Nothing to Hide

All of my new blogs are not necessarily as positive as I had hoped to maintain, but even in the negativity, I am attempting a different slant. And this week is no different. I want to talk about the Patriot Act, well actually, I want to talk about the attitude of those against the Patriot Act. Now, I really do disagree with most of it, but who am I in the grand scheme of things? I remember when Mr. Ashcroft was the Attorney General and he was all about staying on top of things, and I don't really think Mr. Gonzales seems much different. Being from Mr. Ashcroft's home state, I had already lived under some of his decisions as governor, so I was possibly a bit more relunctant about the Patriot Act than perhaps others were. But as life has progressed, I realize Mr. Ashcroft really didn't get any more intrusive than the average American believes they have a right to be. He really was representing the "interests" of America. The republicans want their government in everybody's business, until it gets close to home . . . The democrats think the republicans are invasive and controlling, but I happen to know many democrats that have taken it upon themselves to invade people's privacy and believe they have the right to do so. Now, here's a fun fact about "nothing to hide" while blogging. I find I can make very specific statements with impersonal references and if someone takes it personally, well; I have a fairly large circle of acquaintances, so I guess that's their choice. I did a Google Search about links to obtain personal information about someone and there are over a billion. So how can so many say Mr. Ashcroft overstepped or invaded privacy, when invading people's privacy is big business? And I know, big business goes in the same sentence as republican, but who's buying? There are democrats who have tracked and enquired activities of their ex-spouses and exes of the new spouses, people that are dating that check financial statuses, politicians of both parties find all sorts of things out about each other and tell it, through campaigns. There's always at least one in the church, at work, in the family, in the neighborhood, that feel it is their right to be privy to the personal information of others, but the interesting coincidence is; they are also always the ones that demand "no comment" on their lives. There are always people that think they can and should hold someone else in account, yet they remain elusive. I'm amazed at how many non-republicans obtain invasive information, while mouthing their opposition to loss of rights and invasion of privacy. And I'm also amazed at the many, many republicans who have "nothing to hide" and also own paper shredders.
An ungodly man diggeth up evil . . .

Rule of Fear

I have not been very happy with our present administration, nor have I applauded our law makers, and the third branch of our government, judiciary; always seems inaccessable and out of touch, so with all that being said, and hopefully, still within the border of free speech, I have decided that I needed to be a bit more compassionate about the situation. I pray for our President and our decision makers, but often, I find myself asking G~d, "how much longer . . .?" or "why can't they see . . .?" and the one that I am finally getting some insight to is "what is he thinking?" And then I was suddenly overtaken with a wave of compassion for the guy. I mean come on, he's waged global war on terrorism, sitting at an all time low in popularity, and an all time high in deficit, and I found myself feeling his pain. What a deal in the middle of my feelings about his presidency. He is a fellow baby boomer, after all; he was raised with the same fear mentality the rest of us were. You see, the 50's were a time in which we had everything to fear and our government would protect us. We were told "Communists" wanted to take over everything, and there was the BOMB. In vacation Bible school, we pledged allegience to the flag and the Bible, and I don't have to tell you which was first. We were read Grimm's fairy tales and then told not to be afraid of the dark, our parents would keep us safe. Well, they were the ones reading the books to us. I was one of those kids, whose mom had a horror story for every occasion. I grew up in Kansas and before I was 10 years old, I had been told the true story of "In Cold Blood." I was in the primary elementary grades when I heard the story of J. Paul Getty's grandson. And I was not the exception. I've heard from other boomers, the local horror stories they were told. And we got to hear these while hearing about the wonder years of the previous generation, or how easy we had it, depending upon the age of our parents. And my childhood didn't warrant the same fear or need of protection that I'm sure the wealthier households actually required. This made me realize, the guy grew up with the same fear campaign the rest of us did, only maybe moreso. His family was wealthy. So, he's afraid and when real men from Texas are afraid, they take action. That's why he has the consituency that he has. The boomers that have transferred their fear of Communists to terrrorists, the old ladies that used to be mothers reading bedtime stories and the men that just know something needs to change! Apparently the majority of America is comfortable to be motivated by fear, at least according to the 2004 election results, and he has all those people to answer to.
The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?

Dichotomies of Humanity = Similarity of Opposition

A two-fold title to frames this blog addressing double-talk and double standards.
As I read and listen, I am amazed at just how many opposing sides sound the same or utilize the same techniques, all the while they are judging the "opposing view or belief." Stay with me, here for just a minute as I share my view of the two. First, we have the fundamentalists, and basically fundamentalists of any religion ultimately sound the same. It doesn't matter whether we are hearing quotes from al Qaida and Hamas leaders or TV preachers; they are sounding the same - those that disagree with them, do not deserve to live. Ah, the warmth of fundamentalism. I tend to sound like Rush Limbaugh when he refers to something he doesn't adhere to, which just proves my title again, at any rate; we have the basic similarity amongst the "funny mentalists." And while we are holding ourselves above the barbaric practices of the terrorists, as we discuss them teaching their little boys to kill, has anyone listened to American preschoolers and what they are talking about? Little American boys are all about "killing the bad guys" too, but we in America call it "playing and imaginary," and the bigger boys play video death games which are called "virtual" not reality, until it happens in the local high school. Just how long has our civilized society paid to watch violence, while we; of course, are disgusted by the barbarism of other distant places?
Now, on to the politicians and the media. I had originally thought about drawing the similarity between the republicans and the democrats, but I would only be repeating about 6 kajillion blogs around the internet and most of the evening news. So, suffice it to say, I now refer to the only difference between the politicians as "r'aristocrats" or "d'aristocrats." I would much rather give notoriety to the method that both media and politicians abhor in each other and that would be SPIN. Politicians tell us what they want us to believe and the media shares the view in which they are attempting to lead us. So, basically both the politicians and the media appear to be operating on the premise that they are dealing with idiots that will believe whatever we're told and simply need to be told what we are to believe. And both the media and the politicians are flat getting bold about it, as they don't even attempt to veil this approach any more.
And last but not least are the mega-church and the secular humanists. Now, you may say, what? There is nothing similar, ah; but there is and there are so many similarities. First, there is the "how it makes me feel" mantra. Whether it's church participation or education, they truly do express their superiority and they both make the fundamentalists look humble in that area. Next, we move on to the materialism of the two beliefs. The mega-church calls it blessings and prosperity and the humanists call it self-actualization, but the majority of the American economic base lies in these two groups, because the American economy is based upon instant gratification, disposability, perpetual motion, and credit, again the similarity. And I think the most humorous simlarity I have found is the utter disrespect they have for each other's similar lifestyles and co-dependency upon their support networks. Whether it's mega-church or licensed and degreed professionals, the girl-friends all still have to get together and talk about what someone else is doing wrong and the men all get together and discuss what's in the way of their vision of success, and they show up to event after event in their minivans and SUVs talking about their stressed out lives, all the while; seeming reassured that they infact have "all the answers."
And without a doubt, there is a sad similarity between all of these mentioned. They have just enough knowledge of the Bible to deny the literal applications personally, while demanding accountability of others.
And the servant of Adonai must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, . . . In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; . . .

A Kinder and Gentler . . .

Remember the words of our current president's father when he had the title? He was referring to the state of our union and that he envisioned a kinder, gentler America. Well, we aren't. The rest of the world does make a few valid points. We are rude. I realize I'm rude when I'm in a hurry, people I deal with are rude when they choose to be and that is something that certainly isn't getting any better. Remeber when the "customer was always right?" That is no longer the case, either, and the people that are offering customer service don't even remember when that was a motto in business. I think our "America" is not getting kinder or gentler because our religion has gotten meaner and greedier. The big time preachers are sporting their own jets, so they don't have to deal with airport security, and the mega-church is teaching materialism and feel goodism, no matter the cost, because materialism is what makes people feel good when the plate gets passed. I was reading about Ann Coulter's latest book, released on 06/06/06, and in the words of the SNL church lady I wondered "could it be, satan?" Ms. Coulter is the woman that also wrote something about how to talk to a liberal if you must. No point in writing a book about talking to a religious right-winger, 'cause there's just no talkin' to them! Now she feels that everyone needs to embrace her ideas of Christianity, and her approach seems much the same to me, as the clerics of Islam. In one of her statements, she felt the leaders should just be killed and their subjects converted to Christianity. Interesting concept, but the leaders to whom she refers, are already implementing that very method for their desired religious results. A staunch evangelical republican shared some frightening comments about those that disagree with their own views. And then, there were headlines from Jerusalem that there were "two righteous gentiles" honored for their protection of Jews during the holocaust. Only two righteous gentiles over half a century ago; is that the viewpoint of Judaism? We will not have a kinder and gentler society until all of our cultures and societies give up their mean, condescending religions, or TBN comes up with a sinner's prayer that can be said between "ready, aim, fire!"
He that loveth not, knoweth not God; for God is love.

The Reality of Life in the Perception of Mainstream

I can't believe I am writing such a personal blog, today; but I am. An acquaintance of mine died this week. He was an interesting individual that in many ways, I admired, but in other ways, I saw myself and my own struggles. I didn't ever get very close to him, but I don't think he or I got very close to most people, and I will refer to him as a friend. We had similar backgrounds, we would both undoubtedly be labelled religious fanatics, and found ourselves business owners in the same town. Neither of us were from that city originally and I don't know if he felt the same exclusion that I did, but somehow I think he might have. I know there were views that we held that always kept us out of mainstream, yet never drew the two of us to a personal indepth discussion. When we moved, I had even sent an invitation for him to visit. Funny, he was the one individual from that town that my husband and I genuinely extended a specific invitation to our new place. It wasn't the usual exchange amongst our friends when we shared our new address and the general "keeping in touch plans." I have called him a friend and I have cried several times since hearing of his death, but he never responded to our invitation. This man was a high achiever, intensely motivated, but I felt he never allowed himself to enjoy the "rewards" of his effort. I'm not going to analyze or become philosophical, because I believe that would disrespect his memory. I'll leave the philosphy to the lazy pseudo-intellectuals, because he certainly was not that. I think analysis is best left with those involved in the pseudo-science cult of psychiatry and psychology, as that seems to be a special codependent combination of "supplanters" and "seekers." My friend never seemed to find solace in the "wisdom of man." I do know my friend wanted to know G~d and wanted to please G~d; and like me, had been introduced to condemning religious teachings that dog people for a lifetime. My friend jumped off a bridge into the river, but I really do not believe he died of suicide, I believe he died of exhaustion. The circumstances in which his body was recovered do not align with the usual findings in these situations. It is my heartfelt belief, rather than to die, he merely wanted to leave behind, the life that was silently towing him under. I know in my heart, the river was symbolic of mainstream, with no easy access for many of us, and even fewer that just 'get out' while they are still alive. Now, religious views all differ, when someone completes suicide or dies by a choice they might not make in different circumstances. But who can judge as to whether depression, exhaustion, or sorrow are any less fatal than cancer or organ failure? I firmly believe my friend has truly found G~d and come to receive the comfort he couldn't find in this life, and has finally allowed himself to be embraced in the arms of G~d, who is love.
Herein is love, not that we loved G~d, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

Operating on a "Need to Know" Basis

I believe I first heard this criteria in chaplain work. When I was serving as volunteer chaplain for the state hospital and the police department, the term began to be used readily. It basically meant, they appreciated my time, but I should not consider myself privy to anything, other than what was determined by them for me to "need to know." That worked very well for me, as I could not be held responsible for what I didn't know. So, "need to know basis" was the best way to offer some assistance to the people at the mercy of the system while appearing to respect the control issues of the authorities. It worked very well for the time I served, but I have a different opinion when it comes to my rights as a citizen. Now, I realize I'm just a tax payer without a major axe to grind on some tolerance topic, so my rights are limited, but . . . I think what happened last week was just odd, at best. I realize now, we must all be paying for the privilege of operating on a "need to know basis." I had to find out on the "streets" of the internet reading news from other countries. Did you know that the Washington Post reported that General Michael Hayden has been sworn in as the new CIA director, and it was reported in the news in other countries, but CNN and FOX didn't seem to find it newsworthy? Or perhaps, this news didn't meet the "need to know" criteria. I feel, it is my patriotic duty to "need to know" this stuff, or at least have access to it, here in the US. It just makes me wonder how many other matters are just being run through and not mentioned. Well, actually, I believe this takes all the wonder out of it. I would have blogged about this on my usual Friday afternoon, but in my attempt to check my information, I found my computer locked up after my searches for information regarding General Hayden. It seemed that I crossed the line of "need to know." So, will the "need to know basis" be a law of reciprocity? Why does it seem we do not need to know who the new director is, or that General Hayden has become the new director, but our government "needed to know" phone records and obtain warrantless wiretaps. And all of that is within the law. How do we know it's lawful? Because the ones obtaining the records told us it is within the law. Well, I feel the name of the person that has the authority to invade my privacy and the power to enforce all sorts of "lawful" inquests is something I "need to know."
For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them,

Why Should I Pay for Your Choice that I Didn't Want?

I'm having trouble here, staying positive. So, I will make this short with just a couple of points and move on toward a better perspective, next time. I have a problem with hearing people whine and wanting money, when they are the ones that have made the choice to be where they are. I'm not talking about a crisis event, I'm talking about choices that render those that are whining in a substandard existence. Why do you want funding to stay there? Please explain this to me. I've read about the "poor" Palestinians and the Hamas government that's not meeting their humanitarian needs. Well, big surprise, Hamas is not that kind of organization. It's not on the same list as the Red Cross, United Way, and Unicef. Perhaps next time you hold "free elections" you might want to read about the party you're voting for. I don't mean to sound discompassionate, but why should I fund the deal, I didn't vote for them. I couldn't participate in the elections but I could read what they were saying. Nobody is funding those of us who didn't get what we wanted in our election.
Now, closer to home. Listen Katrina people, it's almost hurricane season again. I'm really not impressed that the only things you people can get your act together for, is Mardi Gras and electing the mayor that's blamed everybody he can think of for everything he can think of. I've been reading some questionable activities about the hurricane survivors, like we just can't provide enough for you people, but we don't need to bother with job fares and free rides to a place called work. Why should I fund next year's Mardi Gras? I'm not coming. And that snow machine with your funding was stupid. You're much farther south than we are, and our kids didn't see snow until February, and then only for a day. If I'm paying, I get to help decide. If you're not paying, you shouldn't be calling the shots.
Be not one of those who give their hands in an agreement, or of those who make themselves responsible for debts:

Excuse me, I have a question???????

Do you ever just want to stand in the middle of a store, or the middle of a meeting, or perhaps the middle of a religious assembling and ask, "Does anybody really know what's going on these days? I mean, do you really think we have any idea?" I've spent most of the week just questioning every news story and every circumstance I come across. How did all this confusion become security? I read that a driver of an SUV, who was suspected to be involved in illegal immigration, was shot at the busiest border crossing, but . . . he was going to Mexico. So, why, when there is such a hullabaloo about illegal immigration are we shooting at the guys going south? Hey now, here's a surprise, the runaway bride broke up with her intended. This poor guy has already been jilted on national news, and now it's news on CNN that she has called it quits with him. Is it really that slow of a news day? I was at our local MFA store, when I read an interesting notice. Due to 9/11 and the Patriot Act, the US government needs to know who is buying grain. They need to know what I am feeding my critters? Yeah, right! Then there was a notice beneath that notice dated Dec. of 2005 stating that due to the above governmental rights and authority, they needed our name, address, and phone number if we were purchasing grain. Now, my question is; what is the real reason? Are they keeping track of the animals for the next sickness fear? Are they keeping track of the survivalists that may be going back to basics? Are they just running away with intrusive demands, because they can?
Oh, and in the middle of all this spy controversy and terrorists tracking, the FBI is spending 2 weeks of their overpriced time and who knows how many kajillion dollars of our hard earned tax dollars, digging up some farmer's field or pasture because they have a tip from a reliable convict that Jimmy Hoffa is buried there. What's the deal? Whether he's dead or living it up in the Caribbean, it's been over 30 years ago. We've got other stuff going on. And it's up north, the growing season isn't going to last that long. Let the guy have his crop or his pasture. It's been over 30 years, can't it wait another 3 or 4 months?
Okay, I promised to be positive and frankly this sounds pretty cynical. So I will end on a positive note. I am absolutely positive there are other Americans thinking these same kind of questions and beginning to see there's more than meets the eye. I am positive!
And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.

Out to Lunch for a New Perspective

Well, it is no easy task to find a positive solution for the current news in America. I pretty much thought all of our leaders and those in power just flat sound "out to lunch." Then the idea hit me, if I could take a few of these people "out to lunch" just to chat, what I would say and perhaps it would give them a new perspective or maybe they could explain to me, in a way I could understand just what it is that they are thinking. Who knows if it would help, in either direction, but lunch, it couldn't hurt!
First, I'd have to go to lunch with Condoleezza Rice, just for some girl talk. You know, it would be one of those things of letting her know in a friendly way, just what the lowdown was. Let her know what I've been hearing . . . most of the leaders of other countries think she needs a man in her life or maybe the ticking of her biological clock is affecting her attitude. I think I'd try to introduce her to a nice guy, or encourage her to have dinner with a man and discuss something other than nuclear weapons and humanitarian funding.
I'd of course want to take the President to lunch. I'd tell him a few of us are catching on to this "fuzzy fine line" between security and captivity. And this security policy with the usual mantra about "nothing to hide," seems a bit hypocritical to have "sealed archives" for public officials like your dad, when I; a private American citizen discover my calls are accessible to the "party line."
I'd also like to take General Hayden out to lunch. I realize with this new spy club of shared information, it's just a wonderful opportunity for you, but so far all of this spy work seems to just enable the Washington powers to keep track of the American citizens. I thought you guys were playing "I Spy" to catch the bad guys. If Bin Laden can send videos and his second in command has been captured and released [by mistake?] in Iraq, are you sure this spy business is working? All the possible attacks that have been averted are a bit intangible, kind of like the fisherman that tells us about the "one that got away." There were no attacks on America between 1941 and 2001, before all these agencies were "in business." Oh, and just for the record, Hawaii wasn't one of the United States in 1941.
Then, I would have to take Patrick Kennedy to lunch. I would tell him, "listen Patrick, may I call you Patrick . . ." this taking responsibility for something dumb doesn't work for democrats. I know you've seen it done and the republicans do make it look easy and even heroic, but it isn't. You come from a long line of people in public service with weaknesses that some of the public just loves to feed off of, so get dried out and sobered up or get out of the limelight, because they are just going to be waiting. I've already read a report comparing "the differences" in your situation to Rush L. You don't really want to sound like him, do you?
Before we can do lunch, I have to make sure they can accept if I pick up the check, which I am willing to do, to have my say. It used to be we could just vote to have a voice in decision making policy, but the lobbyists have sure changed that, so I don't want to start a new Abramoff situation for any of us. Wonder if these lunches would be 100% deductible on my taxes? Oh well, even if they aren't, I'd sure like our leaders to get a new perspective, so that we, as Americans, can enjoy our lives as we work hard trying to live and be free.
And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labor, it is the gift of G~d.

A Week in America, A Day without Immigrants

It's been a full week, here in the US, now hasn't it? We began the week with a Day Without Immigrants and finalized the week with another "superb job and mutually determined resignation" in the Bush administration and my granddaughter telling me Happy Cinco de Mayo! First let me suggest we might consider a revolving door in government agencies these days. Between the leaks and the transition time and the continual decline of popularity, I'm guessing change will also be continual. With change aren't we looking at perpetual transition and greater increase of leaks just by the mere fact more people are gaining access to the information? Now back to a Day without Immigrants. My husband asked me Monday, what I thought we should do about the declared day. I said, I had considered going buffalo hunting without a license or permit. Then maybe I'd exchange a few beads for some corn, without worrying about sales and use tax. Why I might even consider putting up a teepee without checking the zoning laws, if there were no immigrants on American soil. Instead, we decided to go shopping and dine out, but we would patronize an ethnic restaurant. Actually there were very few businesses closed in our area, or that appeared to be operating differently. We went to a Chinese restaurant and I must say at that establishment, they have assimilated to the American culture very well. The service was lousy, the food was left over lunch buffet at the dinner price, and they had no problem looking us in the eye as we paid our check and left quite dissatisfied.
We need to face something about immigration and cultural pride. Truth is, if life is good, people don't usually leave where they are. And have you ever noticed, the people that need the change are the very ones that insist upon everyone being accepting of their ways of doing things. Well, ok then, but if it didn't work there, why bring the idea here to implement? We need to keep in mind, the descendants of European immigrants who do make up the majority of American citizens, already know how immigrants change the lives of the already established culture. That's exactly what their ancestors did between three and four hundred years ago. They know about this insistance of learning the language. America already has a history of immigrants changing every aspect of the way of life, including the language of the original citizens of the land. And I am guessing they don't want what happened to the American Indian to happen to them. Has America ever had a Native American President? We already know, unregulated immigration, much less illegal immigration; brings with it, dramatic change, rendering a society or culture far beyond recongition and well past the point of "no return."
And He said unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar's, and unto G~d the things which be G~d's.

If Low is Negative, is High Positive?

I have vowed to myself and to my readers to have a positive perspective in these posts, and so I intend to keep my word, regardless of the news. I read this week, that the approval ratings of President Bush is at an "all time low," again. I believe for the past few months, each rating has a lower percentage and for several months now, he's been beating his own record. Say, he really does know how to "stay the course" and keep moving in the same direction! Not to belabor the low ratings, as that seems negative, let's discuss some of the "high numbers" in his presidency. Hey, gasoline prices have never been this high! Never, in the history of the United States and the United Nations, has one administration suggested and declared so much. We are now in 3 wars, Afghanistan, Iraq, and global terrorism, and maintaining this while military recruitment is beneath regularly expected quotas. I get the "forward" e-mails all the time about supporting troups and thanking soldiers, and I do pray for the troups, and I'd like to bring them home. In all the population that is in support of the wars, I only know one person that has a son or grandson serving in Iraq or Afghanistan. So, it would seem most of our populace are for supporting the war effort, but not directly and not personally.
Back to high numbers. Our current president has signed into law, more executive orders than any other president and he's only in the second year of his second term. There has never been an American President that has informed so many other world leaders as to how to do their job. I'll wrap this "high" blog up with the two topics of highest numbers in recent discussion . . . Never have we had a president that is so ready to increase our financially struggling, war-fearing, job outsourced population by some 11 or more million, an addition of nearly 5%?
If approval and budgeting were on the same continuum, I don't believe his low approval ratings begin to compare with the huge deficit our next president will be forced to face.
While his approval ratings may be at a new all time low, his "highs" also seem to be ever moving to all time records, as well.
The simple man has faith in every word, but the man of good sense gives thought to his footsteps.

Trading Places

Well, here it is the end of the week. Thinking I was already having problems coming up with positive solutions? Oh, no, I had to do a little rearranging of my plan after Scott McClellan announced his resignation, that's all. Those that are satisfied with the way things are going are dissatisfied with those that don't like the present direction. And those that are dissatisfied with the present direction seem to be aggrivated about everything. What I have noticed is, though, whether we are of the dissastified camp, or in support of the present direction and administration, there really are no solutions on the horizon. Therefore, I suggest, we set aside a day, and have some of the major key players trade places with either each other or maybe even some not so key players, like say the American citizens. First to the protesting immigrants, putting your flag above the American flag is no way to win support. It makes you look pushy and disrespectful, so, you need to trade places for a day with someone that has had to endure the ever changing cost of American living, while providing their own medical coverage and living on an actual paycheck that has the taxes withheld, rather than daily cash. And to all the Americans that do not want illegal immigrants here, you have to trade places with them. Spend a day, believing this is the land of opportunity and you don't have any rights to it. See just how many luxuries we have been led to believe are basic necessities. Now on to the leadership . . . Dick Cheney must spend a day as a reporter and a reporter must spend a day in the limelight. We'll see at the end of the day, just how low profile and low-powered Mr. Cheney really chooses to be and see just how much a reporter wants shared about their own life. I think, since I have had so many political comments, it's only fitting that I would have Mr. Bush's job for a day, and he can enjoy my life for a day. First, I guess he gets to blog about the mess he would have to walk into. It's been easy for me to say, we shouldn't have gone to Iraq, but unlike Kerry, I haven't changed my mind, I was against it before we went. I never did see the correlation between Iraq and 9/11, but now that we are there, I wouldn't just say we're done now. How could I? And I don't have an exit strategy, either, other than to say, get your government going or we are going to rule. If we are financing and protecting, then just sit back and we'll colonize the place, then maybe you can all agree on getting free and independent. You want water lines and sewer systems and TV satellite, we want to see a constitution in action! My last switch would be one that wouldn't really make any difference, because these two individuals just talk about what everyone else is doing wrong, but I think it would do both of them some good to at least have to change their style for a day to continue to raise support for their views, be it by opinion or finance. I would suggest that Rush Limbaugh be a freshman senator for the state of New York for a day and Hilary Rodham Clinton actually have to keep a listening audience for some 3 hours on talk radio.
For as you have been judging, so you will be judged . . . Matthew 7:2

A New Attitude - Positive Ideas !!!

When I began writing this weblog, it seemed I could raise some questions, maybe provoke a little thought, who knows, maybe even make a difference somewhere. But, the reality is, people like believing what they believe, myself included, and really don't like their perspectives questioned or shaken. Tolerant people want all others to be tolerant like them, and they don't tolerate their version of intolerant views. Open-minded people want others to be as open-minded as they are and see things as they do. Those that consider themselves illuminated continue to strive to shed light on those with "dimmer" views. So, with that in mind, I've decided to change what has become my personal vent site to a weekly "idea" place. I think it's a great idea and I have one already. Oh, I'm still going to address matters in the news, but we all know the old saying. "If you are not part of the solution, you're part of the problem." So I am going to begin my weekly focus on a solution for problems in the news. And the first one, addresses two problems in the news. I have actually dtermined a way to use two problems to solve the other. Wow! Is this not a great start?
I suggest, since nothing was decided and Congress has to come back from "spring break" and deal with this immigration problem; we take a new perspective.
Let's solve some of the immigration problem and the Katrina relocation situation, simultaneously. First, we offer instant citizenship to 500,000 illegal immigrants that will step up, be identified, registered and agree to teach the Katrina victims how to find shelter and jobs, because the illegal immigrants have managed that without the aid of FEMA or months of hotel services, and without the aid of public transportation to job fairs. Okay, I realize that doesn't completely solve the illegal immigration problem, but I'm not finished, yet . . . Reinact the Homestead Act in New Orleans. Illegal immigrants that will agree to live, rebuild, and maintain the abandoned properties will receive guest worker status and in five years receive both citizenship and property ownership. Then we take it nationwide. Every town has their undesirable abandoned properties and I am not suggesting for a moment that the illegal immigrants should be second class citizens, but as it stands right now, they aren't citizens at all, so let them have the property to make improvements and provide them a place to live and get the properties back on the tax role, with an outlined timeframe and agreement.
Next . . .
We begin a citizenship lottery. That's right, it's simple, and it's not just for participation by the illegal immigrants. It's also for their employers, that are managing to save several dollars in withholding and other benefits. This is a wonderful opportunity for them invest in their employees. And as we have already discovered with lottery and casinos, it is the perfect way to address the added financial pressure that will be facing the education system.
Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might.

Coincidence

This is still pertaining to the subject of the last blog, because I am shocked at the coincidental events that have accompanied this trial and I am truly horrified as to where this might lead. First, let me say, I am in no way defending Zacarias Moussaoui, he very clearly stated how he feels about the United States. So, other than the fact, he just happens to be the one on trial, and by that I am acknowledging the large number of people that are not fans of the American way of life, and happen to have access into our country. I have other issues with this situation. I still have a problem with the fact that he had already been arrested nearly a month before 9/11. There were supposedly many threats through the past several years that apparently came to nothing. After 9/11, there have been scores of new laws and departments and committees made and organized. Are there really a large number of policy making Americans that would have enacted all these new measures based upon the word of one lone al Qaida reject, and accomplished it in less than a month, in our government? But, we must still now face, we, America; are seeking the death of someone that hates us, but has technically done nothing. As a matter of fact, that is the charge, he did nothing, when he now claims to have known about it. Now the next thing that concerns me is about this is the "would be" fifth plane. I thought everyone was all up in arms and all ready to declare war because the fourth plan that crashed in Pennsylvania was supposed to be headed for the White House. If he was supposed to be on a fifth plane, what happened to the other four terrorists that would have been "required?" And if he was just then, in August, a student in flight school, he would be ready by September 11th? I'm having difficulty, here. This is scary, because he is a scary individual with what appears to be a great deal of hate and very little stability, but it is also scary, because so far that is exactly all that has been proven about this individual. Now, on to my next concern. If he does get the death penalty, who and how many are going to consider him a martyr or a death that requires vindication? Not that I am suggesting we should be afraid, I've been against the fear propaganda all along, but if we execute someone for a death or 3000 deaths that occurred when this person was already detained, aren't we headed for a slippery slope? Remember, we weren't at war, when he was arrested. Are we really ready, as a nation; to exact capital punishment for thoughts? I believe this man is a danger to our society, but I think the timing is playing on emotions and fear and interesting political headlines. What do we do with this man? I don't have any idea, but since the charge started with an immigration problem and has escalated, we need to realize this has international consequences. I found it sad that the 9/11 emergency tapes were released to the survivors the same day the jury went to deliberation to determine his elegibility for the death sentence. And, I find it very sad, but familiar that the tapes have blank spots as to what the people are really saying. Wow! Blank spots in tape recordings, who would have ever thought of such a thing? So the survivors have new salt in this really not so healed wound and many of them will be able to make peace and find closure if there is another death? I just don't what to say to that, but it saddens me greatly. There is no way the death of a hateful man will bring back any of the people that died that day. Will there truly ever be closure to this matter?
Search me, O G~d, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:

The Big Trial

It's really almost scary to blog about this subject, so here I go. It's about the trial of Zacarias Moussaoui and other things. I was shocked this morning when I discovered the date of his arrest. He's the man that is on trial, the only one ever to be tried for the attack of 9/11. He was arrested the 16th of August 2001. I'm not for a moment suggesting, he's not a dangerous character, but how can he be on trial for something that had not occurred before he was arrested? I think this is what is so scary about all of this. We are so bent upon exacting vengeance for something that happened, the actual reality and chronology is irrelevant. I find it ironic that while the trial of Moussaoui is underway, our legislators are debating new immigration laws, because you see, the original reason Moussauoi was arrested and detained was due to a concern regarding immigration. How is it, with millions of people unaccounted for, we can be so sure that a guest work status will not result in granting guest status to those that have ideas other than work? I remember the morning of 9/11, vividly and I remember the weeks that followed. I remember that we declared war on Afghanistan because of the Taliban that harboured Bin Laden. Then I remember, we went to war in Iraq, because there was a determination to go to war in Iraq, the reasons would be varying and forthcoming after the fact. And we sit here under the statement, "if you're not for us, you're against us." It is so polarized, yet without direction. And right before I began this blog, I read the headline that President Bush says Saddam Hussein is responsible for the insurgents in Iraq three years after Hussein was removed. Where is the order? What is the order? I made a casual remark in reference to Lee Harvey Oswald and the fact that at least they waited until after the President was shot to arrest him. Our governing plan seems a bit like the "magic bullet theory" inverted and mushroomed. There are so many things going on and nothing is getting accomplished; with the exception that we are continuously being told how much we don't know is getting done. That, I do believe. I am quite sure that I have no idea how much is going on, but will be told or realize long after the fact.

How do ye say, We are wise, and the law of the LORD is with us? Lo, certainly in vain made he it; the pen of the scribes is in vain.The wise men are ashamed, they are dismayed and taken: lo, they have rejected the word of the LORD; and what wisdom is in them?

Couldn't You Just Hug The President?????

I don't usually have a great deal of enthusiasm for what our President is doing, but this is truly "blog-worthy." When I mention something here in a negative context, then hear something positive about the situation, I must mention it also. I awoke this morning to the news that the convert in Afghanistan may not be facing the death penalty after all. There is a way "around" this charge. It would seem our president's mental health initiative was included in the democracy we exported to Afghanistan. Good news?!? This gentleman that converted over 16 years ago may be found incompetent to stand trial. Afghanistan has embraced the methods of America in dealing with someone that really believes the Bible and is willing to live and die by their beliefs. Now, you may scoff, and say what do you mean, American methods. I know first hand of more than one situation in this country in which a person has been held against their will for "observation" and considered a possible danger to themselves, due to their religious beliefs in the Bible. I know for a fact, someone that believes G~d heals without doctors is termed "grandiose." I have also heard many accounts of similar situations, by what I would consider reliable sources, but then, I believe the Bible, so I would fall in the category of "questionable" under the mental health initiative that was an Executive Order in, I believe April of 2002. That's right, while we were still in shock and the trauma of 9/11, our president signed this Executive Order. And if you think warning your family about this will help, let me tell you, just as this man in Afghanistan may discover, the Americans that called their families, only found themselves to be even more outnumbered. But, this brave soul in Afghanistan that believes his Bible and trusts G~d may actually be blessed by America's mental health initiative, and for that I applaud our president.
Yes, and all whose purpose is to be living in the knowledge of G~d in Messiah Y'shuah, will be cruelly attacked. II Timothy 3:12

I Just Don't Understand It, Yet

I read something horrifying, yesterday, and I read something confusing today and I've been reading about something that just defies logic and they all three relate to the progress of America's war on terror. I read about a man in Afghanistan that is on trial for converting from Islam to Christianity, and the sentence could be death. Now, I realize some countries take their religious beliefs much more seriously than America, but the mind-boggler in this, is the man converted sixteen years ago. Did he think freedom of speech and freedom of religion came with the democracy America was supposed to be bringing? I just mentioned a couple of weeks ago in a blog, wondering the outcome of elections in Afghanistan; I guess, now I know. Are Americans fighting and dying and paying for this sort of thing? What is really going on here? I realize the Taliban was supposed to be the reason we went, but I have been reading that a spokesman for the disbanned Taliban is now attending Yale??? And he certainly doesn't meet the academic standard nor the social status that Yale requires out of American students. So, this is our progress report of a few things that pertain to democracy in Afghanistan. Now, on to our next endeavor, Iraq. Turns out the Mission isn't quite Accomplished, but just a few more years. Here's the deal . . . we can't leave Iraq with no government, because al-Qaida will move in and set up terrorist cells. Maybe that's what Saddam Hussein already knew. I am certainly not saying that I agree with Saddam Hussein, nor do I justify his methods of authority, but, now that America has been there and taken him down, we can't calm it down either. The civillian death toll is horrendous according to American statistics and we've lost over 2,000 soldiers since the Mission was supposedly Accomplished. And it's not just the Sunnis and Shiites, like it was in the eighties. Now we have to worry about al-Qaida, because the whole world knows al-Qaida is against the USA and the USA is in Iraq. So, how is the war or terror progressing? Oh, that's right, there hasn't been another 9/11. Well there wasn't a 9/11 ever, before 2001 and we weren't in perpetual war. Rather than repeat and repeat and repeat the same questions and the same mantra. What if we really looked at this situation and determined that what we need is a plan?

For which of you, desiring to put up a tower, does not first give much thought to the price, if he will have enough to make it complete? For fear that if he makes a start and is not able to go on with it to the end, all who see it will be laughing at him, And saying, This man made a start at building and is not able to make it complete.Or what king, going to war with another king, will not first take thought if he will be strong enough . . . Luke 14:28-31a

Pre-Emptive Strike or Turn the Other Cheek?

I heard this morning that our leader has the legal right to declare war on anyone that scares him. Now, of course, this is not a direct quote, but the meaning was clear. The political voice of America really does proclaim the right and the duty to keep the world in line, according to the political voice in America. That is the standard. Now, I don't know how all this has come about, suddenly; it probably hasn't . . . it's just needed in the forefront right now, since approval ratings are so very low. As a minister that also happens to be human, I have great difficulty concealing my utter disdain as the religious right blathers about their godly leaders. I thought it was Islam extremists that declared war on anyone and everyone as they saw fit or unfit and disagreeable. How did a Christian nation get to be so war-mongering, and how did so many Christians get so excited about bloodshed? I guess if you can pay $5.00 or more to watch a simulation of the Crucifixion; blood, violence, and death just aren't a problem. Actually, I got "just pretty creeped out" by anyone that could go and watch that. I realize my beliefs really don't match theirs, and I am truly not interested in theirs, at all; and here they are running the country I live in. Since, I am painfully aware that most people living in this Christian nation don't know what the Bible has to say about judgment and death, I will share with you now. First there are several Scriptural passages that clearly state G~d will protect His people from their enemies, but will use their enemies to bring calamity when they dishonor Him. So, this terrorist attack . . . is America not G~d's people, or have we dishonored Him? or both? And, before the heathen get blamed, there is a Scripture that says G~d's people do not pay for the sins of the heathens, His Son did that. Back to the results of the 2004 election, and the fear factor, and political capital. I have heard so many people say they voted for a godly candidate. And I cannot argue that, Scripture says, people bow down to many gods. I do know, the Son of the G~d I serve, told His followers to turn the other cheek. So, it's not a matter of someone being godly or not, it's just a matter of recognizing the difference between the gods and G~d.
And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

What if People Actually Lived by The Standard They Talk About?

It's been awhile since I've posted. And, like every American, I have a good reason. Well, maybe it's not such a good reason, but it is my reason and it has worked for two weeks now. But, I'm back on track, again . . . I've been listening and reading to a variety of comments on a variety of topics, yet there appears to be a theme. People have opinions and standards, yet if it comes to discomfort or inconvenience for their beliefs, they find a way to justify and rationalize. Oh, it's everywhere, but rather than get personal, I do my best to comment on the socially recognized taboos. Let's talk about politics and religion and the standards set forth by the so-called conservatives. First, did you know that Social Security was never designed to be received by the one paying in? It was established to be more of a financial exchange system. Through the industrial revolution and farm failure, there were an average of 12-15 workers for every one person collecting, and only those that were in need were collecting. Then, came the "m" generation, who determined that they were paying in for their own retirement. I call it the "m" generation, because they have been instrumental in leading the nation toward materialism and taking care of themselves - "me." President Roosevelt was now dead and President Eisenhower was the leader of our nation as materialistism boomed. Then, this same generation swallowed the story of the century about President Kennedy's death and watched the next president give America, medicare. Now, you would think as everyone discusses our founding fathers and their magnificent convictions, someone would be questioning by now, the price for living in America. Oh, that's right, the price is never too high, if someone else is paying. Why would such staunch conservatives as we have now, all over this nation, be settling and accepting the "socialism" introduced by democrats, years ago? And what about evangelicals and the religious right? Do they believe G~d provides or does the government? And, for those that are thinking G~d uses the government, then my question would be: Then why is there a deficit? Do they really believe G~d operates in debt? Not according to the mega-church! And why would a nation that trusts G~d need medicare? Why would a nation that trusts G~d, live in so much fear of flu and war and weather, etc.? What if just half the people that are wanting to make the rules actually lived by the ones they say they believe? What if, the Christian leaders of our country actually lived by Scripture? What if American Christianity was actually based on the Bible? What if the people doing the talking were actually living by what they claimed to believe?
For the kingdom of G~d is not in word, but in power.

Giving Up Whine for Lent

Did you notice the change in the news reports concerning New Orleans the last four days of February? Well, I certainly did. Once the last four days of Mardi Gras were under way, the reports were just one good time after another. I particularly loved getting to read how those in attendance "needed the release." Well, and so did the rest of the country. It was really nice to not hear the griping about how much more was needed, at least for a few days. I read that 80% of New Orleans is not back up and running, but 2/3 of the federal relief funding is already gone. I also got to hear the official declaration that Tuesday, all work and productivity was prohibitied and revelry would reign. Well, wouldn't it be nice for those of us who are funding this "right to revel" to the tune of $3 billion in our hard earned tax dollars to at least have gotten to keep all of our wages for that same day. Let everyone enjoy Fat Tuesday in their own way. Those that went to work, keep all they made that day, and those that want to revel, fund it yourself! But, somehow the real meaning of what Fat Tuesday is supposed to be about, seemed to be even more lost than usual. It is supposed to be leading up to the observance of Lent. So, now that the party is over, and the attendees have "given up" something they don't like or want anyway; you know, there are people who live through horrendous disasters, all alone, and don't get any funding, national support or anything else. They just have to keep on trudging and survive to the best of their ability. There are people who do not have thousands of others that can relate to their tragedy, nor have millions of people sending them help. We sent a financial gift toward hurricane aid in Biloxi, and we got a precious letter of appreciation, not a demand for more! or a question of what took us so long? Now, I am not Catholic, nor do I reside in the Big Easy, but I do have a couple of thoughts on this topic. Why couldn't the town have given up Mardi Gras for Lent? And since they didn't, could they at least give up whining for Lent?
Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.