Let's Talk About Pot

As a boomer, I feel that pot is a subject that belongs to our generation, but the reality is, it belonged to all the generations before us; until 1939. Our government, well Congress is attempting to make a federal case, once again, out of POT. Barney Frank, for some reason right before a major election wants to bring up the old "liberal vs. conservative" debate about pot. Why, when the majority of either party really doesn't want pot to be an issue in this year's election, he would do this is beyond me. So, I felt, as a law abiding citizen that believes it should be legal, I had to comment. Not wanting to put my foot in my mouth or to speak without knowledge, I did just a bit of checking regarding the facts. Here I thought I was going to be arguing for the legalization of a plant and instead, I found information that literally shocked me, beyond belief. Did you know, our country retains the availability to pronounce a death sentence for owning a certain amount of cannabis setiva? That's right, the offending amount is rather large, but still . . . the death penalty? Statistics tell us that there are a certain number of avoidable deaths each year attributed to alcohol consumption and prescription drug overdoses or errors. Actually the statistics are staggering, as in the thousands, but there has never been so much as one death attributed to an "overdose" of pot. And considering the number of arrests made when pot is involved, the majority of the crimes are simply the pot, no other crime is in process. They aren't assaulting someone, they aren't driving impaired, they aren't robbing anyone, they are just "in possession" and possibly stoned.
Now, here is the surprise. I found out that according to the 1994 Crime Act, there is written the potential death sentence for being in possession of 60,000 kilograms or 60,000 plants. A DEATH SENTENCE . . . Then I read that Newt Gingrich, in 1996, wanted an automatic death sentence for the second offense of smuggling 50 kilos. That bill didn't pass! How crazy is this? I do have to say, our country hasn't used this "available option" at this point, but it is on the books. The Supreme Court does not uphold the decision, but it's there and we all know, the so called majority does not want the Supreme Court making law at the bench after Congress has written it. And this law is in place, and was put on the books through the administration of the very first president to ever admit to a toke! Well, we all know Bill didn't inhale. Right? I think what caught me most by surprise was the small number of countries that take pot so seriously. Many countries have some legislation on the books and some countries get tough, others look tolerantly away, but according to my research, there are only 8 countries that have the legislative poower to carry out an execution over POT. The Philippines did have it on the books, but abolished capital punishment in 2006, so that leaves Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Malaysia, United Arab Emirates, Thailand, Singapore, People's Republic of China, and the good ol' USA. Interesting company we are keeping on this topic, don't you think? I was truly shocked that a religious country that espouses creation, or so they say, could find plant ownership worthy of the death sentence.
He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man: a Psalm of Holy Scripture

Just a Few Personal Thoughts

Usually, I have one particular subject that simply must be addressed, and I guess technically, there is a theme to this, but mostly I just wonder "Who do we think we are and what are we doing?" As a nation we're running AMOK! Our economy is tanked, our presumptuous democratic presidential nominee just came back from his world campaign and he truly does bring meaning to the word, presumptuous. Saturdays I don't usually turn on the computer, Sabbath, you know, and frequently I don't even answer the phone until sundown. But we have some very precious grandchildren that call to tell us "Shabbat Shalom," and we hadn't heard from them Friday night, so we answered Saturday thinking it might them. We haven't taken the technological leap to obtain caller ID. ID is another topic that fits this theme, I guess, but that would require far beyond the few sentences per topic for this blog theme. So, Saturday, the phone rang and it was a telemarketing recording. Something about the new funding that was available for our home mortgage through Freddie or Fannie. Isn't that amazing? Senate passed that funding bill just Saturday morning, the President hadn't even signed it and here the telemarketers have already recorded the promotions and offers . . .
We don't discuss business on Sabbath, so we simply hung up on the recording. That isn't rude is it? Freddie or Fannie was already presumptuously offering something that legally wasn't quite available, yet. And Freddie or Fannie was already presumptuously inviting "themselves" into my credit information.
Where is all this governmental presumption coming from? What if I don't want to be in debt and what if I don't want my government to bail out two companies that made bad decisions? What about all the people that paid too much for houses, but they can afford the mortgage for now? Shouldn't they get a bail out too? I mean considering the big mortgage companies couldn't see this coming and didn't give themselves anything to fall back on. Why can't the little guys in the country get the same break?
I've gotten several calls from Obama's campaign committee here locally, as of late, and they keep talking to me like I'm supposed to be at the committee meetings. They literally speak to me like I'm going to vote for him, without question . . .How presumptuous. I told them the Republicans send me republican only literature, like I'm a republican. I'm an independent. Actually, I even ran on the Libertarian ticket, so both of the main parties need to stop presuming.
We've crossed the line ages ago. Presumption, arrogance, pride, and confidence are not all interchangeable words. Confidence does not go in the same category as the other three. We, as Americans need to curb our presumption that the rest of the world or even each other will be "plumb proud" of our arrogance and call it confidence.
In the fear of YHVH is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge. a Proverb of Holy Scripture

All Together Now

Embracing headlines all over the place. Obama is somewhere in another country campaigning for President and "all together now" and he's ready to inherit Bush's war on terror. And of course, the President, Bernanke, and Paulson, all keep telling us how concerned they are about high gasoline prices, home foreclosures and the high price of tea from China and sickening peppers from Mexico, and America is going to have some tough months ahead, but "together, we'll get through it."
I just don't feel a cohesiveness with these politicians, or any politician for that matter. Does anyone really think the death toll in an unnecessary war is affecting them personally? Is there any American that really believes a politician feels our pain or has our best interests at heart? Does anyone think their kids are sitting there listening to mom and dad discuss whether to buy gasoline or milk?
I, for one, am simply tired of listening to how concerned these leaders, or would be leaders, are about what we are going through. Al Gore and his green nonsense. Al, park the Escalade and ground the jet. By the looks of your lifestyle, you could save the oil and just burn money.
I don't want to hear one more politician or pundit tell me things are good or what is bad is felt by all of us, because none of that is true. Now the pundits are complaining about the "media," of which they are a part. According to some conservative pundits, the media is only reporting bad things and there are good things going on. That's right, like Exxon Mobile's record profits, quarter after quarter. Just get in on that stock and hey hey! Or, how about the latest pharmaceutical victory in any class action law suit? Now that we have tort reform doctors and pharmaceutical companies are a bit safer, and that's good news, eh?
Isn't it about time for President Bush to give us one of those "Enduring spirit of American pride" speeches, or whatever stirs the national insanity to buy into this for a few more months, til this mess is someone else's problem, or we've got a mess too big to even be able to complain about? I'm tired of being encouraged by having the issues dismissed with empty promises and aloof camaraderie.
And one of you says to them, Go in peace, be warm and full of food; but you do not give them the things of which their bodies have need, what profit is there in this? the book of James

Did I Miss An Important Announcement?

What gives? Why is Barack Obama campaigning around the world? I thought he was running for President of the United States. Is there a New World Position open that I haven't heard about? Why is it so exciting to Democrats when one of theirs is running for world power? I thought 70 some percent of us were tired of that after the last 7 years. Where is John McCain and why isn't he in the news? He is still running for President, isn't he? And isn't he campaigning in the country in which he hopes to be elected? The pundits have had nothing good to say about McCain, except great gratitude for his war time service and respect for his POW years. Like them I appreciate his military service and admire his endurance, but I do not believe being a POW qualifies a man to be President of the United States. This 2008 election really has me convinced that the two parties are connected behind the scenes and it's time for the democrats to play their role in the ever scarier game of them against us. While we think it's Dems vs. GOP, it's really politicians vs. citizens and they are winning big time, world wide. Maybe I have missed something without a TV, but I read the news every day. I had no idea Senator Obama would be campaigning throughout the world and telling them everyone we have to unite. Where is this coming from? And he wants Europe and America to stand together against terrorists? I thought he voted NO on all the war stuff. He sounds like the current administration. He's also been to the Holy Land, prayed at the Wall, (lovely photo op, by the way) and proclaimed that Israel and the Palestinians need a two state solution. I thought that was George's plan. What gives? Here, when the reporters were covering McCain, I kept hearing about 4 more years of the same, but it is Barack Obama who sounds like the Bush doctrine will remain intact. I've been sick and tired of seven years of a President that wants to rule the world, I don't want another one. This whole Messiah complex has already worn thin.
And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him . . . the Revelation

Attention . . . Autism

I really hate to cover this topic for a number of reasons. My heart just breaks for autistic children and their families and I hate to give Michael Savage any attention at all, since I am convinced he literally thrives on bad attention. Surely there's a diagnosis for this syndrome. This guy has been claiming to be persecuted for ages, now and then I read this . . . Persecution is the opposite of paranoia. If they are following you, it isn't paranoia. If you are just being mean, the reaction to it, isn't persecution. I've listened to talk radio to a degree and frankly, I prefer Alan Colmes and Mark Levin. I also have my contentions with both of them. I think Alan Colmes emphasizes his hate mail too much. What does he expect? He's basically the token liberal at a hot button, emotional, somewhat irrational, conservative "news" station. It's his job to be unpopular. Now, except for the 3rd grade bully style of name calling, Mark Levin makes some valid points right across party lines. I just wish he knew how much greater the impact would be, if he quit belittling with name calling. He does pick on himself from time to time, though, so I try to let it slide when he sounds like a chubby, belligerent 3rd grader that was chosen last for the team. Michael Savage, on the other hand is just boorish entertainment, for those that like that sort of thing. I think he really believes he is the reason and the focus that laws are being changed and he seems to truly believe that they are trying to silence him, so what does he do? He found a devastating topic and spewed stupidly on a subject that would only incite anger and inflict pain.

I read about this in several places, but I've included a couple of quotes from someone I gleaned to have a family member with autism.
>>Michael Savage spoke of autism and his comments made national headlines. On his nationally syndicated radio show, Michael Savage claimed that autism is "[a] fraud, a racket. ... I'll tell you what autism is. In 99 percent of the cases, it's a brat who hasn't been told to cut the act out. That's what autism is."
The Michael Savages of the talk world thrive on controversy. It is the fuel that keeps their shows alive, and the spark that prompts more listeners to tune in and see what outrageous garbage will spew from their pie holes next. If Savage is pulled from this station today, he'll be on two new stations tomorrow.<<
Michael Savage has since, in my opinion, attempted to clean this up a bit by saying he was really after the pharmaceutical impact of false diagnoses, and there is clearly some validity to that. But why not rant about the questionable diagnoses of fibromyalgia or something his listeners can relate to. How many subjective syndromes do we have by now, with our pharmaceutical companies getting richer and more Americans on disability? Why autism? I've seen exhausted, devastated parents of autistic children that do not have a family of brats, they have a child that they cannot reach, and a child that cannot reach them.
In another article I read, Mr. Savage shared what his father would have told him if he'd displayed such symptoms as he mentioned. He said among many things his father would say, "Don't act like a moron." Maybe, Michael, even though you have not been diagnosed with autism, perhaps it's time to take the advice you said your father would have given, anyway.
Hopefully Mr. Savage will finally enjoy the reality of his self-fulfilling prophecy. Maybe he's finally accomplished the offense that will take him off the air. He's certainly been trying long enough!
Fair words are not to be looked for from a foolish man . . . A Proverb of Holy Scripture

Tribunals, Combatants, and GITMO

The more I read about this, the foggier it becomes. First, there were hundreds of "dangerous" criminals being kept at GITMO. I believe Donald Rumsfeld referred to them as "the worst of the worst." Now all these years later, the first tribunal is taking place and it's for a chauffeur. An alleged chauffeur of Osama bin Laden? If he was the worst of the worst, wouldn't he have had a better job with bin Laden than chauffeur? That hardly seems to be a position of great honor or power, but he's the guy for the first tribunal since WWII. If I was a holocaust survivor, I'd be offended at this. Well, I'm not a holocaust survivor and I'm still offended. GITMO makes no sense and these tribunals make no sense. Five guys from the Pentagon's choosing are going to listen to the evidence and determine the rest of this man's life. Maybe this guy is somebody of some importance in alQuaida. Maybe this guy does have a bad group of associates, but our country is making this look like some sort of Kangaroo Court. It's even worse than the Iraqi puppet court that convicted Saddam Hussein. At least there, the occupiers tried to make it look like the decision was made by representatives of the people. It obviously takes someone with greater intelligence than the Bush faithful to see the stage was set by giving the power to Hussein's political enemies. For the short duration needed to make Hussein's death appear outside of the hands of the American administration, the puppet government was formed. Clearly they have no power, though, because now, they can't make their liberators leave!
Back to more that makes no sense. To begin with there were hundreds in GITMO, now there are around 200, with our government expecting to level charges against about 80 of the detainees. So where are all these worst of the worst? What's the difference between worst of the worst and combatant? I think, considering my attitude about the way things are going, I should know how our government defines combatant. WordWeb gives a pretty broad definition. A Combatant can be a fighter or can simply be, belligerent. Just how many of us could be considered belligerent at any given time? Since hundreds of former detainees are no longer there, what has happened to them? Did they get released without charges? Are they alive? Did they go back to their countries? If they were so bad, couldn't the administration come up with something against them? Clearly, the charges are difficult to come up with, since it's taken this many years to form a tribunal against a chauffeur. As a matter of fact, it almost seems like a teaser. Are we trying to make someone mad or appease the Bush followers that want those evil terrorists to pay for their crimes. If any of the reports about 9/11 are accurate, then the 19 guys that hijacked and crashed the planes, whoever the were, already died for their crime and it will not bring back one single victim, nor has it made anyone safer.
He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity . . . the Revelation

Fair Negotiations?

I read both CNN and FOXNews regarding the "prisoner" exchange between Israel and Hezbollah. I have a few questions. I realize right and wrong seems to simply be decided by whom you agree with, these days, but I just have some basic math and government issues with this deal and I would like to voice my concerns. I'll begin by questioning the government, all three. Our President has listed Hezbollah as a terrorist organization, so I never did know why we didn't help our ally in 2006, when Hezbollah used the Lebanese government to protect them in the attack on Israel. When our President said he wanted to encourage the fledgling democracy in Lebanon, why didn't we step in and stop Hezbollah? Either way, whether it was as Israel's ally or supporter of Lebanon democracy, where was America in 2006? I mean, we already have the majority of our military in the Middle East, why not step into that situation and resolved it? Now, Israel received the remains of two soldiers that were injured and taken captive. No one but Lebanon knows when they died. As long as Hezbollah, a terrorist organization sits by free election on the Parliament of Lebanon, Lebanon is supporting terrorism, plain and simple. And today we can read from sources, both sides of the aisle, that these militant killers that were released were given a hero's welcome. Doesn't sound like this fledgling democracy has anything against terrorism. I still don't understand the double speak of President Bush. But then, I don't understand all the double speak he's spoken the last 7 years! Now that I clearly do not understand President Bush's stand in this situation, I truly cannot abide the thought that child killers are heroes in any country that supposedly espouses free democracy. Now, on to the next burning question. Israel, what in the world are you thinking? Knowing that Lebanon wanted Kantar released, and knowing the two soldiers would be returned in coffins, why would you give the big bargaining chip so quickly? And my next question should be obvious, even to politicians. What motivation does your enemy have for taking care of captive soldiers? You have removed the protection from your own potentially captive soldiers, by negotiating imbalanced negotiation deals for bodies. You are surrounded by enemies. If they get their terrorists back healthy, and you are willing to give them to get back remains, how is that showing loyalty to your military?
Now, mathematically, none of this makes sense. Two bodies for 5 or 500 hundred living terrorists is a bad negotiation. Hamas is already commenting and upping the ante. America has elevated both Hezbollah and Hamas from virtual unknowns to terrorists to political parties and Israel, you are still kowtowing to all three, hoping to benefit.
And shall say unto them, Hear, O Israel, ye approach this day unto battle against your enemies: let not your hearts faint, fear not, and do not tremble, neither be ye terrified because of them; Torah of Holy Scripture

Fannie and Freddie

You two crazy kids, what were you thinking? How long did you think you'd get to be the one "making the offers behind the scenes" and all with the blessings and protection of the US government? Now, I for one can see the blame game coming, but even as the dust settles and everyone has chosen their fall guy, the outcome is still the same . . . People lose and companies either hang in, get bailed out, or become history, but regardless of governmental intervention or corporate capitalism, the one constant is; the people lose. Since investors are made up, primarily of the hard earned money of people that want accountability and take care of their money, this almost bottomless pit cannot continue to be unaccounted.
And what's with this illegitimate brain child, GinnieMae? GinnieMae, government backed (.gov), mortgages for the American Dream, is going to be an absolute nightmare. Why is it, every time the government, on any level, uses the word dream, it becomes a nightmare? Who in their right mind would want a government that is already in debt to back their mortgage? Isn't that the original Pay Day Loan concept? Or is it legalized loan sharking? When materialism and greed are the basis for motivating an economy and we have a Congress that lives large at the expense of the constituents, this is the end results. Everyone lives large and wild until as the Beach Boys sang, "Daddy takes the T-bird away." Clearly, those on Capitol Hill will be the least affected for the longest, and the Social Security people will have it made for a time, because most of them are mortgage free and their income is "protected" in a different govenment account, but I'm sure glad I'm teaching my Grandchildren to gather eggs, garden, and milk goats, because when the dust settles, I think the 21st Century is going to be a lot like the first several thousand years. It would appear that the 150 year industrial revolution has led to a revolting mess. Historically speaking, this has been a mere flash in the pan. And the flash in the pan is burning out. The scary part, is the fact our indebted government that cannot manage "given money" is coming to the rescue with more borrowed money . . .
The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender. a Proverb of Holy Scripture

Change . . . Obama Style

I've mentioned Senator Obama's campaign of change several times. Actually, I've questioned his use of the term and just what it is, he might mean when he says change. There's just too much politics as usual in his methods for me to think the change is positive, but today he gave real insight, I think, into the change he has in mind. Actually, the change was his change of mind! He has said repeatedly that the telecommunication companies that spied on Americans should not be granted immunity, but today, he was one of the Senators that voted to send that very bill to the President's desk for his signature. I wouldn't use the term flip-flop, but if he'll change this fast before he's elected, and with the promise of change coming, I'm guessing everything he's said and promised is subject to change.
. . . but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation. New Testament

America Does Support Communism

We are foundational in the support of Communism, and it isn't through the Democratic party, well, not entirely. Republicans also shop at Wal-Mart and buy "made in China." As a matter of fact, the Republican aggression toward the American Union is what has strengthened Communism. Back in the days of "made in America" the union was strong and we weren't supporting Communism. Now, the Communist regime of China has a great deal of our commerce and they are holding the loan on our economic stimulus checks as well. I've known for years this fear of Communism that rallied in the 50's under the Republican militant watch was really connected somehow to the advancement of the same. The entire time the sheeple are running around fearing Communism, their hard earned dollar is devaluing and what little they do buy is purchased from a Communist country. This is really a scary deal and I don't know whether the Communists outsmarted the conservative leaders of our country or the conservative leaders of our country lead the constituents blindly and trustingly into Communist subservience, while they, the conservative capitalists plan to sit on top of the whole deal. While the conservative sheeple are remembering 3,000 Americans that died at the hands of terrorists holding Saudi Passports . . . What about the 58,000 Americans that were sent to Viet Nam and died, supposedly, fighting Communism?
Look at this. We aren't even on the same level with the largest Communist nation in the world, they own us! Has Communism conquered materialism without a shot being fired?
For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me. Holy Scripture

Paying Customers are Grounded

I used to enjoy flying. As an adult, I came to love the excitement of travel and by the time I enjoyed traveling, flying was really pretty economical. And then 9/11 happened, and of course, everything changed. Granted, some things needed to change, but what I am going to address in this blog has nothing to do with terrorists. Simply, it has to do with an abuse of assumed and implied authority. The airlines are not going broke due to regulations or high fuel costs. The airlines are going broke because they do not treat their customers with respect. I traveled a bit after 9/11, but I discovered America was the only country in which every single person attempting to board a plane was presumed guilty until proven innocent. I am sorry for the people that lost loved ones in those planes on 9/11, but since our government did nothing to monitor the VISAs and PASSPORTs from the country that provided them, I just don't think this airport security is really about stopping terrorism. I think it's about pushing us right up to the breaking point and seeing just what we huddled masses will tolerate, while being told it's for our own good. And now when I read the headlines with the airlines doing something inane, it isn't any longer "for the good of the passengers," it's about some crew member being offended. Rather than worrying about terrorists, the airline employees have made judgment calls about wardrobe, children's behavior, and just this last week, cranky exhausted passengers were grounded. Big difference in less than 7 years!
Other than hating to see the loss of one more option in this country, which I have already opted out of, I think the airlines are bankrupting themselves, since they can't be nice.
A woman with four small children was simply left stranded because the crew thought her children were disruptive. No refund offered, no alternative accommodations, at the time, just stranded miles and miles from where she had boarded and her destination. I remember, clearly, the fashion incident. I thought then, it was simply a matter of jealousy. These flight attendants should be nicer and kinder. Most of them would not have met the criteria for flight attendants in the 60's and 70's, anyway. And this week-end, the crew was over an hour late, met with ill tempered customers that made a few choice comments. Considering, the fact that travelers have to arrive at least an hour early and endure every form of security check deemed necessary by some control freak with issues and a badge, the crew had the gall to say they were frightened. Of what? Airline passengers aren't allowed to have anything. Terrorists aren't bringing down the airlines, the airlines are doing that themselves.
A man that hath friends must show himself friendly . . . a Proverb of Holy Scripture

Arbitration and Agreements . . . for What?

I read today that al-Maliki is exerting a bit more authority in his occupied country and he's been met with some resistance by his occupiers. I also read that Israel and Hezbollah have signed an agreement. From what I've read in the Israeli papers, Israel has made a lousy deal. Israel is releasing prisoners, dangerous prisoners, and several of them, in exchange for the bodies of two IDF soldiers. I realize the soldiers deserve to be honored, but being remembered for defending their country is honorable. I can't imagine that any soldier would feel honored knowing a murderer was set free so their already deceased remains could be buried at home. How is it that Israel has been left to negotiate with terrorists, and her allies are doing nothing? Maybe somebody in Israel needs to get on the TV and shout something about "either you're for us or against us." I can't help but wonder why our present American administration has declared a global war on terror, yet helped place two terror groups into political power and is now being invited to leave the war we started. Here we've been hearing about how good things are going over in Iraq, what with the troop surge and all. Wasn't it just a couple of months ago, we were told downtown Baghdad was coming out from under cover? Now, today, after al-Maliki invites us to leave, I read that things are still pretty bad over there. I wish I believed America's efforts in the Middle East were honorable. I wish I just believed something the American administration says.
I'm certainly not feeling like I have any idea what is really going on, but something is going on and it just feels like trouble is brewing. And from what I've seen the last seven years, I think it's "home-brew."
He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears. a Proverb of Holy Scripture

I'm Not Getting It, Now I Get It . . .

I've done a bit of checking and discussing and even a tad of genuine research to arrive at this conclusion. My official opinion concerning this matter came after doing a Google Search and being directed to a webpage ending with "irs.gov"
The Google Search was simple: "Where's My Stimulus Payment"
The answer was illuminating.
This table describes the status of your refund
Social Security Number: ***-**-_ _ _ _
You did not qualify for the Stimulus payment because your qualifying income was not high enough. Qualifying income includes wages and net earnings from self-employment that is includable in taxable income, Social Security benefits, certain Railroad Retirement benefits and Veterans disability compensation, disability pension, and survivors benefits received from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Helpful Information:The 2008 tax instructions will include a worksheet to help those who did not qualify for a payment or those who received a reduced amount determine if they can obtain a benefit when they file their 2008 tax returns next year.

This explained it beautifully. We are not the only ones in the country that are living off of our own investments and paying minimal taxes for political reasons, but that is cause to be treated with prejudice by the US government. What if we weren't living off of our investments and annuities and just unemployed without qualifying income? I'll admit, I have done some figuring and reduction of income to reduce my tax liability, because I don't believe in a number of things our government invests in. I am also one of those individuals that does not believe in government provision for the people of G~D, so although I pay in, I don't collect any of the government give-aways. I do realize there are some religious people that believe G~D uses the government to provide. Some of them collect and call it "bleeding the beast." Then of course, there are all those that "paid into it" . . . I personally know a number of people that "paid in" when it was 1% withholding and are still collecting when there is a 3% annual COLA. And oh, they are collecting and their kids are now collecting also. I didn't mind getting left out of the loop, but I really was sad to see that so many people that are living on the taxes of their hardworking grandchildren were happy to have the grandchildren's checks reduced so they could get in on one more government give away!
Now as to the real purpose of this stimulus check. It was to recirculate it through the economy. Our government officials are 'smart' enough to know that people who are willing to live on less to take a stand or people that have spent their young working lives, investing for the future are not the ones that are easily bought and do not make up the bulk of consumer purchases. No need for our government to hand someone a check that will only save it! What kind of craziness is that? Our government would rather borrow the money from China, give it to the people, so they can spend it at Wal-Mart, buying items marked "made in China." The money then goes back to China, except the loan for the borrowed spending spree is still due . . . At least our government had the foresight to exclude the savers.
There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up. a proverb of Holy Scripture

Giving Credit Where Credit is Due

I read today that Rush Limbaugh has signed a contract for many years into the future. I also read today that the Clintons are trying to bury the hatchet with Obama, and frankly, I see a connection. I truly believe that the pundits know their job security depends upon a democrat in the White House. Obviously, they have gotten a lot of mileage for the past 7 1/2 years out of the previous administration. Clearly that same tactic would not be prudent at this juncture. The conservative pundits need new political blood to spill and spew over, and they have chosen Obama for us. Don't kid yourselves, until the pundits directed their unquestioning followers to vote against Hillary, she had an overwhelming lead. And when it comes right down to it, if it was truly about politics and liberalism, Hillary and Obama are pretty similar in many of their views, promises, and threats. If the pundits really care that Obama is supposed to be more liberal than Hillary, wouldn't conservatives want the least liberal running against a no win candidate on the republican side? I know, the Limbaugh listeners think they are informed, because Rush tells them he tells them everything they need to know . . . and amazingly that doesn't set off any bells or wave any red flags for them. They just sit and listen and do what he says, and pay him for his newsletters. I have to tell you, except for the 3rd grade name calling, I was growing rather fond of many of Mark Levin's views, but our local station changed and I can't hear him anymore, but he at least was not just a brain washed republican. He spoke like the entire party had lost it's meaning and he wanted to get it back. He didn't seem like a blind follower or arrogant leader, he seemed like a guy that likes attention, likes to talk, and loves making a good living. Back to the boys that tell their listeners what will keep them with a large listening audience. They throw their listeners a piece of raw meat and watch them jump like starving predators, and out of the clamor hope to grab onto even a morsel to sink their teeth into. The pundit listeners like to be afraid and upset, that's why they tune in every day or in some cases several times a day. And the pundits like the money, the fame, and if things go right in November, or should I say left . . . the job security of trashing another president for 4-8 years and then having him to blame when the next so called conservative takes office.
A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh. New Testament

Faith Based Community Initiatives

I've been reading quite a few articles that are addressing Obama's plans to provide government funding to religious organizations to combat homelessness, hunger, and poverty, in general. He says the church is closer to the need than the government. With our government, it isn't just organizations, but every individual is closer to need, hunger, and homelessness, at this point! I also read an interesting editorial on the topic of faith based community initiatives, by a conservative writer. He, of course, doesn't think it's a very good idea for the government to fund the church or the church to be dependent upon the government . . . something about "what happens when Christians cozy up to the government." I think we know what happens any time anyone or any entity gets funded by the government, they become owned. Although our government is certainly not new to making poor investments and throwing money at problems without accountability, that will not be the case when it comes to religious organizations. Every 501c3 comes at a price. The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association sent me a letter years ago about the fine line that must be walked to keep the government officials from removing a religious organization or minister's "not for profit status." This country is loaded with not for profit, prophets and they are loaded . . . and tax exempt! I find that odd, since Messiah himself paid taxes. He didn't have any problem at all keeping G~D and Caesar separate and He clearly taught that G~D was not dependent upon Caesar.

So, what's going to happen if Obama is elected and he starts doling the dole out to the churches to help the poor, saying it's the Lord's work? I'm guessing the conservatives are going to be up in arms! Undoubtedly, the government will have to become more invasive into our lives and more stringent with our First Amendment rights to ensure that there is no partiality. As if that were even possible in anything related to politics. I've already read a few comments and I don't know what's taken so long. I find it fascinating and, well entertaining, that this Faith Based Community Initiative idea, that Mr. Obama addressed, is offensive to many religious conservatives when it was one of the first things put in place in the George W. Bush administration.

And Y'shuah answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to G~d the things that are G~d's . . . New Testament