Absence of Religious Expression

I've been rather despondent about writing this particular blog post, due to content matter. This last holiday, it seemed there was little religious influence at all. It would seem in the name of tolerance, religious expression has become nearly mute and invisible, or a muddled pile of mishmash. Oh, there are trees and Santas, but few creches and even fewer menorahs. My daughter and I were trying to find just little decorative odds and ends and both of realized the retailers where we had found these small items just a few short years ago, this year, had very little even on the shelves. As I said, there was tinsel, wrap, tree decor, Santas and snowmen, but little else. Now, a few days after Christmas and the day following the last day of Hanukkah, I feel I have a better perspective, or at least can verbalize the one I do have. Although I kind of miss the days when every religious festival had a few items on the shelves, I was truly saddened to read so many posts and hear so many accounts of the celebration of MishMash. MishMash is like Christmas tree ornaments that look like Hanakkiahs and a Star of David tree topper sort of thing, and we certainly can't omit Santa on one knee at the manger . . . and the discussions over a Christmas Tree, which for the most part were anything but heartwarming. It does seem that regardless of what anyone is celebrating there is still lots and lots of materialism and consumerism. It seems the mishmash celebration is even more anti-beliefs than a purely secular celebration. I've come to feel that the celebration of MishMash seems to be offensive in the name of tolerance. Even young Mr. Tebow, more famous for his "down on one knee in the end zone" than his actual football skills, when asked about how he celebrated Christmas . . . Something to the effect of: Oh, I haven't even done that yet, we're waiting til after my season ends. How nice. Leave it to us, people, to find a way to ensure that we ourselves are blessed with gifts in celebration of our own opinion and of our own interpretation and self-expression of our faith or lack thereof; and weave just a bit of mockery into the festivities while we're at it!
And I, of course, like the others, believe my priorities are in order.

Glory to G-d in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. New Testament

GOP Update

I just can't help but discuss this topic. I wish Rick Perry had been more well spoken in his statement, because he made a very good point about Newt Gingrich, and I think it bears discussion here at write-wing. I simply must address Newt's infidelity. Oh, I heard him tell us, "Now he's a 68 year old grandfather and we should judge him for who he is now." Well, I've met way too many of the GOP that are still judging way too many of us that did something stupid years ago, and let me add . . . Newt didn't just cheat on one wife, but on two, and he left each of them after discovering horrendous health issues. That's right, the man that pursued the impeachment of William Clinton for a tryst in the oval office, actually cheated on his first wife and asked for a divorce while she was recovering from cancer. Sounds like morals a little similar to John Edwards rather than the party of "family values." Now the next time around is a bit more poetic. He was still dead wrong, but the woman that broke up his first marriage was on the receiving end of the next round of infidelity. And to look at his present wife just really nauseates me that she can face America, knowing what she did, as if it's all okay now, because I think Newt became Catholic and the first two marriages have been annulled by the Pope. I think that's how it worked for one of the Kennedy's. See Newt just doesn't really seem to be all the GOP claims to be about. He just really falls short of the whole "Family Values High Road" and yet, I haven't heard any of the GOP refer to Newt as a RINO. I don't get it . . . I can only imagine what the Newt supporters would have to say if someone outside of the GOP abandoned an ill spouse, much less left that ill spouse for their adulterous partner. I know if I'd left an ill or disabled spouse, the GOP would still be casting stones. Now, I'm all about forgiveness, G-d knows I needed it and still do on occasion, but I do agree with Rick Perry on this issue. What good would an oath of office be from a guy that promised to love, honor, and cherish in sickness and in health? If a man will cheat on his wife, he'll cheat on his business partner, and I have no idea how he would treat those of us beneath the title of "partner."
And he saith unto them, Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her. New Testament

Doing the Math

We, here in America, treat this entire economic calamity as if we are not a part of the problem, and in that perspective have also determined, someone else needs to come up with a solution. The old saying, "if you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem . . ." Well, according to the going trend here in America, most of the citizenry appear to believe we are all simply victims of the error or lack of responsibility of someone else. That simply isn't true. I can prove mathematically why our economy is where it is and not likely to change, regardless of the smoke that's blown out of DC or Wall Street. The economy will not recover doing the same old thing and it cannot sustain what we are doing. After crunching the numbers, here's what I have and it has nothing to do with the top 1% or the 99, although there are percentages and fractions, it's why the 99% cannot continue to sustain itself or be sustained. I will say this, though. I think the 1% should be ashamed to collect any social program, since taxation is a requirement of citizenship! I've heard them defend it though! Now, back to the math. 1 in 9 Americans are over the age of 65, so that means 1 in 9, which is a little over 11% are eligible and most likely collecting Social Security with or without other pension options or inheritances. 1 in 5 Americans claim a disability. That is 19% of our population, but about half of them are over 65, so only about 10% of the would-be workforce are disabled . . . Keep in mind, though, expense wise, everyone on disability for two years under or over 65 is eligible for Medicare, which is an abyss of it's own. One in six Americans are on food stamps, which is about 15% of the population and one in 10 is unemployed, which is 10% of our nation's work force. We certainly cannot omit the percentage of Americans that do not even belong in the work force, unless Newt Gingrich gets his way, which are children and that figure is 26%. A number of the boomers have done such a fabulous job of teaching values that a vast portion of those between 18 and 25 are not working full time, either, but are wracking up student loans . . . America has incarcerated 1% of it's population and that cost is minimally $18,000 per year. Just when all this seems overwhelming, let's factor in the work force that also requires tax dollars. Eight percent of all jobs in America are government jobs, so that means even of the few that are working, some 12 million paychecks are provided by tax dollars. So, how does this add up or break down? I, personally, know of two situations in which women are in their 90's living on social security and doctor's appointments are basically their social life, and they have the benefit of family inheritances that include not one but two horizontal inheritances. By horizontal inheritances, I mean from siblings or contemporaries that were childless. Let's consider that for just a moment. The boomers remember grandparents or great grandparents that literally did not pay into a social security program at all. Not because they were dead beats or tax evaders, but rather the Social Security System did not exist until 1935. My great grandparents were in their 50's and their kids all raised. When social security was started, it was figured to be funded by the next generation. So when the first generation collectors turned 65, families were larger their kids were all paying in. In that next generation, though, someone got the idea they were paying in for themselves . . . And for those that had no children and lived to be 85 or more, the deficit was already established. The idea that someone is paying in for themselves does not make it a mathematical or economic fact! Now, fast forward to the present. I actually know families in which there are two generations already retired and doesn't every family have at least one person with some sort of disability? Let's not forget the incarceration rate in this country and the decline of employment . . . We've got basically, in a good economy, a work force of about 150M. Now figure, subsidizing nearly 10% of that figure, as well as another 10% of that figure has simply fallen off the stats, because unemployment is figured upon those collecting. Once someone has searched and collected until they are no longer eligible, they are no longer part of the statistics . . . If my math is anywhere close to right. Roughly speaking, we have about 35% of the country, supporting the other 65% and we're still not changing our ways. The real problem here, is the inheritances that are being given to nursing homes will no longer exist for the next generation, and the generation after that will inherit only debt.
The fact is: someone is going to have to bite the bullet, pay the taxes, pay FICA withholding, refrain from debt, and not collect any social benefits . . . and not be in the top 1%. Somebody simply has to take the high road!
. . . Y'hhsuwah said to him, What is your opinion, Simon? from whom do the kings of the earth get payment or tax? from their sons or from other people? And when he said, From other people, Y'hshuwah said to him, Then are the sons free. But, so that we may not be a cause of trouble to them, go to the sea, and let down a hook, and take the first fish which comes up; and in his mouth you will see a bit of money: take that, and give it to them for me and you. words of Messiah in the New Testament

I Sense Another Political Shell Game

While the country divides over the Tea Party, wild GOP candidates, poverty and OWS, I read and hear of several situations, and see pictures that indicate we are heading to a place of being protected by force. I've been reading the opposing views of legislation that indicates some of our representatives believe even citizens should soon be abler to be detained without being charged. Of course, there have been some ways to already make that happen in our country up until now, but can you imagine what America could become if we could be detained without being charged? I remember when the USA Patriot Act was first passed, these thoughts came to me. It was the foundation to build a new America, a scary America, and now we see more folks are ready to act upon it. I have to admit, from what I've read, President Obama says he will Veto this piece of legislation if it passes, and that will make me pretty pleased with him on at least this one issue. The fact that our Congress is even passing this around to look at, tells me, we've already gone too far away from the Bill of Rights. I grew up hearing how scary the world was and really had very little freedom for a kid in that era, and let me tell you, once I tasted freedom, two things happened. First, it took me awhile to even be able to handle it. I made some mistakes, but second, I knew I'd never ever be able to live without freedom again. I still feel that way, all these years later. With the number of laws already on the books, we all know we're about 1/2 step away from being criminals anyway. I've heard pundits declare that OWS should be treated as a mob and handled like Kent State. That made me realize, we've had a taste in the past and clearly the possibility of martial law for years. I know martial law is coming, and it looks like it will be arriving wrapped in flag-draped "conservative" politics with the blessing of the self-declared moral high roaders.
. . . but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn. a Proverb of Holy Scripture

Blame Europe . . .

This headline regarding the Stock Market triggered a thought in my mind. The stock market is not doing well, but it's not our fault, it's Europe's . . . This same week-end, a couple hundred years ago when the Indians fed a group of starving white people, I'm guessing those same words could be heard.

Super Committee - Super Fail!

Only in the US Congress can a group of people produce so little, fail so much, and call it a career. Washington DC is full of career politicians that get paid quite well, both in salary and let's not forget all those benefits. Anyone else in any other line of work with this performance record would be called "unemployed." It's not just Congress. Our President has enjoyed pointing the finger of blame backward in time and over to Capitol Hill. The fact that most politicians appear comfortable with being paid to do nothing tells me more than I truly care to know about the depth to which our country has sunk! These members of this Super Committee had done nothing else but meet together, well, probably had dozens of lunches with lobbyists, maybe a spa day or two, and who knows how many wines and dines, and then to simply walk away and say, "We failed, it's time for a holiday!" I realize we can't really make them stay and do something, and actually when they are on holiday or vacation, at least they are saving us the light bill, but this is outrageous. It almost seems that our current politicians are actually getting along and aiming for the same goal. It really does seem that they are all in agreement in their refusal to represent "we the people." To be honest, I don't think a new round of politicians would make any difference, and I certainly don't want them scaled back to part time. A part time legislative branch would mean less resistance for the executive branch and I don't see that as a good thing any time soon. With the choices we have going in, I'm really developing the attitude that perhaps we're better off with them doing nothing. If only America's politicians were the true public servants they profess to be. They'd be doing this for the good of the country, not their own selfish plans or the agenda of their big money contributors. If Congress people would simply serve their terms and have real jobs to go home to; they could keep right on doing what they are doing now and we could pay them what they are actually worth while they are in Washington. That would reduce government spending. . . .but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn. a Proverb of Holy Scripture

Now I'm Sure the Government is Involved

This Occupy Wall Street movement has been a bit baffling for me. For one thing, it has served to further divide our country in a somewhat new way, and yet it has remained, of course, along party lines. To be honest, I'm just not fully buying this situation. Although, I believe the origination of this grassroots movement had very good intentions and a great message, more has been added to the mix and the message has become a bit muddled. When I read, though, that the 1% is now divided into the .01% and that's based upon tax breaks, I smelled a rat of governmental proportion. We're already divided politically, we don't need any more rhetoric to widen the division between us. Besides, how are the 99% affected if the rich people are all buying and selling each other real estate and investments none of the rest of us can afford anyway. It's been common knowledge for years that the corporations get more tax breaks than the small business man and the real estate that I read about moving is exceedingly high end in the market. We also know that the wealthy can afford more tax breaks than we average citizens. How many of us non-1% can even get a loan from any bank for real estate right now, much less the top of the market? In case we all forgot, this nation, which is about to celebrate such, was truly founded by people that couldn't really take care of themselves so well, were afraid of the native dwellers, and wanted to be aristocrats in their new land. Capitalism does not thrive in wealth redistribution and regulation. The lack of industry ought to indicate that! Besides, even if only capital gains tax reductions were to blame for the wealth gap, it's pretty much common knowledge that if the wealth were suddenly, redistributed evenly, it would end up falling through the same fingers as it is now and land in the same hands that are holding it now. We really need to see that we the people are being played against each other again! For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. New Testament

The "Other 1%"

It's time to "Re-do" the math:
Over 300 members of Congress are in the 1%. That is 50% of Congress looking out for whose best interest?
We need to keep in mind that many of the 1% are actually closer to my net worth than the net worth of Bill
Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, Ted Turner and Rupert Murdoch. Even Barrack Obama is in the 1%, so while he
was talking and writing about hope and change, what would he truly “hope to change?”
Although I see what they are saying, I don’t believe I’m in the 99%, because I don’t think the 1% is changing
my lifestyle and I’m not indebted to them. I don’t have the stats on this, because I guess we are a little hard
to track, but I’ll call the folks like me “the other 1%.” Some call us religious nuts, some refer to us as
survivalists, and some call us anti-establishment. The fact of the matter is, some of us just didn’t ever
embrace the American dream as it was being packaged and sold.
How in the world did we ever buy into the idea that we all needed to have the same dream? You can’t put 10
people in the same room and have them all prefer the same color, flavor, or style of anything, so what’s with
mass producing the American dream?
Crabs in a barrel. We’re all getting crabby! The 99% all in the same “container” are just clamoring over
each other to get up . . .
So, here’s my idea if we really want to let the 1% know how you feel.
Many Pro athletes are in the 1% - stop going to the stadiums!
Most stars are in the 1% - stop going to their shows.
Ted Turner and Rupert Murdoch are in the 1% - turn off the TV and disconnect the cable!
Mark Zuckerberg is 1% - stop playing Farmville and go outdoors and plant something . . . Edible.
CEO’s of Big Corp that outsource are 1% - make your own “whatever”
Big Pharma is 1% - take better care of your body!
Banks - Let them keep their money. We’ll just buy what we can afford. Most folks don’t even think they’ll live long enough to be debt free. When death is the end of debt, that’s not living!
There is a huge gap in the 1%. The lower tier of the 1% and the top tier of the “99” is usually the dividing of an inheritance, somebody who didn’t work and amass it frequently uses their inheritance for collateral or to fund a lifestyle they can’t manage which places the 1% in control. Of course, that step moves them from the top 10% tier of the “99” into closer to real life, while they cling to their “status quo,“ so by the next generation, the inheritance is average or even debt ladened.
We can’t stay in the barrel trying to clamor to the top without becoming crabby.
Move out, join “the other 1%!”
But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. words of Messiah in the accounts of the Gospel

No Anita Hill!

No kidding! Some woman coming out of the woodwork, 15 years after the fact, to remain anonymous and sling accusations. Honey, don't worry about not wanting to be Anita Hill, you are no Anita Hill. She faced her accuser! Whoever you are, you are just, well, I can't help but wonder who put you up to this. I would say you are just one of the many that want your 15 minutes of fame, but since you have chosen to remain anonymous, you won't actually be embraced by fame. In my eyes, you're just some sniveling coward that if this situation is true, didn't have the guts to do anything then, and don't have the guts to stand up and be counted now. Until you actually present your case, which by the way is years beyond the statutes of limitation, but until you actually present your accusation in person, you are no more than a gossip or talebearer. This is for certain, without showing your face or voicing your issues, you honey, for sure, are no Anita Hill.
Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people . . . Torah of Holy Scripture

I Made a Terrible Mistake

I've not been as active on this blog recently, because, well I just got tired of being snarkastic about politics, when I don't intend to vote. It seemed rather hypocritical to make comments when I don't intend to back them, but then again, I've misjudged myself before and this was one of those times. I, as an American, have every right to make comment, and if I believe casting a vote doesn't make a difference, I have a right to not waste my time. Worse than that, we've been calling it "voting for the lesser of two evils" for two long. The lesser of evil is still evil, so with all that being said, I was wrong to let this blog rest. I made a comment to a friend a while back that somehow in all this GOP Tea, I had a real gut feeling that wasn't a good thing. What I felt was a frightening combination of Perry/Palin to rally and bring the party together in "right outfield." With Sarah's decision to not run, and Perry lagging in the polls, I'm beginning to see that this could indeed come to pass, at least from a campaign perspective. I've got high hopes that Sarah is enjoying the lime light way too much to consider VP again, but she could certainly stay in front of the cameras if she did a bit of campaigning for the Teavangelical candidate. I can't help but wonder if Sarah hasn't stepped back just a bit to see which candidate would need her, Michele or Rick? Looks like Rick has a better chance of passing Romney than Michele, and Sarah's had enough of that "losing ticket" business in 2008. Now that I think Herman Cain has been taken out by "un-friendly fire" of his own party, looks like it's going to take a real rock star like Sarah to rally the party behind the most formidable candidate. To be honest, Romney looks quite presidential in appearance, but most of his policies in power have been quite similar to Obama, and then there's that whole Mormon thing that the Teavangelicals don't like. Sarah's been quiet for quite a while for Sarah . . . I'm thinking the former governor from the north is going to participate with the governor from the south and see if the combination of the two biggest states in the union doesn't land another Texan in the White House. Then again, I could just be overly pessimistic by now.
. . . but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn. a Proverb of Holy Scripture

Another Warning Day has Come and Gone . . . or Has It?

I'm not a follower of Harold Camping, but I have found some interesting coincidences to be taking place. First, it was October 21st when he crossed my mind and I thought "that's right, this was the back up doom's day." In retrospect, I just can't help but wonder about some things. First, what if he was right about judgment and just wrong about the rapture, because; everyone that believes in a pre-tribulation rapture is wrong. But what if he did get some of the rest of it right? I mean the worst tornado on record in over 50 years ripped through the US the day after May 21st. Then there was the worst drought on record this summer in Texas and Oklahoma, not to mention an excess heat index over half the country. We can't forget the flooding and crop failures of all magnitude based on both extremes. We lost crops and livestock due to flooding and drought. Then there was the hurricane that ripped up the east coast. I've lost track of earthquakes happening in strange places . . . And of course, our economy continues to flail through this "slowed recovery." What if he was wrong about the rapture, but we're just too blind to see that we are living in judgment? If this isn't judgment, shouldn't we at least consider all these facts as Warning and heed the message?
For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows. words of Y'hshuwah Messiah

Campaign Observations

I've noticed just a couple of things that I feel the need to point out. One, I find President Obama just too elite to represent myself and the people I know. He just comes across above "it all." That would be great, if he wasn't also one of the many folks digging the hole while making ridiculous, empty promises. Now, setting aside empty promises, we have Michelle Bachmann making talking points of empty issues. I look at her and think she seems even more superficial and shallow than Sarah Palin, if that's even possible. Next, we have Herman Cain, who I really was kind of liking until he came up with this 9-9-9 tax deal. That only helps the big corporate guys and is going to make everything cost a fortune with a national sales tax. Wow! Can you see it now? A national sales tax on top of state and local? So a loaf of bread or dozen eggs would have say, about 17% tax on top of it's inflated price. Great plan there, Herman! The GOP has come up with so many "winners" that Newt Gingrich's numbers are actually climbing . . . And finally, in nearly last place comes Rick Perry, who just last month was the "man of the hour." He is suggesting a 20% flat tax. I'm not sure where the teavangelicals get their doctrine, but this is exactly the tax that Pharaoh placed upon the people through the time of the famine. Anybody else seen the pictures of Texas? Looks like famine country to me . . . How can folks talking about being so Scriptural not see that Pharaoh was on the wrong side of the plan? To impose the exact same plan as Pharaoh and call it blessed is ludicrous. By the way, one fifth is the same as 20%!
Where are the reasonable, respectable politicians?
And it shall come to pass in the increase, that ye shall give the fifth part unto Pharaoh, and four parts shall be your own, for seed of the field, and for your food, and for them of your households, and for food for your little ones. Torah of Holy Scripture

I Hadn't Thought Of That

When I heard today, that President Obama has promised to have all troops out of Iraq by the end of the year, it was such a strange deja vu. I clearly remember President Nixon promising to end Viet Nam the year before the elections. Now he sweetened the pot a bit more by allowing the 18 year old vote. We'll see if this current president takes any more leads from what seemed to work in the past. I am quite surprised to continue to see President Obama take action that rings of the republican play book. I'm still thinking he needs to do something major concerning the economy and debt, but this administration seems to not mind high living and high debt. Promising to end a war worked in the early 70's, although President Nixon had to resign and was out of office before the last troops actually left Viet Nam. We'll see how it works out 40 years later.
Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but YHWH pondereth the hearts. a Proverb of Holy Scripture

My Observation So Far

It would seem, the GOP cannot come up with any candidate their constituents like for more than about a month. For the past several months, each has taken his or her turn at being the rising star of the GOP, only to open their mouth or reveal their track record, to begin declining in the polls. The Tea Party doesn't seem open to Herman Cain, and of course, many were hoping to hear the declaration from Sarah P., but alas, Sarah is smart enough to realize her real fame and fortune are not in solutions and leadership, but rather in rallying the dissatisfied. Now to the other side of the aisle. President Obama isn't doing so well, either. As it turns out, President Obama is not nearly as effective or stirring as Candidate Obama. As a matter of fact, his only real security as a candidate, is the fact that the other party can't agree on one. Here's my thought on his re-election hope. It appears he's going to need some of that hope and change he promised four years ago. He could declare a forgiveness of past student loans and legalize pot. Short of that, considering his inability to actually lead, his main hope is a disconnected GOP.
Hope deferred maketh the heart sick . . . a Proverb of Holy Scripture

Politics As Usual

I thought the last showdown over the budget was supposed to keep the government "OPEN" until the 2012 election. So what's the uproar about now, not even two months later? Are they really that bad at money management? Sorry, I guess we already know the answer to that question. That would be, "affirmative!"
Clearly it's time for some new blood and new brains in Washington. I'm not really buying into the "outsider" business from a number of career politicians, but I guess that's what we're stuck with, in that any self respecting individual with brains doesn't stand a chance to win. Why do we want this time after time, election after election? Is there some sort of weird breakdown of conscience and common sense when they take the oath of office, or is it after their victory speech? What happens? After watching politics in this country for a number of years, I've just really come to the conclusion, the best beggar gets the most funding and support and the best liar gets the most votes. That could be what's wrong with our elected officials and why they simply cannot handle money.
He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. New Testament

Big Business and Powerful Politics

I believe it was called fascism in mid 20th Century Europe, but now it's called working together for the children. I'm really having a hard time here with a headline I read about Olive Garden and Michelle Obama. The parent company and all the "sibling" companies of Olive Garden were also mentioned in the article, so for the fanbase that is big big advertising at no charge. Next, since the subject is children, that has even more people paying attention, and to be honest, that is what caught my eye, but I've got a different view apparently than the writer/promoter of the article. First the promise seems hardly worthy of headlines. All the big promises of change, from Washington to salt content in food seems to take anywhere from five to ten years to actually implement. So, let me stop all the tangent opinions and comments and get to the "weight" of the matter. Olive Garden is promising to reduce it's sodium count in the kid's menu by 10% over the next 5 years! Breaking headlines, right? Here are some breaking thoughts. Many of these children that Michelle is so concerned about will already be teenagers by the time this actually happens, not to mention this is getting very close to government oversight of corporations, and it's not the right! Next, I couldn't help but wonder just how involved the corporate owners of the Olive Garden are in regard to restaurants lobbying to be able to take food stamps. Seems a potential connection, not to mention a campaign season is upon us, and what better time to exchange favors than when everyone wants something. Now, to be honest, the democrats always seem offended that anyone suggest any sort of regulation on the purchasing power of food stamps and EBT cards. I mean, they don't want to take pop and chips off of the available purchase items, for government subsidized spending, but our government wants the children eating better. I have a much easier solution than strong arming or promising corporations anything. Why not simply make food stamps and EBT cards usable for the "outer aisles" of the grocery stores. You know, the produce, meat, dairy, and grains. When corporations and republican government comes together, we have big oil and Wall Street bail outs. When corporations and democrat government comes together, we have mandatory health insurance and regulation of food consumption for the people who are actually buying their food with their own money.
Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honour the person of the mighty . . . Torah of Holy Scripture

What Will Happen as the Campaign Season Unfolds?

We've had the first GOP debate on the heels of President Obama's drop in the polls, on the threshold of a shaky gold market, on the brink of unemployment upheaval, and at what could be the final fork in the road for much of the Middle Class. And we are having another GOP debate tonight. I've been thinking about these primary debates and I think there's more than meets the eye, to these events. First, when there is a sitting incumbent running, usually only one party does these primary debates. I think it immediately puts the challenging party at a disadvantage, mares than just the fact the other party is already in. As I read about Rick Perry upstaging Michelle Bachmann on her straw poll win and Rick Perry sparring with Mitt Romney about employment and health care, and now all three are bickering over social security, because they realize the Tea Party is a force to be reckoned with, and since a great number of the Tea Partiers appear to be screaming "less government but don't take my social security!" and "we don't want socialized medicine, because that will wreck up my Medicare!" These three candidates have to hash it out or risk geriatric jihad on their campaign.
. . . but fools despise wisdom and instruction. a Proverb of Holy Scripture

Priorities

This blog is still one of my priorities! I'm truly not ignoring it, I am concerned about repeating myself, but considering the message, perhaps I should repeat myself at every opportunity. I'm promoting my book, "Can We All Be Wrong?" and I'm doing blog talk radio. I invite you tune in Monday through Thursday at www.blogtalkradio.com/kdelizabeth
I think you have to join, but listening is free and it's a call in show, so join me, if you can. We'll be discussing the economy tonight! My show title is taken from Isaiah 1:18. "Come Let Us Reason Together . . ."

But G-dliness with contentment is great gain. New Testament

Politics These Days

The Obamas are coming home a day early from Martha's Vineyard. Well, at least the President is, I'm not sure about the first Lady. They went separately, so I'm not sure what's going on there. I read this in an online paper from the UK, and a couple of democrats I know got all defensive and off the beam over my question, so I'm guessing it did happen, and at a time like this it makes no sense at all, if President Obama doesn't want to join the ranks of the unemployed, next year. I'm just really having trouble getting used to democrats being elitists. Hillary was the first one I noticed, and I thought it was because she made Bill look more personable and less like a scalawag that way. I mean Bill Clinton seemed to be in touch with the common folk, too much touching according to the reports, so I figure Hillary sort of envisioned herself above his behavior and she came across as an elitist, which I really think cost her the nomination in 2008. You know how every time she would try to act like she was just like the people she was talking to, she sounded stupid or crazy or even like she might be mocking them. So, on to the Obamas, who simply openly appear to believe they are above the rest of us. I, personally, didn't think it played all that well in the good times of the 90's, but I really don't care for it, in tough times. I'm wondering if he's got bigger plans than US President, and it does appear that he'll be running against a guy that's never lost an election. I've had the idea for awhile that even though President Obama is a great campaigner and eloquent orator, he doesn't usually run as an incumbent. His political career for the most part is moving upward all the time. He was a freshman senator that had to resign half way through his term to take the oath of the highest office in the land . . . just sayin.' The fact that he and Michelle are not making many public appearances together does make one wonder. Only time will tell and politicians only tell us what they think we want to hear and the media only tells us what sells, so they are coming home a day early from Martha's Vineyard because of the storm, I believe I read, and there was further inference that they were not traveling together. Our politicians really are getting too high maintenance.
The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: but the wicked regardeth not to know it. a Proverb of Holy Scripture

Complaining About . . . or Noticing the Food

I'm not usually one to complain about food. I enjoy a good meal, especially with delightful company. Today is not the day I'll blog about the silence married people dine in, but rather this is about fresh veggies. Our heirloom corn did not do well this year, at all, so when I saw the sweet corn my husband likes, on sale at the market, I picked up half a dozen ears. It was beautiful, pristinely near perfect, as a matter of fact. The appearance was "too good to be true." And it was. I shucked it, and prepared it as usual, but when I bit into it, I couldn't believe it. Sweet corn was an understatement. It literally tasted as if it was already syrup. I mean no disrespect to the KARO syrup makers, because they clearly label their product and you know that's what you're buying. With USDA, Farm subsidies and CRP grants, and so much of our food now containing high fructose corn syrup, I just have to wonder if the high fructose has not gotten higher . . . While I'm on the topic of corn, with so much of it being lost to drought, I mentioned to a friend last week that I really was concerned that even in rain abundant Nebraska and Iowa, that that crop could be lost to too much rain.
The field is wasted, the land mourneth; for the corn is wasted . . .