Are We Watching the Fulfillment of Prophecy???

I have read about something today in three different places, but all on the internet, so . . . I'm ready to discuss the matter. Remember after the 2004 elections, over half of the Cabinet resigned? I found that rather interesting, considering the loyalty that was exhibited and the closeness in ideology that they all seemed to share, but one particular resignation caught my attention very quickly, due to something that had been mentioned by our President in one of the debates before the election. I remember it was in October of 2004, when he announced he had just signed the approval for the FDA's approval for the use of ID chips in people. He gave us the usual song and dance about how this would increase efficiency and you know, "keep us safe." (I just wish I could type a drumroll.) This would make it possible for doctors to have electronic records, rather than all those papers that can get lost and not read properly, and if you came into the ER unconscious, they could just scan your hand and have your history. I've warned for years that the revered sorcerers of our country would introduce the mark of the beast for our safety and convenience, and then our leader announced his approval for their intentions. What electronic records are truly going to afford us, is no papertrail to prove error, but who needs to cover that with all the doctors in politics, now and tort reform. Well, at least with doctors in politics, they have less time to inflict their ungodly practice on frightened sick people. Actually, this is a different soapbox, than I thought I was climbing on today, so I'll get back to my first point. One of the Cabinet members that resigned was Tommy Thompson from the Dept. of Health and Human Services, and he has this really interesting association with none other than the company that is producing these ID chips. Isn't that a convenient coincidence? And now, that there is a war, that nobody can get out of, VeriChip has approached the Pentagon about replacing dog tags with ID Chips? Up front and right off the bat, they are saying the soldiers would have a choice, . . . just like I have a choice to keep my shoes on at the airport? What happens if this takes place? Will this eventually become an order? Will this be explained by the recruiter? Once this is part of being in the military, how long before the rest of us will be faced with this enforced safety? I've been utterly shocked and saddened at the absolute faithfulness and trust of the people listening to and supporting all this nonsense. I am so very glad, that come judgment day, I will not have to give an account for having voted for this. And make no mistake, it was announced before the election. He announced it himself in a debate. So considering the religious base of the right wing, has the falling away begun?
Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first,

Fear and Frugality do not make Friendly Skies

I heard an interview in a news item this morning that I just cannot get off of my mind. And it is particularly frustrating, because I, of course, didn't get all the details. I listened as a woman complained of receiving some sort of booklet containing ideas for living frugally, that accompanied either a notice of layoff or a concession offer from one of the airlines. I did a Google search and it would seem most all of the airlines are having problems, bankruptcies, layoffs, and concession negotiations, so I still don't have specific information, but I do remember what caught my attention. This employee was complaining because the booklet that accompanied her notice was demeaning and condescending in her opinion. There were such outlandish suggestions as "growing one's own vegetables, cutting your kids' hair yourself, and making your own babyfood." As someone that has done all three of those things and still has a garden, I found her comments to be rather condescending. Did the airlines really think we passengers would want to keep putting up with their nonsense? I did some post 9/11 traveling and although the security measures were somewhat beyond just a bit of an inconvenience, it was the attitute that I really didn't appreciate. I found the attitude of airport security and various employees of the airlines to be very condescending and demeaning and actually down right rude. My husband and I decided it just wasn't worth spending our hard earned money to subject ourselves to being treated like criminals when we traveled to our nation's capitol in 2002. So we took one last great trip abroad in 2004 and put away our passports. As a matter of fact, I am raising my own vegetables and cutting my husband's hair and making yummy organic food for grandchildren, now, and I have no intentions of subjecting myself to the demeaning and condescending treatment afforded me by our airlines. I got the impression this morning that some airline employees are absolutely disgusted by the way the airlines think they can treat people. It sounds as if the airlines have begun to treat their employees like their customers.
Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them:

Dear Mr. President and Mr. Prime Minister

Please forgive me, if I was supposed to reverse the titles. I really don't know the global protocol, but since I am an American citizen I thought I better list the President first. There's probably some law about it, and I just don't want to take any chances. I have to tell the two of you, the world audience isn't very impressed. You both wield a great deal of authority when making statements, yet when it comes right down to it, it seems to be just alot of bluster.
Mr. Bush, you have said repeatedly that any nation that harbors and protects terrorists are on your list, and you have shared your list of terrorists. So when you have identified Hizbollah as a terrorist group, and claim Israel to be an ally, what happened to that "for us or against us, business?" Are you aware of the message that is actually being sent, when the "conflict" has gone on this long? So is Hizbollah no longer on your list, are they comparing notes with bin Laden, who is also free? Why does Lebanon have them in their government, and now Hamas, also one of the groups you have identified; is the Palestinian government. And you do realize there were no Iraqi passports in the 9/11 terrorists, don't you? I am very aware that your followers are either unaware or unconcerned about these few facts, the powerful speeches just continue to inspire them. So have the terrorists outsmarted you by participating in democracy, or are you allowing our ally, Israel; to be surrounded for some other reason?
Mr. Olmert, I thought you weren't negotiating with terrorists. Are you doing the dirty work for the United States? This ongoing conflict that now is going to be managed by the UN, really doesn't look like anything but another concession out of Israel. Have you checked the history? If cease-fires worked, would you still have to be giving land away and dodging rockets and missiles? And just how many cease-fires need to be arbitrated before one really stands? How many agreements has your government entered and signed in the past 50+ years. Where are your allies, have you wondered that lately?
Oh, and let me give you a little bit of advice, that you probably haven't heard about dealing with that ugly accusation called occupation. Let me tell you how it's done. This method has been working for a number of years. Section off a parcel of land and build centers, it doesn't matter what kind of centers, just where they can get food and medicine and build them some modest homes, send them small monthly checks, just a modicum, which is less than you are donating to them now. Then let them build casinos and sell cigarettes without charging tax. It has worked really well in the US. Our people that live on these reservations never refer to their situation as an occupation.
Perhaps you'd both like to reconsider your strategies, as you both claim to be leaders of sovereign nations that acknowledge the One true G~d. Because according to His Word, if you were doing things His way, you'd be succeeding . . .
What shall we then say to these things? If G~d be for us, who can be against us?

Moving On and Looking Up

It's Friday again, but things are so different this time. Have you ever heard of someone saying they opened the Bible and received revelation or instruction or peace or whatever they were needing at the time, there it was, just right on the page that fell open? Well, as I have attempted to sort out all of this political mayhem and religious extremism, I've spent a great deal of time in prayer and in my Bible. I've prayed for our country for years, but as I read bumper stickers about abortion and gun control and NRA and choice and the little colorful magnets that address everything from our troops to breast cancer, I began to realize, as a nation, we just aren't interested in G~d's solutions, we have our own. And so I began to pray about how to get G~d's solution into general society, and my Bible literally fell open to this passage: Therefore pray not thou for this people, neither lift up cry nor prayer for them, neither make intercession to Me: for I will not hear thee. Jeremiah 7:16. For the past twelve years, I've preached repentance, challenged our politics, questioned our position in global events, and then G~d tells me this! But He did tell me I could pray for individuals, but there would be no repentance as a nation. And we as a nation are way off base.
I've been reading the book of Ezekiel this month and it's amazing how many of the prophesies from this book are in the news now. It's really an interesting read, not lengthy, I recommend it highly.
So, now with a blogger in federal prison, a conflict in the Middle East and Israel's only ally unable or unwilling to actually assist in the battle, the US media covering the death toll in Lebanon repeatedly for the past 3 weeks, whereas the last 5 years of bus bombings and suicide bombers in restaurants in various places over the entire land of Israel were barely newsworthy, Iraq is Viet Nam all over again, and the air war in Afghanistan that supposedly eradicated the Taliban is now in it's fifth year and on the ground; where is the reason? So for those of you that believe we are on the right course and need to stay that course while continuing to claim "oh, but it could be so much worse," well it soon will be. But to the individuals that know the difference between G~d and country . . . when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh. Luke 21:28

Wake Up, the American Dream Died!

As I watch current events unfold, I am surprised, at just how much sense the nonsense is beginning to make. Not that nonsense is ever a good plan, but the progression is becoming so clear. I’ve also noticed that all the great leaders and thinkers that have gotten us into this, never have to live out the end results. And I just don’t want to leave a mess to our grandkids and have them say the things I’ve said about the mess my generation inherited. Now, to question our future I'm going back in time. Back to a time, when a proud Indian father looked at his son and pointed toward the horizon and said, “This is for your existence. You can hunt, you can plant, you can cut trees for fire, but . . . Don’t kill what you won’t eat, don’t plant what you won’t harvest, and don’t take what you don’t need. Take care of this land and you will be sustained. You cannot own it, it doesn’t belong to man, but you can make an existence and care for a family from it’s resources.” Then to a time when a proud father of European descent told his young son, “Son, this is the new world, men have died to forge out a place in this wilderness and now it belongs to you. As far as the eye can see, is yours.” Then a little later a young woman to her parent or her husband, “I don’t want the kind of life my mother had, I’m going to town. There is a whole new life in the city that simply isn’t possible, here.” And it was at that place in time that future goals and growth gave way to instant gratification; and leaving a legacy gave way to materialism and self. It was in this time frame that the American culture absolutely repeated the Garden of Eden, with man following woman's lead. This loss to the individual male, however; rebuilt the banks and revitalized the stock market. Since the American Dream had been held in the heart of man and handed down from father to son, it simply and quietly died. It was through this time that the difference came about between productive work that earned a wage or could be sold for a sum, to a time in which productivity is irrelevant and we are now paid for our time, but sadly the result has changed everything. A man no longer works for G~d or to feed his family, he works for money. And women are no longer homemakers, they also must earn a wage, or at least that’s their legacy and they believe it. Man and money have exchanged places. Money used to be a simple way to negotiate a business transaction. It was more universal than beads and easier to carry in your pocket than say milk or eggs. And of course, much easier to tax. So, how is it that now we have people working and SS withheld, while they must contribute to a pension plan or 401K while looking for investment opportunities. Rather than money being a tool for man to negotiate, trade and effectively network amongst themselves in a community, it has become every man for himself and the money is over man?
No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve G~d and money.

To Whom it May Concern

It has come to our attention that a problem exists beyond the scope of those making decisions and those making commentary, therefore I have decided to also make commentary.
I've been wanting to write to so many leaders, as if they would actually listen to me. You'd think they would at least consider something beyond what they are already doing. Why keep doing the same thing and expecting different results? It's just one letter or e-mail to one individual won't cover it, so . . . To Whom it May Concern

Dear Mr. President: I realize you penned the Roadmap to Peace. May I please point out two things? One, the Middle East is in too much of an uproar of freedom and democracy to even get to the Roadmap. If there were a little arrow on the Roadmap to Peace saying "you are here . . . " oh, that's right, there's no need for that little arrow, no one is even on the map! And by the way, your country is pretty busy with Afghanistan, Iraq, North Korea, and Iran, and we're not really doing a whiz bang enough job to be telling everyone else how it's done.
Respectfully,

Dear Mr. Olmert: You are not Ariel Sharon and you are not supposed to be. Although Israel has enjoyed some marvelous victories out of overwhelming opposition, those days are history. Remember in the book of Numbers when the children of Israel didn't want to claim the land out of fear, well, giving it away for peace is really the same basic concept. It didn't work then, and it won't work, now. Were you absent the day they taught about "not making deals" with the people that live in the land, because there will be no end to that compromise? Well, there will never be enough concessions offered by Israel to appease those that do not want the existence of Israel.
Thank you for your time and attention in this matter.

Dear Arab Leaders; The land of Israel doesn't belong to you and they also have Abraham for a patriarch, as you are claiming in all of this. But I have to tell you something, it seems the only time you aren't fighting amongst yourselves is when you are ganging up on Israel. Ishmael is your patriarch and the angel of Adonai told his mother, you all would not work and play well with others. So we are all aware that you will not be satisfied until Israel gives up every square inch of the Holy Land. Say, if Egypt, Jordan, Saudi, Syria, and Lebanon are all so concerned for the Palestinian people, why weren't the Palestinians welcomed into these countries? Why couldn't they have the Sinai Peninsula or the Golan Heights? I've just been wondering about some of these things.
Thank you for your time and attention in this matter.

Dear Dr. Rice: Still no date, eh? Seriously, you can't go over there talking "long term and enduring peace." Your father was a minister, don't you remember what the Bible says is required to have peace in the Holy Land? The Messiah has the peace plan, and no one else. So, when he makes his trip to the Holy Land, then we're talking lasting peace. But that won't be until after the Big War, the real war to end all wars - Armageddon. Please keep in mind that humanity is laying the groundwork for that cataclysmic event. We do not want America to be one of the main contributing factors. Please take the time to get the view of a man of G~d before your trip.
In Messiah,
And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.

At the "Risk" of Sounding Apocalyptic without Apology

For years I wasted time in the "great debates" about why America wasn't mentioned in Scripture. I mean, really, "great G~dly nation that we are . . ." Well I've believed for some time now, that America is in fact portrayed in Scripture. As current events continue to unfold, it seems easier to recognize this country, we're just not the heroes that we see ourselves to be. Scripture mentions "peace and tranquility" before sudden destruction and we have had nothing but political marketing better known as "spin" tell us how we are winning the war on terror. Every time I turn around I hear "staying the course" as I hear a higher death toll and a new cell of insurgency or now even more terrorists groups and more attacks everywhere. I was wondering just how much more democracy must be spread around before our young men and women in the military even have a chance to take a breath that is not under fire. I checked out a site that lists the world's countries and the number of democracies that already exist and the number of constitutional republics and the number of parliamentary democracies and republics. In that search, I discovered something very interesting. When I was in high school and it's been awhile, I learned we were a Constitutional Republic. Well according to this site I visited;

http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/fields/2128.html

our status appears to have changed. I can't say whether it's an upgrade, but I do know, it isn't the same as I was taught. As war looms on every horizon and the weather gets more out of the ordinary, I'm telling you - Moshiach is on His way, and America isn't where she thinks or portrays herself to be.
For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places . . . Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.

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.