in to replace missing Dads, etc. Children are not being taught by parents nor are they attending a good church.
America is in the process of sinking under it's own weight. I believe it was God's hand guiding the forming of this country and holding it up during trying times. As we, as a country, have rejected God and each have gone their own way, it appears that God is removing His hand of support and protection from us.
I also believe that it is not too late. I believe that if America will repent, God will hear and be merciful. I believe there is still time to gain knowledge and restore virtue. This comes down to individuals doing their parts. Do what you need to do to learn, grow, and draw close to God. Then, spread that to others. Be an example and teach and lead. We have a lot of work to do and we can do it, one convert at a time.
The radical Left did not get in this position over night and we will not get them out over night. We have to be patient. We have to have a plan. We have to gain in the necessary areas - the hearts and minds of the individuals. Will it be said, 20 or 40 years from now, that we succeeded in our agenda? Will Americans be free or be slaves to the Government?
Remember, they were at war with us, but we were not at war with them. It is time to prepare for war! First comes basic training and boot camp.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
100 Days
As the nation celebrates the first 100 days in Obamaland, the "change" just keeps on coming.
I have to admit, I do not remember a President ever cramming so much into 100 days. I just wish I could say that we are better off for all of it, but I cannot, because we are not.
I believe that the Obama administration, supported by a liberal Senate and House, is doing all they can to get as much done as possible, as fast as possible. The reasons are that they want as much done as possible before there is a public outcry that will be so loud that they have to back off, to some degree. Plus, they know that there is a chance they could lose control of the House in 18 months.
Right now, they are riding the perfect storm. They have full power and control and no one can stop them. We are getting the change that was promised, they just never had to explain what they meant by that.
Believe it or not, Janet Nappy's name has surfaced as a possible Supreme Court nominee.
Believe it or not, the Obama administration is suggesting that Israel disarm from it's nukes in exchange for Iran disclosing what it has.
Believe it or not, the Obama administration is considering not filing criminal charges against the lawyers who helped the Bush administration, but does want them disbarred.
Believe it or not, the Obama administration is leaving open the possibility that the Justice Department may file criminal charges against individuals in the Bush Administration for war crimes due to the awful torture we have done (depriving them from sleep, barking dogs, women's underwear, having to have a photo of Hillary in their cell, etc.).
Believe it or not, the Obama administration is controlling the bankruptcy for Chrysler. They have worked a deal with Fiat, a European company, to take over much of Chrysler and the union to take over pretty much the rest. They are also going to use our tax dollars to help Fiat buy the GM operations in Europe so that Fiat does not have to use their own money. Did you notice that the unions seem to be the only ones who do not seem to be giving up anything in all of this?
Is this the CHANGE God wants for America? I HOPE not! Pray hard, we are losing our liberty and freedom, bit by bit, on a daily basis.
Remember, they were at war with us but we were not at war with them.
I have to admit, I do not remember a President ever cramming so much into 100 days. I just wish I could say that we are better off for all of it, but I cannot, because we are not.
I believe that the Obama administration, supported by a liberal Senate and House, is doing all they can to get as much done as possible, as fast as possible. The reasons are that they want as much done as possible before there is a public outcry that will be so loud that they have to back off, to some degree. Plus, they know that there is a chance they could lose control of the House in 18 months.
Right now, they are riding the perfect storm. They have full power and control and no one can stop them. We are getting the change that was promised, they just never had to explain what they meant by that.
Believe it or not, Janet Nappy's name has surfaced as a possible Supreme Court nominee.
Believe it or not, the Obama administration is suggesting that Israel disarm from it's nukes in exchange for Iran disclosing what it has.
Believe it or not, the Obama administration is considering not filing criminal charges against the lawyers who helped the Bush administration, but does want them disbarred.
Believe it or not, the Obama administration is leaving open the possibility that the Justice Department may file criminal charges against individuals in the Bush Administration for war crimes due to the awful torture we have done (depriving them from sleep, barking dogs, women's underwear, having to have a photo of Hillary in their cell, etc.).
Believe it or not, the Obama administration is controlling the bankruptcy for Chrysler. They have worked a deal with Fiat, a European company, to take over much of Chrysler and the union to take over pretty much the rest. They are also going to use our tax dollars to help Fiat buy the GM operations in Europe so that Fiat does not have to use their own money. Did you notice that the unions seem to be the only ones who do not seem to be giving up anything in all of this?
Is this the CHANGE God wants for America? I HOPE not! Pray hard, we are losing our liberty and freedom, bit by bit, on a daily basis.
Remember, they were at war with us but we were not at war with them.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Moms
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Moms, what an amazing group of people! Some young lady, just starting out in her own life, after getting out of school, gets married, gets pregnant and has a baby. All of a sudden, her life is not her own. She gives up "her life" for the sake of this little one or two or ... For the next couple decades or so, her life is wrapped up in turning little babies into responsible adults. Many of those things she dreamed about doing, once she was an adult, are now on hold. She gladly delays her other dreams for the little dreamboats she is now responsible for and for caring for their each and every need.
Sacrifice? Not at all! She would not even slightly consider what she is doing as a sacrifice. It is not a burden, it is one of the greatest blessings God could give to her. She has been touched by the hand of God and a miracle has grown in her belly. In the eyes of a mother, the baby, no matter what it looks like or may have wrong, is the prettiest thing to ever grace the face of the earth. The pain of childbirth seems to be forgotten as soon as she holds the baby for that first time. Would she do it all over again? Evidently so, she has another baby soon.
A mother is a picture of the love of God to a great degree. John 15:13 "Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his (or her) life for his (or her) friends." I add, Greater love has no woman than this, that she lay aside her life and devote herself wholeheartedly to the development of her children, to nurture and raise them to love and serve the Lord. This is a visible example of serving, of giving, of putting others first, of unending love.
My Mother is an unbelievable example of this kind of love. She gave and gave and gave. She loved and loved and loved. She has always been there for each of her five children. To the best of her ability, she made sure that our lives were the best they could possibly be. She did not do this by smothering us, but by guiding us and little-by-little, giving us our wings to try out the world - or at least the neighborhood at first.
I look back to my childhood and appreciate that I was allowed to be a "boy". I did not get in trouble for getting dirty or for breaking something on accident. I was given the freedom to do things that had the potential for me to get hurt. In that freedom, I grew in confidence, experience and in ability. The more I tried, the more I was allowed to try. The further I ventured into the woods without getting lost, the further I was allowed to venture.
I appreciate living in a nice home, always having the food for meals, always having decent clothes, etc. But much more, I appreciate my Mom and Dad and my brother and three sisters. I appreciate the family that my Mom held together and the atmosphere that she established for our home. There was no doubt in our minds that she would be there when we got home from school. She was not afraid to give us chores, to give us spankings, to give us vegetables... She did what was good for us, not just what we thought would be good for us. Her love and discipline helped to shape us into the adults we each have become. We all love God, we all love family and we all love the families we each have of our own. I would do anything for any member of my family and I know that my brother and sisters would do likewise. Why am I so sure? Because we grew up seeing the daily example of how it was supposed to be done.
Mom, thanks - thanks for all of it. Thanks for not putting up with my bad attitudes but having the love to insist on a change in me, thanks for taking care of me whenever I was sick, thanks for doing the meals and dishes and laundry and cleaning. Thanks for doing the gross things - the diapers (they were not disposable but were cloth that were wrung out by hand), cleaning up the vomit and washing sheets in the middle of the night, the enemas, dealing with wet beds with understanding, the bandaids on skinned knees and elbows, removing splinters, etc.
Mom, thanks for it all; each and every meal, each and every clean pair of socks, each and every talking to and spanking. Thanks for making me learn how to vacuum, dust, do the sinks and toilets, and the dishes. But also, thanks for letting me be a regular boy with a BB gun, bow and arrows, knife, hatchet, .22 rifle, go-cart, motorcycle, etc. Thanks for the trips to the doctor to get things taken care of, such as cinders out of ears, etc. Thanks for not panicking when I would hitch-hike home from Snowflake or be out until the middle of the night spot-lighting rabbits (maybe you did not know that is what I was doing) but thanks for trusting me to be responsible enough to stay out of big trouble.
And, I have a special thanks that no other child that I know of can offer, thanks for not flushing! I mean it, THANKS!
Mom; from Ron, Sharon, Carolyn, Paula and I; with all of the love in our hearts, thank you!
Sacrifice? Not at all! She would not even slightly consider what she is doing as a sacrifice. It is not a burden, it is one of the greatest blessings God could give to her. She has been touched by the hand of God and a miracle has grown in her belly. In the eyes of a mother, the baby, no matter what it looks like or may have wrong, is the prettiest thing to ever grace the face of the earth. The pain of childbirth seems to be forgotten as soon as she holds the baby for that first time. Would she do it all over again? Evidently so, she has another baby soon.
A mother is a picture of the love of God to a great degree. John 15:13 "Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his (or her) life for his (or her) friends." I add, Greater love has no woman than this, that she lay aside her life and devote herself wholeheartedly to the development of her children, to nurture and raise them to love and serve the Lord. This is a visible example of serving, of giving, of putting others first, of unending love.
My Mother is an unbelievable example of this kind of love. She gave and gave and gave. She loved and loved and loved. She has always been there for each of her five children. To the best of her ability, she made sure that our lives were the best they could possibly be. She did not do this by smothering us, but by guiding us and little-by-little, giving us our wings to try out the world - or at least the neighborhood at first.
I look back to my childhood and appreciate that I was allowed to be a "boy". I did not get in trouble for getting dirty or for breaking something on accident. I was given the freedom to do things that had the potential for me to get hurt. In that freedom, I grew in confidence, experience and in ability. The more I tried, the more I was allowed to try. The further I ventured into the woods without getting lost, the further I was allowed to venture.
I appreciate living in a nice home, always having the food for meals, always having decent clothes, etc. But much more, I appreciate my Mom and Dad and my brother and three sisters. I appreciate the family that my Mom held together and the atmosphere that she established for our home. There was no doubt in our minds that she would be there when we got home from school. She was not afraid to give us chores, to give us spankings, to give us vegetables... She did what was good for us, not just what we thought would be good for us. Her love and discipline helped to shape us into the adults we each have become. We all love God, we all love family and we all love the families we each have of our own. I would do anything for any member of my family and I know that my brother and sisters would do likewise. Why am I so sure? Because we grew up seeing the daily example of how it was supposed to be done.
Mom, thanks - thanks for all of it. Thanks for not putting up with my bad attitudes but having the love to insist on a change in me, thanks for taking care of me whenever I was sick, thanks for doing the meals and dishes and laundry and cleaning. Thanks for doing the gross things - the diapers (they were not disposable but were cloth that were wrung out by hand), cleaning up the vomit and washing sheets in the middle of the night, the enemas, dealing with wet beds with understanding, the bandaids on skinned knees and elbows, removing splinters, etc.
Mom, thanks for it all; each and every meal, each and every clean pair of socks, each and every talking to and spanking. Thanks for making me learn how to vacuum, dust, do the sinks and toilets, and the dishes. But also, thanks for letting me be a regular boy with a BB gun, bow and arrows, knife, hatchet, .22 rifle, go-cart, motorcycle, etc. Thanks for the trips to the doctor to get things taken care of, such as cinders out of ears, etc. Thanks for not panicking when I would hitch-hike home from Snowflake or be out until the middle of the night spot-lighting rabbits (maybe you did not know that is what I was doing) but thanks for trusting me to be responsible enough to stay out of big trouble.
And, I have a special thanks that no other child that I know of can offer, thanks for not flushing! I mean it, THANKS!
Mom; from Ron, Sharon, Carolyn, Paula and I; with all of the love in our hearts, thank you!
Friday, May 1, 2009
I'm a Big IDOIT!
I am an idoit and am proud of it. If you are not a great American Idoit, then you need to become one. Idoits are not idiots, they are the self-motivators, creative thinkers, self-sufficient, independent, self-confident people who have made this country great. It is on the back of idoits that America has become the greatest nation on Earth.
When I want something done, my first thought is not, who can I get to do this for me. I do not look to the Government to meet my needs and I do not want them looking out for me or you, from cradle to grave. When I want something done, Idoit.
Be an Idoit! Put your imagination to work, roll up your sleeves and get to work, you do it. You do what is needed to make your life better, to improve your living conditions, to work harder to supply your family's needs. Do not expect Washington or your state to meet your needs. When you become dependent on government for basic needs, it becomes a trap that is hard to escape from. Liberals want you to be dependent on government. When you look to them to meet your needs and you stop taking responsibility for yourself, they have you! You are dependent on them and they step in to run your life for you. They expect your vote and usually get it because you do not want to lose your benefits that you have come to depend upon.
Listen closely to the news reports where someone who is receiving from the Government is being interviewed. What is their attitude? It usually sounds like someone who believes that they are owed what they have become used to receiving. They do not have the attitude that they are grateful for the temporary help and they are looking forward to getting back on their feet and giving back to help others. Many times they are bitter, angry and unhappy. They are afraid of losing the free handouts. They have lost self-respect and self-motivation.
You be an Idoit! You will be happier and your life will be better.
When I want something done, my first thought is not, who can I get to do this for me. I do not look to the Government to meet my needs and I do not want them looking out for me or you, from cradle to grave. When I want something done, Idoit.
Be an Idoit! Put your imagination to work, roll up your sleeves and get to work, you do it. You do what is needed to make your life better, to improve your living conditions, to work harder to supply your family's needs. Do not expect Washington or your state to meet your needs. When you become dependent on government for basic needs, it becomes a trap that is hard to escape from. Liberals want you to be dependent on government. When you look to them to meet your needs and you stop taking responsibility for yourself, they have you! You are dependent on them and they step in to run your life for you. They expect your vote and usually get it because you do not want to lose your benefits that you have come to depend upon.
Listen closely to the news reports where someone who is receiving from the Government is being interviewed. What is their attitude? It usually sounds like someone who believes that they are owed what they have become used to receiving. They do not have the attitude that they are grateful for the temporary help and they are looking forward to getting back on their feet and giving back to help others. Many times they are bitter, angry and unhappy. They are afraid of losing the free handouts. They have lost self-respect and self-motivation.
You be an Idoit! You will be happier and your life will be better.
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