Staying the Course - Appeasing Aggressive Americans?

I was amazed when I read what made it through the House and Senate, this week. I thought, with mid-term elections just around the corner: political suicide. As I've read the reports, I just really don't understand. Last week, I gave the President credit for being smarter than we have considered him, but how dumb does Capitol Hill think the voters are? Or, is this the party strategy to appeal to the raw aggression of the American people? How did we get so barbaric? I thought the number of the one bill was interesting: 6166, now it's just figuring out who really is #1 in this scenario.

Both of these pieces of legislation have been in the news from the judicial branch of our government. Anybody remember the judicial branch? The Supreme Court said tribunals were out and interrogations had to comply with humanitarian laws. The Senate and Congress said the President can decide.

Warrantless wiretapping was determined to be unconstitutional. The Senate and Congress said the President can do what he wants.

If the Representatives really think more aggressive measures will win their election, what kind of people do they represent? Just who do our representatives think they are representing? And I noticed the interesting term; rebellious, was used as an adjective for the Republicans that were attempting to stand up to the present administration and disagree with his ideology. I have to watch my terms now, since the word "hostilities" is used in a very vague and generalized fashion, in the new bill addressing what is not torture. With this vast ambiguity also comes the good news that the interpretation of definition is left entirely to the discretion of the President. I personally think it's heading toward stomping all over free speech, but I could be wrong, maybe it's simply going to obliterate it, entirely. So many of our freedoms seem to simply be "marked for deletion." And these people that just agreed to this think the American public wants four more years of their representation?

I've been kind of chuckling at the religious right for some time now, but it's gotten so far out of hand that without a score card, I can't tell what is the "high road" and what is "jihad." But back to my observation. They continue to shout and whine about persecution, while they are the ones that back the party that is making more laws against any kind of expression. So aren't they really setting themselves up to be persecuted? If you do that, is it really persecution at all? I'm really very tired of their hateful whining. They haven't minded keeping their religion to themselves to make their paychecks. As a matter of fact, work was never a religious issue until they had to go to classes to be nice to people that didn't have their beliefs. Hmmm.

So since it all defies logic, this has me wondering what the real plan is . . . I mean somewhere is there some political strategist telling these desperate politicians, "Don't worry boys, this is going to work." Why was disagreeing with the present "stay the course" administration called rebellious? Why does the present administration keep saying "stay the course" while they continue to change and reinterpret the guidelines? And I guess my biggest concern is the voter. Are Americans really aggressive enough to want more years under these legislators and more of these laws? How much legislation for law abiding citizens is needed? How many laws will it actually take to stop those that have no regard of the law and do not live under all these laws that are being passed? Does any republican realize, only American citizens have to live under the authority of the totalitarian privilege that has been grant by the Senate and House? Are there enough Americans to actually carry the majority in continuing this annihilation of our Bill of Rights? I guess the first Tuesday in November we'll find out just how many Americans are still wanting to stay this ever changing course?

go not up, for YHVH is not in your midst, and ye are not smitten before your enemies; Holy Bible

He's Smarter Than He Gets Credit For

You know, I think our President is a pretty smart man. I'm not saying I agree with him, but intelligence and agreement are often apples and oranges, even though his loyal followers would disagree with me. And if he isn't making all these decisions and they aren't his ideas, he has the intelligence to be listening to the ones that are thinking this stuff up. Let's consider some of his major decisions, of late. First, he managed to talk big and bluster about being an ally to everyone and all about anti-terrorism without ever getting personally involved in Israel and Lebanon. It's like he's everybody's friend, well everybody that owns oil! After the last five years, I really don't know how he pulled it off, but he did. Now, don't you wish we had elections every November to keep these gas prices in check. I did a bit of research and discovered that the oil prices last year were not as high as this year, yet gasoline was astronomical last fall. This year, however; people need to be able to afford to drive to those voting precincts. And speaking of voting precincts, I have read and heard about the photo ID required for voters. Now, I really don't see how this is addressing the illegal alien situation, but it certainly does connect a driver's license with most voters and we know most people that have a driver's license buy gasoline. See, there is a streak of brilliance running through these seemingly disconnected circumstances. I must address the comment that Hugo Chavez made the other day. I don't believe our President is the devil. He's not popular enough to be the anti-Christ. I personally believe he is a son that is doing the will of his father. The Middle East is in an absolute uproar and the foundation for the new world order is taking shape.

I always share a passage of Scripture at the end of my blogs and today it is a line of a prayer from one of the Psalms. I guess it is up to each of us and the world leaders to determine between themselves and their Creator, just which side of this prayer, they stand.

Deliver me, O YHVH, from the evil man: preserve me from the violent man; Which imagine mischiefs in their heart; continually are they gathered together for war.

Ok, what were we doing?

As always, I'm trying to keep up with the news, just as fast as they spin it out. What happened to the news? Of course, it's fall of 2006, midterm elections just around the corner and you can just smell it in the air, can't you? Every time the wind shifts on Capitol Hill, there is another issue thrown at Congress and another issue tabled or shelved. These poor politicians, every one of them, just have no idea what the public will vote for or against, so what's a poor politician to do these days?

I did want to mention all those that are still grieving over 9/11, I am truly sorry for your loss and the ongoing reminder of the pain you feel. For those of us that have had more private losses, the pain does begin to subside with time, but for this politically charged event, the reminders are so brutal.

I remember when I heard the Taliban had been eradicated, and now I'm hearing they are back and doing more damage to American troops than when they were in power. Saddam Hussein continues to be on trial for old leadership decisions. Be they good or bad, doesn't every country live with their leader's decisions for years to come? Why was his government considered an ally when all this was going on? Wouldn't we like to ask our leaders at the time what they were thinking, by having such an ally? We still can't find Bin Laden, but he keeps in touch. What kind of nonsense is this? I've read more internet forwards about Clinton's responsibility for Bin Laden being loose, but no one has produced videos from that time frame. How is it that we can get mail from him, and his henchmen, but have no idea where it comes from? Please, with all our technology to trace everything imaginable, we can't trace a video? I'm not buying it. Now, what's all this about the recovery of Wall Street? Where? My portfolio isn't worth what it was four or five years ago. And with big layoffs like Ford and huge losses from airlines and the other auto manufacturers, how would the stock remain valuable?

In an economy that is based upon perpetual motion, a connection is still required. In a war on terror, so called elusive preventions just really aren't very convincing. But I would have to say, the place that I just completely lose all line of logic would be "staying the course" when it isn't working and we have lost sight of what we were doing . . .

Where there is no vision, the people perish . . .

Remember the HulaHoop? - it's all in the timing of the SPIN

As you are aware, I don't usually agree with our President on issues of national security. It's not that I'm trying to be disagreeable, it's just that fear is his best tactic and fear is against my religion. So, while we still have freedom of religious expression and free speech, I'm blogging. I cannot hold it against him, to use what works, I mean that is basic Politics 101. If the people respond "positively," do it or at least promise to do it! His consituents like to fear, they equate it with "cautious wisdom," and they like to incite fear. Look at this for a moment. He has obtained and maintained the loyalty of many doctors, nurses, preachers, and members of the religious right. And they all have their control issues and warnings of fear. I can't listen to the radio for more than 15 minutes without some advertisement about some scary illness that you should be checked for. Fear, plain and simple. If people weren't fearful, doctors really couldn't make a living. Back when they just sewed up limbs from accidents and delivered babies at home, they lived like the rest of the people. It was preventitive screening that really boosted the lifestyle of the doctors. Preventitive Screening / Pre-emptive Strikes, all to avoidwhat might happen . . . Now, nurses are a different matter all together. Most of them are nurses because they didn't become something else, or they wanted to make money in mid-life. How's that for the foundational thinking for a compassionate caregiver? Actually, it was a position and title that didn't really require a degree, so . . . Ah, but the money and the control and the insider status with the gods of our society just drive them to come in to someone's room and comfort with fear.
And have you ever heard a preacher or the religious right open their mouths without mentioning hell, the devil, and the arch enemies of our Christian nation? I've actually seen the scripts they give their young people to teach them so they include those fearful words of condescension in their delivery of "good news."
And these are the constituents that must be continuously mentally massaged, and our present administration can do it!
I read the comment from his interview about the toughest part of his job. That is connecting the war on terror to Iraq. Know why that is the toughest part of his job? Because the only people that buy that story are the ones that fit into the above mentioned groups. The rest of us watched Saturday night live when Dana Carvey was imitating Bush 41 and doing the church lady. Did you know "stay the course" is a traditional family mantra? We know about these fear tactics. He's working on getting Congress to pass laws regarding fear tactics with detainees that the Supreme Court can't touch or undo. He knows what works, and speaking of Congress, he knows he's got to rally the voters back to their fear and idolatry to keep the Congress that they've all been complaining about for the past four years. But, in the words of the faithful followers, "it could be so much worse."
One last bit of perfect SPIN timing is 9/11, just 6 weeks before elections. There is now the preview of the new Manhattan skyline and the movie and a TV mini-series. A centrifugal force, however; is required to maintain SPIN, wich brings me to my final point. Former President Clinton has made the news regarding the TV mini-series, asking the network to be truthful. Now is that a hoot or what? The man that had to debate the meaning of "is" wants someone else to just tell the truth. Our politicians are just priceless, well I suppose the lobbyists could shed some light on that statement, but you know what I mean. The timing, it's all in the timing. And just like the hula-hoop, the timing of the spin determines the durration and maintains the circular motion. Because without spin, it simply and quickly falls.
And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

Are Statistics Like Comparing Apples to Oranges?

I heard this morning that the unemployment statistics are in; and the percentage of unemployment is down. Well, let me tell you what I can plainly see around me. I'm guessing if you figured the percentage of accurately compared issues when compiling statistics, we'd need an entirely new criteria for which to figure. We might even have to discover a different word for the procedure. Just what would be the statistics for accurately compared issues? I am not going to present a national database here, just my little circle of awareness. I happen to be aware of a number of men and women that simply are not in the statistics and are not employed in the regular sense of the word. Many are simply not working. I know men that have taken early retirement, due to the downsizing of companies and the outsourcing of jobs. They are not counted in the unemployment statistics. I know men that just simply won't work and they are not considered in the unemployment statistics. I know men and woman that can do everything but; go to work and they are on disability. They also are not included in the unemployment statistics. I am aware of men that have had their own businesses and due to the questionable economy, have simply had to close or go out of business, and sadly they are not included in these figures called unemployment statistics. While I heard this morning of the 118,000 new jobs last month, I didn't hear a word about the Big 3 and their plant closings and layoffs. They didn't repeat the story about Radio Shack's e-pink slips. And there is simply no longer mention of all the young people that are just too busy with the game boys to ever enter the work force, or even want a driver's license. I think the saddest information missing in the unemployment statistics are the number of men and women that have simply exhausted their unemployment insurance without finding employment. They are just no longer part of the statistics. And then there are those that have changed careers. It breaks my heart to hear men talk about their old factory days and their "building a new factory" hopes, while they fill serving dishes and bus tables at the "all you can eat" buffets.
there is wrong on wrong, deceit upon deceit . . .

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.