POWWWER!

With our electric bill from our rural Cooperative, New-Mac, came the regular newsletter. The newsletter explains to us every month what "they" are doing for us or to us and how we must cooperate with the cooperative, like we're co-owners or something. This month's article was entitled, "Understanding the Issues." I realize there are political issues, but what I've noticed is the "new roof" on a building that appears to be less than 20 years old and the notice of 2 annual increases based solely upon the fact that there wasn't an increase in 17 years. Well, I'm happy for those that didn't see an increase for 17 years, but I'm one of those customers/members that saw two increases in less than 4 years and all I've noticed is a new roof on the buildings, two lanes now for making payments, a hassle when I call and programmed rhetoric! Well, back to the newsletter: which states in Understanding the Issues:
"Adding to the uncertainties facing consumers today are the discussions going on in Washington, D.C, where Congress is considering what to do about the climate change issue. In a nutshell, they are debating putting limits and taxes on the release of carbon dioxide into the air."
Congress is planning to tax us for exhaling? . . . not for breathing, per se, but for returning carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. If this becomes law, then the Obama administration has exceeded the Bush administration in Power! Clearly, we can all understand how our nation taxes, but just how will our government impose "limits?"
Just when you thought income taxes were outrageous. And just when you thought you understood personal property taxes, not to mention real estate tax, but a tax on breathing? . . . or a limit . . .
I guess we’ll all be holding our breath on this one!
And YHVH G~D formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; Torah of Holy Scripture

Beef Recall, Swine Flu and Health Care

I've posted on these topics separately, but today, it just seems so much is "coming together!" Something like half a million pounds of beef may be tainted with E-coli, as well as E-coli found in favorite swimming holes and wading streams. With fewer deaths than 100, swine flue is labeled a pandemic, and our Congress and President want to give us all health care. There is a race between countries and companies as to who will come up with the swine flu vaccine the quickest and in the greatest quantity, and there is discussion of whether or not it should be mandatory. Excuse me, I think somewhere I should be able to make a few decisions regarding my health and I think any organization that incites this kind of fear when less than 100 deaths have actually occurred should not be doing anyone's thinking for them at all! How many will die from the vaccines? I realize, most people will be buying into the fear by next fall, but let's consider a few things logically. Every year on average, 36,000 people die of the flu and flu related complications, but we don't call that pandemic or even epidemic, do we? AIDS is much more wide spread and although it's called a pandemic, nobody is quarantining or even releasing specific information about that disease. That pandemic is still still being managed on the "dating honor system." I realize science and government and politicians world wide will continue with the "protective banter" and explanations that defy logic, but the reality is, what is going to happen has already been made clear, and it will continue to unfold regardless of recalls, vaccines, and political programs.
And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth. the Revelation

Politics In the News

Of course, I'm sure anyone reading this blog has by now heard of the deaths of three prominent entertainers, Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett, and Michael Jackson. Our prayers go out to their families, as they grieve the losses of their loved ones. Americans are an interesting lot. When celebrities die, many people who did not know them grieve their passing. And when politicians err or sin, many pass their judgment or make excuses as if they are personally involved, which is the topic of this blog. Mark Sanford has certainly made a splash. Although the comments come as no surprise, I do find it interesting how the morality and blame changes according to party lines. The excuses and the blame have absolutely nothing to do with morality or right or wrong, simply politics! The same people that just 10 short years ago that the impeachment and asked for the resignation of President Clinton are now making excuses and well blaming the media, of course. They are not even addressing the adultery factor, just the timing by the media. I actually heard Ann Coulter tell the guest host on the Dennis Miller show, just yesterday, that the media knew about this 'situation' last December. So that means all the pundits knew about this last December. Where was the outrage last December? And all the tolerant democrats that want his resignation! What's with that? He didn't leave the state in any sort of problem. They have a lieutenant governor and good grief American news is covered around the world, so I'm sure if anything major happened in South Carolina, it would have made the news in South America. I think in listening to this, the thing that offends me most is that he didn't spend Father's Day with his children. And I think I agree with his wife, his political career makes no difference to me. I am appalled at the conservative pundits who won't even address the real issue. And I am disgusted by the liberal politicians who are pointing fingers. I don't want to hear about tolerance from anyone pointing a finger and I don't want to hear about family values from anyone making excuses, or tossing distractions. Regardless of state business, regardless of marital difficulties and regardless of his policy regarding "foreign affairs," the man should have spent Father's Day with his children, all of whom I believe are sons, and for whom he should be setting an example.
And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children . . . Torah of Holy Scripture

My Recent Thoughts on the Middle East

I don't know that I've blogged too much about Israel since the change of command in America, but I think it's time to make a few observations about the Middle East in general. Iran appears to be proof that free elections do not necessarily bring a government the people are happy with and the rest of the world wants to deal with. We are leaving the air over Afghanistan to put more troops in harms way, and here we thought this was a done deal before we started Iraq. Now, Iraq is still Iraq, so who knows about that from day to day. Israel on the other hand is getting some seriously bad advice from allies. Here is my thought. Since Hamas and Fatah have now split the Palestinians and one group is in Gaza while the other continues on the West Bank, Israel has a real dilemma. Since the Palestinians have split into two factions, there is no way, any other entity, much less Israel can please both groups at the same time. I would have thought any number of US Presidents and Congressmen could see that, but either they truly are that dumb or simply working for "the beast." With some of our politicians it really is difficult to ascertain. Former Presidents Carter and Bush 43 should be aware of the difficulties both factions have between themselves, so there is no way to suit them. If they are not willing to come together to organize an actual country, just what do they expect out of Israel or anyone else? My guess is, continual concession and accommodation. Well, that's ridiculous. If I were Netanyahu, I would dig in my heels and tell the leaders of Hamas, Fatah, and the US, until they can present a united and specific list for peaceful negotiations toward a 2 state solution, stay home and don't keep slinging accusations or rockets! I don't believe there is or has been any US politician that cannot see these two things. 1. With the Palestinians split, Israel concedes two directions. And 2. Jerusalem is very much on the drawing board and desired to be divided by everyone except Benjamin Netanyahu and G~D.
Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses. Joshua 1:3

Can You Imagine . . .

A gay wedding coordinator? I think most of us can picture that image fairly quickly, but now there are wedding coordinators that are advertising to cater gay weddings which are now becoming common place in six states, and making the headlines regularly. As a woman who is "openly straight," I have contemplated this state licensure regarding marriage for some time, now. As a matter of fact, I told my husband if we had it all to do over again, I would not want a state license, but rather simply have a religious ceremony and legally change my name. Marriage is considered a part of our religious beliefs, and I don't like the government in the middle of my beliefs. I raised a few hackles on a cnn comment site with that comment, but you know, I think we really need to quit arguing religion vs. ________________ (fill in blank). I don't think my religious beliefs should be forced on anyone, anymore than secular beliefs or alternative lifestyles be forced into my acceptance. If two men or two women want to spend their lives together and say my beliefs are inappropriate for them, fine, but in this land of freedom, shouldn't I have the same right? When homosexuality came out of the closet, it was termed an alternative lifestyle. Now they want to be married, so what's the alternative portion of the lifestyle? Many of the comments and political tide seem to suggest that religious heterosexuals are the minority alternative lifestyle. An atheist also commented on my comment, which by the way, was only a comment on another comment, but I digress. Anyway, the atheist thought marriage should be strictly through government because they didn't want any religion in their ceremony. Here's my idea. I think the gays should do what they want, because they will anyway, and I am tired of hearing how to wear the kid gloves. I'm fine with acceptance of them choosing their lifestyle, with all due respect, we'll have our different beliefs and hopefully be nice about it, but so far here in America, I'm entitled to have my perspective, even if it does not suit someone else's political agenda. I don't think we heterosexuals have to get into the closet, just because they came out. And as for the atheists and secularists, great get your G~D less license and ceremony, but atheism and secular humanism are belief systems, and a belief system is really very similar to "religion." What I would truly like to see is for all those that want their marriage rights according to their own specs through the state to be able to do that. I would like to have a simple religious ceremony without the "blessing of the state," but the recognition, by the government of my religious marriage. Oh, I know, that would just open the door for someone else to come up with something else to argue about, because after all, this is America!
Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. Torah of Holy Scripture

Bigger Government

Can our government get any bigger? At this rate we'll need a sponsoring country soon, perhaps more than one. We are a rather large and needy society with a government that has a voracious appetite for power and the inability to self-sustain. Our Congress keeps telling us how much they want to do for us, but the reality is the pharmaceutical and insurance lobby, along with big business in general, have a greater influence on Congress than we the voters, ever will. Our President appears to be determined to provide us with a government that will oversee every area of our lives and he seems to believe he should be quite influential internationally as well. I don't know if all this hunger for power is his personal trait or just goes with living in the White House. I do think if the men living in the White House want the rest of the world to answer to them, they need to remember, governments that cannot sustain themselves tend to run out of power when the support beneath them, gives out.
Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. a Proverb of Holy Scripture

Really, This Happened in America?

I'm used to reading about some sort of morality offense in one of the Arab nations, but those nations base their laws on their religion. So, whether we agree or disagree, think it's outrageous, or too strict or whatever, the laws are the laws of that nation and the citizens are aware of those laws, presumably before they are broken. Now, here I read in some city in Maine, a young man was not given his diploma because when his name was called, he stood and took a bow and blew a kiss toward his family, specifically his mother. The principal then chose to humiliate him in front of the crowd and sent him back to his seat WITHOUT his diploma. I personally find this ridiculous, on the part of the educator, but it raised more concerns than that. The educator is already where they are in life, with apparently just a control issue or two, so I really am not so concerned with that individual. But what has this taught the young man. He wasn't making out with his girl-friend nor did he drop his gown to streak the commencement, he blew a kiss to his mother. Considering the young man had completed 12 years of school, 13 including kindergarten and a single kiss that made no human contact at all, now precludes him from receiving what he earned, indicates our education system is an even bigger mockery than I had already thought. If he was going to be humiliated and denied what he had already earned, I think a number of kids would have wished they'd have done something more outrageous and show stopping. This is just one more example in American headlines in which the young people are literally being goaded to make the crime match the punishment. I truly hope his mother manages to obtain his transcript and the history around his lack of a diploma. It really made me wonder, when we read the headlines about kids that get violent at school, if it's peer pressure or outrageous examples of control? I'm sure the superintendent or the school board will set things right, but this young man's moment has passed and by my perspective, his principal was much more disorderly than any student could have been. And when the educator pulled this ridiculous display of control, the young man simply went back to his seat. He's not even my son, and I'm proud of him!
Thy father and thy mother shall be glad, and she that bare thee shall rejoice. a Proverb

What Do You Mean . . . No List of Visitors

Dear Mr. President:
I believe you will find, if you check the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, as well as the Declaration of Independence, that there is no fine print giving you sole ownership of the White House. We the people own the White House and we have a right to know who comes and goes. It really is that simple. Now, while you are rallying the "programmed" to believe the last administration held secrets, therefore it is acceptable; may I remind you, that that administration also used the term: "transparent." As life played out, it meant nothing then, and it is appearing that it means nothing now.
Mr. President, if the names of the guests in the White House cannot be shared and revealed to the owners of the White House, then you truly do not have an administration of transparency.
Have what you want, you "won," but let's just all make it "very clear" that we have a different definition of "transparency."
Respectfully yours,

For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen . . . New Testament

I Can't Get Over This

President Obama has done what I thought was impossible. He has finally made me agree with the American Medical Association. George W. Bush managed to accomplish a number of policies I completely disagreed with, but he never caused me to agree with Rush Limbaugh or members of the medical profession! This health care mess is really getting to me. I realize most of America doesn't believe we can trust G~D for healing, and apparently the idea of going to heaven isn't actually appealing to those espousing the idea. The other morning, I awoke to some evangelist on the radio shouting to his audience, "Do you want to see Jesus?" That was when I told my husband, they ought to pass the plates and have everyone put their medicine bottles in. If they really are believing for a miracle or really want to see the streets of gold, then put down their pills and they'd get one or the other. I guess that's where faith would be involved, not knowing which way it would turn out . . . But I digress, back to President Obama. I've got a plan for his health program. Clearly he wants to control everything, I understand that. George W. Bush already put a lot into place for this big plan and without a doubt, President Obama is not wasting any time grabbing more power. Back to my plan. Since health care and the pharmaceutical industry really is simply big business, let's handle this like the business it is. I think it makes sense for employees to pay taxes on the employer provided health plan. It is, after all, part of their income. This alone, about 20 years ago, might have saved GM. Next, any procedure that someone elects to have, there should be some sort of "income tax" assessed on the cost over the deductible. Can you imagine the tax base increase? If someone wants a $250,000.00 procedure on their $100.00 premiums, then fine, but let them pay taxes on their "gift." Treat insurance coverage just like winning the lottery or the grand prize on a game show. I'm fine with continuing to pay my taxes for medicare and medicaid, but I don't want health care from anyone but G~D, and I don't want any mandatory requirement for insurance from my government. It's a business, if I don't invest for my personal consumption, turn me down at the door. It's really that simple. Leave the health care to the consumers that are benefiting and let the rest of us just keep paying our taxes. I don't think doctors are "healers" or are "called," as the President said to them today. I think they are pharmaceutical salesmen with power issues. I know what I believe, and I don't want my government legislating more laws against my beliefs for my presumed benefit! I already have a health care contract and I am very satisfied with my health care provider.
And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of YHVH thy G~D, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to His commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am YHVH that healeth thee. Torah of Holy Scripture

When the Facts are Compared

I'll be the first to admit, just because I read something in the news, it doesn't mean I think I actually have the correct information. I am going to share an interesting contrast in solutions for two families that share similar tragedies. One, I've blogged about before and the second happened quite recently. The first situation is the one in which the mother of an eleven year old girl that died of undiagnosed diabetes, was found "guilty of reckless homicide" and is facing up to 25 years in prison. Now, I don't necessarily agree with everything in their belief system, but I do live in America and Congress is not supposed to make any laws against any religion. A mother praying for her child is not homicide, the child did not die of injuries or wounds at the mother's hand . . . At any rate, the woman faced criminal charges and her husband is also facing the same charges. The second situation involves a man that was also an undiagnosed diabetic. He died in the emergency room, however; after waiting for seven hours to be seen. I read that he tried to leave twice, only to lose consciousness and be brought back into the ER by security. He continued to suffer in the waiting room until his death, according to the report. Now, the difference? His family can file a "wrongful death" law suit against the hospital. That's all. No criminal charges, no charges of negligence, and no one person in particular is held responsible. Just wrongful death, lots of paperwork, a couple of lawyers will make some money, and the institution will continue with their present methods. Maybe there will be a settlement, and maybe the family will simply discover that they cannot hold the hospital accountable. The outcome remains to be seen. What caught my eye, of course, is the difference in which the law is dispensed, when faith is involved.
Thus saith YHVH, Learn not the way of the heathen . . . a Prophet of Holy Scripture

What Perverse Stupidity

And no, I'm not referring to David Letterman, I'm talking about Sarah Palin and her schmendrik husband. The audacity of this woman simply astounds me. To even think that someone would suggest something sexual about an under aged girl fits my definition of perverse. The entire world presumed he was referring to the 18 year old, who has been plastered on magazines for months and appeared on talk shows like a political prop. No one in their right mind, pardon the pun, would think David Letterman was referring to the younger daughter. That presumption, in my book, is perversion. Truth be told, Sarah, nobody cares that much about whether you appeared or didn't appear and what family members attend your functions, so it was only natural to really just make fun of all the "real people" things Sarah has liked to parade in front of the country. Sarah is the one that has called all the sexual attention to her "campaigning" by making teens famous for their irresponsible behavior. And now, Bristol is the poster girl for abstinence. Please! Those of us that really are living real lives find this just a bit questionable. The evangelical right has certainly changed their stand in the last thirty years, only they used to hide the girls in shame, not parade them. And the girls were the ones blamed, not the rest of the world for not keeping their mouths shut. Ah, American conservatism, what a shining example of values and morality. Do what you want, seek all the attention you can grab and then blame someone else. Nice touch, there folks. All this has done is made me realize how much I enjoyed David Letterman when I used to have a TV. He's made some lousy jokes through the years, but mostly he's funny, and contemporary with political issues. He may have some jokes that bomb, but I have never heard or read that he has condoned or even suggested anything sexually perverse involving under aged children. Palins, that's your suggestion, not his. And just for the record, I believe David Letterman has been a comedian much longer than Sarah has been a politician. So, all things considered, if David Letterman was suggesting inappropriate material, I think it would have surfaced by now. Unlike trooper-gate, and family travel at the state's expense, I do believe David Letterman feels he owes a certain accountability for which he takes responsibility! Seems his answers to the accusations were much more socially acceptable than the accusations and the response to his invitation.
And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? New Testament

A Circus

The political headlines are getting ridiculous. We have people concerned with President Obama's favorite food, Michelle Obama's biceps, and Sarah Palin's attendance at the GOP fundraiser was on again, off again, and made a headline every time it changed. The real problem here, is the election was only 6 months ago, meaning the campaigning appears to be perpetual at this point. And the American public appears to be comfortable with no life and treating politicians like celebrities. I haven't personally read about Michelle Obama's personal trainer or work out schedule, and I had no idea President Obama's diet was such an issue until I happened on to a story about a Pizza place in which the patrons are willing to wait 2 hours to be seated. Unbeknownst to me when I began reading, it was because Candidate Obama had eaten there when on the campaign trail, and said it was great. I only mention it here, because as I read, it seems the owner was invited to fix pizza at the White House in April. What caught my eye was the fact that the trip was self-financed. He was invited to come cook and serve on his own dime!!! And he's happy to have done so. He went from Missouri to Washington DC to cook on his own dime and the Obamas went to NY for dinner and theatre and it was our dime! What gives with this President of ours? He can get people eating out of his hand and paying to feed him!
Now on to Sarah Palin, all I can say is she is still managing to stay in the headlines, no matter how ridiculous she looks doing so. So, the American political circus continues. And you know many clowns will put in an appearance in one of the three rings before 2012?
For the customs of the people are vain . . . a Prophet of Holy Scripture

Empire Building

Things are certainly moving fast. I'm one of the few Americans that doesn't think President Obama has managed all this in just a few short months. I remember e-banking established in the last administration, as well as e-medical records. I also know, if anything good is coming from any decisions, it's simply the grace of G~D, but to be honest, I don't see much good coming from any of the decisions made in this new century, from either side of the aisle or the citizens for that matter. I just finished reading about "Clear Fly." It's the biometric card for getting through the airport without having to be treated like cattle or walk through the body scanner. Now that President Obama is telling PM Netanyahu how Israel should be run, and promising the Arab countries to keep Israel in tow, I look for this Empire to build even more rapidly. Again, don't get me wrong. American Presidents have long been telling the rest of the world what to do and what is expected. America is just kind of the self appointed "earth monitor" much in the tradition of ancient Rome. As a matter of fact, it's getting clearer and clear to see the Roman Empire is really still alive and well, just renamed, America. And the more convenience, security, and power "we the people are promised," the more most of us will bow down and accept it, and depending upon the side of the aisle that it is presented, will ask for more! The left side of the aisle will offer health care and education and their constituents will tout the greatness of the Empire. The right of the aisle will promise protection and private prosperity and those constituents will laud and applaud. It matters not which side of the aisle takes more power and makes more promises, it's all coming and quicker than we think!
And as the toes of the feet were part of iron, and part of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong, and partly broken. a Prophet of Holy Scripture

Have You Noticed?

Gasoline prices are going up again! Of course everyone can't help but notice that, but I've noticed something else. Last year when the gas price skyrocketed, many independents closed. Not only did they have FOR SALE signs up for awhile, but once they did finally close, the tanks were dug up. Those places will not reopen as gas stations. And a number of independent convenience stores that have remained open, no longer sell gas, and their tanks have also been removed. I find it interestingly alarming that while we the people are concerned with the government taking over the auto industry, the gasoline is going to be hard to find. Even if we can still afford it, the stations are getting fewer and farther between. I remember when Candidate Obama went campaigning in other countries and I commented that I thought he wanted to be President of the world. Well, now he's President of America and President of GM, so who knows? Maybe it will be one industry take-over at a time, rather than winning the countries one by one. Really when you think about the grand scheme of it all, America is a relatively recent flash in the pan, and the auto industry even newer, so we average folk may end up back to what worked for thousands of years. We may find ourselves on foot or horseback with the autos and gasoline supply reserved and made available for just the elite few in Washington and the UN, of course.
And I will utter my judgments against them touching all their wickedness, who have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods, and worshipped the works of their own hands. a Prophet of Holy Scriptures

Peace

I couldn't help but notice all the uproar about President Obama's speech in Egypt. I'll be honest about my opinion. I don't think he's a secret Muslim, I think he's open about his desire to be whatever his audience expects . . . When he was campaigning, women in jihab were asked to move out of camera range while he spoke "Christianese," and now he's in Egypt quoting the Koran. In all fairness, I think he wowed AIPAC with a few quotes of Talmud along the way. I have to admit it, the guy is good at giving his crowd what they want to hear. He remains distantly aloof while speaking of relating to them. It's a trait very few have. It goes far beyond charisma, but I digress. He did conclude his speech in Egypt with some very interesting quotes that confirmed a question I raised in one of my books. In reading a commentary at CNN, written by a Muslim, the quotes are as follows:
"Finally, in the spirit of his event, President Obama concluded his remarkable Cairo address by highlighting the individual mandates for peace in each of the major Abrahamic religions.
He said that, "The Holy Quran tells us, 'O mankind! We have ... made you into nations and tribes so that you may know one another.' ... The Talmud tells us: 'The whole of the Torah is for the purpose of promoting peace. ...'"
"The Holy Bible tells us, 'Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.' ... The people of the world can live together in peace. We know that is God's vision. Now, that must be our work here on Earth."
I didn't see a clear reference to peace in the Quran quote, but the President apparently believed that to be in the indication . . .
So, if the three major religions all say they espouse PEACE, clearly a piece of the puzzle is being overlooked, politically. I did notice that the Torah was not actually quoted, so I'll share a few quotes I have found.
G~D's promise to Abraham:
And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. Genesis 12:3
G~D's reference to Ishmael:
And the angel of YHVH said unto her, Behold, thou art with child, and shalt bear a son, and shalt call his name Ishmael; because YHVH hath heard thy affliction. And he will be a wild man; his hand will be against every man . . . Genesis 16
Arise, lift up the lad, and hold him in thine hand; for I will make him a great nation. Genesis 21:18
G~D's instruction to Israel:
And it shall be, when YHVH thy G~D shall have brought thee into the land which he sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give thee great and goodly cities, which thou buildedst not . . .Then beware lest thou forget YHVH, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage. Deuteronomy 6:10-12

Messiah's instructions to His followers:
Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. Matthew 5:17

And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth . . . the Revelation

Extravagance In Common

I've had a hard time feeling like I can relate to our President or that he in any way can relate to me. He just seems to have suddenly appeared and taken charge. President Obama doesn't seem to me, to be able to relate to the average American at all. Oh, I know, he's got a following, but usually leaders are, in fact, "not one of the crowd." When President Bush - W. was elected, although I wasn't born with a silver spoon, I could see his supposed relevance in the political arena. It was like a family business. And when President Clinton was elected, it was easy to see that he was in fact completely sold out to politics and had been gleaned for decades, and I'm sure we can go back and see some sort of theme of Americana in each President, but I am having problems seeing it in Barack Obama. This has nothing to do with his complexion, but rather his distance. I know the big debate about his birth certificate, and maybe, maybe not, but clearly he did not spend his formative years in America. And the fact that his name was changed to something less traditionally American also seems foreign, as I watch him. But the fact that I cannot relate, has nothing to do with his name or his sudden rise to power, it's the fact that he is so confident in his new power while remaining so detached. He's apologizing to foreign countries and planning to tax us to death. It just seems he's oblivious to the things that have been consistent through our history. As I watched his high handedness with GM, I couldn't help but think, perhaps if GM hadn't spent a fortune building bullet proof Escalades for politicians, the company might be in better shape now, or maybe they were paid quite well by the tax payers and this is simply a matter of their thinking the company was bullet proof . . .
This past week-end, though, I finally found a way to relate to the Obamas, and of all things, it's in the area of extravagance as a couple. I read that the President had promised his wife, after the election, he'd take her to a Broadway show. When my husband makes a promise to me, and when he gets around to keeping it, it comes out of our budget. Now there were nearly three months between the election and the Inauguration, and over three months since, so clearly when the President gets around to keeping his promise, it also comes out of our budget!
Our inheritance is turned to strangers, our houses to aliens. a Lament in Holy Scripture

What's Good for General Motors is Good for America?

I awoke to sad news this morning. Not that I wasn't expecting it, but the announcement made it so real and so final, it just hit me harder than I thought it would. I've read some of the debates and commentaries on the topic, but it doesn't change the fact that General Motors is now, officially, just another part of the Government Machine. The Government says GM only gets $30B more and the CEO says they won't need a second chance! Excuse me . . . all this bail out was for corporations "too big to fail" and yet bankruptcy seems to carry an element of "failed." Lehman Brothers didn't receive any bail out, filed bankruptcy, were taken off the stock exchange, and the company no longer exists. General Motors is off the exchange, received billions of dollars, already, filed bankruptcy, and yet, still exists, supposedly to make Chevrolets, Cadillacs, GMCs, and Buicks. Sounds like a second chance to me! So, if I follow the line of thinking that was proposed years ago in advertising, and used in the title of this blog, just where does this correlation leave America? Is America too big to fail? Our government can print more money . . . so bankruptcy can perhaps be avoided, unless of course other countries call in their notes. Has America already parted and sold herself out? I think, rather than remove the liabilities like GM says they have done with Oldsmobile, Pontiac, Hummer, and Saturn, America has maintained the liabilities in government programs and parted out the assets, as in businesses going overseas or bankrupted, and jobs being outsourced.
President Obama said Monday he was confident that the additional federal help was justified by the changes being made at GM.
"GM and its stakeholders have produced a viable, achievable plan that will give this iconic American company a chance to rise again," he said.
"But GM can't put this plan into effect on its own. Executing this plan will require a substantial amount of money that only a government can provide."
To be government owned doesn't seem like a good plan for General Motors, and I don't think most Americans want to be owned, either.
And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their merchandise any more: the Revelation