How About Our Freedom?

As I researched my subject matter, I found myself on an endless trail of links that justify and vilify according to the source and the agenda, but there was one theme. The people calling the shots seem to know what is best for someone else, while their own party, military or nation is just being crushed under the burden of their decision. First we have Senator Lieberman on the topic of Iraq in the Opinion Journal of the Wall Street Journal. He ran independent when his democratic constituents determined they didn't want their representative to promote a war that defies reason. But somehow, he did beat out the democrat as an independent, but at the crucial point of determining which party would rule the Senate, he proclaimed that the democrats could count on him. Now there is even conjecture that he may be changing parties, all together. And all of this in the last 6-8 months. How do we Americans know how to vote? He also mentioned that General Petraeus has only had a month in Iraq and we should all give him some time to implement this new plan. Well, this is American politics. We could come up with new generals and new plans until Messiah returns. Here is just a portion of his speech.

"We are at a critical moment in Iraq--at the beginning of a key battle, in the midst of a war that is irretrievably bound up in an even bigger, global struggle against the totalitarian ideology of radical Islamism. However tired, however frustrated, however angry we may feel, we must remember that our forces in Iraq carry America's cause--the cause of freedom--which we abandon at our peril." Apparently, he, and some programmed infantry think we are in Iraq for freedom. I think most of the rest of us realize it really isn't about freedom, not Iraq's and certainly not America's.

Now, another article I read at FoxNews gave new insight to our purpose in Iraq. Just as soon as Iraq gets this oil situation resolved they can move on to other important matters like a constitution and government . . . I can't believe anyone had the nerve to say this or print it. America is controlling Iraqi oil. How many of us already knew that was what this was all about, anyway? Here is what I read about the oil in Iraq.

In Washington, White House spokesman Tony Snow called the new oil law the "key linchpin" in Iraq's recovery because it gives "everybody a shared economic interest in working together."
"That being done, then the Iraqis can turn to other things, such as constitutional reform, election reform" and allowing many Sunnis to return to public life, Snow said.
The haggling over oil went to the heart of the Iraqi crisis — the failure of religious and ethnic parties to compromise in the interest of saving the nation. Without such compromises, U.S. commanders doubt that military crackdowns and the current U.S. and Iraqi security operation can produce long-term stability.

- sounds like oil to me.

Now, this continual bluster with Iran is wearing thin and many of us think it sounds very much like the nonsense we heard before the US attacked Iraq. I read a headline this morning about the conservatives in Iran that don't agree with Ahmadinejad. Well there are millions of people here in America that don't agree with our leaders, but nobody is talking about rescuing us. Many feel the Iranian crisis is inevitable, and it probably is. The more the administration denies it, the more likely it seems, but I think I should remind Americans of the freedoms we've lost as our government has determined to bring the rest of the world freedom and to free those in other countries from remorseless leaders that use military force for their own personal benefit and exercise of ruthless power.

Our nation has changed since 9/11, but it is our leaders that have changed it. Our freedoms have been restricted since 9/11, but that again is from within. Our leaders have gone from the concept of responding to 9/11 to changing governments in countries that had nothing to do with 9/11.

And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?

What Happened to Security?

I'm not talking about Homeland or war or military or any of those things we have frequently associated or heard associated with the word "security." I'm talking about the word itself! I called my bank the other day with a question about my account. I gave my name and my account number and I was told, she didn't need my account, she needed my "social." My social what? Here I am speaking to someone in bookkeeping at my bank, and they don't need the account number . . . Right down the road Bank of America is offering credit cards and you don't need a "social" to get one. So what do they 'not need' when you call with a question? Now, I realize in the name of national security, somehow all this has been explained to we, mere "citizens" just schlepping around under the watchful eye of our government. When my husband and I opened new accounts when we moved, we got the big schpeel . . ."according to the US Patriot Act" they were basically entitled to know everything but my bra size to protect our country from money laundering terrorists. But apparently anybody with no ties to the US and has no "social" just gets to do whatever they would choose, on credit! Does anyone making these rules know that an airline ticket can be purchased with a credit card? But this new line of credit without a "social" has to do with illegal immigrants, and obviously making that easier on them. Oh, that's right, the terrorists were not illegals, they had passports and visas. So, I don't get it. Is the security of the citizens so far removed from the agenda, it needs only to be removed from our vocabulary? This illegal immigration and social security has become an interesting subject for e-mails. I can't call it spam because I really know a number of people that think these internet petitions are going to make a difference. After all, it's on the internet, that makes it so! One of these so called heart felt, personal e-mails that is not spam, but has 50 isp addresses in the address line, just particularly touched me. I'm sure everyone has seen it, as I've received it numerous times myself. Interestingly, everyone I've received it from, is under the age of 65, yet without the need for gainful employment, but that's another blog. Now, on to this dear, heart warming e-mail. It's all about someone's elderly mother who was now a widow and had been a homemaker her entire life and her husband had been a veteran and she was having difficulty making ends meet on her social security check. Oh, and she splurges to have a pizza delivered once a week, and calls that eating out . . . and it goes on and on. As I read this, then received it repeatedly, I thought. 'She got to be a homemaker. Withholding is so high now and the cost of living so outrageous, our daughters don't have that option. Couples are having difficulty making ends meet working 50 hours a week, with two incomes. The war of his generation ended . . . If some little old lady is really calling for pizza delivery, without fear of opening her door at night, then she needs to be welcomed to the real world and discover that all those that are paying taxes, also call that eating out!'

And she needs to realize she is the last generation to hear the word "security," attached to the word social, in the form of a check.

And when they had taken security from . . . they let them go. the Acts

Something Just Doesn't Add Up

I've tried to avoid blogging about Iraq as much as I can, because; frankly, it just nauseates me almost beyond words, at this point. I want to bring our troops home and know we have made such a situation that we can't just quit and bring them home. The fact that we are supposed to be hiding this dismal truth from our troops and calling it support, is sad. Has anyone else noticed that the war was going great according to the media reports, until the November election, then Rumsfeld quit and in no time, our President announced that he was sending in more troups? Now all of a sudden, there are explosions and bombs killing a hundred people a day. And my question is this. Did it suddenly get worse after the election or were we not receiving the full picture until then? I went to Fox News because 'they report, we decide' and I have come to understand that most members of the Bush camp will not believe anything, anyone else has to report, so . . . Here is the link that I used to obtain the information I am sharing.
http://www.foxnews.com/wires/2007Feb21/0,4670,IraqCoalitionGlance,00.html

I checked the troop numbers of all of the countries that have a military presence in alliance with the US, in Iraq. First, I was absolutely amazed at the small number of countries that are represented in this "global war on terror" a.k.a. Operation Iraqi Freedom. There are 23 countries in the list along side the US. Then I began looking at the actual numbers which was absolutely mind boggling. Then I figured the troop numbers compared to the total population and that also was mind boggling. I am going to share just a few of the larger numbers, not that the smaller countries that have sent troops, are not to be acknowledged, but they are not talking about leaving, either. In this list, I saw that the countries with the larger presence are either aiming at withdrawal, already have a date set, or have "extended their mission" through this year. In layman's terms outside of the Bush camp, that means, the other countries have realized the only exit strategy is to leave, and they didn't start it, and the leaders have realized their citizens are questioning the real purpose of this war, as well. I'm not certain that any of us will ever know the real purpose of the war, until we are walking around in our captive security or secure captivity, and suddenly realize the handwriting was, in fact, on the wall and we missed the message. Undoubtedly, hind sight will be 20/20 when we see this for what it truly was. The so called "eradicated" Taliban is regaining strength in Afghanistan and we are sending more troops into Iraq, along with a small troop surge in Afghanistan. Here's just a little bit of information for all the mathematicians that are trying to "figure" this out.

The US has a population of 300 million and a troop presence over 140,000 with 21, 500 more to be deployed, because of the insurgency and "civil war." Britain, with the closest number of troops has a population of 60.6 million and a troop presence of 7,100, but . . . there is a plan is to reduce the troop number by 1,600 in the coming months. And the reason for the reduction is the progress made in the Iraqi defense force. Now, on to more . . . South Korea has the next largest troop presence, with a national population of 48.8 million, they have 2,300 troops with plans to bring 1,100 home by April and a complete withdrawal by the end of 2007. Poland has extended their mission through the end of 2007, with a troop number of 900 and a national population of 38.5 million. Vice President Cheney did not exactly receive a warm welcome from many of the citizens in Australia when he went to discuss the alliance in Iraq. Australia has 550 troops helping to train security forces, according to FOXNews, and we've been holding an Australian citizen in Guantanamo for quite some time with no charges filed. So what is the answer to all this? I did read they are going to get some sort of charges filed against the Australian detainee . . . According to the list at FOXNews, the US has persuaded and challenged countries from every inhabited continent, to enter this undefined battle, that is lacking in strategy, while maintaining an undeterminable goal, and some of these nations are now ready to cut their losses. Doesn't it make you wonder if the smaller nations are staying out of fear of terrorism or fear of losing ally status with the US?

Come hither, I will show thee the judgment of the great harlot that sitteth upon many waters; the Revelation

Why Are We So Mean?

I'm mentioning several topics that truly have very little if anything in common, except the lack of sagacity. I heard an interesting comment from Dr. Bill this morning that really concerned me. He apparently has a new puppy that doesn't know the difference between a chair leg and chew toy and he wanted help in "training" the dog. A caller gave some tried and usually true advice. To break a puppy from chewing on something, just put lemon juice or pepper sauce on the item and when he gets a bitter or sour or hot scent, usually scent will do it, but sometimes taste, then the puppy leaves it alone, as it is no longer desireable. So, Dr. Bill, the former Secretary of Education had difficulty with this concept. He first ask why you couldn't just put pepper sauce on the puppy's nose. I guess the good Dr. thought the puppy would leave the chair leg alone if he were in distress all the time. He was already leaning toward using a muzzle when the dog was unsupervised. He then, on the air, gave comment to one of the strangest concepts I ever heard. He mentioned pepper sauce in the muzzle. To which his assistant used the term cruel and unusual, and then of course the glib Abu Ghraib comments commenced.

Then there was the man that got fired from IBM at the age of 55 with 19 years seniority for surfing the web and leaving his computer logged on in some adult chatroom, and some mature co-worker tattled. I have to appreciate this man's approach. He, of course, is suing and I say good for him, which I don't usually, but he's a veteran with post traumatic stress and his unseemly chat helps his stress level, which has resulted in rendering him a sex addict, so he's claiming a disability. Now, I truly believe most people that claim disability are simply lazy and looking for a free ride, but this is just flat original and that sort of creativity deserves at least, to be heard. He also cited the incident in which two co-workers were actually caught in the act, not virtual, and they were merely transferred, which does indicate the big corporate giant was looking to down size the pension role.

And while I am on the taboo subject of sexual issues in the news, we of course have the civil union "break through" in New Jersey. I wonder if their last governor was instrumental in that legislation. I happened to be in New Jersey the day he announced his double life, with his wife at his side. So now, we have gay couples that want to be "married" and have children. And we have heterosexual couples that choose to live together and raise their children. Before long, we married heterosexuals will be the minority. I don't want any amendments about marriage in the constitution, I think, ultimately, I'll be treated better as a minority. Can you imagine, in a few years, the office memo about a mandatory tolerance seminar at corporate headquarters? Attention all employees and "associates;" a forty something white man, married, with a homemaking wife has joined our company. We will address proper and improper terms for addressing this type of individual. Remember - Tolerance!

Now, I haven't mentioned Anna Nicole Smith, because frankly I've had difficulty sorting this out, and I'm not talking about the court battles. I don't agree with a great deal of her lifestyle, but there are a few things being judged, that I just don't understand. She was 26 and married a very wealthy 89 year old man. Okay, unusual, but not unheard of. He was out and about and making his own decisions. Does anyone think he thought he would outlive her? And why is she judged for marrying him? I've seen nurses marry elderly wealthy patients. How many women have married for financial security? Please . . . She probably could have had several millions just as a "companion." And in all these "gentlemen" stepping forward, now, that she can't dispute their claims, no one has ever claimed to have been with her through the time of her marriage. I personally have a mother that is a member of the religious right and a staunch republican that has always espoused the concept of marriage being "the right thing to do" in matters of fornication. She didn't trap him with a pregnancy! And another thing, she was widowed, I, on the other hand divorced my much older husband, although the age difference wasn't so pronounced. Yes, she is famous for being infamous, but she is dead, and I just don't understand the so-called "righteous indignation" that comes across as just pure and mean gossip.

He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone

Do We Americans Really Know What We Are Doing?

As I read the news and listen to the talk, I'm wondering if we, Americans, really know what we are doing, as a "world power." I have listened to Dr. Bill discuss Iran, yes Iran, and the pro-war agenda that is set forth in his program, so I Google searched the history of his show. "It's Morning in America" debuted in April of 2004, just in time to encourage the course of the Presidential campaign. And now, as I hear about Iran and Syria; and what's the deal about our ignoring Lebanon, this time and not helping Israel? That was a hot spot for us before, just like Iraq. And I realize we have been told repeatedly that since our war on terror, there has not been another attack since 9/11. As I remember history, it seems there was not an attack between 9/11/01 and 3/19/03, either. So, technically, there is still no sound reason to be in Iraq, which appears to be the concensus in Britain, according to the announcement made by PM Blair. But, on to the entire Middle East, which is where we were heading all along. I, personally, have a letter on White House Stationery that "explains" the plan for peace in the Middle East, primarily between Israel and Palestine. I checked to make sure I had the members accounted for. Although our President claims authorship of this plan, he is "sharing" the glory with Russia, the European Union, and the UN, thus "the Quartet." Now, today I read about Dr. Rice in the Middle East and she's making reference to an "Arab Quartet," which includes Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and Jordan. I can't say that I understand how this alliance came about after 9/11, considering the fact that some of the terrorists had passports from some of these nations, but I am interested to see how the reference "Quartet" evolves in the next few months. I guess, I am really wondering just who we Americans think we are in the big picture in the Middle East. Many countries in the Middle East date back to Bible times and we have such a relatively recent history by comparison. I will be honest here, I am pro-Israel and I do not support any country that does not want to acknowledge the existence of Israel, but America doesn't have the power in this matter. There are some details we seem to be overlooking. I hear many people quoting Genesis 12:3 where G~d told Abraham, "And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed." This was before he had any children. America just really isn't in a position to be calling the shots in this family feud, as both the Arab nations and Israel are descendants of Abraham. G~d has already spoken the results. America may well be a major player in the precursor to Armegeddon, but is completely out of line to claim the authority or the power to broker peace in the Middle East.

for in Isaac shall thy seed be called. And also of the son of the bondwoman will I make a nation, because he is thy seed.

The Hosts with the Most

In changing the format of this blog, I want to have something uplifting to say, or at least not negative, on Mondays. Since I've had plenty of negative commentary regarding News/Talk radio, I have now been given the opportunity to give a positive report. I haven't had a television in years and after a couple of months of trying to listen to News/Talk radio, I was about to give up on that, too. But I have found one program unoffensively interesting, truly intriguing and I'm not referring to the UFO discussions.

I cannot say I agree with everything discussed on Coast2Coastam, and I can't say that the hosts agree with everything the guests and the callers say, but I can say, I've heard enough to know I want to hear more. I have listened to all three hosts of this particular program and there is something absolutely unique about this show; the hosts listen to their guests. The hosts are not forcing an agenda and are not blatantly disagreeable, they actually participate in a conversation. How absolutely refreshing! Coast2Coastam caught my attention awhile back when I awoke very early, hearing Art Bell asking for someone to offer proof of the existence of G~d, but it was a rebroadcast, so I sent him my latest book, "While He May Be Found." I caught just a portion of the program again, only with another host so ultimately by last Thursday, I decided to actually set my alarm to hear this program. Well, I didn't get it set right, so at noon Friday, my alarm came on. I reset it, not thinking about turning the alarm off for Sabbath. At midnight, I awoke to Coast2Coastam with yet another host, George Noory. Since it was Sabbath, I didn't call, but I did remain awake to listen and just as Art Bell and Ian Punnett had demonstrated, he also was very courteous to his callers. These men actually listen quite graciously, to their callers. Regardless of religous or political views, I heard moral conservatism as well as true tolerance demonstrated. He certainly never hinted at crudeness, and even with the few political references that were made, he never used disparaging terms to disrespect their names. Just when I thought I couldn't stand any more than 30 minutes of talk radio in any given time frame, I got to hear Coast2Coastam. I am actually changing my schedule to be able to listen to this program. I'm sure I don't have the same beliefs and perspectives as many of their guests, those listening and those calling in, but these three men have a professional courtesy and afford dignity to others, that I truly appreciate and have not found in any other radio hosts. All this and; the news headlines were given at the beginning of the program. It is nice to hear more information than 3 second blurbs and certainly refreshing to hear the news reported without the editorialized comments. Kudos to the hosts of Coast2Coast.

Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:

What's Dirty Laundry and Spin, without an Agitator?

What are we talking about here in America? I talk to people that vote republican that know all about "those democrats" and democrats that know all about "those republicans," but they are always shocked at the interesting trivia about the party they support . . . Do you know how many people that voted republican in the last couple elections know that Hillary Clinton had a seance in the White House, but had no idea Nancy Reagan had invited a psychic into the Reagan White House? Do you know how many people that vote democrat, the party of the working man, have no idea how many of their party leaders are well connected, capitalistically speaking? And the pundits that intentionally interject derogatory comments and replacement words are just disgusting. And then there are the liberals who astound us all with their response to those that disagree with them . . . "I don't care!" Do you love it? So much of the spin just sounds like bad little kids that are telling whoever is listening, "You're not the boss of me!" I still remember when the conservatives made the big production out of John Kerry using his initials JFK, because that was a political decision to allign himself with John Kennedy. Duh! No kidding. That concept had to be introduced to them, by their very own Rush, and then it had to be discussed and re-discussed until they found some other way to be disgusted with Mr. Kerry. I just thought, what a deal, it wasn't like he changed his name to try it. Those were his initials and it made sense to allign himself with a successful member of his party. I don't think George W. Bush tried to distance himself from a president that had similar initials! Oh that's right, the H. in George 41 became a landmark issue, and for what? What's the big deal if he was a junior? It's not unheard of in American families for the first son to be named after his father. We've started how many wars, told how many world leaders they better tow the mark, got summits and accords going everywhere, while we've spent our time discussing middle initials, as a campaign issue. And what's amazing are the sponsors. They are willing to pay for this air time, because they know people are just eating it up. So, why does every topic have to be micro-analyzed? If someone keeps agitating, the politics will just keep spinning. I'm on to this "discussion business," to avoid the actual information. I really haven't noticed major dirty laundry any more, the trivia keeps the air waves tied up for hours, days and months. Oh, that's right, everyone just stands up and says, "I did it," and that makes it acceptable, they've taken responsibility. Neither party minds the dirty laundry any more, everybody can wear it proudly as long as they announce that it is dirty! So, we'll just all watch the same tired little topics that no one is going to do a thing about, go through the cycles. Let's discuss abortion and gay issues, initials and name similarities. Have you noticed how disagreeable the liberal talk show hosts are while they discuss the warmongers? Where's their tolerance? I wonder if Rush is aware, as he totally disrespects and speaks with disregard of the education system, that Dr. Bill Bennett is also a conservative talk show host, and just happened to be the Secretary of Education before he was the Drug Czar. And here I sit, a complete nobody, typing away on an obscure blog, disagreeing with all of them. We all have something to say, the "unique perspective" that must be heard, and the ability to make an issue of anything and everything.

. . . and a wise man's heart discerneth both time and judgment

Heaven Can Wait

Let's talk about health, shall we? Or rather, let's talk about what it takes to provide the health care that everyone thinks they should have, that they are entitled to. We've been hearing about Medicare for the last two years, because our junior President has to appeal to the crowd that depends upon it. After all, they have a great deal of the wealth in this nation and they want to continue to collect the hard earned money of their children and grandchildren, because the whole world owes it to them, and the only way to keep collecting what they have coming, is to keep on living. So they need top notch medical care. I heard a talk/radio conservative pundit last evening discussing medicare and socialized medicine and out of respect for him, I should include his name, but I just really don't remember. He wants more medical treatment available but not socialized. Whatever . . . I have also done a little reading about some doctor/veterenarian, after hearing his multi level market schpeel on early early morning talk radio. He has some sort of health supplement so people can live healthy, well past 100. All this concern about health care has me thinking. One, there is some other decision brewing where world events are being discussed and this is a good diversionary topic. And two, people are afraid to die. Our nation has never had so many citizens on medicare before. There has just never been so many people living so long. Why, in a Christian nation, would so many people need so much medical treatment and be so afraid to die? Could it be . . .

And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

Wars and Rumors of Wars and Wars on Rumors

You know, there comes a point and time when enough really is enough! Now, we are discussing Iran's supply of weapons to Iraq and some alQaida big wheel has gone to Iran, that was supposed to have infiltrated Iraq. Well, then why are we talking about more war? If the guy has left Iraq, haven't we done our job? I was planning to blog on another topic, today, but I guess that will have to wait, as our fearless leader is searching out the whereabouts of yet another arch nemesis. I was reading about the increase of "waivers" for those enlisting in the military. That's right, waivers to excuse their criminal convictions, and now we are ready to forgive their mistakes and hand them a rifle. I believe the term "lower the standard" would certainly apply, here. How does this make sense, when the average law abiding citizen can't get a late payment off of a credit report? Who is this making sense to? I'm getting about half sick of listening to this new Congress, too. How many hours are they going to debate a topic that has already been decided and their discussion will have no bearing on any decision made? Do they really think the American public is impressed with how they choose to spend their time or waste it? If this subject is out of the hands of Congress, then spend the time on any of the myriad of subjects that need to be addressed by legislators. I read that five minutes will be alotted to each of the 435 House members to voice their perspective and debate the War in Iraq, which amounts to more than 36 hours spent on a subject that will change nothing. Is this the new Congress's idea of effective government?

In the midst of all of this, I read today that our President plans to bring 7000 refugees of Iraq to America. Now, we've been over there for 4 years and we don't know the insurgents from the high schoolers and the terrorists from the grandmas and we've been listening to this warmongering rhetoric about fighting "it" over there, rather than on American soil, and now we're going to fight over there and import the probability over here? Please!!! He is also promising funding to help relocate refugees internationally and over 3 million have already left the country since we started the war. Do we know who we are fighting for? Do we know who we are fighting? And who we will be helping to relocate and who we will be bringing to America? If everyone is moving away, who will be there for the freedom and democracy? Say, since this new Iraqi government is all about free elections and their leader has already said they are a sovereign nation, and this war is a liberation not an occupation. Why don't we let the Iraqi citizens vote on the presence of American forces in their country? If they vote us out, we would have the manpower to start more . . . because obviously this is our future.

For the eyes of YHVH run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward Him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.

Tragedy, Transparency, Transformation

I have to begin this blog with a retraction. In the blur of Y2K, Florida's inability to count, and 9/11, I didn't realize that Hillary wasn't even out of the White House before she was placing the stepping stones in place for her journey back. And I didn't realize that Mayor Giuliani had such great aspirations as United States Senator before 9/11. I mean he wasn't even going for State anything, just straight from Mayor to Washington. I mentioned their Senatorial race and made reference to 2002, rather than 2000. So, now we are looking at the possibility of the two of them, once again campaigning for the same position, only now 9/11 has happened and America has changed dramatically since the year 2000. It seems odd to consider these two within their party platform. At least my understanding of the two parties. Democrats usually seemed to be more amidst the common people or at least present themselves to be so, and the republicans were usually more about big business and an element of pomp. But here we have Hillary who has spent a great deal of her adult life in mansions and motorcades and Rudy, who has worked his way through and upward in life, and has already struggled against Hillary, with values being her ammo. I guess, if Obama remains as popular as he is right now, and if the conservative pundits do their jobs well, he probably will, then perhaps Rudy will really have a ticket to contend with. Especially if the democrats "circle their wagons" so to speak. But for now, we have Rudy Giuliani who has truly become the icon of what it is to build and aspire and achieve, and overcome and rebuild after tragedy, but he believes in war. And we have Hillary who has been about as transparent as anyone can be regarding her aspirations for power and has virtually lived her life on the political silver platter. And she really wasn't this popular until after the Monica deal! Hillary can truly make any situation a political stepping stone. Some other woman gives sexual favors at the office, and Hillary goes for the promotion!!! Transparency . . . While I am tossing that word around, I have to comment on our present administration who has given the word, transparency; such importance and political meaning. For years when I've watched him speak or walk amidst the crowds, especially at his second inauguration, I've been reminded of the story entitled "The Emperor's New Clothes." I've included the link.

http://www.andersen.sdu.dk/vaerk/hersholt/TheEmperorsNewClothes_e.html

Basically it is the story of swindlers that convince the emperor that they have made him the most luxurious and royal clothing ever imagined, and imagined being the operative, as there were no clothes, but they also had convinced him and his royal court that they were so fine, and that only a fool could not see them. So, he paraded proudly. Now, back at the ranch . . .

As our leader has heard the muffled whispers and displeased comments of the crowd, without batting an eye or being embarassed that there is no covering, he's stood there in "all his glory" and simply informed us that transparency is good and to be valued!

and justice standeth afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter. - Isaiah

Mending Fences, a Rural Parable

We use the term "mending fences" in reference to reconciliation and improved relations and this just really got me thinking about "fences." I suppose in a truly good relationship, there would be no need for fences or for mending them, as space and boundaries would be respected, but this is the real world and we are human beings . . . so back to mending fences. First, to need to mend a fence indicates a break or breach, perhaps a complete disregard of the fact there was a fence, so how would one go about mending? Should the same type of fence simply be replaced or should there be some sort of reinforcement, and should a sign be added, so the fence doesn't get ignored or annihilated the next time? Because, if the fence is now an issue, there will always be the possibility of a next time. Let's talk about fences. Some people have picket fences and that usually means they can see all that goes on, don't worry about a real purpose for a fence, it's mostly just for show, and they feel the same way about someone else's fence. Others have, of course, privacy fences, and interestingly they are usually the ones that have to tell everyone how open they are. They have to tell that information for obvious reasons. Then there are those that have woven wire or chain linked. It's an interesting fence in that the view is accessible on both sides and virtually impassible from either side, and strong, rarely needing mending. Then there are those that have a barbed wire fence and that is pretty much self-explanitory, and notably they are of course, the ones that have nothing to hide! In any mending, there is a place that the splice can be noticed, and the fence is forever altered. The splice is now usually the strongest and impenetrable place in the fence. Now, I have discovered, I am one of those people that seems to appear to have no fence, and at this point in life, I don't want to build one and I certainly don't want to have to mend too many, so what I have learned. I actually don't want to spend time and energy mending fences, I prefer to respect and maintain the boundaries of others, so we don't tear up the fences. Maybe it's time we learned as individuals, couples, co-workers, and even a nation, mending fences is alot more work than just using the gate.

A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city . . .

Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness

Wouldn't life in these United States be interesting if we really knew what was going on? Or would it be just too overwhelming to get out of bed? Our present administration seems to think we just don't need to "worry our pretty heads" about all this spy business, or maybe we just aren't as smart as our present leaders and wouldn't understand the intricate details of the terrorist's mind, like they do. Wouldn't life be interesting if we actually knew our votes would be counted to elect our next president, but since the districts have changed, who knows? And why do we still need an electoral college? Surely with all this high power "technical know how," the votes could actually be tallied in a reasonable time, well if we give Florida a headstart! It's not like two hundred years ago, when men had to be appointed to go count the votes and cast his vote based upon the determined decision. I've also been curious about these "exploratory committees" so the perspective candidate can see if he's electable. I thought that was the purpose for campaigning. So, now the polls, on any given day direct our "would be" leaders in making their decision. If a person believes they have the fortitude required to lead, why don't they stand up and tell us where they would lead us. What kind of a leader are we going to get, if he or she is led by the polls before they ever get in? We live in America, where anybody can be president, or so they used to tell us. So why do these fearless potential leaders of one of the world's super powers need to send others out to get opinions before they make their decision? And what opinions are there to offer, if we don't know their platform? What if name recognition alone gets someone on the ballot or even elected, before we know their real agenda? Oh, yeah, I guess that one's already been answered. If the office of President is really reduced now to a two year popularity contest, I guess this idea that anyone can be president will need to be amended. Anyone who can afford to remain popular and in the news for two years without major scandal before the election, can be President. And haven't we found it to be "so true," that the rich and famous are always so "in touch" with the problems of the common citizen?

I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all. Ecclesiastes 9:11

Insane or Criminal or Simply One Bad and Regrettable Decision?

I guess we've all read or heard about the astronaut that "lost it." It's one of those stories that is just difficult to get past. It's sad and it's bizarre, and it just seems to have some pieces missing, yet the police and prosecution seem sure of her intentions and thoughts, even though their suspicions did not occur. I mentioned this particular issue, though, not to continue to beat this event to death, but rather to address my concern about the need to be evaluated and the fact that NASA is now considering some sort of ongoing astronaut evaluation, due to this isolated incident. I served for 10 years as a volunteer chaplain in a state mental facility. I maintained my volunteer status for two very important reasons. One, the state couldn't tell me what to say and not say, if I wasn't on the payroll and second, the mental health programs of this country are more demeaning than the prison system and I couldn't begin to live with myself, if I were paid to do such a reprehensible thing to other human beings, so I brought them the Good News, free of charge. I've always been intrigued by the personal lives of those that perform this task of stealing freedom, indefinitely, as they clearly do not manage their own lives in an exempliary manner and usually there is significant family dysfunction as well. The money they make to be the dream killers they are, and so often, they have their religious views to rationalize what they do, disgusts me beyond words. I have to be careful too, because Scripture says, if we take delight in the judgment that G~d brings upon them, He will relent, and frankly, I just don't want that to happen.

I have been thinking a great deal and praying for this Lisa Nowak. What she did defies explanation. I personally believe, she's already rethought every bit of this tragic event, and regrets it deeply. But I noticed as I read the report, if she is treated as a criminal, her chances of regaining some sort of normalcy and at least treated with some dignity will be so much greater than if she is placed into some sort of mental treatment facility. You see, in the prison system, there is a date of release and often even an early release for good behavior. In the mental health system, there is no date of release and the subjective decision is evasively arbitrary, yet contained and maintained within the system itself. The mental health system doesn't believe in rehabilitation, just ongoing evaluations and treatment. I can't tell you the number of times these workers have told me "there's just no changing this or that." "Once a whatever, always a whatever." These people are paid to do a job they don't believe produces results, so they simply kill the dreams, prevent death, and disallow life and hope. In the court system, there are hearings, bonds, trials, juries, and a date of release if found guilty. I hope and pray, for her sake, she simply faces the charges before a fair and just judge and gets the opportunity to rebuild her life, rather than being subjected to evaluation and undefined confinement by those who cannot manage their own lives.

He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity . . .

A Perspective on Global Warming

As the scientists debate the cause for global warming, it would seem that they all at least agree that it is going to happen. I find it fascinating that there is an attempt to make even global warming a political issue. Some conservative talk show hosts, don't believe global warming is taking place, citing winter storms to make their case. I realize there are more liberal leaning politicians addressing this issue, and I have yet to hear the administration address any urgency regarding the topic. Well, as the scientists debate the cause and the politicians debate the reality, I have found something that I would like to share. I found something about global warming in the Bible and there is no mention as to how long the process will take, but it does mention the disastrous results and the causation of the problem. And the scientists that say man is the problem would be correct according to the passage I read. It doesn't mention emissions or green house gas, but it does say the solution to the problem will be rejected.

And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of G~d . . .

and they repented not . . . the Revelation

The Issue Behind all the Non-Issues

My husband and I are now becoming Radio News/Talk listeners. I can only compare News/Talk Radio to liquor or liver. It's an acquired taste, and frankly, there are some that just a few minutes is entirely more than enough and an hour makes you feel like you should have stopped about 50 minutes sooner. My limited time in listening to Rush has remained just that one afternoon. I haven't yet found Bill O'Reilly, so I'm reading his transcripts. I really thought I might enjoy the Alan Colmes show, and sometimes it's interesting and sometimes it's as extreme as the right wing, only to be really honest . . . isn't "extreme liberalism" an oxymoron of some kind? Extreme right is radical, but extreme left is just opposite extreme right and doesn't seem to actually make any point at all, except NOT RIGHT!!! I'd like to mention the War Prayer by Mark Twain has really reduced the forwards in my INBOX! I got a particualrly sad forward picturing an exhausted soldier holding a little wounded girl and they both appeared to be sleeping. And contained in that forward was the profound statement to the effect of the difference we are making over there. I saw the soldier, I saw the little girl, and I saw the exhaustion and I remember the term PRE-EMPTIVE. We have certainly made all the difference over there. Before we got there, there was no war.
I have also happened on to the catch phrase that reduced the forwards on the other hot button topic; illegal immigration. First, let me point out, that illegal immigration is obviously already defined by law, thus the term "illegal." If they are already breaking the law upon their entrance, how many more laws does it take to be really ILLEGAL? What I have noticed is, the KKK has increased in membership since all this anti-immigration propaganda has begun and we have a number of people from both parties just being absolutely indignant about their right to be enclosed! I get these e-mails from republicans and democrats alike. My thought on the matter is this. With this guest worker program that President Bush wants, we will have those that get into the system with social security, etc. and realize what many Americans have discovered . . . forty quarters, just ten short years and then cry injury and disability. Well, no wonder the democrats are up in arms, they'll never get enough tax increases to cover that. Then there is the added bonus for the right wing to enable so many to have dual citizenship because that helps the republican vote. Most immigrants from Mexico are conservative when it comes to certain issues. Which brings me to the next time honored issue. Can abortion be discussed any more rigorously by either side?
Let me offer this. All of these issues are really not the issue. The real issue is always what isn't said as the defense of the Constitution and Freedom are presented to be the central issue. You know, there are precious young men and women serving in Iraq that really believe they are defending freedom in America, reality not withstanding. I have already determined as I am beginning to listen to the candidates of '08. I will not vote for any Senator or member of Congress that voted YEA to go to War in Iraq. I don't care how many times they tell me, if they knew then, what they know now, they would have voted NO. I have yet, to hear one of them tell us or show us any evidence linking Iraq to 9/11 or even al Quaida before we started the war. So, just like President Bush needed proof of no weapons, I will be needing proof that there was a link between Iraq and 9/11 and if there was then the recanting and the regretting of their YEA vote only means they can be talked into a bad idea or will say anything to get what they want! But they will not get my vote. And now, let's discuss abortion. First, I will tell you that Scripture does refer to the fruit of the womb differently than it addresses murder, for those that are interested, so the religious right are missing the actual passage of Scripture that does address the loss of life in the womb. G~d's Word says choose life that you and your children may live. He doesn't separate choice and life, but He is clear regarding the choice He'd like us to make. Unfortunately I think many women when faced with this dilemma don't feel they would be giving the gift of life, but rather a dismal existence. But still, that isn't the point. The point in all these situations is America has gone beyond them and us, red and blue, dems and reps, we are now looking at
the Constitution vs. the Bill of Rights.
Notice the reference to the Constitution in all the e-mail forwards about these topics. Remember, the Constitution is the sovereignty of the government, the Bill of Rights is 10 Constitutional amendments added for the protection of the citizens.
The real issue in abortion is to define the 14th amendment and since the people are willing to get terribly ugly over it and remain undecided for over 30 years, the erosion of the first 10 have become much less noticeable.
We already knew that the interpretation of the 9th and 10th amendments were somewhat open to cultural concerns of the times, so we accepted that, and really never questioned the validity of amendments until lately. Now, it seems every time there is an election there is some amendment to undo an amendment. Our war on terror has already diminished the power of the 1st, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th amendment, and those have been by the will of the people, at least the ruling majority. So, when it all comes down to it, we have chosen to reliquish our freedoms in the name of defending liberty???
And to address the illegal immigrant situation for what it truly is besides a membership drive for the KKK, all this immigrant debate is to get the American public to ask for captivity. This is really only about giving up our 2nd amendment right. Remember the Minute Man Project? Well they had to agree to not be armed and not have any actual contact with those crossing the border, but just to be able to report to the border patrol of any activity they saw. In order to protect our borders, the Minute Men agreed to no guns. Our 3rd amendment is not likely to come under scrutiny as it pertains to time of peace.
As the propaganda intensifies to defend
an unthreatened Constitution, the Bill of Rights continues to pale.
Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no harm.

Business in This 21st Century

Wow, it's time for a short break from the a-political observance of politics. Don't worry, I'll be back on politics tomorrow, but today I just have to share a good yet confusing experience. Online, I found a wonderful Brother monochrome printer for sale at Office Depot for a really great price. We were going to be in town later that day, so I called to see if the Office Depot nearby had one in stock. A very courteous and helpful young man answered the phone and told me that they certainly did have it in stock, but . . . if I purchased the printer in the store, I would have to pay $30.00 more, but would be eligible for a $20.00 mail-in rebate. Well, I'm not a math major, but I quickly figured this product would cost an additional $10.00 if I purchased it in the store, and an 8 week wait on my $20.00. In addition to the $10.00 savings, I would also be saving the price of gasoline and would be receiving free shipping if I ordered online. I thanked him for his help, but asked how this made good business sense for Office Depot and his job security. Again, his response was courteous, but he didn't know and thanked me for calling Office Depot. So, being the frugal individual that I am and considering my aversion to shopping, I ordered online. Now, I received an order confirmation stating the shipment would arrive the following day. The next day, we got a phone call. The young man attempting to make the delivery said he couldn't find us, the printer was in the store in the nearby town and he would attempt to deliver it again Monday. That's when I just had to know how this was making sense. Obviously, Office Depot was paying someone by the hour and this was turning into a monumental event. I called their toll free number, so that means the company paid for my time in the prompts, on hold, and through the entire conversation with yet another very courteous individual that was going to do everything they could to make me a satisfied customer. I was then transferred to the store nearby, discussed this with the person that answered the phone and the delivery person. They immediately determined that they would make a second attempt to deliver the product that same day. By then, I just felt like a demanding customer that was making everyone's life miserable. Within the hour, a young man was at the door with my printer in hand. He handed it to my husband and told us to have a nice day, sorry for the inconvenience. Now, through this entire situation, everyone at Office Depot was courteous and efficient. But no one ever addressed the real reason I had called. I had a question that no one ever answered. Every time I spoke with any of them, I asked how this was good for business. How was it, that their extra effort and manpower made it possible to market the product at a lower price? Why do customers that are willing to spend their gasoline and time to come to the store, have to pay extra for the product? You know, nobody ever answered that question. I really liked speaking with every single Office Depot employee that I dealt with, but how long will they be there at the store? How long will the store be there? It was so nice to be treated as a customer rather than a consumer, but I just don't understand how this method of doing business will succeed and I certainly don't understand how this company will be able to maintain it's current level of employees if they are going to reward customers to not come to the store.

If only you will give ear to me, I will give you the price . . .

PreOccupied

Lately, I have become preoccupied with the word PREOCCUPIED. As the world continues to spin completely out of control, the media has become inundated with editorialized information, and nobody trusts the "other side" politically, it is difficult to ignore America's preoccupation. When I looked up the word preoccupied, I realized right away, it was one of those tricky deals. A form of the word was contained within the definition. The word itself basically means the state of thinking about something that remains in the forefront of your thoughts. Our entire nation is preoccupied with war and agression and politics and job security and debt and retirement or no retirement, you name it . . . despair looms ominously over everything. We are all going about our "daily lives" with all this other stuff on our mind and that is being preoccupied. It's as if the concerns ultimately take over every subject and conversation, and then the controversy takes over every concern. It's mind-boggling to hear the insistence for controversy and contention over these matters, which of course leads to further thought relating to these matters, because we must know where we stand, or at least where we don't and the preoccupation continues, and grows. The secondary definition also included a form of the word, but I found it to be even more alarming, as it described preoccupied as a mental state of being. So, the programming is working on all of us, one way or another, although it does seem to have been leaning heavily toward the right. In my own preoccupation with this word, I did divert for a moment to obsess over another concern. All of this programming! We have to be right or left. As if we aren't already overwhelmed with topics of despair and disillusionment, we have a nonstop media that just continues to polarize issues. These issues are life and death and our children's future, not politics! It's bigger than opinions, and the results will be seen and felt for decades to come. So, as a tension breaker and stress management exercise, I discovered a fun little acronym in reference to the Conservative Radio Agressive Propaganda. And after seeing this for what it is, I was able to muster the courage for the dreaded definition of preoccupied, when viewed as a compound word. I looked up 'pre' which is a prefix meaning: before or prior to. So it is now clear that this preoccupation with unwaranted war and polarized politics is simply the best way to avoid the realization that as we surrender our rights, calling it security, and spend money we don't have, calling it appropriations, we are choosing euphemisms for captivity and debt. Throughout history we can see this has had devastating results in other countries. As America remains preoccupied with opinions of issues, we may be overlooking the truth and the facts that we are actually in the time prior to that of being Occupied. PreOccupied

. . .Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

Okay, Now, Why Are We There?

I wasn't going to blog about the War in Iraq, but . . .I read an interesting statement yesterday that was made by al-Maliki, the present leader of Iraq. He made the most interesting comment to CNN. He wanted to make it clear to America and Iran that they were not to fight their fight in Iraq. Here's one of the quotes. "Iraq has nothing to do with the American-Iranian struggle, and we will not let Iran play a role against the American Army and we will not allow America to play a role against the Iranian army, and everyone should respect the sovereignty of Iraq," al-Maliki said.

So, now Mr. al-Maliki has made it very clear. Iraq is a sovereign nation that is willing to tell Iran and America what is and is not allowed in Iraq. I say, great, let's get out of there and let him handle it. He's got his "court system," he's got his sovereignty, let him have his country. We've already done him the favor of taking it away from someone else and handing it to him. As I'm sure they know in Iraq, this war has simply become and remains a partisan issue in America. I, as well as most Americans have other questions and concerns, and now that we are telling Iran where they better get off, I have more questions. When America went to war with Iraq, was it really war with the country, or were we in fact, just after Saddam Hussein? Because we know there were no terror cells with any power there before we overthrew Saddam. We went over there looking for WMD, that weren't there either, so why did we go? Our President has stated, with the fall of the regime, we had to prevent terrorists from moving into Iraq, so the "terrorists issue" in Iraq, is after the fact. But back to my question. If we declared war on Iraq, then this leader is getting pretty pushy under occupation, because the war isn't over. And if the war isn't over and Iraq isn't under occupation, we are simply guarding and financing something, and I'd like to know what it is. If al-Maliki and America are on the same side, then why did he address America in the same manner as he did Iran? If he isn't afraid of the Iranian influx, then why are we there trying to protect someone that isn't worried about it? If we really only declared war to get Saddam, that's not exactly war, and that raises all new questions. If Iraq is now feeling strong enough to tell us how it should be, then why are we sending more troops into this civil war that doesn't seem to concern the leader? If America can have a sizeable troop force in Afghanistan and Iraq and now we can offer air assistance to Somalia and tell Iran "what for," but in July we didn't have the manpower to assist Israel, it's well beyond confusing, by now. And I read, now, our leader is considering some sort of funding for Fatah against Hamas. Surely all this can't just be over the oil . . . surely not! So, what are we doing? Does anybody know?

He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but . . .

The Solutions of Man. . . More Politics

I have now been blogging for two years. Yes, I began the last week of January of 2005. I was looking at a few of those early blogs and aside from some typos that I missed, they could be reposted today and remain timely. I say that because so much of our current history is being revised right before our very eyes, but what is remaining consistent is the fact that neither party here in America has the solution for America. And frankly America doesn't have the solution for the rest of the world. I haven't heard Rush since our electricity was restored, but I do remember him stating something about the Senate ethics committee. While the Senate is supposed to be dealing with their ethics they were discussing, of course, lobbyists and now politically influential bloggers. It has now been discussed that bloggers that carry political influence with a significant number of readers should be required to register like lobbyists. Well, let me explain my stand, here before the passage of another law that could effectively make more of us criminals. I am not an influental blogger of the magnitude being discussed, but let me go on the record stating, "Neither Party, democrats or republicans have a political solution for America. America's much needed solution is not political, but spiritual, and there are NO political decisions being made according to Scripture. If the individual officials are casting their vote according to G~d's solution, it isn't carrying the majority." And also for the record in case I become an influential political blogger of lobbyist magnitude, the order of listing the parties is purely alphabetical.

Since I mentioned the Sentate, I have noticed, it seems every day, another Senator declares his candidacy for the White House. With Senate on the campaign trail, who is taking care of our legislation and protecting the rights of the people that elected them? Just getting a majority together to not discuss their ethics isn't going to win my favor. With this much campaigning already, we'll have nearly two years of mud-slinging before the actual election. I don't think America can stand that much political meanness for that long. It's already not worn well, and it hasn't even gotten aggressive, yet. Although I am not planning to vote for Hillary, I do have to comment that she seems to be in a much better mood these days. Continual public scrutiny, Kenneth Starr every time anyone turned around, a womanizing husband, a teen-ager, and menopause had to make those years in the White House difficult at best. So, I think her campaign should go well, but I have a real problem with her reference to 9/11 when she was in Iowa. She was not a Senator from New York on 9/11, and if history has not been revised this quickly, I thought she had to purchase a home in the state just to run. But I do clearly remember that she was running against Giuliani for her first term in the Senate in 2002. And the revisionists absolutely cannot touch or retouch the whereabouts of Rudy Giuliani, September 11, 2001. Talk to your people, Hillary, the critics will tear those comments to shreds. If a nobody like me, just schlepping through the radio stations and internet caught it, the pros are going to have a hayday.
If I were a political strategist, I would have two thoughts. One, being a republican isn't real popular right now and the democrats are all vying for the primary, so they'll be politically destroying each other, anyway. And second, I think the really smart candidate from either party or even a third one, will just wait awhile until all the early campaigners sling the mud and spend their fortunes to ruin each other's reputation, then just step right up and simply be less dirty. From the looks of America, the majority really goes for the candidate that has his own moral standardm, anyway.
And for all the candidates, a word of caution. The person that gets elected to the White House with who knows how many wars going on and unimaginable debt will probably just be a one-termer, so keep that in mind.
But I'm not a political strategist and I'm not a politically influential blogger, I'm a minister and a writer and the only solution I can offer America was written over 3,000 years ago.
Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear YHVH, and depart from evil.

Just What is Treasonous?

I was listening to some retired general, being interviewed by the guest host that has been filling in for Bill Bennett in his morning radio show. I miss Dr. Bill. Anyway, as I listened to this general and guest host banter about John Kerry and use the term treasonous, I questioned that intense accusation. I don't agree with John Kerry on several issues, but then, as it turns out, John Kerry doesn't usually agree with John Kerry from day to day on several issues, so . . .

I looked up the word, treasonous: Having the character of, or characteristic of, a traitor. Which of course led me to look up the word, traitor: Someone who betrays his country by committing treason. And now the word, treason: A crime that undermines the offender's government. And now, I'm thinking, all of the politicians are fitting that definition. Our entire government has been undermined for years, by many of our elected officials. Now, I don't think John Kerry needs to go air dirty American laundry in Syria or Iran, but then, Iran wasn't killing Americans in Iraq until President Bush started a war there. And the majority of our country didn't despise democrats until Bill Clinton changed his address to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. And technically, it was George the First that proclaimed the New World Order, which according to Scripture is a definite deterrent to the life and government that we have known. So, is the definition for treason going to become a partisan issue, as well? Why not, it's America, everything is partisan. And oh, that reminds me. My mom asked me last year, if I would blog our family dirty laundry, so she could read it and I declined, but I will blog something that she and I once discussed. She is a staunch republican and very supportive, I mean very supportive. She's been looking forward to Senator Brownback running for president since George W. got elected for the last time in '04. Anyway, she once told me she would never vote for a "moderate republican." I swiftly chided, that we finally had a political view in common, as I would never vote for even a moderate republican, either. We both chuckled at our bipartisan moment . . .

Well, Mom, I heard Chuck Hagel the other day, and I don't know if he's a moderate, but I was truly impressed with his boldness and his candor. I just may be leaning toward a republican vote for a man that could cause Cheney to break "Reagan's 11th Commandment."

Back to treasonous. Has the War in Iraq made us vulnerably accessible to Iran? If so wouldn't that be undermining our national interest and government? Has the debt for War in Iraq stolen the security from future generations of this nation and government? Did deposing Saddam Hussein remove the buffer between Iran and American and the rest of the world? I checked, it isn't treason to not hate the deceased, even if they were supposed to be an enemy. And it technically isn't treason to bad mouth our country, while we still have free speech, although it can be tacky. I have heard treason defined as giving aid and comfort to the enemy and I really have to ask this. If our President has named Hezbollah a terrorist organization and a threat to our safety and freedom and if Hezbollah occupies 14 seats in the Lebanese parliament, then wouldn't allocating several hundred million dollars to the Lebanese government, technically be giving some aid to a known enemy? Mathematically, if there are 128 seats on the parilament and Hezbollah occupies 14, then 9 - 10% of all monies allocated to the Lebanese government is in the hands of Hezbollah.

The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart: from the 55th Psalm

The Pundits' Redundance

In the winter, I awaken to News Talk radio for two very important reasons. One, the windows are all closed and I can't hear the rooster crow, and two, I just can't lay there very long and listen to the endless nitpicking of a given topic, so it's a great motivator to get up. I have discovered there are a few hosts that do give some valid information with their opinions; however. And I have to admit, I have a morbid curiosity to hear some of this Conservative News/Talk radio in small doses. I haven't yet ascertained whether the listeners are actually faithful fans or merely programmed, or perhaps it's simply a matter of money and the capitalists like the opinions that are espoused. And today, I'm going to just give my nitpicky opinion. Last night on some talk show, I heard a recording of Hillary Clinton singing the Star Spangled Banner. This was not a solo, just in the group where she was speaking and unfortunately her mic was already keyed. Then this morning I heard it twice within 30 minutes. Now here's the deal. In all the times this was played, the hosts felt compelled to make some sort of inference or inuendo about her singing. Hillary wasn't auditioning for a solo at Carnegie Hall. I'm guessing she's aware that her singing voice is certainly not her long suit, but what's wrong with these people that they have to make fun of someone? And what would the comments have been, and how would the dissection have occurred if she hadn't joined the group in singing the Star Spangled Banner? The more conservative talk radio I hear, the more I'm beginning to wonder if several of these hosts were tormented by a bully in the 3rd grade, or perhaps they were the bullies in the 3rd grade. Or was potty training just too traumatic? How can civilized individuals present themselves to be politically knowledgeable and want to be taken seriously when they stoop to this sort of crude sophomoric behavior? And how can such a large listening audience revel in this sort of thing? I used to tell my children this sort of behavior was "rude, crude, and socially unacceptable." And now, it's called Conservative News Talk Radio.

. . . and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool. Where there is much talk there will be no end to sin . . .

The Point of the War in Iraq

I would like to begin this blog with kudos to Peggy Noonan and Chuck Hagel. Here is the link if you'd like to read her article.
http://www.opinionjournal.com/columnists/pnoonan/?id=110009577

I am so ashamed that it has taken me this long to actually see the point to the War in Iraq, and I say that personally, because I have had a small illustration right before my very eyes for nearly the past 4 years and it just now dawned upon me.

Remember the unity right after 9/11? I was all for going to Afghanistan and finding the guy that was responsible, but we didn't . . . and we still haven't. We were drawn together through a tragedy, but in reality, we are Americans, we were drawn together with a vengeance. And, just as I have witnessed personally in the past few years, when heat gets poured on in another situation, the best recourse for an American is to "puke up" a past offense or even inuendo and just watch the fur fly. Although, it has nothing to do with the issue at hand, except amazingly, it becomes the issue at hand. And that is exactly what happened to Saddam Hussein and why there is no strategy for the War in Iraq. The War in Iraq is simply the point that keeps America debating and divided, to enable new legislation and distract from the facts. It's also a safety net to have a pointless war that is scheduled to last into the next decade to allay any pesky accountability for those that have commandeered it. I'm sure it's a tricky walk between the accusations of combatant and treason, that are all punishable by death, so we don't ask and we don't tell, because we've now been told, nobody is listening.

As I look back on the beginnings of the War in Iraq, I am reminded of my personal illustration. Of ridiculous phone calls and shameful e-mails that were nothing more than a feeble attempt to change the subject and avoid accountability. So, like Hussein, I developed the same respect for the yammering demands. Unlike Hussein, I do live in America, and I could simply wait for the silent treatment, rather than occupation. But, to continue my illustration. This Iraqi war and occupation and lynching of Hussein, hasn't changed the facts of 9/11, with one exception. The President's approval rating has plummeted and Iraq calls their "freedom" occupation, right along with most of the rest of the world. And the American people are divided and really don't want reconciliation. I have discovered that I have that same opinion of people that change the point to cover their true agenda or to confuse the issues. Unreconciled is a good place to just leave it. That works on a small personal scale, but that won't work in Iraq. We know, we can't leave defeated. Even those of us who were against it from the beginning, know, we can't leave defeated, yet Iraq knows that too and until now, seems obliviously disregarding of all of our effort. Will that change soon? I'm guessing they have figured out that their freedom really wasn't the point either. People that want freedom are willing to die for it themselves, rather than have it thrust upon them and enforced for them. There are numerous decisions getting made here in America about other matters, and the big debate about democracy and republic are beginning to get introduced on "News" Talk radio again, so we can come to the "enlightened understanding" that Americans elect people to make decisions for us, rather than hanging on to this crazy notion that the elected officials are listening to their constituents. Just how much freedom have Americans given up to bring freedom to people that aren't willing to fight for it? I can verify that freedom bought by another is never embraced, and independence determined by another is never truly defined. The point of the War in Iraq is to keep everyone's focus on the War in Iraq.

When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.

Speaking Directly - The Straight Scoop

Well, I watched the State of the Union Address last evening and I realized, I have been harsh. As I sat watching our President, I thought, I don't think he should be president, but he would just be a scream at a bar or a party. I really think our President has a colloquial charm about him and probably a humorous side. As I listened to his domestic policies, I thought of the scene in Best Little Whorehouse in Texas in which Charles Durning sang and danced. Now, come on, all cynicism aside, can't you just see President Bush doing a great impression of Durning as he "danced a little side-step?" As I listened to him discuss our borders and offering guest worker status, I realized, and so should the rest of America. Protecting our borders isn't about guarding the entrance, it's about monitoring those that might exit. I receive, on an average, of 20 e-mails a week about illegal immigrants and I don't think the long list of addressees in the "forward" have any clue that their ancestors were also once immigrants, regardless of their blue blood pedigrees and "fascinating" genealogies. Not to mention, someone by now, should be realizing the majority of our nation seems willing to go into captivity and call it security. I've been hard on the genealogists, but in all fairness, perhaps some ancestor was the last productive member of many American families, who knows . . . And I will be sending Mr. Twain's War Prayer to everyone that sends me some pro-Iraq war forward, and I will send it to every name on the address line from the forward before. I haven't known how to respond to those annoying pro-war forwards, as they primarily come from very non-military personnel. I am not pro-war and unlike most of Senate, I was never for the war in Iraq, and I was under the impression until last fall that the war in Afghanistan was over in '01. Now I did hear that our President mentioned Hezbollah in Lebanon, again in his speech. He never mentioned whether they are back on his terrorist list and would consider actually helping Israel next time, or just using a recognized term to rally a segue in the "new" Iraq plan. Maybe Americans were listening last night better than they were in October of '04. This medical concern of our politicians isn't really about health, it's about getting more monitoring devices into and onto the citizens. Remember ancient American history, before the 1970's? Remember how they used to test medication and cosmetics and various other products on the animals, before approval for use on humans? Well, now they've been testing RFID tags (micro-chips) in the animals . . . can anyone guess who or what will be next? Our fearless leader already announced the FDA approval before the '04 elections, and all these "mark of the beast, fearing religious right-wingers" elected him anyway. Did you hear we have something like 7 million new jobs created in the past so many years? Of course, there was no mention of the huge percentage of Ford Motor Company that has become obsolete and the thousands of jobs no longer in existence. I don't know where all these new jobs are, real estate is slowing down, retailers haven't exactly made record sales, and I've been reading that construction is slowing down. Isn't everything sold in Wal-mart manufactured in China? Well contractors are needed in Iraq, and I hear the pay is really great, if you can stay alive until payday.

Okay, putting my cynicism away again, let's get back to a kinder, gentler blog. What did we learn last night? We learned that our President will be making the same sort of decisions he's been making for the last 6 years and whatever happens in the next two years, both parties will have someone else to blame. The republicans can complain about Congress being uncooperative with the administration. And the democrats can complain that nothing will change without a change in the administration. We learned, still, nobody knows where the buck stops . . .

But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.

And man said, "Let there be war. . ."

I think part of good writing is not only writing what someone else will read, but recognizing the need to share something by another author, and so, today before the State of Union address, I must share an interesting perspective from a writer with whom many of us are familiar, but usually associate with humor. Mark Twain recorded an interesting perspective to prayer; the fullness and the many unmentioned results of the request made before the throne of The Almighty, in asking for Victory. This was not published until after his death, because in his own words, he stated. "I have told the truth in that, and only dead men can tell the truth in this world." I found this in the book called The Wit and Wisdom of Mark Twain, edited by Alex Ayres, published by Meridian, as well as many links on the Internet.

This request for Victory, Mr. Twain entitled, "The War Prayer"

"O Lord our Father, our young patriots, idols of our hearts, go forth to battle -- be Thou near them! With them -- in spirit -- we also go forth from the sweet peace of our beloved firesides to smite the foe.

O Lord our G~d, help us to tear their soldiers to bloody shreds with our shells; help us to cover their smiling fields with the pale forms of their patriot dead: help us to drown the thunder of the guns with the shrieks of their wounded, writing in pain; help us to lay waste their humble homes with a hurricane of fire; help us to wring the hearts of their unoffending widows with unavailing grief; help us to turn them out roofless with their little children to wander the unfriended wastes of their desolated land in rags and hunger and thirst, sports of the sun flames of summer and the icy winds of winter, broken in spirit, worn with travail, imploring Thee for the refuge of the grave and denied it- For our sakes who adore Thee, Lord, blast their hopes, blight their lives, protract their bitter pilgrimage, make heavy their steps, water their way with tears, stain the white snow with the blood of their wounded feet! We ask it in the spirit of love, of him who is the Source of Love, and who is the ever-faithful refuge and friend of all who are sore beset and seek His aid with humble and contrite hearts. Amen.

And God said, Let there be light . . .

Coming to Terms

It's been a very interesting week, here in the southern plains and through the Ohio valley. We personally, have been among the fortunate, as far as our health and safety have been concerned. We already live a fairly simplistic existence "off the land," but I have missed electricity. It's odd to realize, as we hear about how "they did it" a hundred years ago, the very things we have had to concern ourselves with are the conveniences of the last hundred years. A hundred years ago, they didn't have to worry about the plumbing freezing, as there was none. A hundred years ago, they didn't have to worry about the refrigerators and freezers, defrosting, as there were none. So, we have learned the inconvenience of our conveniences. We've been without electricity for a week now, and our survival skills have been an interesting balance between wit, creativity, and a bit of preparedness, but we've had plenty of time to contemplate. And I've said all of that to lead into the new experience I have had since the lights went out. Even our local radio station has not been able to transmit, so our little battery powered radio had been tuned to a different station. And I did something on day five without electricity that I never thought I would do. I listened to an hour of Rush Limbaugh, which is why I am using the generator power to blog. This guy gave me so much material, I just had to share. He, of course, is rallying the warmongers to disregard, disrespect and defy the democrats regarding Iraq. There have been over 3,000 US military deaths and the democrats and many republicans are attempting to resolve this mess. Mr. Limbaugh's commentary was priceless. He informed his listeners that more than twice that number of people, 7000 died last year in the US by pharmaceutical errors due to misreading the doctor's handwriting. And he also said that over a half a million are injured every year from this same problem. He concluded this portion of his speel by stating that the democrats had no answers for Iraq, just criticism regarding the republican administration. But he failed to remind his listeners that it was the republicans that resolved the 7000 pharmaceutical deaths and 1/2 million medication injuries by tort reform and limiting mal practice law suits, I believe they used the term "frivolous." I am amazed at the lack of information that might truly resolve the issues and he merely did exactly what he accused the "others" of doing - criticizing without a solution. I was particularly entertained as he explained how these liberal democrats just harp and harp and witch hunt when it comes to giving the republicans problems, and I of course, thought of Kenneth Starr and Newt Gingrich with President Clinton, and the other talk radio that is still harping about Sandy Berger. The final comment that I heard, as I didn't want to overdo on my introduction to the world of Rush, was regarding Al Gore and global warming. Now, this is just stupid to make a polarized issue out of weather, and it's stupid on both parts. Obviously the weather patterns are changing and I'm guessing not just one direction, and none of it seems to be for the better, so why aim at each other? Perhaps everyone should realize it isn't mother nature that is in control of the weather and rather than cast blame for the differing comments, it's time to all stop taking advantage and misusing the earth, that in fact, doesn't belong to us! I'm going to say, here, that G~d just isn't happy with the way people are taking care of things. Now, back to his comment about propaganda. Rush said he never watches or listens to propaganda. Can his listeners say the same thing?

I did need to comment about the war. We need to realize buying magnets to stick on our cars that say "support the troops" isn't really supporting the troops and I don't think the average American is even aware of that. And I am sick of the e-mail forwards hailing this war. Retired generals are now saying, it has been a civil war since shortly after we arrived and it got me thinking. Back in 1861, what would have happened if another country, came over and removed our leader, for our own good? You see, in America, without another country causing it, our civil war was over in about 4 years and our President wasn't lynched, as a matter of a fact, several that were accused of conspiring in his death were lynched. According to history, the woman that owned the establishment where the men planned the assination of Lincoln was lynched with them. I can't imagine how America would have struggled through some other nation telling us what freedom was and demanding that we become independent, their way!

Haven't we proven that keeping everything in turmoil and everyone at odds, doesn't really solve anything?
What I have come to understand when it comes to "good old American politics" is; the other side’s solution is always wrong!
There will always be some sort of red or blue herring introduced to divert the attention of the masses from the true point.
Each side has it’s spin, but if it’s the other side, it’s called propaganda.

I feel like a week without lights has been very illuminating . . .

Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.

Time to Put Our Money Where Our Mouth Is

It's interesting to observe our civilized civil war here in America as we discuss how to resolve the one we started in Iraq. First, I find it curious that we, a fairly young nation, have chosen to involve ourselves in civil wars in so many countries whose history far predates our own. Iraq has been around since Bible times, but they didn't show up and tell us to listen to Lee or Lincoln and they certainly never lynched either one. I don't understand why President Bush isn't willing to follow the examples set by his predecessors. President Eisenhower left a North and South Korea, which we still have today. President Nixon and Ford left a North and South Viet Nam, after years of US involvement, so why can't we simply have a North and South Iraq or even three, add Kurdistan. After listening to President Bush the other evening, it's clear, now that he can admit it seems to take an iron fist to keep Iraq, stable. Hmmm? This increase of troops is going to be pretty tricky. If he asks for the money before he sends them, Congress can have some input with controlling the purse strings, but if he sends them now, and asks for extra funding next month . . . how can Congress refuse? It would be like refusing those soldiers rifles after they get there, and our President has already promised to be tough on everyone . . .
So, here's the plan. We now know how unhappy the Bush camp is with the dems in Congress, and we have democrats heading to Iraq to look things over. All of the Bush camp that thinks democrats are socialists and heading for communism, needs to refuse every "social" entitlement that is just pushing our nation toward "socialized everything." Let's have the Bush camp refuse their social security checks, implemented by a democrat president, and let's have all the republicans refuse their medicare, also implemented by a democrat president, and then let's take that money and finish up this war that these same people so strongly believe in. And for those that do believe in all the government handouts and have strongly supported the social advancement the democrats propose, then I propose they live off of that and do not maintain their personal ownership of property. After all, if a person is no longer able to work, why should they have property to maintain and be taxed, and being unable to maintain or use it, why do they need to own it? These two ideas alone would change the economy of America. According to a statement in Congress today, there are 43 million Americans on Medicare, now add the cash from Social Security checks and the extras that go along with disability and we've got a substantial fund to work with. Frankly, everyone in America has proven Senator Kennedy's statement, and that should make all of America feel proud! He said the civil war in Iraq was not military, but political, and the proof lies here in America. Everything that our nation makes a partisan issue tells the world that it's "just politics." So, do we as individuals start actually standing and living by what we are saying or do we just keep talking? Maybe it's time to make our wallets and purse strings as partisan as our opinions.
For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers . . .

Busy, Busy, Busy, With No End in Sight!

Well, I guess we are now fighting on three fronts. I don't know how we are going to maintain that, but apparently the powers that be, have it all figured out. I don't think we'll be hearing about any mission accomplished for a good long while, now! And you know, I'm amazed, all the news/talk radio right wingers have to do is bring up some "Clinton failing or comment" and the Bush camp just gets all excited again, and ready for more war. It's like teasing a pit bull, only the broadcasters are nice and safe in their studios with screeners for the call-ins, while the rest of us have to deal with the Pavlovian results.

I'm going to get down to the brass tacks, here.

First to PM Olmert and Israel, my personal apology. It should be obvious by now that America has revised our terrorist list. Apparently, you didn't receive the memo. The people that used to be on our list, like Hamas and Hezbollah just don't annoy our leader like they used to, so you'll just have to deal with the fall out on your own. It should be painfully clear to you, by now, because it certainly is to the rest of the world, America's not lifting a finger against those two groups. Why, America helped bring Hamas to greater power, remember? I personally am just sickened by the way America has stood "beside" Israel and done everything in it's political power to draw fire. I really thought when you set out to get your soldier back, you meant what was said at the beginning, and the American forces did seem stretched at the time, not that I'm making an excuse, but as it turned out, you are willing to negotiate and back down and trade and America wasn't as busy as I thought, now that we have managed to get into Somalia, as well. My advice to you, Israel, next time America pats you on the back and calls you friend . . . have someone check your back, for the "kick me" sign.

Mr. al-Maliki, the more you have to say, the more I'm getting tired of listening. You now refer to your due process as transparent. Well, for those of us who can see through all the "transparent hoohah," we know where you learned that word and by the way, you have now officially participated in an old fashioned wild west Texas lynching. All the people that continue to vote for the war and all the dependency you are demonstrating are stealing my grandchildren's future and I'm beginning to take it very personally. Western culture is by definition, a selfish, greedy, materialist culture, and that means we aren't going to continue to fund your helplessness endlessly. We've got half of the Senate ready to run for president, and some of them know when to say enough is enough, and if they don't, well with all the campaigning we may not have a majority in the Senate until '08! And who knows, one of them is just liable to be the next person you have deal with.

Now, to those Americans that are pro-war, once Social Security runs out, do you really think the rest of us are going to want to finance all these war games, or medicare, for that matter? You see, we don't have the unlimited resources that the current older generation of this country has. Do you realize back when the older generation was contributing, the withholding percentage was dramatically less? That means not only did you not pay in what you are collecting, you paid a much smaller portion of your income and your greediness is literally taking food out of the mouths of the children. There was no medicare tax until the boomers came of age. And SS used to be 1% and income tax withholding was a much smaller percentage. Use your heads, this is not going to work much longer, and now we're in another war. All Americans born between the two World Wars have had the most income, the best retirement plans and the best inheritances, literally the best of the best. And rather than invest in your own grandchildren, you want all the American funds sent overseas. Come on, I'm sure some of you can do the math . . . Can't someone see the reality in this "transparent administration?"

But you have not given ear to Me, says YHVH; so that you have made Me angry with the work of your hands, causing evil to yourselves.

A Personal Letter to Iraq

Dear Iraq,
I live in the country that is responsible for bringing you a "new way of life." I don't agree with my leaders, but they are the leaders and I am just a nameless, faceless citizen, but they do have my number. I'm sure most of you remember how that feels. Let me tell you a few things about your "democracy teacher." First, every time the liberal party, here at home, starts talking about a democracy and the will of the people, our leaders remind us, this is not a democracy but a republic. The next thing everyone here yammers about is a country based upon a Constitution. And we have one whiz-bang Constitution, but we also have something that I haven't heard that you people have come up with, yet. We have a Bill of Rights. It's in pretty sorry shape right now, but it was a good document for nearly 200 years. It's taken a beating in the last 5 years, however; but it is a good document. It was drawn up, not by the leaders, but by the people. The Constitution protects our "sovereignty as a nation," the Bill of Rights protects the citizens from it's government. You ought to check into it before much longer. Now about "your judicial system." It needs work. Appointing people to carry out an execution, who have a personal vendetta or an axe to grind against the accused is not justice, it's called vengeance at best and revenge at worst. But mostly, it comes across to the rest of us as pretty stupid and very ugly. So, before you exercise your sovereign independence in executions, you might want to consider a few steps of independence along the way, like taking care of yourselves. The President of Ameriraq is expecting the Americans to come up with more money for you people to have jobs. We don't have jobs! I just read the stats. In the past 2 months, alone, there have been a quarter of a million jobs supposedly "created" and our unemployment rate hasn't changed. Does that make sense to any of you in the other half of Ameriraq? I must tell you, I wasn't very impressed when the statue came down in '03 and in your new found freedom, it was reported that the number one request was satellite TV. I don't have satellite TV, and if you've lived this long without it, you don't need it until you can pay for it yourself. We have a large number of Americans that consider it their entitled right to do nothing and receive money, and frankly, they were here first. When it comes to the Government Dole, it is first come, first serve, and you are way out at the end of the line. I still don't see that your new found democracy is working for you, but I read in our headlines, now that Saddam is dead, America might not expect so much, after all. It seems, now; as of last Saturday morning, the mission truly has been accomplished! We that are stateside in Ameriraq are about to hear the new strategy for fixing your country. Have any of you told the President what it is you want? Obviously you are still satisfied with barbarism and intimidation, as long as the power has shifted. Now, let me talk to the grandmas, grandma to grandma. I don't want my grandchildren paying for this endeavor and the bill is astronomical. So, let's see if there is a better way to get someone to listen than the legacy of the Palestinian grandma.
Now, on to religion. We know you don't believe all religions are the same. You believe quite devoutly in yours. I believe quite devoutly in mine, and obviously when it comes to religious beliefs, we all feel that our personal way is correct, that's why we believe it! You people all have the same religion, just two different sects, so why do we still have to be there to arbitrate your holy war against each other. Would you want to have to solve the issues between the Catholics and the Baptists here? Now, if your Quran teaches peace, live it and do it! I can assure you, if any nation was living the New Testament, they would not be in a war and certainly there would be no capital punishment. So maybe we all have a better understanding of where we are, now. I don't think you people lack intelligence or strategy, but I do think this situation has brought a significant reduction of world status to the USA, and I think you guys know it. You know we look bad and you also know according to the Geneva Convention, we've got to help you get fixed up in style, so are you really victims or have you, at minimal cost to yourselves killed Saddam Hussein and all but ruined the USA?
and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?