Death Panels . . . Really?

I've been thinking and griping about this health care reform bill. In some ways, I don't really see it so differently from Medicare and Medicaid. After all, both of those systems are socialized medicine and that seems to be reaching a number of people that wouldn't, otherwise; have health care. What seems to be upsetting everyone is the "counseling for end of life care" clause. I've thought about the phrase that has been coined: Death Panels and frankly I think, this is America, of course our government is going to eventually decide who lives and when we die. But meanwhile, I've thought of the perfect way to approach this situation. First, let's get the people that may be facing the end of life counseling session, right with G~D so they don't have to be afraid to die. Then when we as a nation are right with G~D, we can trust HIM in life and death, rather than other humans. Maybe the fact that somewhere deep in our souls we know our faith is in humanity, rather than G~D, which is good reason to be afraid to die. We could even opt out of the socialized medicine, if we choose to stand on faith and pay the 2.5% penalty, which is a very small price to pay to take a stand for our faith. As for the Death Panel. I think one simple question would help me, if down the road; I chose to trust TPTB rather than G~D. If someone looked at me and informed me that I had exceeded what I paid in, after 13 SS checks, and I had obviously already been on the dole for 5 years, and asked this, I think it would be simple. So, Mrs. Beisinger, your grandchildren have been financing your lifestyle for the last 5 years minus your 13 months you paid in. How much more of your grandchildren's wages would you like devoted to your lifestyle and fear?
A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children . . . a Proverb

H1N1 Vaccines

Maybe I'm becoming too cynical, but this headline just really caught my attention, and then when I got to read some of the comments and questions regarding the apparent decisions of Health and Human Services, I just really wanted to go on a tangent. But I thought better of that. No sense taking one comment out of hundreds and bantering about that endlessly. The world already has one Glenn Beck, and he's more than enough! Back to the H1N1, or swine flu vaccine. With all the animal rights groups, we no longer test pharmaceuticals on animals, no, this is being tested on children!!! And parents are signing the kids up for it. They trust the "scientific authorities." Well, I've noticed every generation since the advent of vaccines has developed some pretty serious auto immune and chronic illnesses. Of course the "scientific authorities" say there is no correlation to increased percentage, but I don't bow down in faith to the medical community and authority of scientific research. Then in the comments portion beneath the article, some person wrote in concerned that children and pregnant women would receive vaccinations before their 92 year old mother. I have the perfect idea. Since the American tradition has now become to take care of the old ones ahead of the children, since America's older generations have never had a chance in life . . . let's give all the adults who think they should be first, the chance to test these vaccines to see if they are safe for the children! Besides being greedy and materialistic, perhaps the problem with America, is our lack of concern for the children.
If I would make clear what it is like, I would say, You are false to the generation of your children. a Psalm of Holy Scripture

What No COLA?

In the midst of soaring unemployment statistics, home foreclosures, vehicle repossessions, middle income children having to brown bag it to school, and plummeting deflation, just why should there be an increased Cost of Living Allowance for Social Security recipients? I mean really? Our country has maxed out with the concept of being paid to not produce, as it is. Now there is a big brouhaha brewing over no raise for those that have "earned it" by staying alive another year. Why don't we simply admit that for the most part, a large percentage of Americans do define the Constitutional right in life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; as being paid to do nothing and produce nothing! Aren't raises usually performance based? It would appear we now have that a large percentage of Americans that believe they are doing such a great job at collecting for non-productivity, they deserve a raise! I read an article the other day that gave the figure that 50 million people in America are collecting Social Security or Disability. Clearly the recession cannot be nearing an end, if the percentage of the population with the most expendable financial resources do not get a raise.
. . . the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. the Gospel

Real Insight . . .

The Cash for Clunkers program is coming to an end, Monday. It's been so wildly popular that it is to be discontinued early for fear of lack of funding. Now the claim on this Cash for Clunkers deal is this. All dealers will be reimbursed once they "get the proper paperwork," one plant in Alabama called back 1,000 laid off workers, and GM and Chrysler, who couldn't keep their own business running have already offered advances to the dealerships that have not received the promised funding so far. To my best calculations, only about 15% of the first billion has been sent to the dealerships, the rest of the applications were either rejected or not yet processed, but according to White House sources, they will be. This Cash for Clunkers deal was supposed to be offered from July to November, but after the first week had to be subsidized by 200%. I've shared my thoughts about possible repercussions of this "offer" but last night I thought of something else. What if the proposed health care reform has the same results, once it's passed and signed? What if the funds run out before the sick people are well? From everything I've read about Massachusetts coverage, the wait for doctors is much longer than it was before Governor Mitt Romney signed it into law. And since the wait for doctors is longer, more people go to the ER, which where the costs are the most astronomical. According to what I've read, President Obama is merely trying to expand nationally what Governor Romney instituted in Massachusetts, and it's not working there. The doctor's schedules are too full and the funds are exhausted. If this health care reform is as well planned as the Cash for Clunkers program, we are looking at a very small window of opportunity for first come first serve!
Return, ye backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings. Behold, we come unto thee; for thou art YHVH our G~d. a Prophet of Holy Scripture

So Now What Gives?

I read that Congress has indeed allotted $2Billion more for the "Cash for Clunkers" deal, but I also read there has been a major glitch, and I'm thinking that so-called glitch is actually rather strategic. It seems only 2% of the "Cash for Clunkers" vouchers have been redeemed by the government, meaning 98% of the "Cash for Clunkers" deals have left the car dealerships in two binds. One, they aren't getting their money that has already been credited to the deal, and two, now they are stuck with vehicles that cannot be resold, but must be destroyed. Kind of makes me wonder if this is how several more dealerships will be closed. Not only has our government managed once again, to not keep up with it's word, it's given the go ahead to continue the "deals" and it's rejecting many of the dealership applications for small errors in completing the forms. Now, isn't that a surprise? I'm really beginning to wonder why any small or privately owned business even keeps trying. Perhaps these smaller or privately owned businesses stay simply because they can't afford to go overseas or outsource. It can't possibly still be, "in pursuit of the American dream." This situation kind of reminds me of when Pharaoh just kept demanding more product, but provided less to work with.
Go ye, get you straw where ye can find it: yet not ought of your work shall be diminished. Torah of Holy Scripture

To Eunice Kennedy Shriver

I couldn't help but realize a correlation in the passing of Eunice Kennedy Shriver, an obviously staunch life-long democrat and the very vocal and athletic female republican, Sarah Palin. The entire Kennedy family was noted for many things, but their athletic ability and interest was in the forefront almost as much as their politics. It was Eunice Kennedy Shriver that founded the Special Olympics. As I read the information surrounding her death, it was stated many times that the Special Olympics began in her backyard. Well, I'm sure being a Kennedy in the early 60's helped that noteworthy cause and endeavor, but she did it, none the less and she gave many children an opportunity to compete and shine that wouldn't have otherwise even been included in anything. Eunice Kennedy Shriver was an outspoken woman on many topics, just as Sarah Palin is, and I couldn't help but realize, Sarah Palin's special needs son, born into an outdoorsy athletic family will someday be able to compete in athletic events, thanks to the democrat, Eunice Kennedy Shriver.
I don't agree with either woman's extreme and for the most part opposing politics, but I can't help but notice, they certainly could have come to terms on this topic.
Her ways are ways of pleasantness . . . a Proverb of Holy Scripture

Assessing Priorities

In the past several days, I've had to address and assess priorities, and I simply couldn't be online, but I'm back . . .
I've decided both sides of the political aisle actually meet behind the scenes in darkness. We the people won't actually see it, but there is a "tossing" back and forth for effect which amounts to little more than hateful, hypnotic mantra for their faithful followers. It's clear that this health care reform is ultimately going to pass in some way, it's really only a matter of bringing the already socialized health systems of medicare and medicaid together and including a few more folks. It's sort of raising the limit of income and lowering the age requirement to participate. The illegals will still have their ER medical care and the taxpayers will simply pay more taxes. The fact that there are 1000 pages to this bill tells me two things. It was not all put together just since the end of January, and the arguing over the details is just theatre. TPTB, which include well beyond Washington, as in big money and high stakes, like the pharmaceutical companies, insurance, health care providers, etc. are also playing and have a claim in the process, as well. And we the people will ultimately have to go along with what is decided to keep our jobs. It's presented right now, that the employers will bear the burden and government will "assist." Right, any time the government is "going to help" there is going to be a problem! Ultimately, the small businesses will do the math and decide one of two things. Either it's just not worth the hassle to keep the doors open or it's worth the 6% penalty to just let the government offer the coverage. If they decide to shutter, we'll be faced with more unemployment, so more government dependency and finally, required government managed health care to collect unemployment or be gainfully employed. Health care is too big of an industry in this country, through need of services, stock investments, and employment. Health care affects most of America. Once the government manages to manage it, the government, which includes politicians from both sides of the aisle, will be able to affect most Americans.
And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of YHVH thy G~d, and wilt do that which is right in His sight, and wilt give ear to His commandments, and keep all His statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am YHVH that healeth thee.

Now That It's Government Motors

I understand the cash for clunker campaign is already running short of cash, with more clunkers to go. I'm rather surprised at the American public that doesn't mind tax dollars going on this project. And I'm really disappointed that the government couldn't have come up with this idea while General Motors and Chrysler were still afloat! Interesting idea now, don't you think? And why not have offered the stimulus money the same way they have the cash for clunkers? If TPTB are going to print money and legislate for our tax money to get thrown around, why not give it to the people? And what a lovely way to give the illusion that the economy is bouncing back? A surge of new car sales will look good in the data and stats for what a month or two? That's right, they had planned to go til November with this idea, then hoping the holiday sales rode them right on out the year. What a plan? But who is really going to come out on this deal. Ford has already advertised taking the cars back if you lose your job and what Chrysler dealers are left have new bosses, and GM is already government owned. So when the waive dies down, and the car payments are due, then what?
A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked. a Psalm of Holy Scripture

Correction on Yesterday's Blog

Although Michael Vick has been reinstated, he hasn't exactly been invited to a team, just yet. And so, he gets to join the practices and the offers may or may not come in from there. He's not yet 30, I'm guessing someone can find a way around someone else protesting. This is America, after all! We love our football and we certainly love our political feuding. Which leads me to the next political hot potato . . . Health Care. I find it fascinating that so many people are passing around the latest scare tactic via e-mail, when we've already been told Congress is going on vacation without passing the bill. And we already know it's President Obama's number one priority for Americans. So, the internet will be a buzz with everyone encouraging a.k.a. "trying to scare" their fellow citizens into voting differently in 2010 and 2012. Funny, I didn't get one single e-mail from these same people about how the USA Patriot Act was going to steal my freedom. When you think about it, if anyone does before they hit "Fw: Send;" the government doesn't protect my freedom, G~D does, and doctors don't heal, G~D does. So if it costs me 2% of my income to not be in the health care program and stand up for what I believe, so be it. The USA Patriot Act doesn't have any percentage allowed to opt out of that 1000 pages of craziness!
And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. New Testament

Reinstatement for Vick

I find this particular headline interesting. He was released from federal prison just last week and the NFL has already said he could be reinstated with provisions. I am just waiting for PETA to protest football, now, but that isn't the point of my blog. Michael Vick had a very lucrative career in the NFL and still felt the need to make money both illegally and cruelly. He went to federal prison, will be on parole for 3 years or something and he's already been basically welcomed back to his old job! I've counseled people for years that have small legal scrapes that can't find a job. Now that unemployment is at an all time high, he's got a job and many folks that have actually been showing up to work to take care of their job don't. I can't help but wonder what would have been different, if Michael Vick had been just some ordinary guy that got busted for dog fighting and cruelty to animals. First, I'm guessing he would have had a much longer sentence and a much later opportunity for parole. I'm also guessing when he did get out, he'd be pounding the pavement quite awhile looking for work. We've got a real double standard here in America when it comes to employment opportunity and the criminal justice system in general. Must be why so many lawmakers didn't feel the need to pay their taxes until being investigated for a higher office.
A false balance is abomination to YHVH . . . a Proverb of Holy Scripture

CARS

I did a bit of research on this cash for clunker program from our government. Seems anything that is less than 25 years old and been legally on the road the past year sucking gasoline to the tune of less than 18 miles per gallon meets the criteria. I couldn't help but wonder about something else. Now that vehicles will not start without their computerized or chipped key, what a great way to truly control the people. We won't have to worry about the price of gasoline if somebody somewhere just hits the button that turns off everyone's key chip. And what a great way to get rid of the vehicles that do not have the "smart chip" or whatever it is. That's the other part of the deal. The dealers that take them in on trade will actually get the CA$H from the government, but the vehicles are to be crushed, not resold. Our government is going to eliminate all vehicles that are traded in, in this program. So, I'm guessing, once the license and registration data bank confirms all the chip free cars off the road, we'll be hearing the next part of the plan from the new Government Motors.
Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the Name of YHVH our G~d. a Psalm of Holy Scripture

As An Outside Observer

I am neither Mormon nor gay, so I feel that I can give a completely unbiased opinion to the events that have unfolded in Salt Lake City. I have visited Salt Lake City, and enjoyed the Great Salt Lake, for what that is worth. Now, to the issue at hand. Two guys cut across Mormon "property" after leaving a concert and apparently got caught up in their moment and kissed. When the security guards asked them to stop their behavior and to leave, the situation became an "issue." I read that today there was a protest over the situation. I have a question and a comment and then I'll just leave the gay issue to those that have the issue.
What if 2 Mormon "brothers" or missionaries came into a gay bar on a Saturday night and insisted that their "views" be listened to and tolerated? What if, instead of a kiss, they handed out tracts? Wouldn't that be some sort of intolerance issue and anti-gay issue? If 2 Mormon "missionaries" insisted that everyone listen to their schpeel in the middle of the gay bar, wouldn't that be some sort of gay gripe-issue, also? As a person that is neither gay nor Mormon, it seems to me that there are more gay rights than religious freedoms . . .
And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another . . . And even as they did not like to retain G~D in their knowledge, G~D gave them over to a reprobate mind . . . found in a letter to ancient Rome

Analysis

Not the psychological kind, although it seems many Americans may qualify. I'm talking about analyzing everyone else's motives and next steps. I guess it would be political and economic analysis. And since I don't plan to blog again until near the end of the week, I'm going to analyze or pseudo analyze just a couple of things in the news. First, the Sarah Palin resignation. Rush Limbaugh isn't talking yet. Oh, he's given her some coverage, but since she's a conservative, he's not going to dissect her non-reason answer that she said was her reasons! While I'm on Sarah, I think the best coverage she could manage and the most attention she can get is to go after the media using the media. You know, her own talk show or something, so she's out front every day, the spot light is on her, but she gets to choose the topic. You know, there's enough room for Rush and Sean in the conservative pundit camp, but would there be for two women. Can you see the proverbial cat fight between Sarah and Ann Coulter? Who would want to miss that?
Now to GM, which from the news report this morning is about to become Government Motors, co-owned by Canada and the US, bringing the two countries that much closer. Now, if this is what happens when government helps, what do you think will happen to health care? Does anyone really believe government involvement is only going to offer choices and assistance? When does more government really ever offer the people a choice? And how much does the assistance really cost in the long run? I'm not looking forward to a warranty on my vehicle backed by the government, I can't imagine trusting my body to Washington. So, will the US and Canada combine their efforts in providing health care, as well?
And so, with being said, I'm going to be offline for a couple of days.
Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity. the Preacher of Holy Scripture

Against my Better Judgment

The topic of this blog is Sarah Palin. That woman has never ceased to amaze me. She appears to love attention, she seems willing to go to any length to maintain the spot light, and yet while she wants all eyes upon her, she has rules! I have to admit, when I saw her parade her family before the NRC, I was less than impressed. The pregnant teen-age daughter accompanied by the "baby daddy" was just over the top! Especially if you claim to promote conservative family values. And I was less than impressed when I read about her "do or die" speech and travel itinerary the day her youngest son was born. Interesting anti-choice stand to take while taking every possible chance for a complication. I guess I just considered her to be pretty nonsensical and perhaps that explains why she doesn't understand the response she gets. She appeared to parade her kids like political props, but then said, kids should be off limits. Fine, leave the unwed father in Alaska for the convention. Don't parade the daughter that's not going to high school, then get her plastered on the front of People in a cap and gown, with baby. It just doesn't make sense to want the things Sarah Palin wants, both ways! And now, to avoid being a lame duck, she's resigning with some lame reason why it's good for the state of Alaska. Well, I would agree with her there. I do think Alaska will be just fine if Sarah goes home and tends to her family and her values. But you have to wonder if she's planning on spending time in the limelight heading for a 2012 campaign. Frankly, after seeing the way she does things, she doesn't seem to "work and play well with others." As easily offended as she is, and as confusing as her actions and answers have been, I don't think Sarah P has any business being very close to the red phone or the red button.
In all fairness to Sarah, maybe she's decided to spend some time home raising her children.
The aged women likewise . . . may teach the young women . . . New Testament

IOUs

I'm really amazed that our government continues to act as if it's business as usual. The state of California has officially issued IOUs that a couple of banks will honor until July 10th and as for those whose banks won't honor them, they can be redeemed or cashed or whatever October 2. I read that most of them are going to residents that have been awaiting their state income tax refund. Doesn't this just make you shake your head? Way back in the last century, the dollar didn't have a value of it's own, it merely represented the silver that backed it. It was 1965 that declared the dollar to be of value simply by the special paper it was written on. And checks were used to represent a dollar amount in the bank. And so today, we have IOU's to represent checks because there are no dollars to actually back the checks. And we have all realized there is nothing to back the dollars being printed in Washington. How soon will it be before the currency all gets changed again and reads something crazy like "backed by good faith credit" or something equally meaningless? I'm thinking this urgency to recreate our currency is over bigger issues than would be counterfeiters. In my game ECONAMOK, we also included IOUs for government use. And just like our game, the government doesn't have to accept them for payment of taxes, but the players all get them for various "acts of kindness" expressed by the government, like tax refunds and the like. I truly thought, two years ago, when I came up with this idea for the ECONAMOK game, it was a parody, not prophecy!
Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches . . . New Testament

POWWWER!

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

Beef Recall, Swine Flu and Health Care

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

Politics In the News

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

My Recent Thoughts on the Middle East

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

Can You Imagine . . .

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