What Have We Become?

Murder is now acceptable.  We cannot just blame "dirty cops" when juries are giving the verdict.  How would a juror feel if down the road it was their child or grandchild?

A number of news feeds this week are simply unfathomable and inexcusable!  Too many people are being maimed and killed by those who are supposed to serve and protect.  I'm not saying all cops are bad, but this is happening with entirely too much frequency.  Not only are citizens being harmed, and justice aborted, but as the trust devolves and the animosity increases, this will place the good cops in a terrible position.

I remember, as a minister, years ago, serving the police department in a voluntary chaplain capacity, as I did in many places throughout the community.  The chief talked to me at length about the trust issues cops had with "civilians," even clergy.  He referred to the blue line.  Well, I'm here to tell you, if they were that paranoid and that untrusting before 9/11, they needed to get out of the cop business then.  Sadly, since 9/11, we've become almost terroristic in our rule of law . . . Which is really becoming dangerously close to anarchical authority.  Many of our laws lack logic, and some of those who are enforcing the law, lack logic and critical thinking skills.

My neighboring state has had some frightening reports of police brutality, and I just read today that three officers are "on administrative leave" pending an investigation.  Interestingly, they are not named and the reason for the investigation has been withheld.  You can bet your bottom dollar, if this was anyone but a cop, the "person of interest" would be named, the allegations would be known, and I'm guessing there'd be no privacy protection, much less leave with pay.

When I saw the headlines and images of a 64 year old deaf man who had been beaten for not responding properly, disgusted, is not a strong enough word.  The man could not hear them.  His son and son-in-law are in law enforcement, so you know he would have been more cooperative than the average person.  He showed respect, his vehicle was marked with a sign that stated the driver was hearing impaired, as well as it being on his license, yet those who take an oath to protect and serve, caused that man to need medical treatment.  The Chief of Patrol has directed the investigation to be expanded to see if any state laws were violated.  Seriously?   The Chief of the Highway Patrol doesn't know if it's against the law to beat up an elderly man who is deaf.

As if that isn't bad enough, we now have juries who render decisions based upon everything but evidence, it would appear.  As I read about the homeless man who was beaten to death by three cops, a jury returned with an acquittal on two.  The charges against the other cop were simply dismissed.  Those jurors better remember the whole reaping and sowing principle, a.k.a. karma.  It's truly getting frightening.

The earth also was corrupt before G-d, and the earth was filled with violence.  Torah of Holy Scripture

What If The Rise of Power is Not Political?

While we are watching the government make a power grab, in health care and taxes, not to mention the Bill of Rights, what if it's only a diversion?  We see diversions all the time.  NDAA passed through the big Duck Dynasty flap, not to mention big sales for the three companies involved, plus a new line of guns . . . Keep in mind, gun sales are monitored, background checks enter the database.

What if the big power that causes all to bow down and take a mark isn't political power, as we know it?  What if the big power is something the majority wants?  What if the big power seems like a good thing?  Isn't that really the only way, "the very elect" would be deceived?

What if the foundation of the beast is say, the internet?  What if it's the power grid?  What if it's the food supply?  What if it's health care?  What if it's just where we want to get our stuff?  What if it starts as our source of entertainment?  I mean, we all need to de-stress, right?  Keep in mind, this beast will ultimately have power over everything, so it doesn't necessarily need to have a political base to gain power.  The real power is to get the people dependent and wanting more . . .

I've had various theories through the years.  Obviously, the ones of the 70's and 80's have come and gone, at least for me.  I remember very clearly, in 1995, knowing, just receiving "the knowing," the mark of the beast would be presented as a good thing, not a threat.  That's when I began to see things differently.  As technology, health care, government, and provision all converge on we the people, I think more of us are going to sit up and take notice.  I'm in the middle of nowhere and suddenly, I have internet service options . . .

I'm not suggesting that the internet is the beast, although there are folks who insist upon that.  Whatever system of communication that connects the entire world at the time of the coming together of the One World Order will definitely be a part of the power of the beast, and the internet may definitely be what is in place.  But the government beast will be so much more . . .

Consider the food supply, and how few people even know where food comes from before it arrives on the grocer's shelves.  How many people are already financially dependent for their food supply.  That number has increased in this country exponentially just in the past 5 years.

Now, we add health care and mandatory health insurance to the mix, at the hands of the government.  I read that Wal-Mart is offering it's employees a better plan than ACA, but it's for the full time employees . . . Wal-Mart also offers great prices on generic drugs, and well that's a place you can get just about everything, anyone could need or want.

For those who do not meet the criteria for subsidies in their mandated health insurance, but still have faith in the system, there is Medicaid.  Read the fine print, though, before you sign.  Medicaid has some interesting regulations regarding your estate.  Seems it would be a conflict of interest for Medicaid to make health decisions, health care payments, and be the main beneficiary of what might be left of one's estate.

Then there's America's political religion and Islam, both of which believe themselves to be favored for special dispensation to kill and start wars.  The beast of the New World Order could rise from so many possibilities, it's really time to stop allowing ourselves to be distracted with political partisanship, religious rhetoric, misleading media, and artificial reality entertainment.

And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.  words of Messiah

Context Please!

I still, well remember the visceral reaction I had to talk radio when I heard a subject just mauled repeatedly, while lacking the true context.   I could hear the mesmerizing programming attempt, and was truly disgusted by the number of listeners who succumbed.  This offense is not limited to conservative talk radio hosts, but there are just so many of them, it seems to be more frequent than the liberal hosts.  It also seems that political conservatives are bit more "lock-steppy" than the image of the progressive liberal, or at least; that's how it used to be.

In all the feather ruffling and flap of the Duck Dynasty star's interview, it became obvious that the progressive liberal side of the political spectrum can be just as lock-steppy and out of context as any of Rush Limbaugh's fans.  Phil Robertson is a character, he simply is.  His style is a bit abrupt, but I don't believe he would ever intentionally mislead someone.

In one of his many comments that have been dissected, he had quipped something about marrying young.  His reference was that young women, 15 or 16, were preferable to those over the age of 20.  Some of the headlines were just appalling.  There were "progressives" that made it sound like he was advocating dirty old men hanging out at the elementary school playground, and he had said nothing of that nature!

Phil and Kay Robertson did marry young and there is a four year gap in their ages.  Just to maintain reality here in this "trial by public opinion," Phil Robertson was the father of three and a business owner before the age of 30.  Now, at the age of 67, he's got fame, fortune, and successful marriage of forty some years, to a woman who is also in her 60's.   Phil Robertson doesn't appear to present himself to be anything but what he is.

Taking an anecdotal comment out of context seems very intentionally dishonest, quite misleading, and very poor journalism.  I would have expected more creativity out of those of the progressive leaning, than to copy the tactics of conservative pundits.
 
http://www.hlntv.com/article/2013/12/31/phil-robertson-marry-girls-15-duck-dynasty?hpt=hln10_5&hpt=hp_t2

The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked speaketh frowardness.  a Proverb of Holy Scripture

Three Terrifying Terms in America

Christian Psychology, Conservative Compassion, Liberal Tolerance.  These three terms invoke a visceral reaction in me when I see them used.  We all learned early on, when somebody says, "Trust me!"  We better keep an eye on everything that isn't locked up or nailed down.  In reading comments by any of the above espousing thoughts, the mindset seems to be to redefine, rather than set the example.  These three terms really seem to be oxymorons.

Christian Psychology brings everything but sound logic to the table.  The New Testament makes reference that believers are to have the mind of Messiah, not the latest self-proclaimed expert and author.  A doctorate in psychology is a secular degree.  To attach a religious adjective only indicates the earnest attempt to mix holy with profane, which is clearly forbidden in Scripture.

Conservative Compassion is probably the most honest term of the three.  It clearly indicates the one in control will be conserving their compassion while determining who is deserving of such.  Compassion offered conservatively, indicates by small measure and micromanaged.  Although I do believe it's fairly honest of the folks who are proud to feel they demonstrate their compassion, conservatively, I would not choose to be on the receiving end of this seemingly small outpouring.  Conservative compassion doesn't evoke an image of outpouring or abundance, but rather a drip or crumbs.

Liberal Tolerance wins the prize for the ultimate in oxymoron.   The very first definition in WordWeb for TOLERANCE:  The power or capacity of an organism to tolerate unfavorable environmental conditions.  When I looked up Liberal, the definition for using is an adjective as it is here is:  Showing or characterized by broad-mindedness . . . I've yet to meet anyone of either political leaning who is broad minded toward the other political leaning.  As for tolerance, I've seen some pretty hateful things said under the guise of tolerance.  Being intolerant of those you define to be intolerable is not tolerance, at all!

I used to say, I hated bigotry so badly, I was a bigot . . . against bigots.  I realize we are programmed to believe that bigotry is steeped in ignorance, but it isn't, it's foundation is pride and hate.  Hating someone, anyone, who is different and feeling superior in doing; so is bigotry.   Regardless of the social euphemisms and philanthropic terms in which we try to package our hateful pride, it is still bigotry.  The three terms we've chosen to exalt our own thinking, cast judgment, or claim progress is nothing more than another way of saying, everyone who disagrees with me is wrong, and really needs their lifestyle, speech, and thought; monitored.

Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate . . . New Testament

In the Public Eye

A journalist once told me, "when it comes to politics, there is no bad publicity."  I think that's true beyond just politics.  In this article, I'm going to weigh in with an opinion on a topic in which I'm basing everything on "hearsay" and internet social media.  We'll see how it goes.

I've never seen Duck Dynasty and I've not read the interview of Phil Robertson in GQ.  I don't have a television and I don't buy magazines.  Like most Americans, I have developed an opinion just based upon what's been reported, since.  I did see a brief interview of his wife through a social media link.  An eight to ten minute interview hardly qualifies me to judge their life, but she was very strong in her statement that she believed G-d was blessing them for staying together through the early rough years.  She stated, "one man, one woman, for life."  I haven't done that, but those are her beliefs and I applaud and support her right to speak what she believes.  As for her entrepreneur husband and business major son, I think they have proven their G-d given gifts in this situation.

This image was found at truthrevolt.org

I firmly believe Phil Robertson is a smart enough man to know everyone is not a fan of his show.  I think he also has the right to speak what he believes and he knows the fans are going to love him all the more and the ones who are not fans will still double the exposure of his business by their negative comments.  I'm sure their business marketing son knows this!  Since I don't believe in coincidence, I have to say, this timing is amazing and an entrepreneur knows to strike while the iron is hot.  A wealthy entrepreneur knows the best time to introduce a new product line is when your name and photo are headlines!

Duck Commander has expanded their product line to now include wine and the family has made a Christmas album.  This GQ uproar could not have come at a better time.  Considering the fan base, there are probably a fair percentage that would frown a bit on the wine line, but that disapproval pales in comparison to the amazing appreciation of his statement against homosexuality.  As the press has a hayday, the fan base is rallying to boycott A&E and see what they can purchase to show their support for the Robertsons . . .

For those who won't buy wine, there is the "Duck the Halls" family Christmas album.  These guys are genius.  I don't for a minute, think, Phil Robertson truly cares what anyone thinks of him, except G-d and his family.  He appears to be, and this is only a superficial observation, a rugged outdoors kind of man who will live and die by the beliefs he professes.  Whether I agree or disagree, I have to admire that.  The man gives glory to G-d for the life he's living and his testimony of meeting Messiah for being delivered from alcohol is his testimony!  How can anyone judge it differently, as his life bears witness to that testimony?

His marriage has lasted and their family is together.  He's provided for his sons and grandchildren, and given G-d the glory.  What's to judge?  He and his wife have done more than most of us and they have the evidence that stands.  While the media does what it does best, which is to divide the people, the Robertsons are walking through the media storm with grace.  I don't have to be a fan of his show, or agree with all the details of his beliefs to defend his right to speak what he believes and applaud his business savvy in all this free publicity!

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of G-d.  New Testament

One Year Later

One year ago, I determined to post a personal obituary for every victim of the "Sandy Hook massacre," but every obit led me to more questions, rather than resolution.

I tried very hard to push away the first doubt, as I watched the President's speech that afternoon.   Something just seemed disingenuine.   As I watched him put his finger to his eye, as if wiping away a tear, I thought, "his tear ducts must be in backward."  There was no moisture under his eyes, yet he wiped the outside corner.  Maybe this is just a small obsessive observation, but as more questionable interviews occurred, my mind continued to review his speech.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8pNvJX-Yyc

The next evening was the first interview with Robbie Parker.  I watched in literal amazement and horror as he gave his speech with what seemed to be an imbalance of stoicism and emotion.

 As I continued to systematically list the obits, individually, the photos and reports seemed more like a horrible Lifetime Movie than reality.  The interviews became murky, and the news moved on so quickly, as the aim for guns and more psychiatric labels ensued.  The single still photo of the school children leaving looked completely disconnected to the reported events of that day.

Robbie Parker continues to be an enigma.  I can't tell if he's an actor or someone self-consumed in search of his 15 minutes of fame . . . I know when I became a bereaved parent, I couldn't even mention or hear my child's name without feeling as though the world was falling in on me again and again.  My child did not die in violence, but it was many weeks before that heaviness in my chest began to ease.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/26/robbie-parker-newtown_n_3659913.html

I went to anywho.com  and did a search for a Robbie Parker / Robert Parker in Newtown Connecticut.  I found two listings.  One was 70 years old and the other 84 years of age . . .  I did find a James Parker with a relative named Natalie in nearby Danbury, but Robbie Parker wasn't listed as a relative . . . One year later, still more questions than answers, and not about the shooter, but the lingering question of reported news.  What is true?

Then shalt thou inquire, and make search, and ask diligently; and, behold, if it be truth . . . Torah of Holy Scripture

Is America Really So Far From Our Foundation?

The holiday wars have begun and basically now, the war on traditional holidays is coming from the more religious rather than the secular, which is an interesting turn of events.  Just like reformed smokers, the very people who once insisted we realize "Jesus is the Reason for the Season" are now informing the world that Christmas is pagan!  Personally, I like the difference in people this time of year.  With the exception and exclusion of Black Friday, regardless of what someone is celebrating, there is a more charitable spirit in general.  I don't have a Christmas tree, I didn't bake a turkey, and Hanukkah is nearly over, but to see the food pantry at the store filled to overflowing, even with sacks from other stores, it's nice . . . If remembering to feed the hungry this time of year from our own heart, rather than state taxes, it does seem Scriptural.

I'm not into the materialistic consumerism that abounds, but in this economy should anyone be?  Now, back to the discussion of the founding of America.  The Thanksgiving revision has been awesome this year!  So, I'll simply share from what I learned in school, nearly a half century ago, and whether or not that was accurate, I'm not inclined to embrace brand new history with digital data sources, as that is open to change at a whim or be no longer available tomorrow.

We learned that the first Thanksgiving involved the Native Americans [back when we were called Indians] having a feast that lasted several days and sharing that feast with weary Pilgrims who had barely survived the trip across the sea.  We learned they all got along great and one of the main dishes of the feast was popcorn!  We also learned that Indians taught the white men to plant corn using fish guts for fertilizer and pole beans near by to be supported by the corn stalks.  Okay, maybe the one about pole beans by the corn, I learned at home and shared for "Share and Tell."  At any rate, by the time I was in fourth grade and learned that General Washington referred to the Indians as savages, the American culture had certainly taken on a new complexion.

Thanksgiving became a national holiday, the people who had assisted the early settlers were now savages, and the land grab was on!   So, something for nothing without gratitude, is not exactly a 20th century welfare concept at all.

Let's discuss the history of Big Ag.  The men of renown with large land holdings, did not work their land, they owned slaves.  As a matter of fact, the end of slavery really brought us into the industrial revolution, as many land owners realized they didn't want to pick their own cotton!  Basically, the people who settled this nation, a.k.a. took it, didn't work it, then brought in more people to work it . . . Seems job outsourcing is not a new concept either.

As for the building of the rail road, we learned Chinese immigrants did that.  We also learned that the Irish immigrants were not considered in the same social status as immigrants and descendants of other European countries, so they got the less desirable jobs.  As I listen to the immigration debates, I can't help be ponder the fact that immigrants only take the jobs the citizens don't want to do anyway.

So I ask, is America really so far from the foundation, after all?
. . . every man did that which was right in his own eyes.  history in Holy Scripture

Tradition

The American tradition of Thanksgiving is really expanding, but it doesn't seem to be so much in the area of thankfulness or giving, unless you count "giving a piece of one's mind . . ."  I don't celebrate the tradition of Thanksgiving.  Seems between all the revision and obvious historical disparity, Thanksgiving and Black Friday are probably pretty low on my list of things for which I'm thankful.  I've made a point of truly seeking to be thankful every day.

After seeing some of the ridiculous comments on social media from the religiously astute, I simply chose to not participate in social media for the "holiday" weekend, either.  I don't choose to celebrate a day that commemorates the change for the original inhabitants of this country that immigration has made.  I also do not choose to spend a day of gluttony while telling myself it's about setting the day aside to give thanks.   If I focus on the traditions of Thanksgiving, I actually find myself in a very non-thankful place, so I don't.

I do not believe anyone should march to my drumbeat, but by the same token, I don't choose to embrace some things, either.  Even though freedom has been dramatically and drastically redefined since that supposed first "Thanksgiving," we are all still free to observe or opt out of whatever we choose, except of course, dying and paying taxes . . . and now Obama care!

There are so many things in my life, for which I am thankful.  I'm very thankful for the nice visit with my daughter and great phone conversations with my granddaughter.  I am truly thankful for the long week-end without a huge mess in the kitchen.  I am also thankful for the life in which I've been blessed, knowing there was nothing to buy on Black Friday that would bring greater contentment to my life.  Even though I am not terribly progressive in the area of technology, I am thankful to be able to see photographs of loved ones and keep up with their lives by way of internet communication.

As I contemplate "tradition," it's rather mind-boggling to realize my Grandchildren will have no concept of life before internet and no idea that stores used to actually be closed on national holidays.  

O give thanks unto YHWH; call upon His Name: make known His deeds among the people.  from a Psalm of Holy Scripture

John Fitzgerald Kennedy

I was five years old when JFK was assassinated.  I remember so many things about that week-end and so many thoughts that plagued my young mind, even then.  Fifty years later, it's still a day of remembrance for me.  It was such an influential event in my young life, to this day, when writing the date on November 22, it's a reflex to just write 1963.  It's automatic, like my birthday or my kid's.

There were many things about his presidency to which I related . . . First, I shared the same last name.  The Irish immigrants and descendants were not always embraced by those of other European origins, so it was not uncommon in the early part of the 20th century for Native Americans avoiding the Dawes Roll to "marry off" a sister to an Irish gentleman and the entire family take the name.  So, I was little brown Kennedy.  Second, Caroline was not quite a year older than I, and John Jr. was a few months older than my sister.  Third, when I I heard people speaking of the president there were frequent comments as to his youth and good looks.  I heard the same thing about my Daddy!  Keep in mind these are the thoughts of a five year old girl.

The heaviness, besides seeing a nation in mourning, was also of a personal nature.

 I already thought Vice President Johnson was a mean man.  I discerned a tone to his voice that made me very uneasy.  I didn't like watching him in news clips, not that I tuned in attentively every evening.  I watched him sworn in as President and I felt really, really queasy.  As President, he was going to take the house away from those little kids.  He was going to make those orphaned children move.  In my mind, President Johnson was causing those children who had just lost their father, to also lose their house.  Then when I saw the photo with the beagle the next year, the meanness was confirmed!
                             
   *photo in the article Post Kennedy White House



President Kennedy's short time in office and sudden death greatly affected our nation, and I believe some of the questions surrounding his election and death are foundational in the current dissatisfaction with the political system and our distrust of our political leaders.  What has been building for fifty years, often reflects back to his short time in the national spotlight.   At the time he died, it didn't matter if someone was republican or democrat, America's President had been killed.  The Warren Commission took less than a year to deliver the verdict of Lee Harvey Oswald as the lone assassin, but even then, there were some issues of logic and physics that challenged that report.

There have been many, many theories through the years, documentaries, and movies to fuel the theories that literally keep his death alive, in this nation.  Although I do not know who or how many were responsible for the death of President Kennedy, I do not believe Lee Harvey Oswald was the lone assassin, if he was involved at all.  There are some factors this writer believes fifty years later.  In 1964, the nation or it's leaders, thought we could put this tragedy behind us with an official report, even if we didn't really believe it.  We just wanted it all wrapped up neatly and the idea that our government could lie was unimaginable, and certainly unspeakable.
 

We have now come to realize, we chose to accept something official that is questionable.  We've let a number of illogical, unanswered questions stand as fact for fifty years, and that has eroded the trust of the people.  Not only is there reason to doubt some of the information contained in the report, we have to face the fact, that information was given to us by a Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States of America.  Perhaps if the Warren Report actually answered the haunting questions, that horrible November day in Dallas, could have been laid to rest.

President Kennedy's death is no longer about his death, it's about what we were told and the reality that to question what we were told means we have doubts about those in authority.  This isn't about the Kennedys and this isn't about Lee Harvey Oswald, this is about distrust on the highest level of government and the fact that it has been building for half a century.

When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.  a Proverb of Holy Scripture

Hospitals Refusing Insurance Plans

I'm going to write about this just because it's creepy and it keeps crossing my mind, so I'll share.  When I read that hospitals will be refusing some insurance plans, I became curious as to how they intend to stay in business.  Insurance has been calling the hospitalization shots for years, but for hospitals to just turn down certain plans and companies sounded like a pretty major statement.

A friend of mine worked was a pharmacy tech at hospital that had been closed for traditional patient care and exclusively cared for unconscious patients on ventilators.  That of course, reminded me of an old sci-fi movie, Coma, in which Tom Selleck was one of the healthy patients that slipped into a coma.  The plot revolved around a doctor who was harvesting transplant organs for sale on the black market, so it was healthy patients who did not awaken from routine surgeries.

In reading about Dick Cheney's heart transplant and subsequent interview, every article mentioned the shortage of organs for the transplant programs.  Now, before you think I'm suggesting something of evil intent like "death panels" relax, I'm not a republican.  What I am suggesting is that a number of people will be refused health care based upon cost, rather than care and empty hospital buildings could very soon become intercity housing for people falling under the weight of this so-called "economic recovery . . ."

I don't think they'll keep people on vents to harvest organs, as it's very costly to maintain people in that condition.  I do think it's possible that empty hospital buildings could end up in use for some sort human warehousing, though.  We can already see the older structures in many downtowns as hospitals have moved toward the outer suburbs and established "campuses."  With homelessness being the issue that it is, I could see empty hospital buildings becoming FEMA HUD projects.

For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?  New Testament

Officially, the Great Recession ended in June 2009.  The Great Repression, continues . . . Ironically, through this so called economic recovery, bank failures have abounded, and food stamp dependency has increased exponentially, but:  the Stock Market has rebounded!

Even including the figures of bank failures, up through and including the entire month of June of 2009, there were 10 bank closures in the five years preceding the official announcement of the Great Recession.  In 2008, there were 26 failed banks.  Now failed banks resulted in mergers, take-overs etc.  There is no report of anyone just losing their FDIC accounts.  As a matter of fact, the statistics in the article were obtained at the FDIC website and the same information was posted in Wikipedia.  The first half of 2009, saw 45 bank failures, before the transition from recession to recovery was declared.  Since the time of "recovery," the rest of 2009 saw 95 more bank failures.  There were 157 reported in 2010, and 92 in 2011.

So, to put this in proper perspective, this nation saw 71 bank failures through the Great Repression, with 10 previous failures since the invasion of Iraq.  To date, there have been 418 bank failures, since the "recovery" began.  There were 51 reported bank failures in 2012 and so far through October 2013, there have been only 23 bank failures.  Here's where the politics gets fun!  It doesn't fix any of the problem, it just gives the loyal party members something quibble over.

Those leaning to the letter R will "clearly see and explain to the rest of us" that there have been more bank failings in just one year of Obama's administration than all the recorded years under Bush.  There were a total of 51 bank failures, reported through the entire Bush administration.  This is obviously an easy observation to make.  Just count the banks at the FDIC webpage.  I'd even guess the first few could somehow be blamed on the Clinton administration, and of course then, 9/11.

Now, those leaning to the letter D will explain how all of these closings stemmed from the recession that occurred in the Bush administration.  That will be the explanation given and fervently believed, well then there's the whole lousy Republican led Congress that refuse to work with the President.  And let us not forget the Fat Cats on Wall Street who don't care about anyone but themselves and their puppet politicians!   Oh, and the fact that there have been fewer bank failures the last two years clearly shows what a great job he's doing, in spite of the other party.

The problem I see is three fold.  First, the citizens are so divided in their blame, we fail to see that there have been over 500 bank failures in this country from 2008 to the present.  That's a lot of failure and consolidation.  In the five years around the Great Repression, 2007-2011, the five largest banks increased their assets by 13%.   The citizenry choosing to remain divided amongst ourselves solves absolutely nothing.  One party did not cause this and one party is not fixing or impeding this calamity.

The fact of the matter is, while we're discussing who is at fault, there are some startling statistics that have developed through this so called recovery.  From my very superficial research as to the dollar value, banks are sized according to deposits held with $300M being the dividing line.  In 1988 there were 12,500 banks smaller than $300M and 900 that held more than $300M, making a total of 13,400 banks in the US.  In 2012, the statistics were markedly different.  There are now only a total of  6000 banks in the US, with twice as many, 1800, now holding over $300M, and only 4,200 hundred holding less than $300M.

In the last twenty-five years, Savings and Loans have virtually disappeared and the number of banks have been reduced to fewer than half.  In more recent news, the number of banks shuttered through this so called recovery only serves to prove, we've redefined recovery!  The fact that so few banks have shuttered this year, only tells me, there are fewer in existence.  This is not a political issue at all, it's a consolidation of wealth and power toward one global bank.   This is a love of money issue, which we know is the root of all evil . . .

Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches . . .  New Testament

Remember Story Problems in Elementary School?

In the fifth grade we just wanted to get the right answer.  We had no idea, story problems would actually affect our lives in such a monumental way, did we?   The entire country is now facing a story problem and I don't think anyone knows the right answer.

The story problem reads:  A train leaves Washington DC @ 9:55 am, October 17 heading for a cliff going $400 million an hour.  Will it derail before it goes over the cliff?  If it will derail, what time?  If it goes over the cliff, in what destination will it arrive?       Show your work.

A recession was announced a year after it was determined to have begun.  Some of us average folk had already sensed what seemed to take Washington DC another year to discover, or at least recognize.  In all fairness to the Washington politicians, they don't live like the rest of us, so perhaps it did take another year for them to see it!

So, nearing the end of 2008, it was announced that America had entered a recession in late 2007, and the administration at that time was bidding us all fond adieu.  He did some sort hocus pocus with a stimulus plan, allocating 1/2 before he left and leaving the other half to be distributed by his predecessor.  By early 2009 we saw the auto bail out, which actually seems to have resulted in many dealership closings, and oh don't forget the cash for clunkers plan!  The the housing market collapsed as the jobs continued to dry up . . . but by mid 2010, we were told the economy had made the transition from recession to recovery . . . Here is where it gets a bit difficult to follow.

All this time, unemployment benefits are being extended, food stamp dependency is increasing exponentially, homes are empty in foreclosure and this is the recovery portion of the story . . .  Meanwhile the stock market is making some interesting increases and gold is skyrocketing.  The gap between independent wealth and dependent despair is widening, but the dependent group is expanding in number.  Cities are passing ordinances against gardens, even though the food stamp budget is being trimmed back and the extended unemployment benefits have left many folks simply no longer included in the statistics.
So far, if I were showing my work, it would look something like this, so far.

For all those still enjoying the blame game we have Clinton's 5.7 trillion when he left office, having added a little over 1 T to Bush 41's.  Even with Obama's record, I believe Reagan holds the record for debt increase percentage.  Bush 43 added 4.9T plus the stimulus, then came Obama.  5.7T +4.9T + 700B +  6T = 17T  Meanwhile, regardless of who we blame, it is the people who will pay the price or actually our grandchildren.

17T - 5B SNAP + $ ∞  - UN  =  X

The national deficit when Bush 43 took office was 5.7 trillion, when he left 10 trillion.  It just hit 17 trillion, but in the mean time, the need and cost of food stamps has increased by about 500%, but that budget will be cut, by 5B because Washington got a loan and claims our economy is recovery.  Now 17T plus no debt ceiling [infinite spending] minus unemployment non-statistics equals X.  

All we need to do is find the value of X!

Wherefore shall we die before thine eyes, both we and our land? buy us and our land for bread, and we and our land will be servants unto Pharaoh: and give us seed, that we may live, and not die, that the land be not desolate.  Torah of Holy Scripture

Perfectly Unbalanced

I've come across some odd information that seems like some sort of bizarre math problem.  I was gifted in school to be able to just look at a story problem and see the answer, the problem was in showing my work.  I now see, we have one heck of a story problem, and even if we can show the work, I think it the answer contains an unknown variable . . .

Organic homesteads are being busted, cities have ordinances against gardens, food stamp dependency has increased by about 500%, yet in the last 5 years Cabela's stock has increased approximately by that same percentage.  Back in 2009 Cabela's stock was around $10.00, last I checked it was over $60.   Meanwhile, Big Ag is running mostly on insurance due to weather issues.

The missing variable here, is what concerns me.  Why has a company that sells equipment for living off the land had such huge stock increase at the same time and rate as dependency on the government has increased?  Is off the grid existence going to still be based upon government provision or are there really militias forming?  I don't know which one it is, but there is a definite breakdown between sufficiency and dependence and it still points to the food supply.

I've seen reports of gardens demolished over ordinances and I've seen reports of thousands of pounds of meat destroyed, and this is all by an indebted government with authority over dependent hungry people.  There is clearly something wrong with this equation.  I've already read that many hunters will not be donating their kill after reading of the destruction.

The true Jeremiah Johnson's, live off  the land types, aren't the ones running the stock up on high end "simplicity" as it's packaged at Cabela's.  Cabela's has some great products, but that sort of inventory caters to hobbyists enjoying yet another new toy.  Besides with all the hunting and fishing regulations, not to mention the skill all but lost, hunting is not going to keep very many people from starving.

It's time to get practical about our circumstances.  Hunting is wonderful and wild game is a great feast, but it's not a sustainable food supply like gardening, and hunting is very regulated.  The Department of Conservation was the first government agency with the authority to come in your house without warning . . . and take the meat out of your freezer.  As the food supply becomes an issue, by cost and availability, we need to keep in mind, there's been a disconnect between provision and true sustainability.

And YHWH G-d took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.  Torah of Holy Scripture

No Laughing Matter

Not that I think TSA is any laughing matter, but I guess it was my coping mechanism.  I've cracked wise right here at this site, through the years.  I've even sarcastically mentioned that our government could save some serious dollars in the combination of TSA and Obamacare.  I mean just a little training and those patdowns could serve as exams.  Crank up that Xray machine to see through skin and not just clothes and everyone could at least have a chest Xray or bone density study.  The TSA was one of the first subjects I addressed when I began blogging.

Below is the link to the second blog I ever posted, right here at this site!
http://write-wing.blogspot.com/2005/01/feeling-free.html

http://www.westernjournalism.com/tsa-loudspeakers-threaten-travelers-arrest-joking-security/#cAUo4mFxu8xxYr0O.01

Nothing new at all.  While we the people get ourselves in a dither, these things have been going into place for years!

I am also including a video by Ray Stephens.   I will qualify this with one point of disagreement with his melodious observation.  He only included very recent powerful names in the news, but my Passport was retired after my trip to Philadelphia in 2004, which was following world travel prior to that.  The experience in the US airports after the USA Patriot Act is what introduced me to the "unfriendly skies" and in mentioning the private jets of politicians, he failed to include the mega-church pastors with their own private jets.  With this qualifying remark, I share, Ray Stephens, who creatively conveys in song, the disdain I feel.

The following Scripture was posted and repeated several times following 9/11, now it's been "gutted" and once again placed on billboards in it's "new condensed version."
If my people will humble themselves and pray, then I will heal their land.- 2 Chronicles 7:14"  

Here's the way it reads in Scripture, and I sure wish we'd have done it!
If My people, which are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.   II Chronicles 7:14

Proud?

I remember when Michelle Obama made the following statement.  It is linked to the article.

Michelle Obama: “For the First Time in My Adult Lifetime, I’m Really Proud of My Country”

 To be honest, there have been a number of times in my adult life that I wasn't so proud of our country, but there have also been stellar moments in which our country used to do the right thing.  To be honest, those times have seemed fewer and farther between for some time now.  I realize some of this lack of pride has been the result of my own research, rather than just accepting what is presented.  A great deal of the change in my perspective, though, is spiritual.

I do not blame Mr. Obama, entirely, for the condition of this country, nor do I credit him.  As a matter of fact, other than force something on me that I don't believe in, he's pretty much not kept his campaign promises, but then he's had exemplary excuses.  The truth of the matter, is, Michelle, and the rest of us, America has been going downhill for years and years.  We sold out to materialism after WWII, and military might has been our claim to fame since the atomic bomb, then a 5 Star General President.  It seems the war-mongering has been a requirement to continue the presence of Super Power.  The materialism has turned into insurmountable debt, though, and having a president that has enjoyed guest status as a child and never had to actually worry about an income isn't helping resolve this problem.

If not being concerned with how things will be paid for is reason to be proud, then I guess Michelle can enjoy her grandstanding . . . and countless vacations, but as someone who is well aware that the fiddler will insist upon being paid, I'd rather not saddle my grandchildren with the debt.

The politicians are the aristocracy of this nation and it seems they've "struck a power deal" to be exempt from what the rest of us deal with because of their decisions.  In the old days, pride was seen as evil and fame and fortune were often equated to having "made a deal with the devil."

Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.  a Proverb of Holy Scripture

Politicians are Displaying Political Extremism

The full letter of the state representative is included in this edition of the Goshen Gazette, under the headline "A Political Letter."  Here, I've included the first paragraph and the last, because the aim for political extremism is so blatant.

September 24, 2013
We began the week with some real fun at Seneca High School. FFA teacher, Angel Roller, invited Representative Reiboldt and myself in to speak to a group of local citizens about the farm legislation we passed last session. The "Right to Farm" bill was the primary focus of the presentation. There are many who don't see a reason for us to have laws that guarantee the right to raise crops or livestock the same way that we have for generations. Why would we need such a law? There are special interest groups that are pushing for laws to drastically change the way we produce our food. I am NOT proposing that we are cruel to animals, but anyone who thinks that we can "free range" poultry in Southwest Missouri doesn't realize how many hungry coyotes, hawks, foxes, raccoons, eagles, etc. there are that would gladly support that idea. Some states have already enacted laws that prevent egg laying operations from being contained in cages. Imagine 20,000 chickens laying eggs all over a 40 acre field. Talk about job creation! I know how ridiculous this sounds, but California has already enacted just such laws. Another favorite target is raising hogs without "gestation crates". A gestation crate, or farrowing crate as I knew them growing up, is nothing more than a containment to keep a 350 pound sow from rolling over and crushing her babies. The hogs grow quite fond of them in fact, they don't have to do anything but eat and sleep for a while when they deliver their litters. The fact is, if farmers mistreated their animals, they could not have good production and that means they would go broke. Representative Reiboldt made the point that he took better care of his dairy cattle than he did himself. Most farmers feel exactly the same.
 . . . . . . . body of letter
  I live in the same part of the country to which Mr. Lant refers.  I will admit I've lost a few chickens over the years to hawks, but hawks are federally protected.  Even though my chickens are free range, I have a chicken house with nest boxes in which they lay their eggs and roosts where they roost every night.  I don't have to search the acreage for eggs.  I'm not sure how in touch Mr. Lant is with his rural constituency, as my chicken house has a door on it, so foxes, coyotes, etc. aren't an issue.  I've also learned when the protected predator is hovering, my chickens sound their warning and take cover . . .  These representatives should be aware that many of us want what's best for our animals, and protected predators and a 1 cube foot cage is not necessarily what's best for a chicken, but poultry farms are big business in this area with a well funded lobby.  I don't raise hogs, so I can't comment.
 Interesting article with video for those opposed to free range chickens.


the closing of Mr. Lant's letter

I just heard that a State Patrolman in St. Louis was shot but because he was wearing a protective vest, he is O.K. Those guys as well as our local law enforcement sure deserve our thanks for the job they do! I also just heard that Governor Nixon is shooting for Vice President. Do you suppose that's why he traveled all over the state in his new airplane at a cost of 780.00 per hour supposedly campaigning against a tax break? Nah, surely not!  Who knows what next week will bring, until then I am and remain in your service.

Bill Lant

I found the closing paragraph combining the shooting of a law enforcement officer who is fine, and a political barb to be contextually poor, but also divisive issues.  Even his presumed constituency has some misgivings about the authority being exercised by big city law enforcement these days, and it's a bit early to get the 2016 campaign conjecture started.

I realize all these little comments don't amount to much on a national scale, because after all, this guy is just a state representative, but the ideology is obvious throughout his letter.  The ideology of American politics seems to be the same on every level.  Control the people and blame the other party, and seemingly nothing more.  It's done by both parties, consistently and continuously and that is extremism!

 There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health. a Proverb of Holy Scripture   

What Was Cruz Doing?

I realize I'm not the most politically astute in this country, but I really did read the articles and reports and I am still scratching my head!  As an internet journalist, I do my best to stay abreast of current events, and for whatever reason, Washington politicians seem to love to orchestrate current events.  This so called rally of a "lone Texas legislator" really has me baffled, and his loyal followers are still just singing his praises.

From everything I read, it fell far short of a filibuster.  The vote gives no impression that any mind was changed but his own, and his 21 hours was not even good "sock puppet theatre."  I read that he read "Green Eggs & Ham" just to fill in time.  For no more work days than Congress even schedules, these all night comedies are outlandish, and not  funny.  When this happened last year, I was appalled.  I don't like being threatened by my government, and when they finally agreed on whatever they did, then it was every month another threat of shut down.  Enough already!  We know we're broke, and we know it's not going to get fixed!

I think we should all be tired of being constantly threatened by our own government in one way or another.  I know I am.  I'm tired of being spied on.  I don't want government health care, and I don't want to give up the Bill of Rights to a bunch of politicians who don't know straight up from sic'em about actually living a real life in this country.  I'm tired of reading about outlandish brutality, and I'm really sick and tired of reading about every time the government threatens shut down, the threats of no money lands squarely on the back of soldiers, veterans, and the government employees.  I never read about Washington politicians not receiving their checks in event of a shut down.  Besides, when did this shut down business become an option for our elected officials?

I've read the fans comments.  Mr. Cruz has been called a great patriot.  The tea party is proud.  He's identified the RINOs!  I've read comments from both sides, and I've read reports from both biases, and I still can't figure out what he did.  The vote reported was unanimous, I reiterate, unanimous:  100-0.  Anytime both sides of the aisle are 100% in agreement, I know "we the people" have not been represented in whatever is on it's way to becoming law.  So, Mr. Cruz, was this a feeble attempt to really make a difference, and you just don't know what you're doing?  or Was this some sort of political grandstanding to garner support for an election?  

And who knoweth whether he shall be a wise man or a fool? yet shall he have rule over all my labour wherein I have laboured, and wherein I have showed myself wise under the sun. This is also vanity.  Ecclesiastes of Holy Scripture

Never Waste Your Pain

This title was the title of Rick Warren's sermon in his dramatic return to the pulpit of Saddleback Church.  My heart is grieved for the Warren family.  It is horribly painful to bury a child, and I cannot imagine the added pain to lose one to suicide.  

Rick Warren is a powerful man, though; with clout in two high profile sections of our society.   He has obviously been politically influential to have hosted both Presidential candidates in 2008.  He gave the inaugural invocation for President Obama.  Rick Warren 's picture has appeared on the front of Time magazine, which I used on the front cover of my book, entitled, "Can We All Be Wrong?"

Saddleback Church, where he pastors, averages 20,000 in attendance and is listed in the ten largest churches in the country, so he's got some religious influence as well.  His book, "The Purpose Driven Life," was a top seller for some time, appealing to many of all walks of life.

The final sentence of an article I read about him, made me think of a quote by Rahm Emanuel, which then really got me thinking.  
> > This weekend Warren was back at Saddleback, preaching a sermon titled, "Never Waste Your Pain." < <

The family has been rather quiet these past five months, according to the article, but now there is an interview coming up the night after his official return to the pulpit.  I see a real potential, even probability that this tragic event will be turned into a mental health / gun control / internet security issue.   The timing for the article and the interview is interesting in that October is National Cyber Security Awareness month.

Here is another quote from the article at CNN.
> > After what the family called a lifelong struggle with mental illness, Matthew Warren, 27, took his life in April.“In spite of America’s best doctors, meds, counselors, and prayers for healing, the torture of mental illness never subsided,” Warren wrote to staffers at Saddleback Church, his megachurch in Orange County, California. < <

Full article

This was a Twitter post attributed to Rick Warren, included in the article.
Someone on the internet sold Matthew an unregistered gun.I pray he seeks God's forgiveness. I forgive him. #MATTHEW 6:15

I have an issue with this Twitter comment. We have no way of knowing if this individual had any idea that the young man was suicidal. Also, a sale on the internet may or may not have been an illegal act, since not all guns have required registration, in the past . . .  

I see all sorts of things advertised for sale on the internet . . . This tragedy could be instrumental in making sure there are no gun sales on the internet, as well as more registration laws. We also need to keep in mind that a gun ordered online would have taken either time or a conscious act to obtain it. The information in the tweet indicates that this suicide was not an impulsive act, but rather a calculated plan.

I am sorry for Rick Warren and his wife. I'm sorry for their other two children. I'm sorry his son, Matthew, struggled his whole life, and I'm sorry that Matthew's mental illness was fatal. I do have the foreboding thought that someone will use this opportunity to further our loss of freedom and privacy while being reminded that this pain will not be wasted.

He that is first in his own cause seemeth just . . . a Proverb of Holy Scripture

The Digital Fahrenheit 451

As social media and the blogosphere gain writers and readers daily, I can't help but wonder, what happens when the internet is either cast aside for newer technology or simply castigated.  As a writer, I use the internet daily.  I truly enjoy being an internet journalist and blogger, but there is something that I simply cannot wrap my mind around.  When I hit send or enter or publish, what I've written is "out there," never to be retrieved, and with that foreboding feeling of "forever" is also the reality that the written word is now, fleeting as well.

I have an ongoing argument with myself.  I keep telling myself I should print Contemplation of Preponderance, just to have the record in the event of whatever; but I then tell myself, it's serving it's purpose as is. My thoughts and words are not necessarily of world importance, but many of my blog topics do address world events and digital history is vulnerable to revision.  I'm not an historian by any means, but I do think a great deal about the revision that has already transpired.  Now that encyclopedias and periodicals are becoming digital, and libraries are losing funding, will the veracity of history remain intact?  In less than 70 years of written history, the holocaust has been questioned, even denied.  

I received quite a response on the internet over a year ago, for raising the question or the possibility that while so many trust "snopes," the day could come that snopes could be hacked.  I'm already amazed at the people who swear by Google, until I search their issue on Google, then I need more information . . .   It seems digital information is more prone to perspective and interpretation as to it's validity.

The internet is a very useful tool at this time, but it may not be the best data base for recorded history.  I couldn't work from home without it, but digital information is easily cut and pasted or photoshopped, and just because something goes viral doesn't make it truth.  When I first got a word processor, I described it as a typewriter and file cabinet in one.  Later, when coming to the internet, I added to my typewriter and file cabinet, a communication device, but the reality is, once I added the communication capability, the file cabinet portion was changed.  I was no longer the only one with access, and just because it's "my blog" or "my domain" things can happen.  There need be no nefarious intent at all, technology is no more fool proof than humans.  

When first organizing the Goshen Gazette, I wanted all contributors to have their own blog address, so their work remained their property.  It was only a matter of a couple of weeks before we were frantically messaging behind the scenes that certain blog sites wouldn't open.  There's nothing more frustrating than a power surge or outage when a document hasn't yet been "saved."

I realized how very important a record of the truth is, when my parents began discussing their "Plans of Departure from this World" as in, what did I want from their house?  Well, they are still in good health, or so they tell me, and I'm quite sure I won't have a clue about their financial decisions until they have departed this sod, but when asked the question, I told them, "I wanted the encyclopedias, and I qualified it with.  Now, if kids, grandkids, nieces, nephews, etc. want them, I won't argue, I simply want a record of history maintained in print."  I love my Bible program on the computer.  That program is so handy for my work on line, but my devotion time is with my Bible in print.  

With digital news and e-books, the printed word is the most permanent thing we have in this temporal world. 

 The preacher sought to find out acceptable words: and that which was written was upright, even words of truth.  Ecclesiastes of Holy Scripture  

The Beginning of Bypassing the State

I've been waiting for it, for some time to move beyond the Department of Conservation.  So many of our citizens have lost touch with nature that the powers of the DoC didn't really affect them on a personal level, but Arizona is a different story.

I've taken stark notice of the state of Arizona since the shooting of Gabrielle Giffords, and realizing the impact that state is having on a number of national concerns, while the state remains rather boisterously impotent.

Arizona was the last state in the union for years and years.  Came in in 1912.  The state has had two women governors back to back, actually four of the last five governors have been women.  Arizona has a real issue that apparently eludes New Mexico and California in immigration traffic.  Arizona also has a maverick Sheriff that spends a great deal of his time gaining national acclaim while his county is kidnap central for young teen age girls.

clearly Janet Napolitano and Jan Brewer do not share political leanings, at least openly, but there has been a common thread of a sheriff who loves the spotlight in the administration of both of these women.  Sheriff Joe Arpaio is sheriff of Maricopa County which includes the city of Phoenix.  This is the sheriff who is famous for his pink jail uniforms, tents, chain gang work force, reducing the prison budget by millions, and has been elected to this office five times.  He is also famous for his illegal immigration enforcement, alleged racial profiling, and the investigation to the legitimacy of our President's birth certificate.

Sheriff Joe is a busy man.  His jail has housed the infamous Jodi Arias, as well as a Pastor having a family Bible study.  What I've noticed is, as with so many things in America, the Arizona issues are all quite divisive and conveniently located right there in one state.  Granted, everything isn't all in Maricopa County, but Sheriff Joe is quite the animated lighting rod.  It has now been determined that he requires federal oversight and a Federal District Judge has ordered a monitor for this outspoken sheriff.

http://www.addictinginfo.org/2013/09/01/maricopa-county-sheriffs-office-will-get-a-federal-monitor-joe-arpaio-not-happy/

It's as though, Arizona's governor has simply become a figure head, and bypassed, while the muscle of the federal power is flexed in this state over one of the largest counties, and certainly the most notorious "badge" of the west.  Granted, this move also brings division in those watching.  Many applaud the oversight that leaves both a republican governor and an authoritative sheriff in submission to the federal government, while others claim conservative persecution.  We can't set aside the foundation of federal involvement over the horrific tragedy that took place in Tucson.  This event will affect gun control in all fifty states.

Sadly, this journalist sees yet another opportunity to keep the people divided while creating the submissive sustainable urban dwellings that is being promoted federally.  This is one step closer to a federal rule of law, while state power and economic autonomy continues to decline.  Ultimately the power of a state or county can, potentially in the foreseeable future, be regulated by Congress.

In rebellion, a land has many rulers . . . a Proverb of Holy Scripture