American Aristocracy

It seems to me the decision of the Supreme Court regarding health care should prove once and for all that both sides of the aisle are working together for absolute power over "we the people." The problem is, now that the politicians are the aristocrats, that makes "we the people," the peasants. Don't you just love the way both parties got around the "mandate" issue. It's just a tax . . . but the President promised it wouldn't be. This entire health care proposal has always concerned me. I remember telling a friend back in 2009, that anyone still caught up in the health care mess by the time this was hashed out, would probably be in bondage to this plan until they died. I guess by making it a tax, the refusal penalty will actually be the fine for tax evasion. Not to worry, since it's a tax, if you can't afford the penalty, there's always incarceration and the health care in the prison system is pretty all encompassing. When it becomes your personal legal problem, unlike with your elected representative, you're actually guaranteed a public defender. What we have seen unfold regarding health care reform is simple. One, the people who have Medicare do not want everyone else to have government health care. Two, the politicians enjoy their health care on our dime, and we certainly will not have the care they are "entitled to." Third, this is basically a national version of what Mitt Romney put in place in Massachusetts, so it would seem the Presidential election is no real clear choice or difference, except the candidate's net worth. President Obama can fund raise and borrow as much money as Mitt Romney's father earned and left him. Fourth, to connect the big business of Insurance with Government mandate and taxes, we are officially moving into a fascist situation with both parties at the helm . . . As Americans continue to struggle through this not so recovering economy, it's only a matter of time with this health care reform, to watch the poor become even more impoverished and dependent upon the government and the aristocratic politicians become even more plutocratic, while the 98% of The One Percent end up leaving what's left of family farms and their million to long term health care. Modern medicine is now in the united powerful hands of big government and big business. It somehow doesn't feel that "we the people" are in "good hands."
Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of Y'hshuwah: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and YHWH shall raise him up . . . New Testament

The Next Generation

I realize it's been awhile . . . I just couldn't do another political blog, blaming politicians. It's time to get closer to home. We have all taught children irresponsibility by the examples we set, or we've taught them greed, or . . . both. So, here's one of my local pet peeves. How long have we now been hearing how important the children are? It takes a village . . . Our children are our future . . . Children's health care . . . Religious education . . . Public education. Seems our children are always in the forefront of the concern, at least when it comes to lip service, but the bottom line is politicians, doctors, even teachers are looking at the bottom line. I don't know of a politician that is truly focused on cutting spending so we don't leave a pile of debt to the next generation, and that's both sides of the aisle. The left side seems more than willing to allocate tax dollars for children's needs, but in the event of cuts, their salaries will remain intact. The right side of the aisle seems most concerned about children before birth and after that . . . the conservatives would just as soon keep their money for their priorities. Doctors are pretty much owned by the time they complete their training and become established in their practice. Private practitioners are not so quick to take medicaid, but of course medicare is huge business. Sadly, the children don't qualify for medicare. I'm pretty used to my disdain for politicians and the business of modern medicine, but I've received a new perspective on teachers. It recently dawned upon me how many "retired teachers" I've run across in the general work force and by general work force, I mean retail sales, clerk, bank teller, announcers. Do you see what all these jobs have in common? None of them requires a college degree!!! So that means teachers, "degreed, public servant to tend to the children," are actually taking jobs FROM the precise people for whom they claim to care so much. They are taking jobs that could be filled by college students, young college students like they themselves were, back in a kinder, gentler, more caring America. Now these senior citizens or people at least old enough to be grandparents, are working at the same type job they probably had while establishing themselves as young up and coming adults. And they aren't working these jobs because they'd be starving on a teacher's pension . . . OH NO, not all! They are working these jobs because the teacher's union and pension excluded them from contributing to social security, much like the rail road and civil service; which provided their own retirement plans. So, they become vested in the teacher's union and pay into the teacher's pension plan to ensure eligibility, then when vested and circumstance presents obstacles or opportunities, a teacher can retire in their early 50's and collect their retirement, PLUS, they can find a job that will withhold social security taxes and in just 10 short years, 40 quarters, by their early 60's they are eligible to also collect social security. Not to worry, people that have paid into it their entire working life and produced children that are actually in the work force paying taxes can't collect til their early 60's either. I guess I have a question for the teacher . . . If you care so much for the students' future, how can you steal their jobs and their social security contributions?
I would expect this from politicians, I think most of them would sell their mother for a vote. I have seen the "money angle" in modern medicine and Big Pharma for years, but teachers! Parents trusted teachers to care and teach their children. I realize many of you spoke quite intellectually from the text, but you're still teaching. You're teaching double dipping! And you're teaching the "ungolden rule!"
Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them . . . Golden Rule - words of Messiah

Defining Moment of Redefining

I read the number for those receiving unemployment has dropped by over 200,000. Unfortunately, it's not due to an increased job market or improved economy. Nothing like that, it's due to the fact that Congress has reduced the 99 week unemployment benefit now to 79 weeks, so that means that over 200,000 people have been unemployed for nearly 2 years and now have no income. While our politicians do everything they can to keep themselves employed, the job creators have not yet surfaced. Oh, I know, there are the same number of "jobs" created, as unemployment benefits that were dropped. Isn't that just an interesting coincidence? But the jobs created are not on par with the ones that have gone away and aren't coming back. Our President announced that he is now pro-gay marriage, because his daughters have friends who have same sex parents . . . Great! So is the direction of our country now being decided in home room and study hall? Also, an interesting coincidence is the fact that Mitt Romney has been reported to have bullied a kid in high school that was presumed gay. All this "coming out" in the same week. And yet there are people in this country who cannot see the politicizing of people's lives is dividing our country. Now, the alleged victim is deceased and I would love to know the political leanings of the guilt ridden parties who now feel the need to come forward. I'm not condoning bullying or mistreating kids, but High School for Mitt Romney was nearly 50 years ago. Have all these guys been living comfortably with their guilty consciences until now? Meanwhile, back at the ranch, the pro-man/woman marriage folks are in an uproar. I, personally, believe in separation of church and state, so for everyone that believes marriage is a religious sanction, don't get a state license. If I'd known then, what I know now, I would have simply had a religious ceremony, changed my name, and drawn up the appropriate paperwork to share property, or perhaps I'd have made a different decision, all together . . . but I wouldn't seek state sanction in marriage, any more. I know from experience, legal union, civil union, "I do's," whatever you want to call it, does not automatically command respect in anyone's circle of influence. I'm not happy with the direction of America, but then again, it's already been written. I don't like the fact that my grandchildren are growing up in a world that is constantly redefining things. The more our society talks about tolerance, the more hateful we have become. The more we've heard about putting America back to work, the more I know we will soon be slave labor to other nations. The war on drugs has made our nation first in the number of prisoners per capita in the entire world. The war on terror has made terrorizing small children and old ladies at the air port completely acceptable. And in protecting our children from predators, how many children are now being labelled sex offenders? The sad thing is, there are a number of people in this country who truly believe their vote counts and that will make all the difference. Considering everything else that's been redefined, I'm guessing free elections are bought and paid for, long before November. But "they" just keep telling us what we need to believe.
Where there is much talk there will be no end to sin . . . a Proverb of Holy Scripture

Seeing Life for What it Is

I've realized that anyone over the age of 21 is going to do exactly what they want, and I'm no exception. Actually, I think Americans much younger are doing what they want, but that's a different tangent. We know no matter what the politicians promise, if elected, they are going to do what they want that benefits them or their next political move. We know the 1% is going to do what benefits them and we also know the 98% are trying to level the playing field, which would benefit them. Everyone enjoys doing what they want for the reasons they believe. I've been thinking for about the last month, regardless of what I'm saying, nobody's listening, because they are focused on what they believe to be important. I've been unfriended at facebook for believing in Biblical obedience. I've been argued against on forum boards for stating that I think the election is already decided. I've actually even been told to shutup, recently. And so my fingers will shout here at my blog. I do believe in G-d's Instruction for man. And I believe the direction is already set, regardless of who sits in the Oval Office. I've spent countless hours listening to people gripe, complain, and expound, only to be dismissed when I try to talk. It's dawned upon me, that most people only want to hear the answer they already have determined. That's how our elections work. That's how our religious organizations function. That's how television has grown and expanded in the last 50+ years, not to mention talk radio. And how many people do you see without a cell phone in their hands these days? Everyone wants their own thoughts confirmed, regardless of the logic or lack thereof. And don't we all want the most for the least effort?
A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself. a Proverb of Holy Scripture.

We Are Going Downhill Fast

I've been so busy in projects that have nothing to do with politics, I had to get caught up. I've decided why I simply cannot vote any more. American politics has really become like a religion and the zealots are annoying, not to mention the leaders and speakers are like wealthy pastors, living large and telling the sheep what to think. Any politician on a national level that tries to tell "we the people" they are just like us, is nothing but a liar. I'd say Michelle Obama grew up like many of us, but she's not running for office, and she's got just over the top with her fame and wealth and spending . . . Not to sound like a birther, because regardless of where he was born, his mother was US citizen, so that makes him one. I do think the whole thing is fishy considering he obviously had a Passport declaring his nation of citizenship. So with that said, this President grew up abroad, which is hardly the American experience he attempts to portray. American politics is a false religion that just keeps becoming more extreme. Both parties want to control the people, and it continuously amazes me that what would be reprehensible for the other group to want is fine when the chosen group has the power. I was not a GW fan, and I believe my blogs bears that out, but I sure miss him for the Correspondent's Dinner. I liked his style about it. He made fun of himself, his administration and laughed as others did the same thing. Our current President doesn't seem to miss an opportunity to bash an opponent through this dinner and even though he may come up with something aimed at himself, it seems token compared to the rest of his spiel. He's a campaigner through and through. It's a shame his ego won't allow him to campaign for someone who would be a true leader. I've been unsurprised by the fact that the democrats have chosen the same blame game the republicans did through the GW years, except it was the constituents, rather than the leaders throwing the blame. When GW was in office, I think most registered republicans spent his administration blaming Clinton for everything, and if something elusively slipped past Clinton's blame there was Congress. They forgot that Congress was republican led through 6 of GW's years and at least 4 of Clinton's, but the average republican does not like to hear those facts. Now, the democrats are doing the same, only it's not just the constituents and voters,it's the administration!
This blame game is certainly nothing new . . .
And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat . . . And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat. Torah of Holy Scripture

What is Affordable in America?

What is the standard? Reading about a couple, she's a real estate agent or broker and he's a teacher with a $240,000 home that "increased" in value through the bubble, so they refinanced through that time, only to be facing foreclosure on $380,000 when the bubble burst . . . They were among the "lucky ones" to which Bank of America passed along the bail out. Bank of America dropped their payoff to $300,000 and their interest rate as well, so they ended up with the potential to keep their home and the payments are reduced by about $600 per month. The "catch" for them is they have to do it three months straight! Now, I have several problems with this solution. First and foremost, it's not available to everyone that is upside down or under water in their mortgage. Second, it seems to appear like a real estate agent or broker has some inside special favor or something. Third, how in the world did a teacher qualify for this size of a loan? The article did not say "professor," it said "teacher." I'd say if teachers can qualify for that size of a mortgage, I don't want to hear how underpaid they are. Now, the next issue I have with this situation is the fact that these people chose to refinance apparently over $100,000 more than they paid for it in a relatively short time frame. That sounds a lot like using real estate at a pawn shop! The next issue I have with this is the very serious fact that these people agreed to the terms and signed a contract to fulfill these terms. Would this real estate agent or broker like someone to renege on her commission? What is this guy teaching? What happened to simply living within one's means? I'm glad these people aren't going to be homeless, but I really am tired of reading about the "reward" for those that bit off more than they could chew and the people that stayed within their means and did the right thing, can just pay for it! Why are these people that bought more than they could afford less greedy than the fat cats on Wall Street? I'm seeing a bigger cliff or chasm on the horizon. Now that signing a contract means nothing, what can we count on economically? If the realtor couldn't see the inflated prices and a teacher is setting this example, where is America heading?
Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender. Proverbs of Holy Scripture

In the News

I have to admit it. I spent way too much time on a circular dead end, and lost sight of my own journey for a bit. To be honest, this campaign year seems so cut and dried, I've not really been inclined to posting much, which is no excuse. I mean it's obvious the GOP is running in place, claiming different leaders, until now I guess it's between Romney, Newt, and Ron Paul. It doesn't take a calculator or a survey to guess that the candidate won't be Newt or Ron Paul. In a really poor economy, I'm guessing it's going to be tough for a plasticky uber-rich guy to even seem human. I believe the quote found in an ABC News Report of a radio interview captures the essence of Mitt's sometimes awkward presence, as well as the staff's inability to script Ann.

>>>Ann Romney’s remarks came during an interview with Baltimore radio station WBAL, during which the host asked her, “And one of the things, Ann Romney, that folks talk about with your husband, Mitt Romney, and I’ve seen him in casual conversation-He comes off very smooth and okay. But sometimes he comes off stiff. Do you have to fight back some criticism, like ‘My husband isn’t stiff, OK?’”
Laughing, Ann Romney responded, “Well, you know, I guess we better unzip him and let the real Mitt Romney out because he is not!”<<< Although President Obama comes across fairly arrogantly, anyway, he seems totally aloof and pretty confident in regard to 2012. He seems confident enough to not even campaign. This same guy that began his presidential campaign nearly two years ahead of the election last time just appears too calm and relaxed amidst a troubled dissatisfied people. Why, it might appear that this upcoming election is a mere formality to keep the peasants quiet . . . I mean the people. I really don't think it matters who is elected, the direction and the momentum are already in place. There is some startling new legislation that really has me faunching, though, so I shall share the link and my perspective of the potential power of this Executive Order. Unlike many Americans, I don't think we suddenly have one leader that is destroying this country. I think it's been a gradual destruction for years. We are a war-mongering capitalistic society and those simply do not last forever and our current President has just signed into law, the power to control all of our natural resources, and everything we make in the name of "The National Defense Resources Preparedness." http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/03/16/executive-order-national-defense-resources-preparedness
You have to get down to the second section to fully realize the unlimited, singular power this document affords.

From Interstate Highways in the 50's to the Great Society of the 60's, the War on Drugs in the 70's, to Political Worship in the 80's, to Political Partisan Hatred in the 90's, to the USA Patriot Act of the first decade of this millennium, to now this. Everything is now in place in our country to enact Martial Law. It's even written in as to how each department will contribute and distribute accordingly, with the Department of Agriculture being the first Department in the list.

For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. New Testament

More Thoughts on the GOP

I started this blog on the 14th of March, but it seemed almost too over the top for me to get a real grasp on how to come to a conclusion, so I kept it as a draft, but I think it's time to get it posted.

Sarah Palin / Mitt Romney ticket . . .Wouldn't that pretty much satisfy the entire GOP? The moderates, the Tea Party, and those that will simply vote against Obama . . .

I've been watching all this for some time and with the Palins endorsing Gingrich, she sounds like Santorum, and Todd was rumored to be a secessionist, which should cover Paul's anti-government; the GOP might be considering a Romney/Palin or Palin/Romney ticket to rally the Tea Partiers, Evangelicals and the moderates. I've compared her to the same thing for her party that Obama was for his. Introduce him in the convention in a losing year for the democrat, 2004, then run him in 2008. Since the GOP doesn't seem too original, they might just be trying the same thing. They clearly planned to lose in 2008. I mean, running the guy that lost to GW in 2000 . . . The Teavangelicals would accept a Mormon on the ticket with Sarah P. and the moderates have no other choice but Romney if they vote republican. It's the perfect way to put the GOP constituents in the bondage the party needs to get the political power in the few rich hands that can bring big business and big government together! And if the GOP doesn't succeed by gaining the White House, the big business lobbyists can simply buy the favors, as always.
Getting down to the brass tacks of the situation, I truly believe politics is choreographed and this tortoise/hare GOP primary confirms it for me. It's one of two things. Either the GOP doesn't want to win 2012 or they want a brokered convention in which Sarah P. will once again be thrust to the national forefront, now with some experience under her belt. She does much better with a sudden rise to position, and that will leave much less time for folks to tire of her folksy colloquialisms. Considering what the GOP has introduced this year, it does appear that the pieces of the puzzle may be coming into place around Sarah. First there was Michele Bachmann, a woman, that did well for a time, albeit a short time, she still led in polls early on, but the party did rally around a woman for the top of the ticket. Huntsman made some sense, but of course, that doesn't really get you anywhere in American politics. Then there was Perry, who makes Sarah P. look qualified for membership in Mensa. Gingrich is cutting back, losing funding, and gaining no ground, so even if he hangs on to the convention, he's not going to have the delegates for the nomination. I don't think Rick Santorum can really sweep the party, in that there are far too many non Catholics in the Republican Party that really don't want to live by the Pope's rules or to "elect" an American Pope rather than a President. I think his abortion stand and "satan" talk would draw the charismatics and Baptists, though. He's already introduced too, too much religious extremism into the campaign for average Christianity, where as Sarah P. seems to maintain her beliefs in a more convenient perspective. Ron Paul simply isn't going to be the candidate, but since she's a best selling author, the "rogue" image really now belongs to Sarah, anyway. Who does that leave? Mitt Romney who has invested immensely in the bid for the White House, but just can't seem to grasp the brass ring for a big lead. Mitt and Sarah would make the perfect ticket, either way. The GOP already knows, even as a VP candidate, many of the constituents who voted McCain / Palin stated they voted for Sarah. I'm not sure the party can get her to play second fiddle again, but I don't think they will have any trouble putting her at the top of the ticket, and convincing Romney to run as the VP and wait for Sarah to quit mid-term. WIN/WIN. I do think Sarah would be an interesting debate opponent for Obama and I think she just might rattle his perfect oration. Sarah P. and Biden were more or less on a level playing field of trying to say the right thing at the right time in the right manner, but Obama is very scripted and smooth. And Sarah . . . well, the rebuttals should be interesting. I can just see him trying to get the teleprompter loaded with a response for some off the wall comment from her and he's predictable enough that she can write the few crib notes it would take, on her hand, to make the entire evening worth watching! Regardless of the election results in November, the direction of America won't change.
And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority. the Revelation

While We're Enforcing Freedom . . .

Things are getting pretty strange here on the home front! I know we're told that women have awesome rights here in this country compared to other nations, but I'm noticing some strange things going on. First, I believe most other countries believe mothers should have their children. I also believe most countries do not force women to work outside the home just to afford milk and bread. I also believe most countries do not take it upon themselves to invade the personal lives of its citizens unless there are inappropriate public displays. Oh, and before I forget, for all the deadbeat dads out there, who are years behind in child support, but still feel the need to make your ex-wife's life a living nightmare, I've heard of just the lawyer for you . . . Back to women's rights here in the land of the free and the home of the brave. Assertive women have been vilified for a number of years now, but that was just a distraction to what was really happening. Men have invaded the rights of women in this country and demanded they be treated like women of days gone by. That's right, they want to let the women be the bread winners and they want custody of the children in the case of divorce, because child support seems to be a pretty steady income. Congress just demonstrated the complete disregard of women regarding their own health. The big debate, and that's all it is, a debate to keep the citizens distracted . . . Anyway the big debate on reproductive rights had no women on the panel. The abortion laws are getting crazy and people simply do not have eyes to see or ears to hear that we are being led down a path of no return. Meanwhile our nation's universities keep shelling out lawyers who ultimately run for office to make more stupid debates resulting in more laws that require lawyers to either protect the guilty or legally exhaust those who are just attempting to keep life together . . . Which brings me back full circle to the way our nation is treating women. A plan purely from the pit of hell has brought this about. First, the idea that men needed to go to town for "real jobs" left women in town with way too much free time! So when TV came into existence, so did advertisements, which led to increased so called "needs," which were nothing more than "wants." I've always been amazed that with the invention of all the appliances, there was more stress and more "never being caught up." So to pay for all this "more" women went to work, but that ultimately only accomplished two things, and paying for stuff wasn't one of them. The two things that were accomplished was an increased credit limit per household and earlier public "education" for younger children. So, by women getting out of the house, they began to find out how other households ran and well men began to be expected to participate in household chores, which didn't always go well. Eventually the tables turned ugly and women are now expected to keep house, take care of the children, run a budget, and keep a full time job and sadly there are many men in their 30's and 40's that have a woman that will do all that while he plays video games and buys expensive toys. Then when push comes to shove and the parting of the ways, the man usually has more disposable income for the bottom feeding lawyers to settle the matter in court. And some will simply forego child support to pay attorney's fees. Let the mom's cover the basic needs and have no funds for representation. Sort of confirms some of the accusations about Western culture. They may have outlawed physical abuse in this country, but it has been replaced by the "legal sucker punch." I, personally, believe it might be easier to just know and live by the strict and tough rules of other cultures, rather than the constant barrage of legal assault in the land of the free.
And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. Words from the New Testament

Just Thinkin' Out-loud

I've had this theory since early 2007, that the GOP really didn't want in the White House for a time. I even stated that I thought they were trying to "throw" the 2008 election. I, personally, believe they have discovered there is more power and fewer restrictions in the capitalistic, materialistic business world than in the US government. I believe they are capitalizing on every opportunity. I mean look at the power in talk radio. How many upper Middle Class folks do you suppose have divested of Wall Street and invested in Goldline? Once that took place, the Stock Market started gaining ground again . . . and the GOP upper-crust were there as the tide turned. Now, fast forward from my 2007 theory to 2008, when John McCain received the nomination. The GOP didn't want him in 2000!!! After 8 years of the man they chose over John McCain, it was John McCain's "turn" to throw himself on the political grenade and make a respectable showing, but not win. That "stunning loss" was enhanced by choosing the interesting running mate that he chose. Sarah Palin rallied the party, while making any intelligent person ashamed to admit they were ever a republican. Besides, it was obvious in 2004, that Barack Obama was chosen for the White House in the next Democrat run. Now fast forward to 2012. Barack Obama is the incumbent running on the simple platform that the GOP can't even get it together enough to come up with a candidate to run against him. He's not even campaigning! That can only mean one thing. Behind the scenes, the White House is already a done deal! Now, whether it's a done deal for the democrat incumbent or bought and paid for by the GOP, only time will tell. I'm leaning towards both of those factors, but . . . This GOP primary circus got me thinking today. I know Sarah Palin has been talking about a brokered convention and she very clearly stated in an interview that she will be in Florida for the convention. and certainly willing to "help her country." That's when this theory really came into full view. What if, the GOP really doesn't want to be in the position of elected political control, but will continue to control Big Business and Wall Street, because in materialistic Capitalism, that is really who holds the political power! So they've let each candidate have his moment in the sun, only to not really get behind any of them. Now Sarah P. is playing coy with the media she professes to despise, and yet without the media who would have ever heard of Sarah Palin? Now, here's where I see the ultimate win/win/win for the GOP. They don't get fully behind any one candidate, so the convention is brokered and Sarah P. gets the nod. Then when Sarah runs, the entire party takes at least one step back to regroup, while she basks in the lime light and fawns all over the media, while pretending she doesn't like all the attention. Then, come November, she loses and is finally out of the picture for good, while the GOP continues to tend to Big Business behind the partisan smoke screens or . . . she wins, becoming the first woman president and the GOP leaves the 'rogue elephant' out front in the White House while they get their Big Business ducks in a row. Either way, I'm thinking the GOP could use Sarah out front for awhile, again . . .
For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, New Testament

Purgatory

I'm not Catholic and to be honest, I've had a real revelation about referencing the term "hell," but yesterday, I discovered that we really do need some sort of intense, extreme term to describe our effort, endurance, and attempt to remain sane through what can only be described as insurmountable odds, especially in regard to communications. I no sooner had an horrendous experience with online banking, read about how the Smart Phones have already outsmarted us, I then discovered that someone can remain anonymous on the other end of the phone or our online connection, and ask for every pertinent detail of my identity and financial information, only to leave the situation over an hour later, still unresolved, and well actually in worse condition than when I first made the inquiry. I attempted to straighten out a PayPal account yesterday. After several minutes of muzak, an "agent" came on the line who said he could "walk me through" what I was trying to accomplish. I'm sure, you can already see where this is going. I had one paypal account as an author and one business account, and then the bank said I needed two different accounts there, so . . . My original thought was to combine the two paypal accounts, which of course, cannot be done. My next thought was to add the bank business account to both PayPal accounts and just move the money to the bank, wait the proper number of days and once it had all cleared, delete one account. Well, my "agent" did not see this as the simple way to resolve the dilemma, and so I'd speak with him for a bit, he'd put me on hold for awhile, then we'd speak a bit more, then more hold. He finally stated he had a plan to resolve this entire dilemma and that's when the trouble really began. Once he realized he'd dug a hole way to deep to climb out of, he told me he'd bring in someone from another arm of PayPal. You have probably all ready guessed it. By the time the phone ringing stopped, the muzak was quiet, and I heard a voice on the other end of the line, the "agent's" line had been dropped in the transfer. I had the unexpected privilege of speaking with two globally diverse voices that both refused to reveal the name of the individual that initiated the call and they both informed me that what I was asking simply could not be done and I needed to allow them to explain to me just what my options might be. Knowing any hope of resolution was already gone . . . I listened and just waited for them to tell me to have a nice day. Which they did after a time and no resolution. I then dialed back to PayPal, after sitting rather impatiently through the prompts, I decided filing a claim or making a complaint would be my best option. I finally got a voice that sounded rather friendly, but adamant, but she did offer a solution that seemed reasonable. So, I did ask for e-mail confirmation, after realizing the hour of speaking with three people earlier produced absolutely no results and no correspondence. She promised she would send "something" and told me how I could cancel this ridiculous card that I had never applied for. So, with that, I decided to take her word for it and believe resolution had finally been accomplished. My conversation with her had last less than 30 minutes. So I then called the number she'd given me to avoid any of this complication again. That was an interesting phone call. I walked through the prompts and never once spoke with a human at all . . . I have survived and been delivered from PayPal Purgatory and will do everything in my power to never have to experience that again.
I won't be including a reference from Scripture today, because Purgatory is not mentioned in the Bible.

Missing the point

Rick Santorum made a statement regarding the indoctrination of college students. First, coming from a college graduate, I find that curious to say the least. Second, I can't help but wonder what sort of issues this man may have, considering the fact that he was a graduate of Penn State and Catholic. Between Jerry Sandusky and Catholic Priests in the news, one has to wonder. My questions about Rick Santorum are not the topic of this blog, however. My question or issue is that he mentioned the word "indoctrination" and since we are so politically divided, both sides are merely ready to argue rather than realize the indoctrination that does go with attending college. It has nothing to do with conservative or liberal politics, it has to do with the programming that it is normal and respectable to begin adult life several years after one is old enough to vote or buy alcohol; in a pit of debt . . . That is not the indoctrination of colleges, that is the indoctrination of our society. Young people that have watched parents that have lived over their heads and deep in debt or wracked up the debt and simply filed bankruptcy, need to know, student loans are not dischargeable with bankruptcy, they are with you for all of your borrowing life. Student loans will follow you and the earning potential of whatever degree obtained may or may not be substantial enough to make the payments. That is, if a job in the field of the degree is even available upon graduation. There are some very grim statistics about the percentage of college graduates that move back home to look for a job and begin paying back their student loans. Since the idea of continuing to live off mom and dad as a college graduate seems acceptable, I'd say there is definitely indoctrination, but it's not in college . . . it begins long before that. It would appear that a large number of kids have grown up under the indoctrination that large debt is acceptable and a diploma or degree is status. Servitude with Status has certainly been indoctrinated.
The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender. a Proverb of Holy Scripture

More on the Economy

I thought I was already as disgusted as I could be, with the politician's spin on our economy, but I was wrong. I just absolutely cannot abide the blatant disregard of Americans' employment issue and cost of basic necessities. House prices are at a 10 year low, but the bailed out banks aren't very willing to loan any money . . . And now, to have "Made in America" dangled in front of us like a carrot, talking about reopening factories, and well, let's face it, it is an election year and the guys that are running have no clue what it is to be worried about providing for their families. Everyone in the race is in The 1%. After reading a few articles about our economy and employment, I discovered that just like last year this time, the recovery of the economy is once again riding on the "consumers." How did that work out last year? Oh, that's right, about the time we accepted that we'd pay more for food, utility increases, and got our taxes squared away, the price of oil began to increase. Go figure . . . To state that the economy will improve, based upon consumers, means this. Our economy is based upon perpetual motion, which means product and service mean very little, just keep the money moving, and the best way to increase the money that's moving is for basic necessities to cost more. That's what our politicians are spinning while they discuss giving "job creators" a reduction in the corporate tax rate. That's another spin story today. President Obama has unveiled the restructuring of the tax code and sent it to Congress. Now, is there anyone in America that really believes anything is going to actually change between now and the election? Much of Congress is afraid of losing their jobs, and rightfully so. The only thing that really gives this President any confidence in re-election, is not his amazing leadership of the past 3 plus years, but rather the pool of unelectable candidates in the opposing party. The politicians are going to simply hold and hope their opposition does something dumber than they've done. As for reopening factories. I've also read that bringing manufacturing to this country from offshore could carry some real tax-break incentives. On the surface, that sounds peachy, but who will actually be the investors of this grand plan to make Americans factory workers again. These stories about the factories reopening are really making me think I should read Brave New World, again. Of course, a reminder that the largest employer in the United States is the United States government. This isn't sounding like a recovering economy, it's sounding much more like the foundation for indentured servitude.
. . . Behold, I have bought you this day and your land for Pharaoh . . . Torah of Holy Scripture

www.theother1percent.us
www.thelandofgoshen.com

Interrupting the Regularly Scheduled Blog

I have to post two things that simply can't wait. First, I'll be adding an update today at
http://ready.blog.com and second, I'm adding a new line of product at the Land of Goshen, LLC. It's called, "Baby's Botanicals." I'm not yet sure just how extensive this will be, but last night something hit me like a ton of bricks. I make several comments about the future generation needing to be the focus, and how selfish we truly have become in this country in regard to the next generation, when a serious pang hit me. Here I am making natural products and we all know or even are women that will spend hundreds of dollars on skin care regimens and read every ingredient in all the cosmetics, then we slather commercial baby oil, all over the most sensitive skin on the planet . . . our babies. I Googled and confirmed that most baby oil is mineral based and mineral oil is a petroleum product!!! I learned in massage therapy school nearly 20 years ago to never use mineral oil on clients, as it clogs pores and traps toxins . . . And then a few years later, became a grandma and rubbed down the babies after bath with regular old baby oil. I'm so ashamed! So, with all that being said, I already have the basic stage in the works and after Sabbath, plan to unveil it at the webstore.
http://thelandofgoshen.com Our babies deserve the best!
The heaven, even the heavens, belong to Adonai: but the earth hath he given to the children of men. a Psalm of Holy Scripture

Who To Blame

Many blame politicians for the mess we're in. Many blame big business owners and bankers for the poor economy. More and more are blaming Monsanto for food that has no nutrition, and we're not even sure where to start blaming for all the preservatives we consume. Most of us would like to blame someone for the price of groceries. I, personally, would like to blame everyone who has embraced an entitlement mentality, because to me that just means an acceptance of being "kept." I guess it's easy to think of blaming anybody and anything, but myself for anything that isn't right, but I can't. I've been trying to right the wrongs, the wrong way! I don't need to have an elected office to offer opportunity to others. I don't need to resent or compete with big business owners to have a job and offer a business opportunity as well as a good product. I don't need to contribute to Monsanto's power by giving any of my attention or income to their products or those of their subsidiaries. I don't need to gripe about the price of groceries. I certainly don't need to judge all those that truly believe they are entitled to their government dependency. So, with all that being said, how do we fix what's broken if we don't identify the problem? We can't fix it on a grand scale until we address the issues on a personal level. I did think I'd run for office and have a voice and in that voice, the power to make people stop and think, but I can already do that! I don't need to set aside the plan G-d has for me, and I don't need to lose sight of my purpose to make a statement. I am an American citizen by birth, and I am a citizen of the Kingdom of heaven by being born again, so really I'm more of a diplomat or ambassador to America, and knowing that, it's easier to have compassion for those caught under the powers that be and even some sadness for those that have sold their souls for the power. I can't blame big business owners for a bad economy, although the term "too big to fail" is stupid. G-d said, "pride goes before the fall," and I think that is self-evident. Our economy is in shambles because of greed and covetousness. How many employees fought for their collective right to be paid more time to be gone from work? How valuable is anyone to a company, when they aren't there? And so, the companies looked for people that wanted to be at work . . . I'm not saying it's worked out well for anyone, but demanding more pay and more days to be absent appears to have proven to many business owners the value of some folks absence. As to the banking calamity, yes, the big guys made a mess, but how many people chose to live a number of years beyond their means on credit? When people quit doing math and started calling debt and mortgage, investment, we made a grave error, economically. If you sit down with pencil and paper and figure the cost of a 30 year mortgage, as well as upkeep, you'll find the only real real estate investment is land that is paid for and used in perpetuity! When working people decide to take a mortgage on a quarter of a million dollar home, they are setting themselves up to lose it, or never be home, earning enough money to pay for it. Certainly not the fault of Wall Street. Now, if we're going to point the finger of blame, because someone didn't refuse to give us credit . . . Time to grow up! If we're old enough to obtain credit, we're old enough to determine our limit. Now, as to our food supply, GMO, preservatives, and the prices, that's easy peasy . . . grow our own and home can it. A person can seriously provide a great deal of their own groceries on a very small parcel of land. So, now that I raise most of my own food, I don't have to deal with Monsanto genetic modification, chemical perservatives, or the high cost of groceries. As for the entitlement mentality, I may not be the brightest crayon in the box, but it doesn't take a degree in calculus to see that between government jobs, social security, medicare, disability, medicaid, food stamps, and business subsidies, there are by far more people collecting than paying in, so although I do pay taxes, I don't intend to collect. I'm not paying in for me! I don't have to retire, none of us do. Everyone has been created to be productive in some way all of our days . . . Now, at the end of the day, I've discovered, I'd rather spend my energy on something more productive that pointing a finger of blame.
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

Working Too Hard to Campaign?

More insight into the choices we have for President. Since I started my campaign, life has gotten busy! It was fairly busy anyway, but as we hear the "big name" candidates speak about the founding fathers, the Constitution, and "good ol' American values, I've been planting fruit trees, increasing my flocks and herd, preparing bedding plants, and expanding my business, which seems similar to the early Americans, to which the candidates refer. No wonder we're getting the leaders we are . . . Real Americans simply cannot put their responsibilities on hold for a year and a half to tell everyone what a great job they'll do "taking care of everything!" I realized today, in watching President Obama back peddle on his last decision and the number of times I've heard in the last three years that one side of the aisle or the other is stopping progress, that I really can make a bigger difference here at home in my own house, which just happens to be white. I don't have to spend half my day trying to think of an excuse as to why I didn't keep a promise, I just keep my word! I don't have to spend valuable time trying to invent ways to blame someone else, I try to spend valuable time creating and producing quality results that don't require blame to explain. I've made peace with the fact, an average American will not be elected President. I'd like to thank the folks that sent e-mails in support of the FREEDOM Party. It truly was inspiring to see that there are people who want something more out of American politics than just to be mad at the 1% or disappointed in the other side of the aisle. When I was a little girl I did want to grow up and be the first woman president, but as a woman, I realize that was the thought of a child and self-focused. We have enough people already in office that think like children and focus on their own self-interests. So it is with a bit of sadness, that I must suspend my campaign at this time. The best thing I can do for the coming generations is to impart knowledge rather than legislation, inspire accomplishment rather than dependency, and an entrepreneurial spirit rather than an entitlement existence.
When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. words of the Apostle Paul

A Real Job

Now that I've established my new domain, "The Other 1 Percent," I've come to realize the enormity of the idea of having a "regular American" in the White House. First, I realized, most presidential candidates don't have a real job and basically have been career politicians, or schmoozers on some level for years and years, or born with a silver spoon, or all of the above. Romney is not regular America, by any stretch of the imagination, but most of the time he's pretty transparent about that fact. Even when he's trying to relate to "the people" he's obviously, oblivious to the reality of what he's attempting to address. And in that, I have to give him a bit of credit. He's an American by fact of birth, and even with all his wealth, he cannot buy the "real American experience." He and his wife do, however; look quite Presidential. It's easy to picture them standing on a White House balcony or a wedding cake. Now, on to Newt. I truly don't have anything nice to say about him, at all. I don't have any respect for him. I'll try not to say too much about the Gigrich's appearance, but suffice it to say, there's nothing Presidential or first lady about their appearance individually or as a couple. Rick Santorum had his moment, and he may rally, but I'm thinking he should simply enjoy the fact that he rose from relative obscurity to this point in the contest. As for Ron Paul, he is the exception on many levels. First, he did have a real job, he's a physician. Second, he's just too old for this task. And last but far from least, he's really supposed to be a libertarian that just can't get elected on that ticket, so he runs republican. That seems entirely to politically disingenuous to me, and politicians, as a rule seem pretty disingenuous anyway. Now on to Mr. Obama. He's of course most noted as the first black president, and even though he was born before the civil rights movement his life experience has nothing to do with growing up black in America. His ancestors were not slaves. He's as in touch with what it is to be black in America as Romney is with the middle class. I was no G W fan, but President Obama has certainly made G W seem personable and touchable, but I digress. Back to the fact that those of us with real jobs that are not in "the 1%" are really too busy earning a living, paying bills, and trying to be good neighbors, or committee members, or coaches, or scout leaders, to be able to campaign in the national spotlight, much less afford such privilege as the aristocratic 1%. I'm not at all pleased with our choices in candidates, and I'd like to see a real American lead us. As far as I'm concerned, while the "American Dream" is being discussed by politicians, if an average American cannot become president, the true meaning of the American Dream has already died. We need a president that can do more than shake hands, kiss babies, take photo ops, and beg campaign donations, and blame Congress once he lives at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. We need a leader that truly knows what it is to live and work on main street America or a leader that has actually worked the soil of rural America. For any leader to truly address the unemployment problem in this country, which is what I keep reading to be the main issue, we need a President who has had a "real job!"
One who is slack in his work Is brother to him who is a master of destruction. a Proverb of Holy Scripture

A Bit Off Topic, but . . .

I realize in this world, we do much more complaining than sharing appreciation and I just have to comment on something I saw twice yesterday that literally touched my heart to tears. First, I watched the short video of Congresswoman Gabrielle Gifford's resignation. Of course, that was emotional, watching all those that so deeply cared about her, but I noticed something in John Boehner that I truly found compelling. Now, I've read a lot of press about his emotional displays, and I can't speak for his politics, but watching him with Congresswoman Giffords just truly touched me. First, she has a noticeably affected side from the shooting. She was approaching his platform to render her resignation when she obviously experienced some difficulty. He quickly, without hesitation or checking for a photo op, reached out to steady and assist her. Once she was on the platform, he gently kissed her cheek. This was a very emotional moment and it was clear to see Speaker Boehner was affected. He is portrayed to be almost manipulative with his display of emotion, but I didn't see that. I saw a man, that set all politics aside, and showed immense compassion for a woman that has been through an unbelievable ordeal and survived. As I said, I'll not address his politics, but he is one republican that I have no doubt experiences life beneath the ivory tower of politics. I read his bio at Wikipedia and this man's life is certainly not reflective of our average politicians. He was not born with a silver spoon. I have a respect for him that crosses all party lines and appreciated his nonpartisan humanity. Now, the other event I witnessed was an old video of Elvis performing "Glory, Glory, Hallelujah!" Funny, I don't think I view 3 videos a month but two in one day were very heart warming. Naturally, hearing Elvis sing, especially gospel is wonderful, but it wasn't his singing that caught my attention this time. As the video played, there was a piccolo solo in the transition of the medley and the man played beautifully, of course, but a camera came back to Elvis as he watched the man play. It was a moment! Watching Elvis, a very, very, very talented musician appreciate the talent of someone else is difficult to put into words, and yet here I am attempting to do just that. The expression of humble admiration and appreciation was so warm. When it comes to talents and showmanship, it seems most talented folks appreciate the sound of their own voice the most, but this was a moment of rare exception. Maybe it was more than just his talent, maybe it was the humility of Elvis that made him so amazingly popular and perhaps it is the compassion and empathy of John Boehner that has brought him to this place of prominence in our nation.
A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit. a Proverb of Holy Scripture

Upon Further Checking

I believe the time of exploratory committee has come to a close and if I wanted any chance at all of getting on primary ballots, I needed to actually declare my candidacy before the first primary, but that somehow seems so "politics as usual." I'm not a Washington insider so the logical decision is to run a write-in campaign. And that's my plan! I think a write-in campaign makes sense in this case, because any vote for me will be an obvious choice and it can be done with no fund raising! I like the idea that we can actually campaign on the net and simply write in our choice. The election of our next President doesn't have to depend upon who can beg the most donations and thus afford the biggest campaign ads. We can actually go beyond name recognition and fund raising and get to real ideas and proposed implementation. This is the opportunity for "we the people" to challenge the politics as usual and the electoral college, as well. The electoral college will be a deal, though, because 48 of the 50 states have a "winner take all" policy in place, so I'm going to have to get pretty internet famous to win the electoral college vote. To be honest, it really looks like only the 1% can be President of the United States, but I just can't accept that yet. Considering the OWS movement and so much information about the 1% and Wall Street, how can we just elect someone that can't even relate to where we are? The 1% is not in touch with what it is to try to eek out an existence in America, these days.
Now, as for the actual issue, this isn't about me or any candidate. This is about someone in leadership realizing that the American dream is not a gift or entitlement from the government, or even the same thing for all of us, but to also realize it is not the government's reward for voting along party lines. The idea that the Middle Class can continue to support the aristocracy and the impoverished, as well as those that are "ready for retirement" and the ever growing group of "disabled" that can manage to do everything but hold a job, is what must be addressed. The Middle Class doesn't need a government hand-out, the Middle Class needs to become larger and the aristocracy needs to pay their fare share of taxes and the impoverished need to be ready to embrace opportunity as well as realize and live within their financial limits. It's time to take ownership, even if that means limiting what we own until we can afford more . . . And this country absolutely needs to do away with disability as a career. If someone is truly disabled, and who can say . . . but it's time for some real crack downs and pay backs for those that "cannot work" but manage a very full life otherwise. It's time to put begging back into the perspective that it is. I am certainly not suggesting that we become a discompassionate nation or one that rejects immigrants, but we must stop rewarding those that take advantage of the system at the expense of the Middle Class. Then and only then, will the Middle Class regain it's footing!
And when ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not make clean riddance of the corners of thy field when thou reapest, neither shalt thou gather any gleaning of thy harvest: thou shalt leave them unto the poor, and to the stranger: I am YHWH your G-d.

House Cleaning at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue

As I continue to explore the possibility of a Presidential Campaign, I must say, if we Americans want to do anything besides cry "Foul" at the other party, we need a non career politician involved. Is it even possible, at this point to have anyone that believes in moderation? And by moderation, I'm not suggesting flip-flopping or wishy-washy, I'm talking about someone that is not "in your face elitist" while calling it transparency or someone of authoritarian hypocrisy. Surely, we want more for our country than that. Maybe our country is having some economic hardships, because not only have we forgotten all about paying as you go, and embraced "entitlements," but we have leaders who enjoy their entitled amenities as well. If I were elected president, I would begin cleaning up the White House expenditures, first. I realize there is certain protocol already in place and that's fine, but there is a lot more that could be trimmed and changed. The President, of course, lives rent free in the White House, and can enjoy the amenities of Camp David at no cost. Blair House, as I understand it, is 70,000 sq. ft. of four connecting townhouses also available to the President for guests or per his/her discretion. We've all read about the Presidential State Car and although I didn't see it in the list, there is the big bus now also, as well as the Presidential plane, Air Force One, and the private helicopter for his use, dubbed Marine One. Then there is the White House staff and Secret Service . . . and all of these are for the convenience, safety, comfort, and efficiency of the President and the first family. With all this available, I mean it's not like a president has to fill these tanks themselves, so why are the following figures needed?
The President receives an annual salary of $400,000.00. This was approved by Congress and President Bill Clinton to become effective the first year of the next administration. Let us not forget that both this administration and the previous one are each members of the exclusive 1%, as are the present GOP contenders. So, in addition to all the above mentioned amenities and salary, the President is also given a $50,000.00 annual expense account, and $100,000.00 nontaxable travel account. Last but certainly not least, there is $19,000.00 annually allotted for entertainment. Even if the President had to buy their own groceries, this is outrageous. I've been to Washington DC, as just a Jane Doe, citizen and the groceries didn't seem that expensive.
Realizing the job of President can be a bit dangerous and visiting dignitaries do deserve safety, the Secret Service will remain in place through my potential administration. And as a woman president, I have to be honest, I don't really want to figure out how I'd clean that great big house, so the staff would have to stay, but the number of Presidential aids would be reduced and my spouse would have only one. My faith is important to me, not to be forced on others, but that I live by it, so I would want $40,000 of the annual salary to go to my place of worship. That is my tithe and the rest of my salary would be placed in a trust for the next generation. I am not sure at this time the proper procedure to accomplish this, but I will not draw the annual salary. Public service is supposed to be exactly that, service! I'm not doing this for free though. If I don't have to personally pay for the fuel in Air Force One, I'll not be needing a travel account. I think all the meetings that will be required as part of the job will be adequate travel time for me, and that's all covered. My idea of entertainment doesn't cost $19,000.00 probably in a lifetime, but certainly not annually, so I truly believe, unless there is some sort of hidden expense to this job, the annual expense account will be more than enough. Fifty Thousand dollars is a great deal more income than a large percentage of this nation is earning annually and they do have mortgages or rent to pay and gasoline to buy. It is my firm conviction that an elected leader, in order to relate to those they are leading, need to live within a certain constraint themselves. So, if I were to become President, I realize this is just a drop in the bucket, but I will be reducing the cost to the taxpayers by nearly $2,000,000.00. Now, if I were elected and discover I have to pay the light bill on that big mansion, I may have to rethink this, but the way it stands now and the way I understand it to read, being president appears to be the highest form of entitlement housing and transportation, this nation offers.
No man is able to be a servant to two masters: . . . You may not be servants of G-d and of wealth. New Testament