Every four years, we have an extra day on the Gregorian calendar. I try to make a point of taking note of that fact and doing something above the usual day's requirements. I try to make good use of the extra 24 hours in a given year. Every two or three years there is an entire extra month on the Biblical calendar, and it just happens to be the month of my birth and anniversary, so I personally believe that calls for me to celebrate doubly. Both are referred to as Leap Year, and this year, both calendars are in a Leap Year. So, I am just terribly time aware, and becoming very aware of the signs of the time. I'm going to dedicate this, my 400th blog entry, to a couple of concerns I have with our President. I've really been ignoring him, of late, because there are just so many people saying and doing outlandish things, that simply must addressed. But yesterday, he made a couple of comments that really gave rise to concern.
When asked about the price of gasoline going up to $4.00 a gallon, he said he hadn't heard about that . . .
In all this economic woe, he continues to say we have a strong economy and he doesn't see a recession coming, only a slowdown . . .
I looked up recession on WordWeb. WordWeb's first definition was: when the state of the economy declines. Widespread decline in the GDP, employment, and trade lasting from six months to a year. According to my calculations, we are there. Most assuredly, we passed Mr. President's "slowdown" well over six months ago.
The last definition listed for recession was the act of becoming more distant . . .
Which brings me to my "Catch Up" questions for Mr. Bush.
Mr. President,
Where have you been that you hadn't heard about the price of gasoline heading to $4.00 a gallon? And what do you think is the difference between a slowdown and a recession? Are you aware that the economic crisis that ushered in the administration in which your father was VP was not nearly as bad as this?
Beware therefore, lest that come upon you, which is spoken of in the prophets; . . . New Testament
Friday, February 29, 2008
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Fixing Our Messy Economy
I believe the direction of our economy could be changed, practically overnight, but . . . my solution wouldn't be very popular.
First, we must look at the economy, mathematically. After all, it is numbers and
variables with which we are dealing. I have 10 easy steps to redirecting our
economy.
1. Tomorrow morning, everyone stop one transaction that cannot be covered by
"money in hand or money in the bank." Just one, we can't totally crash the perpetual
motion.
2. Congress is to cease legislation that involves a larger budget, for one full month. No new spending.
3. The President is not to bail out his croneys on Wall Street, or pressure Congress to.
4. Quit arguing over inheritance tax, only the wealthiest 5% of Americans are even affected. It's an annoying distraction for the rest of us with real problems.
5. Do not spend one more dime chasing imaginary enemies. That does not include our troops that have been erroneously placed in harm's way by this administration. Thanks to bad decisions, the enemies they are now facing, are very real.
6. Stop printing money for the Feds to play with. We will have to work with what we have, until there is something that actually backs it, besides motion. I realize the dollar would be completely devalued if we brought back the precious metal standard at this point, but that is the goal, so just stop printing extra.
7. As a matter of fact, by the time we pay for the ink, the water marks, the presses, the cutters, the bureaucrats at the mint, the agents to prevent counterfeiting, our money is costing us to protect it, so just work with what we have for right now. It's only money.
8. Fair tax is stupid, don't do it. The 16th Amendment was supposed to actually refer to states paying taxes to the Federal government, and it has digressed from there. Any tax we now vote for, is our choice and that would be dumb. Fair tax just mathematically proves we spend more than we make. If somebody really wants to eliminate the IRS, simply repeal the 16th Amendment.
9. Put Americans back to work. There are still a few Americans that want to work. Enough of this global outsourcing. If Americans would rather have trinkets than automobiles, then turn some of the auto plants into novelty factories. Might as well, we won't be able to afford gas for automobiles, anyway!
10. Stop burning up the food with weird genetic mutations and bio fuel experiments. We don't want government commodities and handouts, we just want to be able
to aford groceries and have them be safe to consume.
So, in a nutshell.
Mr. President, please stop spending money we Americans aren't earning. According to the headlines, you are the last American to have heard about gasoline prices hitting $4.00 a gallon, so just stop until you can catch up with current events. You sound like the guy in the bar that orders a round for the house and then tells his buddy, to pick
up the tab, he doesn't have any small bills, but he'll catch him payday . . .
Congress, you people are all sitting pretty. Quit passing expensive legislation to take care of "us."
We can take care of ourselves if we can keep some of the money we earn.
Pundits, I hear all your tax jabber and tax legalese promos. Fair tax is not a good plan, it's only a
way to get us to vote to be indentured serfs. If 28% federal withholding and 15% FICA doesn't
cover the budget now, it's easy to see that a 23% Federal sales tax is simply based on the fact Americans spend more than they make. And once we vote for
a tax, then with the new bankrupcty laws and federal tax liabilities worded as such, we'll call the offense contempt of federal court, but that's only the 21st Century term for debtor's prison.
My fellow Americans, we have to live within our means. If a person buys groceries using a credit card and does not pay the balance in full every month, that means interest is compounding long after, months and years after; the products have been consumed, spoiled or as of late, recalled.
The multiplication math is really very simply in our economic equation. Without a standard, there is always a (0). It doesn't really matter how many variables and ideas are introduced in the equation when one of the factors is ZERO. The answer will always be nil.
Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice?
First, we must look at the economy, mathematically. After all, it is numbers and
variables with which we are dealing. I have 10 easy steps to redirecting our
economy.
1. Tomorrow morning, everyone stop one transaction that cannot be covered by
"money in hand or money in the bank." Just one, we can't totally crash the perpetual
motion.
2. Congress is to cease legislation that involves a larger budget, for one full month. No new spending.
3. The President is not to bail out his croneys on Wall Street, or pressure Congress to.
4. Quit arguing over inheritance tax, only the wealthiest 5% of Americans are even affected. It's an annoying distraction for the rest of us with real problems.
5. Do not spend one more dime chasing imaginary enemies. That does not include our troops that have been erroneously placed in harm's way by this administration. Thanks to bad decisions, the enemies they are now facing, are very real.
6. Stop printing money for the Feds to play with. We will have to work with what we have, until there is something that actually backs it, besides motion. I realize the dollar would be completely devalued if we brought back the precious metal standard at this point, but that is the goal, so just stop printing extra.
7. As a matter of fact, by the time we pay for the ink, the water marks, the presses, the cutters, the bureaucrats at the mint, the agents to prevent counterfeiting, our money is costing us to protect it, so just work with what we have for right now. It's only money.
8. Fair tax is stupid, don't do it. The 16th Amendment was supposed to actually refer to states paying taxes to the Federal government, and it has digressed from there. Any tax we now vote for, is our choice and that would be dumb. Fair tax just mathematically proves we spend more than we make. If somebody really wants to eliminate the IRS, simply repeal the 16th Amendment.
9. Put Americans back to work. There are still a few Americans that want to work. Enough of this global outsourcing. If Americans would rather have trinkets than automobiles, then turn some of the auto plants into novelty factories. Might as well, we won't be able to afford gas for automobiles, anyway!
10. Stop burning up the food with weird genetic mutations and bio fuel experiments. We don't want government commodities and handouts, we just want to be able
to aford groceries and have them be safe to consume.
So, in a nutshell.
Mr. President, please stop spending money we Americans aren't earning. According to the headlines, you are the last American to have heard about gasoline prices hitting $4.00 a gallon, so just stop until you can catch up with current events. You sound like the guy in the bar that orders a round for the house and then tells his buddy, to pick
up the tab, he doesn't have any small bills, but he'll catch him payday . . .
Congress, you people are all sitting pretty. Quit passing expensive legislation to take care of "us."
We can take care of ourselves if we can keep some of the money we earn.
Pundits, I hear all your tax jabber and tax legalese promos. Fair tax is not a good plan, it's only a
way to get us to vote to be indentured serfs. If 28% federal withholding and 15% FICA doesn't
cover the budget now, it's easy to see that a 23% Federal sales tax is simply based on the fact Americans spend more than they make. And once we vote for
a tax, then with the new bankrupcty laws and federal tax liabilities worded as such, we'll call the offense contempt of federal court, but that's only the 21st Century term for debtor's prison.
My fellow Americans, we have to live within our means. If a person buys groceries using a credit card and does not pay the balance in full every month, that means interest is compounding long after, months and years after; the products have been consumed, spoiled or as of late, recalled.
The multiplication math is really very simply in our economic equation. Without a standard, there is always a (0). It doesn't really matter how many variables and ideas are introduced in the equation when one of the factors is ZERO. The answer will always be nil.
Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice?
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Research Grants
I am not against learning. I'm certainly not against studying. As a person who is somewhat fiscally frugal, however; I am against the concept of providing the research funds to discover something that has already been stated. I believe rediscovery ranks right up there in value, with reinventing the wheel. From a Biblically historical perspective, I'm guessing the first research grant was awarded to some guy that gathered up a few camels and a couple of friends for a caravan and managed to talk one of the Pharaohs into providing the food and gems to trade for undiscovered spices and aromatic resins. I would hazard the guess that nobody funded any weather research as an old guy built a huge boat and rounded up a zoo. I'm guessing, although I haven't yet confirmed it, that Plato and Galileo had some sort of subsidy as they searched and sought beyond the recognized facts. Moving right along in history, we all read about the era of the explorers, which were also a group of researchers that were funded. Various kings or queens would finance an
expedition in hopes of gaining greater kingdoms. I remember thinking of Isabella and Columbus
when I found a most interesting Scripture in the book of Isaiah. I realize many people believe the
Bible is open to debate and interpretation, but my point is the fact that this particular passage was
included as the recognized Scripture cannonized by the Catholic Church, which I believe was supposed to have been of great influence in the lives of both Isabella and Columbus, whom I think the church still refer to as St. Christopher. So, after much persistance on his part, she finally financed his exploration, which was truly a research grant of that era. These two devout Catholics only had to read the Bible to discover what Christopher Columbus set out to prove with Queen Isabella's funding. Isaiah 40:22 says the earth is round!
"It is He that sitteth upon the circle of the earth . . ."
This morning I read the headline that science has once again determined a truth we must know, and I have no idea the cost of funding the research for this conclusion, but I do know I have read before, the gist of the lead paragraph. And I know where I read it.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,332429,00.html
>Scientist have nailed down how and when the Earth will cease to exist.
The sun will slowly expand into a red giant, pushing the Earth farther out into space, but not far enough.
Our home planet will be snagged by the sun's outer atmosphere, gradually plunging to its doom inside the fiery stellar furnace.<
And the fourth angel poured out his vial upon the sun; and power was given unto him to scorch men with fire. Revelation 16: 8
I would be happy to research some of these matters, and I am willing to do it for much less than the average grant used to fund this research to rediscover what G~D has already written.
The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun. Holy Scripture
expedition in hopes of gaining greater kingdoms. I remember thinking of Isabella and Columbus
when I found a most interesting Scripture in the book of Isaiah. I realize many people believe the
Bible is open to debate and interpretation, but my point is the fact that this particular passage was
included as the recognized Scripture cannonized by the Catholic Church, which I believe was supposed to have been of great influence in the lives of both Isabella and Columbus, whom I think the church still refer to as St. Christopher. So, after much persistance on his part, she finally financed his exploration, which was truly a research grant of that era. These two devout Catholics only had to read the Bible to discover what Christopher Columbus set out to prove with Queen Isabella's funding. Isaiah 40:22 says the earth is round!
"It is He that sitteth upon the circle of the earth . . ."
This morning I read the headline that science has once again determined a truth we must know, and I have no idea the cost of funding the research for this conclusion, but I do know I have read before, the gist of the lead paragraph. And I know where I read it.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,332429,00.html
>Scientist have nailed down how and when the Earth will cease to exist.
The sun will slowly expand into a red giant, pushing the Earth farther out into space, but not far enough.
Our home planet will be snagged by the sun's outer atmosphere, gradually plunging to its doom inside the fiery stellar furnace.<
And the fourth angel poured out his vial upon the sun; and power was given unto him to scorch men with fire. Revelation 16: 8
I would be happy to research some of these matters, and I am willing to do it for much less than the average grant used to fund this research to rediscover what G~D has already written.
The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun. Holy Scripture
Monday, February 25, 2008
Green Is Beginning to Make Me See Red
I personally belive that Ralph Nader is doing his best to bring us to the point where martial law meets fascism under the guise of
progessive liberalism. I guess I see the Green Party as the Progressive Fascist Party and Ralph Nader as the aging leader of this Progressive Fascist agenda, while possibly handing off the baton, or passing the mantle to Al Gore. So, now that Al Gore has brought us all to ecological awareness, will the Green Party finally succeed as a third party, and will Ralph Nader finally
have the recognition he truly deserves? Ralph doesn't have the Green Party's automatic
nod this time, though, there's that Congresswoman that didn't get re-elected, and say, why
doesn't Al, himself run? I can't say the world would be a better place, and I'm not attempting
to offer what the differences might be, but if Ralph hadn't taken 2.7% of the popular vote in 2000,
wouldn't Al Gore already be president? The reality is, however; that both Al and Ralph really appear to
have a great deal more power outside of the White House. I'm thinking these two guys have really
shown us what it is to attempt to transfer corporate wealth into lobby power and lobby power into
Congress control and ultimately legislate what's best for the planet at the people's expense. Now,
don't get me wrong, I'm probably more of a natural girl than either of these two guys, but expanding
the lobby and bureaucratic power to protect us from ourselves has resulted in little more than legislation
against freedom and choice.
I will give two simply examples. Auto industry and lightbulbs. Remember when Ford had the lightbulb
in it's advertising logo? Well, Ralph first got a better idea for the auto industry, and now Al has it for
the lightbulb. Ralph was safety first. He was first to make the auto industry safe for consumers. There was a time in this country in which the vehicles didn't
even come with seat belts, much less have federal and state legislature regarding the topic. Now, thanks
to Ralph Nader, every state has been granted a very lucritive legislation enforceable by every law enforcement
agency nation wide. So, for safety, our would be leader of the Green Party, brought us the potential for tickets, tickets, and more tickets. Yeah! Nader!
Moving right along to his protege, Mr. Gore and his inconvenient "truth." To prevent global warming by the watt, we will soon all be using lightbulbs that contain already proven hazardous material. So, of course, we'll need more legislation to regulate the disposal of these "earth saving improved lights." And regulation regarding clean-up procedures for accidental breakage. I have taken Mr. Gore's agression, personally, because his words and actions have caused me to agree with Republicans, and I just don't like it when that happens. If Mr. Gore is so concerned about global warming and our environment, he really should cut down on his own use of carbon fuels. As a matter of fact, I've noticed in all of his splendor and fame, it just wouldn't hurt him to do a little bit of walking. Talk about an inconvenient truth . . . save the environment and trim down a bit. It's a win/win solution for Al. And his concept about what to do to eliminate a carbon foot print, amounts to little more than paying someone else to not drive or not use a light bulb. I can't imagine how much in consultant fees, lobbyists, and new legislation this whole mess will begin to cost.
So, I guess Mr. Gore will show us all how to eliminate our carbon foot print with a trail of fool's gold!
I think Mr. Nader and Mr. Gore, both should realize by now, they have much more power causing public and lobby pressure in Washington, than either of them could ever obtain or handle
in office.
Besides, I read a headline that stated President Bush has projected that a Republican will win. It's a video clip, so I didn't watch it, but I couldn't help but wonder, and I do realize that headlines do not always reflect the actual content of the article or video. If he really is projecting another republican in the White House, clearly he isn't listening to the people, yet. Do you suppose he's basing that statement on the same brilliant intelligence as he has in other situations . . .
I would think his popularity in the polls and the 2006 midterm election would grant him some
illumination regarding the will of the people.
When I consider Thy heavens, the work of Thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which Thou hast ordained; What is man, that Thou art mindful of him? a Psalm of Holy Scripture
progessive liberalism. I guess I see the Green Party as the Progressive Fascist Party and Ralph Nader as the aging leader of this Progressive Fascist agenda, while possibly handing off the baton, or passing the mantle to Al Gore. So, now that Al Gore has brought us all to ecological awareness, will the Green Party finally succeed as a third party, and will Ralph Nader finally
have the recognition he truly deserves? Ralph doesn't have the Green Party's automatic
nod this time, though, there's that Congresswoman that didn't get re-elected, and say, why
doesn't Al, himself run? I can't say the world would be a better place, and I'm not attempting
to offer what the differences might be, but if Ralph hadn't taken 2.7% of the popular vote in 2000,
wouldn't Al Gore already be president? The reality is, however; that both Al and Ralph really appear to
have a great deal more power outside of the White House. I'm thinking these two guys have really
shown us what it is to attempt to transfer corporate wealth into lobby power and lobby power into
Congress control and ultimately legislate what's best for the planet at the people's expense. Now,
don't get me wrong, I'm probably more of a natural girl than either of these two guys, but expanding
the lobby and bureaucratic power to protect us from ourselves has resulted in little more than legislation
against freedom and choice.
I will give two simply examples. Auto industry and lightbulbs. Remember when Ford had the lightbulb
in it's advertising logo? Well, Ralph first got a better idea for the auto industry, and now Al has it for
the lightbulb. Ralph was safety first. He was first to make the auto industry safe for consumers. There was a time in this country in which the vehicles didn't
even come with seat belts, much less have federal and state legislature regarding the topic. Now, thanks
to Ralph Nader, every state has been granted a very lucritive legislation enforceable by every law enforcement
agency nation wide. So, for safety, our would be leader of the Green Party, brought us the potential for tickets, tickets, and more tickets. Yeah! Nader!
Moving right along to his protege, Mr. Gore and his inconvenient "truth." To prevent global warming by the watt, we will soon all be using lightbulbs that contain already proven hazardous material. So, of course, we'll need more legislation to regulate the disposal of these "earth saving improved lights." And regulation regarding clean-up procedures for accidental breakage. I have taken Mr. Gore's agression, personally, because his words and actions have caused me to agree with Republicans, and I just don't like it when that happens. If Mr. Gore is so concerned about global warming and our environment, he really should cut down on his own use of carbon fuels. As a matter of fact, I've noticed in all of his splendor and fame, it just wouldn't hurt him to do a little bit of walking. Talk about an inconvenient truth . . . save the environment and trim down a bit. It's a win/win solution for Al. And his concept about what to do to eliminate a carbon foot print, amounts to little more than paying someone else to not drive or not use a light bulb. I can't imagine how much in consultant fees, lobbyists, and new legislation this whole mess will begin to cost.
So, I guess Mr. Gore will show us all how to eliminate our carbon foot print with a trail of fool's gold!
I think Mr. Nader and Mr. Gore, both should realize by now, they have much more power causing public and lobby pressure in Washington, than either of them could ever obtain or handle
in office.
Besides, I read a headline that stated President Bush has projected that a Republican will win. It's a video clip, so I didn't watch it, but I couldn't help but wonder, and I do realize that headlines do not always reflect the actual content of the article or video. If he really is projecting another republican in the White House, clearly he isn't listening to the people, yet. Do you suppose he's basing that statement on the same brilliant intelligence as he has in other situations . . .
I would think his popularity in the polls and the 2006 midterm election would grant him some
illumination regarding the will of the people.
When I consider Thy heavens, the work of Thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which Thou hast ordained; What is man, that Thou art mindful of him? a Psalm of Holy Scripture
Friday, February 22, 2008
Coincidence or Non-military War?
Perhaps I am oversimplifying and perhaps I am merely observing a fact of geometry, being the shortest distance between two points is a straight line. Obviously, by now, America is dependant upon our trade with China. This nation's largest employer, Walmart, shelves a great percentage of their stock from China. China has gone from a country behind a big wall to a major global player and it does appear that the US has been instrumental in that fact. It was the administration of Richard Nixon that "got behind the wall" in the early 70's. Clearly, there is no doubt that between the space race, military, and exports, China is now a major contender. I happened on to an interesting article about information dating back to the days of Mao and Henry Kissinger. As a numbers freak, I just happened to notice this meeting took place the same year that abortion became legal in the US. The article has been linked and can be accessed by clicking on the title of this blog. The same year, 1973, that the US Supreme Court declared abortion to be a solution to unwanted pregnancy, Mao offered the US thousands of women, because they had too many. Now, this didn't make the big headline news at the time, at least not that I am aware, but in retrospect, something occurred to me. I realize the anti-choice voice is bringing up the loss of Social Security contributors in the work force since abortion, but I don't agree with their argument, as I consider abortion to be of more consequence, than "my free ride." As abortion increased in the US, and single motherhood lost it's stigma, or not, but shotgun weddings became seen for what they truly were, US adoption became international.
Through the Reagan years, adoption of baby girls from China became common place. Couples in America that tired of the legal hoops of adoption, went to China and got baby girls. Couples that didn't meet the American criteria for adoption, went to China and got baby girls. As available babies became scarce in America, they were still abundant in China. As a matter of fact, after 1979, baby girls were in exceding excess in China, and more than two was illegal.
When I found this archived article, I couldn't help but think of the history of events since China
came out from behind the wall and "made in America" became history. China has had about 30 years to assemble a highly aggressive army, as the men now outnumber the women. The exports of toys to America outnumber America's toys to China.
Did China find the perfect way to conquer America without firing a shot? Simply legislate their population control, and America, while eliminating their own babies, jumps in to save the day, adopting females by the thousands. What better way for a non-materialistic, hardworking country to rule. Let Americans spend thousands to adopt future shoppers, spend thousands on their
imported toys through their formative years, then America can support the next generation of children
born right here in the states, to these now grown, baby girls from China, playing with toys made in China.
If men strive, and hurt a woman with child, so that her fruit depart from her, and yet no mischief follow: he shall be surely punished . . .And if any mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life Torah of Holy Scripture
Through the Reagan years, adoption of baby girls from China became common place. Couples in America that tired of the legal hoops of adoption, went to China and got baby girls. Couples that didn't meet the American criteria for adoption, went to China and got baby girls. As available babies became scarce in America, they were still abundant in China. As a matter of fact, after 1979, baby girls were in exceding excess in China, and more than two was illegal.
When I found this archived article, I couldn't help but think of the history of events since China
came out from behind the wall and "made in America" became history. China has had about 30 years to assemble a highly aggressive army, as the men now outnumber the women. The exports of toys to America outnumber America's toys to China.
Did China find the perfect way to conquer America without firing a shot? Simply legislate their population control, and America, while eliminating their own babies, jumps in to save the day, adopting females by the thousands. What better way for a non-materialistic, hardworking country to rule. Let Americans spend thousands to adopt future shoppers, spend thousands on their
imported toys through their formative years, then America can support the next generation of children
born right here in the states, to these now grown, baby girls from China, playing with toys made in China.
If men strive, and hurt a woman with child, so that her fruit depart from her, and yet no mischief follow: he shall be surely punished . . .And if any mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life Torah of Holy Scripture
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Michelle, He's Not the Messiah . . .
I just didn't care for the way Michelle Obama "cleaned up" that unfortunate comment she made regarding pride in her country. She went on to let us know just how life changing it will be to put our trust in Barack Obama. She said we are all going to have to work . . . no cynicism . . . and he'll "restoreth" us. To all of her schpeel, I can only say, "Enough, already!" He's running for president of the United States, we already have a G~D and we already have a Messiah, and Barack Obama just ain't either one. Actually, with all these promises and all this houp-ti-law about Obama changing lives and people just are changed forever after they hear him speak, I can't help but wonder how this does fit into the Revelation in Scripture. I went to bed pondering just what I was going to write on this subject, then I got up to the AP headline that Obama had won the global primary, of course upon opening the story, I discovered that made reference to the votes of Americans abroad. I do see Obama possessing a great deal of potential and certainly charisma, but I don't know which direction his potential will take us. I don't really care for what he says, because I'm just not drawn to emotional hype. I want facts and direction, not grandiloquence. The only thing that has made him look good, as far as I'm concerned is his lack of substance. I've been thinking we've had such die hard agenda oriented administrations for the past 20 years, maybe just fluff would be a welcome change.
Perhaps Mr. Obama doesn't see any racial overtones, but clearly his constituents do and we've heard a few from his wife. I realize he has truly garnered wide support from women and whites, but his black supporters and constituents have not been silent about the race issue, and he wasn't either, in the beginning. I don't care what gender or color our next president is, but I don't think I want a president that Oprah has chosen for us. I don't agree with Oprah on very many issues, but backing by the rich and famous doesn't strike me as a different way of playing politics and certainly doesn't make me think "change."
I've heard the rumors and I've seen the squelching thereof regarding Mr. Obama's Muslim affiliation. Mr. Obama's pastor, the Rev. Dr. Jeremiah Wright who just this month retired from the African-American mega church, Trinity United Church of Christ, does have some connections with Islam. He apparently holds a high regard for one member of Islam in particular. I'll just quote Wikipedia here:
>In 2007, Trumpet Magazine (published and edited by Wright's daughter) presented the Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright Jr. Trumpeter Award to Farrakhan, whom it said "truly epitomized greatness."[12] Wright is quoted in the magazine offering praise of Farrakhan "as one of the 20th and. 21st century giants of the African American religious experience" and also praised Farrakhan's "integrity and honesty."[13] In response, Obama noted his disagreement with the decision to give the award to Farrakhan<
I guess the one time Mr. Obama is quick to make a direct statement is when he voices retrospective disapproval. Isn't hind sight usually 20/20? Do we need a leader that voices the right negative opinion after the fact?
And most important, the one thing I keep hearing is my responsibility or obligation to work to follow this would be "life changing" leader. I already have a religion, I already have a G~D, and I already follow the Messiah. I'm not interested in converting to the religion of Mr. Obama's Changed America.
He that hath an ear, let him hear . . . Holy Scripture
Perhaps Mr. Obama doesn't see any racial overtones, but clearly his constituents do and we've heard a few from his wife. I realize he has truly garnered wide support from women and whites, but his black supporters and constituents have not been silent about the race issue, and he wasn't either, in the beginning. I don't care what gender or color our next president is, but I don't think I want a president that Oprah has chosen for us. I don't agree with Oprah on very many issues, but backing by the rich and famous doesn't strike me as a different way of playing politics and certainly doesn't make me think "change."
I've heard the rumors and I've seen the squelching thereof regarding Mr. Obama's Muslim affiliation. Mr. Obama's pastor, the Rev. Dr. Jeremiah Wright who just this month retired from the African-American mega church, Trinity United Church of Christ, does have some connections with Islam. He apparently holds a high regard for one member of Islam in particular. I'll just quote Wikipedia here:
>In 2007, Trumpet Magazine (published and edited by Wright's daughter) presented the Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright Jr. Trumpeter Award to Farrakhan, whom it said "truly epitomized greatness."[12] Wright is quoted in the magazine offering praise of Farrakhan "as one of the 20th and. 21st century giants of the African American religious experience" and also praised Farrakhan's "integrity and honesty."[13] In response, Obama noted his disagreement with the decision to give the award to Farrakhan<
I guess the one time Mr. Obama is quick to make a direct statement is when he voices retrospective disapproval. Isn't hind sight usually 20/20? Do we need a leader that voices the right negative opinion after the fact?
And most important, the one thing I keep hearing is my responsibility or obligation to work to follow this would be "life changing" leader. I already have a religion, I already have a G~D, and I already follow the Messiah. I'm not interested in converting to the religion of Mr. Obama's Changed America.
He that hath an ear, let him hear . . . Holy Scripture
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Elixer of Life or Just Another Pyramid Scheme?
I was going to blog about the topics of the pundits, of late, but our News/Talk Radio station is, once again changing it's format, so now I still miss Dr. Bill, and even though I was not really a Dennis Miller fan, he's been replaced by the veterinarian with his pyramid program. This guy's not just a vet, he's also a naturopath, and as a person that practices natural modalities, I find him absolutely offensive. So, now we have this veterinarian/naturopath peddling his potions, not just in the early morning, he's now on at night, also. I have issues with Dr. Joel Wallach. I don't have a problem with the fact that he first became a vet. He's from Missouri and there's quite a bit of farm land in this part of the country. His bio explains some reason he decided he wanted to treat people, but he felt he would be hindered and confined by the procedures of allopathic medicine, so he chose the alternative, naturopathic. So far, no problem, but there's more.
In his program, people call in, between his banter and his sales pitch for sellers. These people have very serious problems in which he basically recommends the same "barrel type" remedy and diet. As a natural health proponent, myself, I agree that most Americans are not receiving proper nutrition and should change their diet and supplement, but I've heard him tell a caller that, what was diagnosed as a brain tumor, wasn't really a tumor at all. This was over the phone, now. I have no idea if they know each other or were in the same studio, but the listening audience was led to believe this man was simply a caller at random with a health question. I heard a woman call in, obviously distressed about a diagnosis and the prognosis. He began his schpeel, and as she was trying to take it all in, she began to ask a question. I was abhorred by his response. He said the show was about over and she should call him back tomorrow! He didn't say, Please stay on the line, his time on the air was over, he'd go over the rest of her concerns off the air . . . NO, he said call back tomorrow! As a minister and natural health consultant, I never tell someone in crisis, "time is money." I simply couldn't believe it.
I happen to have come across a few of his former pyramid builders in my practice and they tell me it takes about six weeks to get through to his "show phone" and that's the only time he answers. I have a problem with that, and apparently they did too, because they are knocking at my door.
It seems this blog is becoming a bit negative. I'm sorry, but I really feel the need to offer a warning, regarding this program and pyramid. Frightened people with poor health cannot be treated like they are attending an AmWay meeting. He's not selling cleaning products and hosting a social hour. This is serious and people are sick. The show is called, "Let's Play Doctor."
Well, I don't think it takes a medical degree to realize health and sickness is nothing to play around with.
His last program, did me in, and inspired this blog. He has now had an "epiphany" about people having their own businesses and he's "setting them up." According to every dictionary I've checked, an epiphany, pertains to a religious revelation or divine inspiration. I'd hardly consider an invitation to invest in someone else's pyramid to play, a divine
opportunity.
I'm calling the radio station tomorrow. I'd much rather listen to Mark Levin, than Dr. Joel Wallach. Mark Levin calls his callers back when air time runs out.
But ye are forgers of lies, ye are all physicians of no value. Holy Scripture
In his program, people call in, between his banter and his sales pitch for sellers. These people have very serious problems in which he basically recommends the same "barrel type" remedy and diet. As a natural health proponent, myself, I agree that most Americans are not receiving proper nutrition and should change their diet and supplement, but I've heard him tell a caller that, what was diagnosed as a brain tumor, wasn't really a tumor at all. This was over the phone, now. I have no idea if they know each other or were in the same studio, but the listening audience was led to believe this man was simply a caller at random with a health question. I heard a woman call in, obviously distressed about a diagnosis and the prognosis. He began his schpeel, and as she was trying to take it all in, she began to ask a question. I was abhorred by his response. He said the show was about over and she should call him back tomorrow! He didn't say, Please stay on the line, his time on the air was over, he'd go over the rest of her concerns off the air . . . NO, he said call back tomorrow! As a minister and natural health consultant, I never tell someone in crisis, "time is money." I simply couldn't believe it.
I happen to have come across a few of his former pyramid builders in my practice and they tell me it takes about six weeks to get through to his "show phone" and that's the only time he answers. I have a problem with that, and apparently they did too, because they are knocking at my door.
It seems this blog is becoming a bit negative. I'm sorry, but I really feel the need to offer a warning, regarding this program and pyramid. Frightened people with poor health cannot be treated like they are attending an AmWay meeting. He's not selling cleaning products and hosting a social hour. This is serious and people are sick. The show is called, "Let's Play Doctor."
Well, I don't think it takes a medical degree to realize health and sickness is nothing to play around with.
His last program, did me in, and inspired this blog. He has now had an "epiphany" about people having their own businesses and he's "setting them up." According to every dictionary I've checked, an epiphany, pertains to a religious revelation or divine inspiration. I'd hardly consider an invitation to invest in someone else's pyramid to play, a divine
opportunity.
I'm calling the radio station tomorrow. I'd much rather listen to Mark Levin, than Dr. Joel Wallach. Mark Levin calls his callers back when air time runs out.
But ye are forgers of lies, ye are all physicians of no value. Holy Scripture
Monday, February 18, 2008
We Call This Civilized Society?
I am absolutely sickened and outraged, and I haven't even watched the video from the slaughter house, I've only read the reports. What in the world is going on and why is there no call for reason? I've read comments made by vegetarians, I've read comments written by animal activists, and I've read and written a few of the comments by dissidents.
From the report, the indication is, this practice has been going on for some time, since it dates back to meat dated February of 2006. I, for one, just don't believe it was an isolated incident. I also would offer the perspective that it may have been a situation of "following orders" or at least having seen it done, before. When I awoke this morning to the description of how the cattle were treated, I thought, it was reprehensible, then when I heard the reference to the practice of simulated drowning, my mind went another direction. The powers that be are shutting down this slaughter house for investigation, people are getting fired, and arrested, but our government doesn't consider the simulation of drowning to be torture, when practiced on humans, only an interrogation technique . . . What's up with that? So, if an animal is about to be killed, simulated drowning is abuse, but if a human being is being detained and questioned, simulated drowning is waterboarding. What kind of a society have we become?
Now we have the next question in this cattle recall. Most of the meat has already been consumed, and without noted ills, at least
of which we are aware. So, other than a flexing of the strong arm of power, what good is a recall
at this point? And just how does that figure into the equation? The meat can't be returned and the profit has already been figured, so is this recall only figurative bureaucracy? A recall at this point is simply a grandiose gesture of governmental authority.
Now to the next question. If this has been going on for two years, at least two years, what kind of human beings are now working in slaughter houses? How many of these people will do things like this to animals without batting an eye, and will they stop at animals? Meat packing and processing used to be a very respectable career that required training. Now, the reports sound like these workers were a group of predators that simply acted without conscience, or looked the other way.
And what's with the civilized organization called the USDA? Why was this allowed for two years, without consequences? Is this suddenly a new law?
Of course, knowing the food supply is the ultimate goal of the powers that be, I realize the manufactured solutions for all these manufactured problems in the meat industry, will only serve to bring more rules, regulations, and requirements on what's left of the few independent ranchers and dairy farmers. Now is a great time for a packing house to suddenly close. It's just close enough to spring to be about out of hay, but not close enough to have pasture. Just how much this shut down will cost the independent operator remains to be seen, but this will certainly curtail world trade in the beef industry, again. Just one step closer to marking all the beasts, so we can ask the powers that be, for our daily sustenance. More laws cannot legislate kindness or prohibit cruelty, that is a matter of the heart. More laws will only fall upon the already overburdened shoulders of the producers, not the processors, and certainly not the powers of politics.
The way a society treats something in captivity reveals alot about that society. The way a society
exercises authority reveals alot about that society. The way a society treats people is the definition
of that society? And the way people treat animals tells us what has defined that society.
An upright man has thought for the life of his beast, but the hearts of evil-doers are cruel. a Proverb of Holy Scripture
From the report, the indication is, this practice has been going on for some time, since it dates back to meat dated February of 2006. I, for one, just don't believe it was an isolated incident. I also would offer the perspective that it may have been a situation of "following orders" or at least having seen it done, before. When I awoke this morning to the description of how the cattle were treated, I thought, it was reprehensible, then when I heard the reference to the practice of simulated drowning, my mind went another direction. The powers that be are shutting down this slaughter house for investigation, people are getting fired, and arrested, but our government doesn't consider the simulation of drowning to be torture, when practiced on humans, only an interrogation technique . . . What's up with that? So, if an animal is about to be killed, simulated drowning is abuse, but if a human being is being detained and questioned, simulated drowning is waterboarding. What kind of a society have we become?
Now we have the next question in this cattle recall. Most of the meat has already been consumed, and without noted ills, at least
of which we are aware. So, other than a flexing of the strong arm of power, what good is a recall
at this point? And just how does that figure into the equation? The meat can't be returned and the profit has already been figured, so is this recall only figurative bureaucracy? A recall at this point is simply a grandiose gesture of governmental authority.
Now to the next question. If this has been going on for two years, at least two years, what kind of human beings are now working in slaughter houses? How many of these people will do things like this to animals without batting an eye, and will they stop at animals? Meat packing and processing used to be a very respectable career that required training. Now, the reports sound like these workers were a group of predators that simply acted without conscience, or looked the other way.
And what's with the civilized organization called the USDA? Why was this allowed for two years, without consequences? Is this suddenly a new law?
Of course, knowing the food supply is the ultimate goal of the powers that be, I realize the manufactured solutions for all these manufactured problems in the meat industry, will only serve to bring more rules, regulations, and requirements on what's left of the few independent ranchers and dairy farmers. Now is a great time for a packing house to suddenly close. It's just close enough to spring to be about out of hay, but not close enough to have pasture. Just how much this shut down will cost the independent operator remains to be seen, but this will certainly curtail world trade in the beef industry, again. Just one step closer to marking all the beasts, so we can ask the powers that be, for our daily sustenance. More laws cannot legislate kindness or prohibit cruelty, that is a matter of the heart. More laws will only fall upon the already overburdened shoulders of the producers, not the processors, and certainly not the powers of politics.
The way a society treats something in captivity reveals alot about that society. The way a society
exercises authority reveals alot about that society. The way a society treats people is the definition
of that society? And the way people treat animals tells us what has defined that society.
An upright man has thought for the life of his beast, but the hearts of evil-doers are cruel. a Proverb of Holy Scripture
Friday, February 15, 2008
Just Who Is Hillary?
Hillary has been losing ground steadily and I think it's about time, although; I'm not thrilled with the other two options.
She appears to have lost momentum when Bill made some reference to Jesse Jackson in South Carolina, and Barack
Obama, but I don't really think that was it and if it was, it shouldn't have been.
This issue isn't with Obama, either, it's with his constituency. Why has it been a
compliment for Bill Clinton to be referred to as black in the black community, but
it's racist for Bill Clinton to draw a parallel between two black men? Although the
reference to Bill was intended in a complimentary way, it was in fact still racist and
obviously insincere. Blacks are allowed to use any racial reference, including slurs, and
it's perfectly acceptable, but this white, honorary black guy can't? I thought Barack, early
on made references to MLK Jr. and the march in Selma was what made it possible for his
black father and white mother to produce him, three years earlier . . . Do his suddenly faithful
constituents remember any of this? I'm shocked to know the democrats are as easily influenced with rhetoric as the Rush and Sean republicans. Now, as to how this stacks up for Hillary.
I have to question her judgment. She knew Bill couldn't be trusted in the oval office, why in
the world did she send him free reign on the campaign trail? Poor judgment call for someone
that wants to make decisions for 300 million people.
Her attitude about health care sounds just like my excedingly republican mother. Everyone needs to have blah, blah, blah and Hillary has promised to enforce it. You know what . . . I consider it my right of freedom of religion to place my trust in G~D rather than insurance and government health care. I expect my rights to be challenged by republicans, but not ACLU supporting
democrats. What gives, Hillary?
Bill is running his mouth again when it comes to health care and frankly, he's making Obama look better all the time. Obama doesn't plan to enforce mandated health care or coverage! Bill said, and I will include the link, “It would be truly tragic if the Democratic Party walked away from universal health care for the first time in 60 years when we finally got the business community and the medical community in line behind us,” Clinton said Tuesday during a campaign swing . . .
http://youdecide08.foxnews.com/2008/02/15/bill-clinton-back-on-offense-knocks-obama-for-health-care-plan-in-texas/
Since both the business community and the medical community are in line behind Hillary, it sounds like her support is not at all from the hard working middle class. Sounds like Hillary has corporate lobby behind her. I figured it was only a matter of time before we saw Bill and Hillary join their cronies and throw the race to a democrat.
. . . do not go with them. If they say, Come with us . . .Take your chance with us, and we will all have one money-bag: My son, do not go with them . . . a Proverb of Holy Scripture
She appears to have lost momentum when Bill made some reference to Jesse Jackson in South Carolina, and Barack
Obama, but I don't really think that was it and if it was, it shouldn't have been.
This issue isn't with Obama, either, it's with his constituency. Why has it been a
compliment for Bill Clinton to be referred to as black in the black community, but
it's racist for Bill Clinton to draw a parallel between two black men? Although the
reference to Bill was intended in a complimentary way, it was in fact still racist and
obviously insincere. Blacks are allowed to use any racial reference, including slurs, and
it's perfectly acceptable, but this white, honorary black guy can't? I thought Barack, early
on made references to MLK Jr. and the march in Selma was what made it possible for his
black father and white mother to produce him, three years earlier . . . Do his suddenly faithful
constituents remember any of this? I'm shocked to know the democrats are as easily influenced with rhetoric as the Rush and Sean republicans. Now, as to how this stacks up for Hillary.
I have to question her judgment. She knew Bill couldn't be trusted in the oval office, why in
the world did she send him free reign on the campaign trail? Poor judgment call for someone
that wants to make decisions for 300 million people.
Her attitude about health care sounds just like my excedingly republican mother. Everyone needs to have blah, blah, blah and Hillary has promised to enforce it. You know what . . . I consider it my right of freedom of religion to place my trust in G~D rather than insurance and government health care. I expect my rights to be challenged by republicans, but not ACLU supporting
democrats. What gives, Hillary?
Bill is running his mouth again when it comes to health care and frankly, he's making Obama look better all the time. Obama doesn't plan to enforce mandated health care or coverage! Bill said, and I will include the link, “It would be truly tragic if the Democratic Party walked away from universal health care for the first time in 60 years when we finally got the business community and the medical community in line behind us,” Clinton said Tuesday during a campaign swing . . .
http://youdecide08.foxnews.com/2008/02/15/bill-clinton-back-on-offense-knocks-obama-for-health-care-plan-in-texas/
Since both the business community and the medical community are in line behind Hillary, it sounds like her support is not at all from the hard working middle class. Sounds like Hillary has corporate lobby behind her. I figured it was only a matter of time before we saw Bill and Hillary join their cronies and throw the race to a democrat.
. . . do not go with them. If they say, Come with us . . .Take your chance with us, and we will all have one money-bag: My son, do not go with them . . . a Proverb of Holy Scripture
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Telecommunications and FISA
The headlines are just gripping aren't they? I've decided if the telecommunication companies receive legislative favor for immunity, I'm having my phone service disconnected. I'm not going to jump in a hole and pull the hole in after me or anything like that, I'm just tired of supporting nonsense. I'll go all INTERNET. If American telecommunication companies need immunity regarding FISA legislation, something is wrong, seriously wrong. FISA stands for Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, which should not affect our local phone service, at all, and yet it does. If the telecommunication companies are now going to serve as clandestine agents of espionage for our government, they need to realize "we the people" are domestic, not foreign, and not quite as ignorant as assumed. I'm offended that we are told one more loss of privacy is for our protection. I just flat do not believe it. This is just one more way to control that much more of our economy and society. When I use the internet, I realize my correspondence is public domain. It is, after all, the world wide web.
I realize when I press ENTER or SUBMIT or PUBLISH, I have given my consent for my words to be scrutinized by any and all that happen on to the sight in which they appear. That's fair, it's upfront, I know going in. It's like an old fashioned contract with modern technology. This telecom business has gotten out of hand. What used to be called a private line is now simply a plan and service. I'm going to share just what I apparently agree to, to have my private conversations public at the whim of potentially paranoid politicians.
I have a notice that my rate increased from 10.00 . . .
Basic local service-residence 12.50
Mileage-outside base rate area 1.94
Surcharges and other fees 8.34
Taxes 1.77
For a GRAND TOTAL of $26.22 for a basic, bare bones plan of a private residential phone service.
It would seem, since our politicians want to make warrantless wiretapping on private telecommunications part of our nation's security, shouldn't all American cizitens receive their basic phone service as a patriotic war effort provided by the budget of the CIA and Homeland Security?
Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. New Testament
I realize when I press ENTER or SUBMIT or PUBLISH, I have given my consent for my words to be scrutinized by any and all that happen on to the sight in which they appear. That's fair, it's upfront, I know going in. It's like an old fashioned contract with modern technology. This telecom business has gotten out of hand. What used to be called a private line is now simply a plan and service. I'm going to share just what I apparently agree to, to have my private conversations public at the whim of potentially paranoid politicians.
I have a notice that my rate increased from 10.00 . . .
Basic local service-residence 12.50
Mileage-outside base rate area 1.94
Surcharges and other fees 8.34
Taxes 1.77
For a GRAND TOTAL of $26.22 for a basic, bare bones plan of a private residential phone service.
It would seem, since our politicians want to make warrantless wiretapping on private telecommunications part of our nation's security, shouldn't all American cizitens receive their basic phone service as a patriotic war effort provided by the budget of the CIA and Homeland Security?
Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. New Testament
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
The Brickwalls of Blogging
I just wasted an hour of my life typing a blog and when I hit the publish button, it disappeared into cyberspace. I was planning on venting about the phone company, but somehow after wasting time typing, after four attempts to even sign in to the dashboard, I think I'll just share my views of this fad called blogging. I write because it's "fire in my bones." I use blogger because it's available and was, at one point, user friendly. As of late, it's been a pain. I don't know if it's blogger.com or opera operating system, but as with everything in America, to change involves entirely too many variables, so I keep putting up with poor performance and poor service, and try to take all the necessary precautions, just to have a place to write. Now, mind you, after 3 years of blogging, my blog is never a "blog of note" and I've yet to see this blog on the list of "just updated" but it's a free blogsite and realizing "you get what you pay for" I guess I should be grateful, I get to type! My other blog was a great one. It was about FISA and the telecommunications immunity and our elected officials' agenda. This blog is simply one more realization, that human effort makes so little difference in this world of technology.
. . . But His word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones . . . a Prophet of Holy Scripture
. . . But His word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones . . . a Prophet of Holy Scripture
Monday, February 11, 2008
Come On Now, Huckabee . . .
Imagine my shock and surprise when I read that Huckabee was challenging and/or contesting the results in Washington. I couldn't believe what I was reading. I mean it's only caucuses and primaries. Huckabee knows he needs just about every delegate vote from every state that's left and he also knows the odds are slim. Oh, I know, he didn't major in math, he majored in miracles. Well, that's catchy, but I've yet to see a political miracle. I'm not saying that G~D can't do it, I've just never seen one or read about one in Scripture. As a matter of fact, I don't recall reading about any "elections" in Scripture . . . But to get back to Huckabee's challenge. I remember, as a matter of fact; some of the conservative base still discuss how disgusted they were that Al Gore challenged the Florida election results. That was the national election and clearly down to the wire by just a few hundred votes, and the neocons still felt it was inappropriate for him to contest and not concede.
I haven't heard how Huckabee's followers are spinning this to be respectable and acceptable, but I'm sure since the shoe is now on the right foot, it is somehow, correct. I've always found the double standard of the conservatives to be a curious thing. When something is done by the liberal left, it's absolutely deplorable, yet a similar action by the conservative right, as always, is right!
Huckabee inspired my idealism in America, that a man did not have to raise millions of dollars to campaign for president. It's nice to know, someone can rise out of relative obscurity and be a serious contender for the White House. Romney also inspired me as a wealthy man, that he made the fiscally responsible decision to not continue investing in what appeared to be failing. I would sure like someone that thinks like he does, sitting in the White House, planning the federal budget.
Now, when it gets to their other views, I have some reservations. Huckabee has made some comments with religious inferrence and to be honest, I'm not very encouraged in that. I admire his openness regarding his beliefs, but I don't agree with his beliefs.
I tried the Southern Baptist beliefs for a few years when I was a kid, and I didn't really identify with that 4-5 hours a week, when I was trying to. I don't want to live under them, 24/7. I left that belief system years, several years ago, and I'm not interested in Mr. Huckabee's beliefs becoming law in this country.
. . . for why is my liberty judged of another man's conscience? New Testament
I haven't heard how Huckabee's followers are spinning this to be respectable and acceptable, but I'm sure since the shoe is now on the right foot, it is somehow, correct. I've always found the double standard of the conservatives to be a curious thing. When something is done by the liberal left, it's absolutely deplorable, yet a similar action by the conservative right, as always, is right!
Huckabee inspired my idealism in America, that a man did not have to raise millions of dollars to campaign for president. It's nice to know, someone can rise out of relative obscurity and be a serious contender for the White House. Romney also inspired me as a wealthy man, that he made the fiscally responsible decision to not continue investing in what appeared to be failing. I would sure like someone that thinks like he does, sitting in the White House, planning the federal budget.
Now, when it gets to their other views, I have some reservations. Huckabee has made some comments with religious inferrence and to be honest, I'm not very encouraged in that. I admire his openness regarding his beliefs, but I don't agree with his beliefs.
I tried the Southern Baptist beliefs for a few years when I was a kid, and I didn't really identify with that 4-5 hours a week, when I was trying to. I don't want to live under them, 24/7. I left that belief system years, several years ago, and I'm not interested in Mr. Huckabee's beliefs becoming law in this country.
. . . for why is my liberty judged of another man's conscience? New Testament
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Blogging for the Record
The night began in a usual way. We finished dinner about 11:30 pm and headed to bed around midnight. The bizarreness began about four hours later. We awoke to the phone ringing at 4 am. Lets face it, when the ringing of the phone awakens someone and it's still dark, the first thoughts through the mind are not good ones. So the ominous dread of potentially bad news was bouncing through my blurry brain on the way to the phone. I answered
the phone to hear some idiot blathering obscenities. I hung up the phone, problem solved and headed back to bed, when it rang again. As you have probably guessed, it was the same individual. I was about to hang up, when something unusual happened. Someone claiming to be his mother got on the phone and apologized to me, and so I said all right and hung up the phone. Now, here is where it begins to get bizarre. The phone rang again and it was the woman, now making the same obscene comments that the young man had been making. My thought was that probably someone had overcooked their meth, but I simply stated they had the wrong number and hung up. By this time my husband was just a tad past anoid, so I suggested we just let the answering machine pick up. If it was this "wrong number" they'd hang up and if it was somebody that was truly trying to reach us, we could call them back, knowing they were awake. Now, here's where the Bizarreness needs a capital B. Not only did these freaks leave an obscene message on the answering machine, but contained in that message was a threat on the president of the United States. Admittedly, I'm no big fan, but I would never wish harm to come upon him, so I listened to the message and told my husband things were just too weird. In all probability this was just a local bad party gone really bad, but there were two flip sides to my concern. With cell phones and all that, there really is no "long distance" any more, and
these individuals obviously had the wrong number, and the headlines are just freaky every day, so what was the true potential? Then the other flip side to my paranoia was truly paranoia. Since my blog is political and my books are of a religious nature, but outside of mainstream, and our government has warrantless wiretapping . . . you get the picture of the thoughts racing through my sleepy brain at the time. So, I decided to call the sheriff, just basically to cover my behind, my potentially wiretapped behind. I called and the deputy was very nice, but had to transfer me. I then spoke
someone that had her agenda of questions and didn't seem to hear a word I was saying, but she concluded her portion of the call with the statement, "she would have a deputy get in touch with me." A deputy called and I told him I really wouldn't have bothered them over obscene phone calls, but the recorded threat just seemed to need attention. I played the recorded message for him and his response was . . . something to the affect of "does this person usually talk this way?" To which I responded, I don't know this person and this is our first night of corresponding. He asked what number appeared on the caller ID or if it said blocked or anonymous, and I realized Caller ID is another part of our paranoid culture that, I have not yet partaken. He then asked me if I'd tried *69. I feel like such a reject of clandestine technology. I told him if they called back, I would. As I've learned in the past. It's only the law abiding citizens that are being kept track of, the criminals pretty much do know their "rights" as we were told in the next phone call from this strange caller. This time, my husband answered and although the call basically covered the same obscene information, and the same threat against the President, my
husband told this individual to "keep talking." It of course, got silent! He then dialed *69, got the recording
that the number could not be retrieved by that method. Hung up called the sheriff's office back, went through all their transfers, made the report again and we were told to call the phone company on Monday if we wanted a tracer put on our phone. No, we already have the FBI and the CIA and warrantless wiretapping. I realize the threat was probably empty, but if the local law enforcement agency is going to presume these threats are empty, why do we need the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act to connect local information with national and what's the purpose of warrantless wiretapping if "we the people" have to pay the phone company to trace calls?
Also to punish the just is not good . . . a Proverb of Holy Scripture
the phone to hear some idiot blathering obscenities. I hung up the phone, problem solved and headed back to bed, when it rang again. As you have probably guessed, it was the same individual. I was about to hang up, when something unusual happened. Someone claiming to be his mother got on the phone and apologized to me, and so I said all right and hung up the phone. Now, here is where it begins to get bizarre. The phone rang again and it was the woman, now making the same obscene comments that the young man had been making. My thought was that probably someone had overcooked their meth, but I simply stated they had the wrong number and hung up. By this time my husband was just a tad past anoid, so I suggested we just let the answering machine pick up. If it was this "wrong number" they'd hang up and if it was somebody that was truly trying to reach us, we could call them back, knowing they were awake. Now, here's where the Bizarreness needs a capital B. Not only did these freaks leave an obscene message on the answering machine, but contained in that message was a threat on the president of the United States. Admittedly, I'm no big fan, but I would never wish harm to come upon him, so I listened to the message and told my husband things were just too weird. In all probability this was just a local bad party gone really bad, but there were two flip sides to my concern. With cell phones and all that, there really is no "long distance" any more, and
these individuals obviously had the wrong number, and the headlines are just freaky every day, so what was the true potential? Then the other flip side to my paranoia was truly paranoia. Since my blog is political and my books are of a religious nature, but outside of mainstream, and our government has warrantless wiretapping . . . you get the picture of the thoughts racing through my sleepy brain at the time. So, I decided to call the sheriff, just basically to cover my behind, my potentially wiretapped behind. I called and the deputy was very nice, but had to transfer me. I then spoke
someone that had her agenda of questions and didn't seem to hear a word I was saying, but she concluded her portion of the call with the statement, "she would have a deputy get in touch with me." A deputy called and I told him I really wouldn't have bothered them over obscene phone calls, but the recorded threat just seemed to need attention. I played the recorded message for him and his response was . . . something to the affect of "does this person usually talk this way?" To which I responded, I don't know this person and this is our first night of corresponding. He asked what number appeared on the caller ID or if it said blocked or anonymous, and I realized Caller ID is another part of our paranoid culture that, I have not yet partaken. He then asked me if I'd tried *69. I feel like such a reject of clandestine technology. I told him if they called back, I would. As I've learned in the past. It's only the law abiding citizens that are being kept track of, the criminals pretty much do know their "rights" as we were told in the next phone call from this strange caller. This time, my husband answered and although the call basically covered the same obscene information, and the same threat against the President, my
husband told this individual to "keep talking." It of course, got silent! He then dialed *69, got the recording
that the number could not be retrieved by that method. Hung up called the sheriff's office back, went through all their transfers, made the report again and we were told to call the phone company on Monday if we wanted a tracer put on our phone. No, we already have the FBI and the CIA and warrantless wiretapping. I realize the threat was probably empty, but if the local law enforcement agency is going to presume these threats are empty, why do we need the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act to connect local information with national and what's the purpose of warrantless wiretapping if "we the people" have to pay the phone company to trace calls?
Also to punish the just is not good . . . a Proverb of Holy Scripture
Thursday, February 07, 2008
Power
Just a few short weeks ago, I commented that Huckabee had proven the White House was accessible without big money. Now, Romney has proven, he's not going to buy his way in, and I respect that also. I'm really in a quandry, because I've come to realize just how difficult life is when you're a "super power." The entire world is watching our political process and attempting to determine which candidate will best serve their nation's interests, if elected. I really let my mind wander on this blog topic, earlier, much earlier this morning.
Queen Elizabeth appears pretty comfortable with life and the British Parliament doesn't seem terribly overwhelmed and working late, but I'm across the Atlantic, so I'm sure I'm not privy to all the details, but the role of government can't possibly be as strenous, as in the days when the sun never set on the British Empire. Back when Britian had colonies and territories all over the world, they had an army and navy that was all over the world, and investments all over the world, and frankly it looks as though the UK is not in the least bit sorry that the baton of power is in the hands of America.
When we visited Europe a few years ago, I couldn't help but notice the atmosphere in some of the places that had at one time been the center of power of the known
world. Greece was a wonderful place to be and the people were pleasant and appeared to be satisfied with life. I can't imagine the pressure that was experienced in the days
of Alexander the Great. Always warring and conquering must have been exhausting . . .
He was pretty young when he died.
The present day citizens seem content with the size of their country and the global influence they
possess.
We didn't spend any time in Italy, but I did do some checking and of course, the tourist spots
seemed very laid back and calm with life. Very different from the days of the Roman Empire.
We did visit France, and it was very nice. The days of war and power are not depicted amidst
the quaint shops and beautiful architecture.
As a matter of fact, I did notice the architecture everywhere we went. These countries all appeared
to value what they built as a society and a civilization, more than having massive power and being an authoritative people.
I wonder, could we as a people, as a civilization live a less frightened existence and lead comfortably
pleasant lives, if we didn't have to be the world super power? What if, for a day, we didn't have to
make other countries see the error of their ways? What if, for a day, we didn't have to be the biggest in imports/exports? What if, for a day, we reflected on our civilization and the legacy we
are leaving for the true historians, not the revisionists, to record?
What if, for a day, we recognized what all the other retired world powers have learned, that our power is not the be all and end all?
. . . Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith YHVH of hosts. a Prophet of Holy Scripture
Queen Elizabeth appears pretty comfortable with life and the British Parliament doesn't seem terribly overwhelmed and working late, but I'm across the Atlantic, so I'm sure I'm not privy to all the details, but the role of government can't possibly be as strenous, as in the days when the sun never set on the British Empire. Back when Britian had colonies and territories all over the world, they had an army and navy that was all over the world, and investments all over the world, and frankly it looks as though the UK is not in the least bit sorry that the baton of power is in the hands of America.
When we visited Europe a few years ago, I couldn't help but notice the atmosphere in some of the places that had at one time been the center of power of the known
world. Greece was a wonderful place to be and the people were pleasant and appeared to be satisfied with life. I can't imagine the pressure that was experienced in the days
of Alexander the Great. Always warring and conquering must have been exhausting . . .
He was pretty young when he died.
The present day citizens seem content with the size of their country and the global influence they
possess.
We didn't spend any time in Italy, but I did do some checking and of course, the tourist spots
seemed very laid back and calm with life. Very different from the days of the Roman Empire.
We did visit France, and it was very nice. The days of war and power are not depicted amidst
the quaint shops and beautiful architecture.
As a matter of fact, I did notice the architecture everywhere we went. These countries all appeared
to value what they built as a society and a civilization, more than having massive power and being an authoritative people.
I wonder, could we as a people, as a civilization live a less frightened existence and lead comfortably
pleasant lives, if we didn't have to be the world super power? What if, for a day, we didn't have to
make other countries see the error of their ways? What if, for a day, we didn't have to be the biggest in imports/exports? What if, for a day, we reflected on our civilization and the legacy we
are leaving for the true historians, not the revisionists, to record?
What if, for a day, we recognized what all the other retired world powers have learned, that our power is not the be all and end all?
. . . Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith YHVH of hosts. a Prophet of Holy Scripture
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Facing Reality . . .
I have accepted the fact that there may never be a libertarian candidate that can win a Presidential election. Does anyone run for office any more that even hints at less government? Less government is my core issue, and I realize that may keep me in the minority, but . . . I wondered about the comments Dole made about McCain. Isn't the biggest problem the extreme conservatives have with McCain is his disinterest in totalitarianism? The more I read about the other candidates and the more I read from the comments from their supporters, the better McCain looks. I'll admit it, I'm at the threshold of 50 and I've never voted republican. I'm just at the point of exhaustion, realizing the more a government promises, the bigger the government gets. Bigger government, costs more and the people have less. Hillary and Barack have already promised us more care. I don't want to be cared for by the government. Since there is not a candidate that will unite the United States of America, is there simply one who will quit playing the division games. After listening to the Senate stall the tax rebates, I'm thinking maybe a moderate Republican unsupported by his own party, in the White House with a Democratic Congress might be good for awhile. Seems gridlock would at least slow the spending and government growth. I read what McCain said about limiting spending when he opposed the first Bush tax cuts, and the results are now self-evident. A leader without full party support and blank checks and rubber stamps in Congress might at least slow down the perpetual motion of insane spending.
I may not agree with everything he does or everything he says, but in the choices we've been given, he's as bipartisan as it gets. Of course, that's only important if the concept of United ever fits back into the vision of this country.
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! a Psalm of Holy Scripture
I may not agree with everything he does or everything he says, but in the choices we've been given, he's as bipartisan as it gets. Of course, that's only important if the concept of United ever fits back into the vision of this country.
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! a Psalm of Holy Scripture
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
The Choice of Super Tuesday
Well, last night I got the phone call I have known for years, would be coming. My daughter, the little girl that I took on my first trip into the voting booth when she was not yet 3 months old, is now a grown woman and she informed me she would be voting republican in the primaries. I, now, have a slightly different understanding of the term "bleeding heart" when it comes to politics. I thought back to our political discussions through the years around the dining room table with her friends. I remember how interested she was when the movie "JFK" came out. And as she continued to talk on the phone last night explaining the need for change, I just got so very sad. She's right, we do need change, but the fact that Bush beat McCain in 2000 doesn't necessarily mean McCain is the change we need. Although she indicated McCain is simply part of her voting strategy in the bigger picture for the national election, it's still a republican vote. She spoke of Obama and his drive for change. She thinks Obama offers hope simply because we don't know much about him. And the fact that Obama is an unknown, with an unknown agenda doesn't guarantee we'll want the change that we get with him. I realize Hillary is simply not a good choice. She is too divisive and every move she makes, every sound she utters is fodder for the conservative pundits, which is why I think they truly want Hillary in the White House. They've gotten all the 8 years removed mileage out of her husband, and they don't dare spend the next eight years bashing the current President, so Hillary would be the obvious choice of the pundits. To read about Romney, he and John Kerry could be interchangeable. He has voted anti-gun legislation, yet joined the NRA a few months before announcing his candidacy. He has been pro-choice until recently and now he's staunchly pro-life. He gave Massachusetts the Hillary health plan, and I thought conservatives didn't want that . . . He puts the capital F in flip-flop. Romney claims Huckabee is splitting the vote and Huckabee claims it is Romney. Wouldn't that just be a hoot if the two of them end up on the ticket later this summer? I read an eye opening article about parents teaching their children about politics. I mean it started very cute with "party training our kids" and got to the point some man was bragging that his preschooler knew what the elephant stood for. That was a bit over the top for me! So as I sit here typing away, getting ready to read the returns, I realize I've dropped out of the establishment, I'm one of the boomers that's done it backwards. I'm not an old flower child or Jesus freak, I'm a middle aged minister/author that's getting ready to go milk and gather eggs and just planted the first of this year's garden, and I'm grateful for the choice I've made. I only hope the next generation gets to enjoy some choices after the choice that will be made this year.
. . . but by a man of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged. a Proverb of Holy Scripture
. . . but by a man of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged. a Proverb of Holy Scripture
Monday, February 04, 2008
Kids Learn Money Management from their Parents
I answer questions at a website about living on budgets. People write to me and ask my opinion and perspective regarding interest, mortgages, cost of living, and making major purchases or life changes. The first advice I give straight across the board is: Never, Never budget to spend more than comes in. The income must meet or excede the "outgo," or it is called a deficit. I really wish the President and Congress would have just e-mailed one of the many budgeting experts and accountants in this country. They didn't really have to specifically ask me, but clearly there are a number of experts in the country that understand basic math and budgeting. As a matter of fact, it doesn't take an economics degree or even an interest in math for the majority of this nation's citizens to realize and know the "Piper has to be paid." "Robbing from Peter to pay Paul" only works for a limited amount of time. Can you imagine
dealing with the IRS and County Auditor the way the officials deal with us? We have to back our
budget choices with payments . . . I read today that our President has submitted a 3 trillion dollar budge proposal to Congress. Three trillion is monumental. Back in 2002, when he submitted a 2 trillion dollar budget, that was astronomical, and never before heard of. He was the first President to submit such a vast budget, and now just 6 years later, it's increased by 50%. That's pretty outrageous inflation, if you ask me. And in the wake of promises of tax cuts . . . There can't possibly be any American that think this adds up. Even with all the griping the conservatives do about inflation in the Jimmy Carter years, he didn't propose this sort of budget and he didn't leave this sort of debt. As a matter of fact, the Jimmy Carter years left Reagan much less debt than Reagan's leadership left in 1988. Jimmy Carter entered office with a national debit of about 3/4 trillion and left office with the national debt still under 1 trillion, although barely. Reagan left a debt between 2 and 3 trillion, and it's been climbing steadily since. When Clinton came into office, the national debt was slightly over 4 trillion and when he left office it just under 6. So, in the four years between Reagan and Clinton, Bush 41 raised the national debt by 1.5 trillion. Now, it's over 9 trillion with the newest biggest budget every proposed, again. How can our elected leaders be so far from economic reality? And are you ready for this? Our national debt doesn't give any indication that it is, the GOP that believes in smaller
government. Along with this "magic bean" budget of his, a balanced budget is projected by 2012. His absence for 4 years will probably help, but the debt is just too massive to be resolved in 4 years or even 40. So, President Bush gets to skate out of the White House blaming Congress for the glitches and leaving a monolithic IOU on the desk in the oval office.
For riches are not for ever: and doth the crown endure to every generation? a Proverb of Holy Scripture
dealing with the IRS and County Auditor the way the officials deal with us? We have to back our
budget choices with payments . . . I read today that our President has submitted a 3 trillion dollar budge proposal to Congress. Three trillion is monumental. Back in 2002, when he submitted a 2 trillion dollar budget, that was astronomical, and never before heard of. He was the first President to submit such a vast budget, and now just 6 years later, it's increased by 50%. That's pretty outrageous inflation, if you ask me. And in the wake of promises of tax cuts . . . There can't possibly be any American that think this adds up. Even with all the griping the conservatives do about inflation in the Jimmy Carter years, he didn't propose this sort of budget and he didn't leave this sort of debt. As a matter of fact, the Jimmy Carter years left Reagan much less debt than Reagan's leadership left in 1988. Jimmy Carter entered office with a national debit of about 3/4 trillion and left office with the national debt still under 1 trillion, although barely. Reagan left a debt between 2 and 3 trillion, and it's been climbing steadily since. When Clinton came into office, the national debt was slightly over 4 trillion and when he left office it just under 6. So, in the four years between Reagan and Clinton, Bush 41 raised the national debt by 1.5 trillion. Now, it's over 9 trillion with the newest biggest budget every proposed, again. How can our elected leaders be so far from economic reality? And are you ready for this? Our national debt doesn't give any indication that it is, the GOP that believes in smaller
government. Along with this "magic bean" budget of his, a balanced budget is projected by 2012. His absence for 4 years will probably help, but the debt is just too massive to be resolved in 4 years or even 40. So, President Bush gets to skate out of the White House blaming Congress for the glitches and leaving a monolithic IOU on the desk in the oval office.
For riches are not for ever: and doth the crown endure to every generation? a Proverb of Holy Scripture
Friday, February 01, 2008
Falling Into Place
Well now that Ann Coulter has told Sean Hannity that she will campaign for Hillary if McCain receives the GOP nomination, at the risk of sounding overconfident, my theory is just about to take on a life of it's own. Of course, Mitt Romney and Barack Obama could receive the nomination of their parties, but . . . So, today before the week-end before Super Tuesday, I'm going to go over the DEFENSE ISSUES questions on The Republican Party Census Document. And you thought we were finished with this questionnaire. I have a hard time really thinking of this piece of paper as a 'document,' considering all the registration details to me, a non-Republican. I associate the word document with something official and accurate.
1. Do you think U.S. troops should have to serve under United Nations commanders?
I guess that would depend upon who declared the war. Are the U.S. troops part of the UN effort or are the U.S. troops independently representing the U.S. If we don't want to be a team player, why don't we just excuse ourselves from the UN membership?
2. Do you agree that our top military priority should be fighting terrorists?
You mean like Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza? Or should we move into Pakistan to catch Osama bin Laden? Just who would se send our military after, if fighting terrorists were the top military priority?
3. Should Republicans fight Democrat efforts to impose Clinton-era cuts in the Pentagon's budget?
I thought the Republicans were fighting the terrorists. I can't keep up with all the fights . . .
4. Do you support economic sanctions against North Korea and Iran to stop their nuclear
weapons programs?
Is this more of that "axis of evil" propaganda. What are they doing? I read it's resolved, then I read it isn't, then I read it could start any time, then I read we were operating with bad intelligence. Do "we" really have any idea what they are doing?
5. Do you agree that sowing the seeds of democracy and freedom in the Middle East is a worthy goal?
How does a Constitutional Republic sow the seeds of democracy? How do you show them how it's done?
I will say of YHVH, He is my refuge and my fortress: my G~d; in Him will I trust. a Psalm of Holy Scripture
1. Do you think U.S. troops should have to serve under United Nations commanders?
I guess that would depend upon who declared the war. Are the U.S. troops part of the UN effort or are the U.S. troops independently representing the U.S. If we don't want to be a team player, why don't we just excuse ourselves from the UN membership?
2. Do you agree that our top military priority should be fighting terrorists?
You mean like Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza? Or should we move into Pakistan to catch Osama bin Laden? Just who would se send our military after, if fighting terrorists were the top military priority?
3. Should Republicans fight Democrat efforts to impose Clinton-era cuts in the Pentagon's budget?
I thought the Republicans were fighting the terrorists. I can't keep up with all the fights . . .
4. Do you support economic sanctions against North Korea and Iran to stop their nuclear
weapons programs?
Is this more of that "axis of evil" propaganda. What are they doing? I read it's resolved, then I read it isn't, then I read it could start any time, then I read we were operating with bad intelligence. Do "we" really have any idea what they are doing?
5. Do you agree that sowing the seeds of democracy and freedom in the Middle East is a worthy goal?
How does a Constitutional Republic sow the seeds of democracy? How do you show them how it's done?
I will say of YHVH, He is my refuge and my fortress: my G~d; in Him will I trust. a Psalm of Holy Scripture
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)