Tis the Season

Another year of politically correct celebration! I simply cannot wait. I've already heard a few comments that simply make me say Hummm? I heard on the radio this morning a DJ read some "thought for the day" which stated we should know something about three other religions besides our own beliefs. He then proceeded to share something from his youth. He had asked his parents about a child at school that didn't have a Christmas tree and didn't talk about Santa like Christians. The child was Jewish and so this Christian child's parents were able to share with him a little about Hanukkah. I just can't help but be surprised and saddened, though, that according to Christians, the Christian holiday celebration seems to revolve around a tree and old fat guy that supposedly knows as much as G~D. But their Jesus is the reason for the season! Now most Biblical scholars claim that the Messiah was not born in winter and we can clearly see that the tree described in Jeremiah appears to look alot like a Christmas tree, which was obviously around long before any baby was born in a manger in Bethlehem. I don't understand why Christians would embrace the way of the heathen to celebrate a birthday that didn't really happen at that time and then call it persecution when the rest of us question it. I celebrate Messiah, but I'm uncertain when his actual day of birth was. I'm pretty much with most of the Bible scholars, though, in that I believe it was through the fall holy days. Since his death aligns with Passover, I'm guessing His birth aligns with Rosh Hashanah or Yom Kippur or a day through Sukkot. At any rate, as the season unfolds, I'm really sure that whenever His birthday was, He's not thrilled that it's being celebrated with materialism, heathen customs and some old fat guy in red whose name contains the same letters as the enemy Messiah came to defeat. Meanwhile, I'm going to celebrate a feast that Messiah celebrated and I would invite all those that follow Him to do the same.
And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter. New Testament

Quietly on the Alaskan Front

Joe Miller isn't graciously conceding at all! He's doing exactly what Al Gore did, only he looks even more ridiculous because it is his so called base that supposedly doesn't believe in this sort of legislative challenge. Well, except, now that it's on the other side of the aisle, there are good and proper reasons for this . . . Which side of the aisle ethics is a lot like right or wrong based upon which end of the stick one ends up holding!
At any rate, Joe's camp says Lisa's people are not presenting the truth. I'm not the legal eagle here, but it would seem, if the "write in" oval has been filled in, it's a certainty the vote does not belong to Joe Miller. Then it's a matter of all illegible handwriting, if there is an obvious "M" & "k" and name ends in "i," the intent is clear. As for the rest, I'm guessing obvious misspellings could be cast aside and Lisa Murkowski would still win. All this whining makes Joe sound like the two Als; Al Gore and Al Franken. I, personally am thankful neither of them are representing me and I put Joe Miller in the same category. I'm guessing, according to the apparent victory by Murkowski, a large number of Alaskans would agree with me about Joe.
Joe Miller needs to realize, just like the democrats taking a beating, sent a message to the White House, Alaska has used the election to send a message to their former governor. Most Alaskans who are "mad as he**" seem to be mad at the leader of the Tea Party. And we are all sick and tired of hearing about upholding the letter of the law when the truth is ridiculously obvious!
Now, clearly the only thing to do that doesn't seem like being a democrat would be to man up, concede, and wish Lisa well.
Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law . . . New Testament

The Five Stages of Captivity

We have "known" for some time now, there are five stages of grief as depicted by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, and I guess the premise is really similar, but the terms are different.
As Kubler-Ross explained the stages of grief, we have five basic labels for the stages of the loss of a loved one or the diagnosis of a terminal illness. The stages of grief are as follows: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance

In all of this American fear mongering, war mongering, and giving up our way of life, TSA has made it official. We have been ushered into the "safety of captivity," with the USA Patriot Act and Health Care Reform, and with captivity, just like grief, there are also five stages. We watched it unfold as a nation, just this past couple of weeks. Here are the five stages of captivity as explained by another Elizabeth. First there was disbelief that our government would actually impose this and surely someone in authority would step in and rescue us from the TSA, but that didn't happen. Next there was outrage that such a thing could happen in America and Ben Franklin was quoted on blogs across this nation. Then several of us left sarcastic comments on the news articles and late night comedy stepped in and as we've seen before, laughter is quite soothing . . . so then came the compliance. Over 80% of the passengers did not have a problem with this sort of invasive loss of their civil rights. They were willing to sacrifice rights and dignity for a little reassurance, which brought us to the last step today and it will no longer be an issue. Those that have accepted it are actually voicing anger at the non-compliant. That's right, those of us that find this unacceptable have been invited to "not fly." Well, in all fairness, I gave up flying in '04, when I realized my underwires posed a threat to national security, and since the freedom to move about is not one of our Constitutional rights or amendments, I guess I'll just accept Elisabeth Kubler-Ross's last phase of grief; and accept the death of liberty as it was once proclaimed.
When I saw the pictures of airport security in the headlines, I sat sadly and realized, the terrorists really have won. The American culture of freedom is gone.
And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. words of Messiah

Happy **** Thanksgiving

I think most of America is anxiously awaiting their travel plans for this Thanksgiving. Frankly as a Native American, I'm not so sure about the way things turn out when you make it comfy for the immigrants, yet I digress. I can't help but wonder if the pilgrims and founding fathers were watching all this hoopti-la today, what they would be thinking. Of course we know that Ben Franklin has already said "They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety." I can only imagine the thoughts that would go through George Washington's mind, but I'm sure if he were here today to watch us all cowering and submitting, he'd think the bitter cold, endured at Valley Forge was wasted on us. I can't imagine Thomas Jefferson even giving us the time of day. And as we look to this travel nightmare that everyone that has bought a plane ticket must endure, I can't help but wonder just what the Puritans would have to say. Can you imagine those guys with the big hats and big muskets letting some dimwit that is "just following orders" grope about? And what about the "working girls of TSA" feeling up under all those Quaker skirts. Yes, America has certainly progressed . . . I'm proud to say I decided I was finished flying when my underwires posed a "national threat" to air travel safety, several years ago. I remember fondly, receiving real silver ware on European flights and simply walking through and speaking with security in Israel. Israel knows a lot about security and dignity. America appears to know little about either. I'm happy to not be in the fearful throngs this holiday and I truly am sorry for those that are. I'm simply shocked at the number of comments I've made on this blog through the years about TSA, and how many of them are just no longer tongue in cheek. Our American society is starting to seem like a really bad Tech-no Sci-Fi movie. I've concluded that if we are willing to give up this much freedom, Osama bin Laden is probably watching all this in his cave, laughing his butt off and declaring victory. If he is actually the one responsible for 9/11 . . . If bin Laden is responsible for 9/11, then we have him to thank for TSA.
TSA is now Terrorizing Sensible Americans. To be honest, there is a part of me that would like to buy a ticket to somewhere close and just do my part as an American to OPT OUT on Wednesday. And by the way, since TSA and the powers that be have stated they are working on changing some policy, do not, I repeat DO NOT expect it to get better or reclaim any dignity in the mess.
Because I thought, Surely the fear of G~D is not in this place; and they will slay me . . . Torah of Holy Scripture

According to TPTB, We Apparently Cannot Have Dignity and Safety

Let's talk airport security. I've been k'vetching and complaining about this for years, and it now looks like several folks have just had enough! So many ideas have run through my mind as I read the comments made by TSA and Homeland Security. And for those Republicans that still insist the USA Patriot Act hasn't infringed upon our freedoms or robbed us of freedom, let me tell them, not only has it infringed upon our freedom, it's also robbed us of our dignity and apparently all sense of logic. Here are a few ideas for those that are traveling through the holidays. First, for those with perfect bodies, put on your best bikini instead of underwear, then a regular ensemble for the day's travel, suit, jeans, whatever. I've even thought of doing it myself, considering my imperfect body, for the shock and awe impact! When you get to the airport an hour early like a good sheep, plan your strategy well. As the move toward embarking takes place, determine just what you will say pleasantly, that will allow you to opt out. Then, once you are in the line that has opted out and you know your sexual groping is imminent, begin disrobing and folding your clothes very carefully and apparently oblivious. Remember, underneath it all, you are acceptable for a day at the beach. It may be chilly, but it is not indecent . . . Then when airport security asks you about private screening, refuse. You will want witnesses. For the sake of sane humanity, do not opt for a private pat-down, a.k.a.: sexual groping in a skimpy bikini. No one will see the ludicrousness if you allow airport security their privacy without accountability.
In reading the commentary on the articles about technical strip searching, one man hoped under all the stress and duress, when the time came for the full body scan or the pat down, he would be able to "rise" to the occasion. Others hoped to make some sort of innuendo that would return or deflect the intimidation presented by airport security. Remember for those of us that saw "When Harry Met Sally," we can always embrace the opportunity . . . to "have what she's having!" The bottom line is this: we have given up our liberty for the presumption of safety and now we have neither. The definitive verdict for me was when the man, Mr. Tyner, could not opt out without incurring invasive intimidation, and then could not opt out without civil suit or federal fine. Clearly our government has run away with authority when a person can face a fine which is criminal and a suit which is civil. The TSA officer that dealt with Mr. Tyner is quoted to have said something about losing some rights when he bought his ticket! It's really over, for all practical purposes; there is no going back. I don't even believe there was an underwear bomb and who knows how many US citizens share my opinion about that. Even if they don't share my opinion about the alleged bomb which just happened to "appear" the day after a suit was filed against the invasiveness of body imaging scanners. That's right! December 22, 2009, a suit was filed that claimed the body imaging scanners invaded our right to privacy and had not passed the rules of 'transparency': https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=e384470f-e185-43a7-9432-0702cd9a57a8 Sure enough, the next day, supposedly, somebody had a bomb in their boxers, which of course would lead to the unquestioned need for body image scanning . . . Our freedom, our dignity, and our safety are no longer secure in the hands of our government or our Federal Agency of Transportation & Airport Safety & Security, that's F.A.T.A.S.S. Oh, that those initials would be emblazoned upon their shirts and badges. I wondered what I could come up with for D. U. M. B. Airport Safety & Security, but I'll have to get back to you on that one. Off the top of my head: Dominant & Unaccoutable Militaristic Bureaucrats for . . . Meanwhile, I hope each of us does what we can to express and demonstrate that this security business has simply gone too far and we the people will not stand for it, nor will we be virtually strip searched for it!
When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn. a Proverb of Holy Scripture

Love the Spin, and Hoping for the Best

This blog is obviously not written by a die hard republican, or even a political conservative for that matter, but I have to admit, I've been following the Senate race in Alaska between the two conservative candidates. There are a number of reasons this is important to me. To be honest, I really didn't care in the beginning, except . . . I was curious as to whether or not it really was possible for a write in candidate to win the election. So, if Lisa Murkowski wins, we'll know it is possible, or a least TPTB want us to believe that! I officially entered the Murkowski camp, not when I watched Joe Miller act like Al Gore, but when I heard the Joe Miller, Sarah Palin fan club explain to me how this was so different from Al Gore in 2000. That's when I became a true supporter of the Murkowski campaign. Not that it matters, I don't live in Alaska, but it's done my heart good to watch. First the official write-in ballot counting didn't begin until November 10, and by noon Joe Miller had filed something to reject some ballots. Handwriting arguments sounded a lot like pregnant chad to me! Considering there are many Native American or Eskimos in Alaska that truly could be disenfranchised by handwriting and language issues, it seemed all the more petty that he would start the day looking for loopholes and technicalities. It was entirely too funny to hear the very same people that just loathed Al Gore and his whining, defend this guy. I was even asked if I didn't think Al Gore was wrong in what he did. I said, of course Al Gore was wrong, and so is Joe Miller. They just look, both of them, like sore losers. American politics is truly nothing but spin and right or wrong depends upon which side of the aisle your candidate sits and which end of the stick they are holding at the end of the contest! Spin . . . gotta love it. But, to my cynical delight, it looks like for now, the system is still working. It is possible to run a write in campaign. Hopefully Joe Miller will "man up" as Sara P. says, and congratulate the winner.
Scornful men bring a city into a snare . . . a Proverb of Holy Scripture

American Politics

Elections seem to bring out the best or worst, or I guess, the "real" in people. They stand up for what they believe and are willing to argue for their candidate or at least against "the other" guy. Running for office is stressful! I only ran for a county level office and I learned more than I ever wanted to know about politics and people. I certainly found out who my friends were, and discovered I had a few anonymous fans that I didn't know. I've been amazed at the blindness in politics, and I'm not talking about the politicians. It's just flabbergasting to see and hear people talk about a particular candidate or party and the same trait or event is viewed completely different based upon the favor of the party and person. I find it interesting that both sides of the aisle now have a favorite "quitter." Our President didn't finish his term in the Senate to become President and Sarah P. quit being governor to "be a famous tea partier." Now, to hear those Sarah P. fans, President Obama never had a real job and quit everything to move on to bigger things. Which is true. To hear the Obama fans, who of course, are no fan of Sarah P. she's just an attention starved quitter. Which from my perspective, also appears to be true. So, can both sides be right? When it comes to manipulating, maneuvering politicians, I have a terrible time telling them apart, other than the attitude of their fan clubs against the other party. So, now that we're again hoping for change, I'm guessing it will be more of the same. I have noticed that both sides seem to be increasing in their anger for the other side, though . . . not the change I was hoping for.
He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty . . . a Proverb of Holy Scripture

Excited, Angry, Proud

What great adjectives to use in referring to voters, today! Are we supposed to be excited because the aristocracy is allowing we peasants to participate in the Sock Puppet Theatre, by casting our ballot? Excited, like the circus is coming to town? Excited, because this is our way of being heard in Washington? Excited, because we are once again, hoping for change? How much change can one hope for, if we vote back in the last people that made us angry? Which brings me to the next adjective, angry. I'm not happy with the way our government runs, but I don't think angry describes it either. I'm not a die hard fan of either party and I think you'd have to be in a coma to not see that the Tea Party is nothing more than the angry, desperate fringe of the GOP. Angry fringe is just not something I want to deal with or be a part of. Now, as to proud. You'd think a nation that keeps talking about G~D would get a clue as to what HE says about being proud. So, if excited, angry, and proud are the attitude adjectives for election day, things really won't get any better!
Proud and haughty, scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath. a Proverb of Holy Scripture

Corrections!

Usually corrections don't appear in the same place of prominence that the error occurred, but CoP is different. A couple of weeks ago, I mentioned that we have taught our young people debt is part of the process of accomplishment . . . and many American children have also learned that bankruptcy is a "new beginning," but student loans cannot be absolved in bankruptcy. Well, I mentioned a statistic that was wrong. I believe I stated that 37% of college graduates return to their parent's home after graduation. while looking for that great career their college degree affords them. I was wrong, the figure isn't 37%, it's 85%! And it isn't just for the summer while they are sending out resumes. The article I read said the average time back home was a year and a half. So, parents of college students, just when you thought Obamacare had you financially trapped for insurance until your college student is 26, fear not, you'll be able to supervise their health and habits because they'll still be living at home, anyway. On the bright side, this should alleviate any concerns you may have about experiencing empty nest syndrome. Now, the other correction is sort of startling. I didn't realize in all the years of Halloween horror, that the only two documented cases of children being poisoned by candy were actually done by family members. One was a horrible deal involving a little girl's father and the other was a little boy that got into a family member's drug stash and the family member, then to avoid prosecution for the drug, sprinkled it on the already deceased child's candy. So, has the media simply hyped this up to raise the fear factor in Halloween? I don't know, but the article was thought provoking if not compelling. Do we just feel like better people if we fear the imagined and protect our children, while casting them out in darkness to celebrate demons and witches? Now that whole idea could use some correction!
Because of the multitude of the whoredoms of the wellfavoured harlot . . . that selleth nations through her whoredoms, and families through her witchcrafts. Behold, I am against thee, saith YHVH of hosts . . . a prophet of Holy Scripture

What Our Kids are Learning

I'm amazed at how unprepared our young people are to deal with the real world. It wasn't so very long ago that when someone graduated from high school, they were not only anxious to be independent, they were ready to be independent. And if some sort of event took place before graduation, they could roll up their sleeves, dig in their heels and grow up quickly. We've all read about young teenage boys whose father died when they were in school and these young teens became the bread winner. Young women that became mothers before they got out of high school not only cleaned their own room, but learned to clean a house and take care of a baby. So, with more education, especially in regard to more "family oriented" classes, why are they so unprepared. As a baby boomer, I'm thinking the parenting as something to do with it. It seems the boomers never did attain their right of passage as a generation, and I think we just kept our kids younger than us, which has turned out to be not so beneficial for anyone under 65. Now that I think about it, only those over 65 have been adults since they graduated high school, got married, had a baby, or went in the service, which ever came first. I've watched a generation of boys that grew up so unmotivated, they didn't care if they got a driver's license, but they expect their freedom. And I've watched a generation of girls grow up that really think their parents will provide for life, but they will make their own decisions. And the latest stats I've read, now that the President says everyone is a child on their parents health insurance plans til they are 26, these same young people are going to college, of course, on student loans, and I read that 37% will move back home after college to pay the debt down,because the concept of living at home or an aunt's or grandparents and attending community college is unthinkable. Wow! In two generations, we've gone from people being independent adults at 18 to dependent kids in their cluttered rooms, telling their parents what new toy they want next at 25+. Our kids seem to have learned debt and responsibility do not go hand in hand. And apparently, higher learning serves to cement that concept. I guess, if we boomers couldn't do any better that this, we have it coming.
Train up a child in the way he should go . . .

Doctors and Lawyers

I truly don't have much respect for either profession, but I guess when it comes down to it, more people trust doctors than lawyers. I'm not really sure why that is, as both professions charge a fortune when a person is really grasping for answers and usually not in their best place of decision making or income security. So with that being said, I tripped over a bit of interesting information the other day in my work. I answer questions at AllExperts and offer ministerial counseling through my website, as well as participate in various forums which cover a vast number of topics and threads, so there is information out there for all of us. The one situation I just had to mention is in regard to custody rights and child support. I absolutely support men's rights when it comes to their children or in society in general for that matter. It's as if the hard working guys that really try; get the short end of the stick and the "loser, user, deadbeats" get the breaks. I've noticed that with women, too, though. We've all watched the "mousy damsel in distress" suck the life blood out of everybody, and we know the screeching harpy will get her way just to not have to listen to her, but the woman that is just doing the best she can and attempting to enjoy a few simple things in life along the way, usually gets the shoddiest treatment. Well, to my point, finally. I actually became aware of an attorney that will literally fight for the "loser, user, deadbeat" and arrogantly ask that the "loser, user, deadbeat" be awarded for his lack of contribution by the very woman that supported his worthless hind-end before their divorce. This attorney will actually fight to take the food out of the mouths of children just to walk out of the courtroom a winner for his loser, client. This attorney actually asked for his fee to be paid by the other party, which only makes sense, since it must have been obvious his client wouldn't pay. If I had not seen the decision myself, I would have never thought such a thing could happen. I know I wouldn't trust a doctor or lawyer any farther than I could thrown one, but I had no idea the depth of low for which someone would strive.
He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife . . . a Proverb of Holy Scripture

Don't Confuse Me With the Facts . . .

Used to be a statement I made in referring to the enthusiastic mind set of Rush Limbaugh and Glenn Beck fanatics, but things seem to have shifted and now the President is encouraging his followers to not allow themselves to be burdened with the facts that say his administration is failing, or is essentially: a bust! I've noticed once we Americans make up our minds about something or get sucked into a particular ideology, we simply shut down on taking in any more information. I got into a discussion with a die hard tea partier not long ago and before it was all said and done, I simply stated, "My mind is closed on the subject." It was amazing, the person simply stopped their political tirade. Something about the human brain shuts down when we know, nobody is listening. I do not consider many of today's political discussions to actually be an exchange of ideas or facts, just opposite opinions in denunciation of those on the "other side" of the aisle. I asked another person recently, if Glenn Beck was going to replace Billy Graham as America's pastor. As someone that has a talk radio show, I just think bantering on and on about the other side being wrong only incites those that choose to be incited. It's not a matter of informing, and then hoping people will make an informed decision. Some of these talk radio hosts repeat the same sound byte, with their own commentary and literally get their listeners up in some sort of lathered political frenzy. I used to try to talk reason, but there just is none. And if you offer facts, they will simply say, "Well, I don't know." That's right if their particular voices of influence haven't said it, it's as if it has no meaning or existence. You know, it really hasn't required hours of political talk radio to see that our economy is still tanked and President Obama is flailing. It's a shame the concept of logic and facts have gone that way.
Come now, and let us reason together, saith YHVH . . .

The Lighter Side of Politics

I call it the lighter side, because I simply cannot take Christine O'Donnell seriously. She does have a look of being a "Sarahbot" which is playing well, but I remember her back in the late 90's on Bill Maher's "Politically Incorrect." She just seemed like an attention starved dim-wit, although she and Bill had a sort of "sizzling rivalry" that seemed rather lusty. The reason for addressing her campaign in the blog, however; isn't about her antics of yesteryear, it's about her would be straightforwardness. Okay, she's not a witch, but she dabbled in witchcraft, so as Bible believer, I'd like to hear her testimony regarding her deliverance . . . rather than her anti-sex and anti-abortion sound bytes. Next, if I lived in Delaware, I would not want her anywhere near any budgetary considerations, the woman can't add! I included the quote that I will address below.

Newark, Delaware (CNN) – "I am not a witch."

Those are usually not the first words spoken by a political candidate in their first general election campaign commercial.

"I haven't been embarrassed. And I'm not saying that I'm proud," O'Donnell told CNN's Jim Acosta last week. "I've matured in my faith. I've matured in my policies. Today you have a forty something woman running for office. Not a 20 year old. So that's a big difference."


I personally saw her on the panel talking with Bill Maher in the late 90's and I checked every source I could find. I could not find any of his shows that featured Christine O'Donnell before 1997, which was only 13 years ago. Many of her comments regarding years of accomplishment or whatever seem to later be amiss. Well, she now says she is 41. For the record 41-13 = 28. There is a huge difference between 28 and the age 20, which she claimed. There has not been 20+ years of maturity. And most of the appearances I saw were later on the show, making her 30 or more, so the time frame would be closer to 10 years or half of what she's saying in this interview. I think we've had enough politicians on every level that blur the difference with numbers. It's time to have some politicians that stand up and own their lives and learn to count. Someone that has virtually made her fame by claiming religious activism needs to be forthight with the truth, with time and of sharing their own deliverance testimony, not running to make decisions for others.
And all things are of G~D, who hath reconciled us to himself by Y'hshuah Messiah, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; New Testament

News and Such

I read this article a few days ago and planned to blog about it, but I also wanted to search for more sources, which has led me to even more to blog about.

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/10/08/senate-office-host-health-fair-covered-staffers/

I'm quite sure that the Senate sees to their own needs ahead of we the people. I'm quite sure most politicians do, but in the wake of financial crisis and health care reform, I was less than impressed with the event. As I Googled the event, I happened upon some more interesting information. All of the other sources in the list were simply posting and commenting about this one single article. I couldn't find a thing on the subject on any other national news source. That got me thinking even more about not just our politics, but questioning what we really do know and what it being embellished or filtered. Obviously, I don't have a real good answer to that one yet . . .
But I will say this. If the Senate, which already has wonderful health care and great salaries is spending our tax dollars this way, it's reprehensible. If this has gone on and only one news source reported it, also reprehensible. If the report has any embellishment to it, again, reprehensible.
Wouldn't it be wonderful to actually know the news is the news, just the news, nothing but the news, and wouldn't it be wonderful to know our Senate wasn't spending the taxpayer's money, foolishly?
He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him. a Proverb of Holy Scripture

I Hope this Makes it All Over the Country

I don't really know how to start a grass roots movement and I'm not the most proficient in organizing groups, but yesterday's Supreme Court case has me on a mission. I'm torn between being sick and tired of people that use religion or politics to be mean and I don't want our government to take away or amend the 1st Amendment for our own protection. As most everyone in the country is aware, Fred Phelps and his family claim to be a church with a message. Well, it's certainly a message of hate, but it's a bit trickier than that. By people trying to quiet Fred Phelps and his family, we are really at a point of realizing our own right to assemble, speak freely and keep Congress from making laws regarding religion could be in jeopardy with this one person. It is my humble opinion that the very force of hell could use Fred to cause laws to change that would quiet the rest of us, as well. As much as my heart hurts for these grieving families, we can't let this happen. Here is what I propose.
In order to truly honor our troops, when there is a fallen soldier in your community even if you never met the person, and don't know the family, go stand in the gap between this group and the grieving family. The Patriot Riders have done this in many places throughout the country, as a group and my husband and I have done it, simply as concerned citizens. The protesters have to remain at a certain distance and the rest of the general public can attend the service, or as we have opted, simply stand on the sidewalk between the funeral home and the protesters. Granted, we may not overshadow Fred and company, but it does let the fallen soldier's family know somebody cares. Considering the price the soldier paid and the burden of grief their family will bear, a few hours out of a single day is not that great of price, to honor our troops and defend our freedom.
If this is something upon which you agree, please copy and paste or forward or send the link to everyone on your contact list . . .
. . . a time to mourn . . . Ecclesiastes

A Funny Thing About Power

I farm organically, as I'm sure I've mentioned on many occasions. I made a point of stopping by our Electric Co-op a few months ago to let them know that we had moved and I still wanted the same arrangements we'd had before. No spraying. If a tree is gaining height toward the power lines, they could top it, but no spraying, please. It worked great at the old place, but this time I wanted to make sure they understood the boundaries as I have fruit trees and fruit vines growing, not to mention spraying wild cherry trees and leaving the dying leaves will kill my livestock if they eat it. I was told they always sent letters before spraying and I could contact them then. It wasn't two months, we got a letter, so I called. They told me they would put me on their list. Then one afternoon a couple of young men showed up on the place and informed me they would be coming around spraying and understood that I didn't want the place sprayed. Then they proceeded to ask me why. Well, my first thought was, because that's what I said I wanted and I own the land, not to mention I'm the tax payer, that's why I want it. But instead I explained to them about my organic herd and all the lovely things growing along the lane. I immediately missed the other guy that I had dealt with. Oh, that's not to say these guys were rude or anything, they were friendly enough, but . . . I discerned that in their case common sense would take a back seat to power and authority. Immediately I knew I should have made one more phone call. My husband noticed that all the foliage was turning brown through the timber. Sure enough, they'd sprayed. When I called to complain, the same guy showed up later that day to explain to me, that they had been very careful to spray on the other side of the fence. I reminded him that the poles were on our side, so why spray. He then proceeded to tell me that I'd eventually have to deal with the fact that they would have to spray my blackberries, because they didn't want them getting up in the power lines. Exasperated, I exclaimed, "Really . . . I've never seen a blackberry plant get that tall!" With that he was finished. I told him and I mentioned the name of the conversation I had had with the previous gentleman and I would be having another with him. It then dawned on me, the power company will operate in full power and at the rate they are going, we will be losing much of our natural providers of anti-oxidants. The power company has already killed three of the elderberry patches I've gone to for 5 years. To provide our conveniences, they will kill everything on the ground, they have the authority to exercise their power. Besides, after they spray, what can be done?
. . . thou shalt not destroy the trees . . . for thou mayest eat of them . . . (for the tree of the field is man's life) Torah of Holy Scripture

Why Do Pro-Lifers Focus on Death?

I am beginning to find the pro-life movement disgusting. Not that I am changing my views about life in the womb, I am just wearied by the so called pro-life methods. First, G~D didn't separate life and choice, politics has done that. G~D's Word says, "Choose Life that you and your children may life." See, choice and life in the same sentence . . . Who knew that was even possible? But what is really disgusting me is all the death talk in the name of pro-life. I watched a youtube video that was heart wrenchingly disgusting after it began with a sweet little message to "all women that have had an abortion." I was just mortified with what followed. I remember last year at the County Fair, the "abortion museum" presented on behalf of the pro-life movement. I, personally, know of a young lady that was attending religious college and she was literally expelled for tearing down a poster of a dismembered fetus. She said it was just horrible to look at day after day in the class room. So, she got in trouble for destroying the poster and kicked out of class. What's with pro-life people and their obsession to be deathly offensive? I realize the most vocal pro-lifers are really nothing more than anti-choice in all of life. I would never encourage anyone to think abortion is an option, but then what does society do with unwanted children? Adoption is scary, too, because enough money to hire an attorney doesn't insure good parents. I've seen cases of adoption, where the "new" simply wore off. And adopted kids are reminded their entire life that they are adopted. I've heard people talk about so and so and they are 40 years old while still referring to their parents adopting them. Our society just can't seem to take hold of choosing life and enjoying it. But I'm real tired of hearing the same old horror stories about abortion through every campaign season.
. . . therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live: Torah of Holy Scripture

Burning and Banning Books

The Pentagon and military, our Pentagon and military seem to not see the irony in their duty to protect freedom and their determination to spend our tax money to destroy books. They actually bought them to destroy them. I've already mentioned earlier about the Bible burning situation in Afghanistan last year and now we read about another situation. Ironically, this is "banned book week." I believe it's supposed to inspire us to read books that have been banned for one reason or another. There are books on that list that was required reading when I was in school, but that's an issue for another blog. I did appreciate the perfect irony in one title on the list. "Fahrenheit 451" has made the list. That's the book that was written about burning books. Wonder if the Pentagon has a copy of that . . . If our military has openly destroyed two different books on two different occasions, for, of course, very good reasons, what else is being destroyed that isn't making headlines?
I think we better take note of things. Book burning is not all that is going on in our presumptuously superior civilization.
"Just following orders" has become pretty ordinary in our freedom loving republic . . . and nobody seemed to notice. We have an entire military that just follows orders, we have law enforcement that operates all together in a whole new way, that claims to just follow orders. Nurses that just follow the doctor's orders or the facility's regulations. Patients that really just come across as undignified boobs in following doctor's orders. Teachers that supposedly have their hands tied from higher up. Churches, entire congregations that "will just follow orders" from their celebrity mega pastor.
We have teachers that do not want to be tested, nurses that do not want to follow a doctor's orders for their own health, cops that do not want to be taped or recorded, yet all these same people want the authority that goes with their position. What's wrong with this picture? It seems the one common thread in all of this, is we the people just keep accepting the decisions that are made for us, for our own good.
And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. New Testament

School Daze

While the heat intensifies between the parties, we need to take note of what our President mentions casually, because it will be law in a matter of months, if he has his way, and so far, he seems to be getting his way. Remember, in his own words a quote, "I won!" He's talking about lengthening the school year for those attending public school and firing the bad teachers, because we are globally behind. Then I read some of the comments regarding this suggestion, and basically many people already agree that this is needed. I see a different handwriting on the wall. I see parents that are having difficulties making ends meet in this economy will see less expense for child care, more structure for their kids, and certainly the issue of "we're too old for a babysitter" will become a non-issue. And although at the surface, this may appear to be a viable solution, I see a real loss of family. A definite distinction in social classes in that those in private school will still be able to have their summers. A statement our President made early in his presidency regarding our society would also be officially confirmed, in that we will no longer be an agrarian society, at least the legal citizens. I also see a great deal of programming time for the kids rather than actually learning. The teachers now say that two months off means two months of review time when the new school year begins. Well, I noticed the statement that said "two months off" so the summer vacation has already been officially shortened without much fanfare, and now we are looking at school year round. Well, Mr. President, I think kids need a certain amount of time to simply be kids. They need to have summer time fun and if the things being taught are so easily forgotten, maybe an overhaul of content and curriculum is what is needed, not an expanse of time to learn it. When summer vacation and the beginning of every new school year with a report entitled, "What I did this summer," is replaced with year round programming, what will the benefit truly be? When this is enacted what happens to the things that are learned through life's experience? What happens to little boy's little league? What happens to scout camp? What happens to Vacation Bible School? What happens to afternoons at the swimming pool or swimming hole? What happens to family vacations? What happens to summer at grandma's? What happens to County Fairs? What happens to the opportunity to get some Vitamin D, naturally? What happens when you've programmed an entire new generation of worker bees that are taught to walk in lockstep, year round? What happens when our youth are programmed day in and day out year round, to simply follow orders? What happens when there is no time to climb trees and contemplate life from the perspective of summertime in the great outdoors?
Train up a child in the way he should go . . . a Proverb of Holy Scripture

In Regard to Burning Holy Books

I have to be honest. When I first read about the preacher in Florida, I figured, "another Fred Phelps," but I've since rethought my first impression. I do believe Dr. Jones has lost what should be a true focus of ministry. He, like so many in this country are all about what they are against. I also have been burdened under the cares of the world and know it's easy to begin focusing on the evil, but Messiah said to proclaim the good news. He didn't tell anyone to preach against the bad news, although repentance was always recommended. Those that claim to follow him, must sound a warning if given that task, but to oppress an oppressor or declare war on warmongers, is not in the job description of those that adhere to the teachings of Messiah Y'hshuah, a.k.a. the Son of G~D. Oh, I do think Dr. Jones needs to get back to the good news rather than proclaiming the evil of bad news, but I'm not his judge. What I did learn from the attention that went his way was this. Anyone that is outside mainstream American Christianity pretty much gets labelled a nut or a cult by mainstream America, Christianity included. I also noticed the bill by the Police Department and the cancellation of his insurance, to me, borders on persecution. I have no idea where he stands on eternal issues, but I do know he ruffled the wrong political feathers and they will make sure he pays. Thank G~D, it didn't turn into the FLDS situation a couple of years ago or Waco or Ruby Ridge. Right or wrong, these people do stand up for their beliefs which is why I think mainstream and certainly the government gets so aggressive. Now, I did do a bit more research and I happened on to something pretty unnerving. While our politicians are "preaching" against burning a holy book, and our nation's "tolerant" are lambasting the idea of book burning, the US Military burned Bibles in Afghanistan, because young soldier's church sent them to him in the native language to pass out. Seems our military has rules of engagement that are basically as follows. In war, we can kill 'em, but we can't share the good news. I don't know why the military refused to send them back with explanation or why they didn't think the young soldier would refrain from handing them out, when told not to. I mean doesn't a soldier "just follow orders?" At any rate, it would appear that our government finds it acceptable to burn some holy books under some circumstances. I, personally, believe this is why the war ramped up in Afghanistan last year and now appears to be impossible to win or withdraw.
Hast not thou made an hedge about him . . . Job of Holy Scripture