Here are some rather powerful quotes regarding the sanctity of life and against abortion on demand.
"In conclusion, even if one does take life by aborting the baby, as a minister of Jesus Christ I must also inform and-or remind you that there is a doctrine of forgiveness. The God I serve is a forgiving God. The men who killed President John F. Kennedy and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. can be forgiven. Everyone can come to the mercy seat and find forgiveness and acceptance. But, and this may be the essence of my argument, suppose one is so hard-hearted and so in-different to life until he assumes that there is nothing for which to be forgiven. What happens to the mind of a person, and the moral fabric of a nation, that accepts the aborting of the life of a baby without a pang of conscience? What kind of a person, and what kind of a society will we have 20 years hence if life can be taken so casually?
It is that question, the question of our attitude, our value system, and our mind-set with regard to the nature and worth of life itself that is the central question confronting mankind. Failure to answer that question affirmatively may leave us with a hell right here on earth."
The Reverend Jesse Jackson
Go here to read his entire piece.
And here's another,
"While the deep concern of a woman bearing an unwanted child merits consideration and sympathy, it is my personal feeling that the legalization of abortion on demand is not in accordance with the value which our civilization places on human life. Wanted or unwanted, I believe that human life, even at its earliest stages, has certain rights which must be recognized – the right to be born, the right to love, the right to grow old.
On the question of the individual’s freedom of choice there are easily available birth control methods and information which women may employ to prevent or postpone pregnancy. But once life has begun, no matter at what stage of growth, it is my belief that termination should not be decided merely be desire."
Sen. Edward Kennedy
Go here to read the entire letter.
I can hardly fathom why some who have previously taken a stand for the sanctity of life can than sell out that principle to follow lock step in with their chosen political party. Both of those gentlemen did that very thing. Rep. Bart Stupak has now joined their ranks. I held respect for Mr. Stupak while he maintained a principled stand against the abortion language in the Health Care bill. I held hope that he would continue with that stand. However, he sold out for 3/4 of a million dollars, in order to fund some airport renovations. He used a security blanket of an Executive Order. An order that can be rescinded at the drop of a hat. An order from the most pro-abortion President in the history of this country. An order which legally can have no sway over legislation. It means nothing.
If you are going to take a stand, you take that stand no matter what bribes or threats or whatever comes your way. Life is precious, its worth cannot be quantified. You have shamefully turned your back on the unborn. It is a harsh truth, but it most be told. You have sold out and sat down.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Sunday, March 21, 2010
A Few Thoughts
Well, our House of Representatives (maybe I should write "Representatives") has now passed a historic Health Care bill. Congrats to all of us for getting something we did not want. I admit to feeling bummed out. But, I also feel some resolve. It is going to be an interesting year.
I heard reference today that this was a historic bill along the lines of passing Social Security and Medicare. I thought about something that hadn't dawned on me before. I have previously remarked on the feeling of disappointment I had in realizing that those previous political generations who gave us Social Security and Medicare really did not think about the consequences they were passing on to future generations. Both programs are disastrous and are coming apart at the seems. The consequences are debt and theft. I know for a fact that the money the government has collected from me in both of those programs will never again fall into my hands. I accept that and will just move on. But, I want to point out that they were people who took a stand against both of those programs. And I want to make sure that they know I'm grateful that they did. Thank-you.
Speaking of consequences, I also want to make sure that I make it known that Democrats and Progressive/Liberals are not the only ones to blame for this debacle. I've written before that Progressives bust through doors that have been opened by others. Teddy Roosevelt opened the door for Woodrow Wilson. Hoover opened the door for FDR. George Bush opened the door for Obama. And there are many Republicans, people who claim to represent Conservative interests, who have opened the door for this passage. Much was made about the idea of the "Slaughter rule" or deem and pass. It did not need to be employed but if it had been used much of the blame should have been placed at the feet of the Republicans who pulled that maneuver first. It is more important than ever to make sure that the people we support for elections actually represent our interests. No longer can we take it for granted that people live what they say. I will do my utmost to only support those who support true principles of freedom, the founding principles of this country.
I do not feel any despair. I am hopeful that this nation will continue to wake up to what is being lost and what our responsibilities are. The Constitution starts with "We the People" it is our government, we need to remind them of that. We do that peacefully exercising our rights to gather and to speak out. God continue to bless this country.
I heard reference today that this was a historic bill along the lines of passing Social Security and Medicare. I thought about something that hadn't dawned on me before. I have previously remarked on the feeling of disappointment I had in realizing that those previous political generations who gave us Social Security and Medicare really did not think about the consequences they were passing on to future generations. Both programs are disastrous and are coming apart at the seems. The consequences are debt and theft. I know for a fact that the money the government has collected from me in both of those programs will never again fall into my hands. I accept that and will just move on. But, I want to point out that they were people who took a stand against both of those programs. And I want to make sure that they know I'm grateful that they did. Thank-you.
Speaking of consequences, I also want to make sure that I make it known that Democrats and Progressive/Liberals are not the only ones to blame for this debacle. I've written before that Progressives bust through doors that have been opened by others. Teddy Roosevelt opened the door for Woodrow Wilson. Hoover opened the door for FDR. George Bush opened the door for Obama. And there are many Republicans, people who claim to represent Conservative interests, who have opened the door for this passage. Much was made about the idea of the "Slaughter rule" or deem and pass. It did not need to be employed but if it had been used much of the blame should have been placed at the feet of the Republicans who pulled that maneuver first. It is more important than ever to make sure that the people we support for elections actually represent our interests. No longer can we take it for granted that people live what they say. I will do my utmost to only support those who support true principles of freedom, the founding principles of this country.
I do not feel any despair. I am hopeful that this nation will continue to wake up to what is being lost and what our responsibilities are. The Constitution starts with "We the People" it is our government, we need to remind them of that. We do that peacefully exercising our rights to gather and to speak out. God continue to bless this country.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Heartstrings: The Ties That Bind
Just a few weeks ago my sister and brother in law welcomed a new little fellow into their family. His name is Austin. If you are wondering if I'm always going to write about whenever I have a new niece or nephew the answer is "yeah probably. you got a problem with that?" I can't help it, these little ones grab my heart so quickly and easily and they always help my perspective. Just as a heads up, there are 2 nieces on the way this year, maybe more (in case some of my siblings are keeping secrets, which of course is their prerogative :)
Anyway, little Austin has had a rough start to life outside the womb. He is barely 3 weeks old, and already in the hospital for a second time, not counting his birth. The first time I met the little guy he had all these wires and tubes hooked up to him. The heart he immediately grabbed was already breaking at the site. He is so very little, and I want so much for his life to be as uncomplicated and healthy as can be. I have already spent much time on my knees praying in his behalf, and much time with tears in my eyes.
Last weekend as I was visiting him at the hospital I took up the post of holding little Austin while camped out on the hospital bed. Now, when you are holding a sleeping baby and you are propped up in a comfortable position you can't help but go in and out of consciousness yourself. It was very comfortable and peaceful, even with all those wires. Somewhere along the line one of his little wires came unstuck from him and ended up sticking to my shirt. And wouldn't you know it, it was the one measuring his heart rate. And because of the way I was holding him, that little wire had found itself right at my own heart. Well, maybe I'm sappy and corny but I thought it was symbolic. Symbolism to me is a physical representation of a spiritual reality. And thus it was with Austin and I, our hearts are connected. The little guy is a part of me. That is why I plead in his behalf, and why I cry. I want so much for the very best for him. If I could take his place I would.
So, why write about this? Well, it is my blog and he is my nephew. But, for the larger sense it is because it has helped sharpen my perspective. Again, that is one of the blessings of having little ones in your life, they make you see more clearly. Most of us would give anything to make our precious little ones' lives better. Most of us would sacrifice in a second to make sure they don't have to suffer needlessly. We want to pass on to them a world better than the way we found it. We don't want to pass on any undue burdens. I may not be able to take their place as they go through the various trials of life, but I sure as heck am not going to make them take my place either.
So, stand up do your part. Now, is the time. Embrace your little ones, and live your life knowing you can indeed pass on a better world. Know that they are counting on you. Maybe it is corny and sappy to say "think of the children", but honestly is there a better motivation? It is one of the great causes of our lives, to ensure goodness in the lives of the next generation. That is one of the reasons I feel so passionate about the things I see going wrong in our country and our society. I refuse to sit back and wait for somebody else to come along and fix the debt and the corruption and the tyranny that is infecting the nation, when we can do it ourselves here and now. We have been blessed with freedom, we need to make sure that gets passed on. So we go through whatever pain and suffering we must to set the country back on the right path. Pain will not last, but the ties that bind do. Thank God in Heaven forever for that truth everyday, and live to honor it. We are connected, the hearts have indeed been turned to the children, let's make sure they stay that way. Make sure that freedoms' beat continues strong for us, so that they will have the chance to keep it beating strong themselves.
Anyway, little Austin has had a rough start to life outside the womb. He is barely 3 weeks old, and already in the hospital for a second time, not counting his birth. The first time I met the little guy he had all these wires and tubes hooked up to him. The heart he immediately grabbed was already breaking at the site. He is so very little, and I want so much for his life to be as uncomplicated and healthy as can be. I have already spent much time on my knees praying in his behalf, and much time with tears in my eyes.
Last weekend as I was visiting him at the hospital I took up the post of holding little Austin while camped out on the hospital bed. Now, when you are holding a sleeping baby and you are propped up in a comfortable position you can't help but go in and out of consciousness yourself. It was very comfortable and peaceful, even with all those wires. Somewhere along the line one of his little wires came unstuck from him and ended up sticking to my shirt. And wouldn't you know it, it was the one measuring his heart rate. And because of the way I was holding him, that little wire had found itself right at my own heart. Well, maybe I'm sappy and corny but I thought it was symbolic. Symbolism to me is a physical representation of a spiritual reality. And thus it was with Austin and I, our hearts are connected. The little guy is a part of me. That is why I plead in his behalf, and why I cry. I want so much for the very best for him. If I could take his place I would.
So, why write about this? Well, it is my blog and he is my nephew. But, for the larger sense it is because it has helped sharpen my perspective. Again, that is one of the blessings of having little ones in your life, they make you see more clearly. Most of us would give anything to make our precious little ones' lives better. Most of us would sacrifice in a second to make sure they don't have to suffer needlessly. We want to pass on to them a world better than the way we found it. We don't want to pass on any undue burdens. I may not be able to take their place as they go through the various trials of life, but I sure as heck am not going to make them take my place either.
So, stand up do your part. Now, is the time. Embrace your little ones, and live your life knowing you can indeed pass on a better world. Know that they are counting on you. Maybe it is corny and sappy to say "think of the children", but honestly is there a better motivation? It is one of the great causes of our lives, to ensure goodness in the lives of the next generation. That is one of the reasons I feel so passionate about the things I see going wrong in our country and our society. I refuse to sit back and wait for somebody else to come along and fix the debt and the corruption and the tyranny that is infecting the nation, when we can do it ourselves here and now. We have been blessed with freedom, we need to make sure that gets passed on. So we go through whatever pain and suffering we must to set the country back on the right path. Pain will not last, but the ties that bind do. Thank God in Heaven forever for that truth everyday, and live to honor it. We are connected, the hearts have indeed been turned to the children, let's make sure they stay that way. Make sure that freedoms' beat continues strong for us, so that they will have the chance to keep it beating strong themselves.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Fall On Your Knees
I've written before that this country needs to go through a 12 step recovery program. I guess you can take that opening statement as a warning that I will be speaking about it again, at least a couple of the steps.
At the crossroads of history there lies a decision. Who will we put our trust in? From the very beginning of this nation that decision was consistently made. We put our trust in God first. Than we put our trust in the people.
Unfortunately these past years (however long you want to calculate that to mean), there has been a shift. It comes from our leaders, and their ideological cheerleaders. The shift is to place our trust in government. This belief is pushed repeatedly even after the government has proven itself to be untrustworthy. Promises are broken. Corruption abounds. Backroom deals are common place. Morality is a passing thought. Few stand for something other than their own self interest. And yet the beat goes on. The insistence continues that we must turn even more to the government for answers. And the power hungry continue to lap it up.
Information is eeking out these days about the blatant corruption that engulfs our nations capital. The media grudgingly has to report it. This is not a Democrat and Republican issue. It engulfs both spectrums. And it has to stop. If we are to continue, if we are to pass a better nation on to the next generation, it has to stop.
Step one. We must admit that things are out of control, they are unmanageable. We must admit the glaring truth that there is no way that the government can get us out of the mess we are in. A mess they created quite frankly. This message has to be shouted from the rooftops so that everyone is armed with the truth. Washington is broken. We cannot fix it alone.
Step two. We have to re-affirm our belief and our trust in a Higher Power. Whatever that Higher Power is for you, than amen and bless you. We have to come to the realization, the belief and the faith that this Higher Power can restore us to sanity. For me that Higher Power is God. I humbly put my faith in Him. I know He can work miracles. I know it because He has done so in my life. I know it because I have seen it in the lives of others. He can restore. He can redeem. I believe that with everything I am. He can save this country.
Step three. Recognizing that we cannot do this alone, and recognizing that their is a Higher Power who can help us, we must make the decision to let Him. It is a conscious decision. It was the decision made at the inception of this nation. The founders protected our right to worship. We must do so now. We must beg for His hand upon this nation. We must humble ourselves and acknowledge that trusting in government has failed. We must humbly acknowledge that He is the answer.
Only with an honest and thorough completion of those first three steps can the fourth step proceed. It is an honest and sometimes heart wrenching evaluation of all the consequences of previous bad decisions. The completion of this step sometimes requires re-affirming the knowledge gained in the first three. They are the basis, the foundation for true change.
So, this is my plea America. Fall on your knees. This is a crossroads. Which path will we take? The one prescribed by an ever more corruptible government and media. Or the one prescribed by our loving Father, our Creator, our God. The decision we make now will determine the outcome.
We need God as much as any previous generation. We need His strength and support. We need truth and decency and unconditional love. He waits with open arms to receive. We trust God first. Then we can trust the people. If we are for Him, than nothing against us can have a lasting victory. If we stand with Him, He will stand with us. The most freeing thing we can now do is to let Him do His work in us.
God Bless America.
Sarah Emily Jordan
At the crossroads of history there lies a decision. Who will we put our trust in? From the very beginning of this nation that decision was consistently made. We put our trust in God first. Than we put our trust in the people.
Unfortunately these past years (however long you want to calculate that to mean), there has been a shift. It comes from our leaders, and their ideological cheerleaders. The shift is to place our trust in government. This belief is pushed repeatedly even after the government has proven itself to be untrustworthy. Promises are broken. Corruption abounds. Backroom deals are common place. Morality is a passing thought. Few stand for something other than their own self interest. And yet the beat goes on. The insistence continues that we must turn even more to the government for answers. And the power hungry continue to lap it up.
Information is eeking out these days about the blatant corruption that engulfs our nations capital. The media grudgingly has to report it. This is not a Democrat and Republican issue. It engulfs both spectrums. And it has to stop. If we are to continue, if we are to pass a better nation on to the next generation, it has to stop.
Step one. We must admit that things are out of control, they are unmanageable. We must admit the glaring truth that there is no way that the government can get us out of the mess we are in. A mess they created quite frankly. This message has to be shouted from the rooftops so that everyone is armed with the truth. Washington is broken. We cannot fix it alone.
Step two. We have to re-affirm our belief and our trust in a Higher Power. Whatever that Higher Power is for you, than amen and bless you. We have to come to the realization, the belief and the faith that this Higher Power can restore us to sanity. For me that Higher Power is God. I humbly put my faith in Him. I know He can work miracles. I know it because He has done so in my life. I know it because I have seen it in the lives of others. He can restore. He can redeem. I believe that with everything I am. He can save this country.
Step three. Recognizing that we cannot do this alone, and recognizing that their is a Higher Power who can help us, we must make the decision to let Him. It is a conscious decision. It was the decision made at the inception of this nation. The founders protected our right to worship. We must do so now. We must beg for His hand upon this nation. We must humble ourselves and acknowledge that trusting in government has failed. We must humbly acknowledge that He is the answer.
Only with an honest and thorough completion of those first three steps can the fourth step proceed. It is an honest and sometimes heart wrenching evaluation of all the consequences of previous bad decisions. The completion of this step sometimes requires re-affirming the knowledge gained in the first three. They are the basis, the foundation for true change.
So, this is my plea America. Fall on your knees. This is a crossroads. Which path will we take? The one prescribed by an ever more corruptible government and media. Or the one prescribed by our loving Father, our Creator, our God. The decision we make now will determine the outcome.
We need God as much as any previous generation. We need His strength and support. We need truth and decency and unconditional love. He waits with open arms to receive. We trust God first. Then we can trust the people. If we are for Him, than nothing against us can have a lasting victory. If we stand with Him, He will stand with us. The most freeing thing we can now do is to let Him do His work in us.
God Bless America.
Sarah Emily Jordan
Thursday, March 4, 2010
An Inconvenient Meeting
What exactly do the climate change peeps have against plants. I mean really. Do they not realize that carbon dioxide is necessary for plant life. And yet, that is exactly the substance they want to limit. Rude! Well, apparently the plant kingdom has finally had the last straw. It is rumored that after house plants across the country viewed the new Sun Chips commercial touting their environmentally safe bags they spread the word. Yes, ladies, gentlemen and the plant world at large Sun Chips is making their new bags out of plants. The horror. The following transcript was obtained from Tree-Span.
Opening introduction presented by Mr. Douglas, chair of the committee to counsel about all the world's problems, but especially global warming.
Mr. Douglass: Welcome my friends and comrades in the fight against global warming. We gather to present new found information, address specific issues, discuss solutions and to pledge to take action.
My friends the science is settled. The earth is warming and it is our fault. We should have realized eons ago as we experienced ice ages and warm ups that it was really all down to us. You, I, all of us have been filling the air with noxious waste, oxygen. As I say the science is settled.
(applause that sounds strangely like the rustling of leaves)
For those who remain unconvinced, for those dummies who probably still think St. Helens didn't kill an entire forest I say wake up you saps. I will now cede the floor to cedar to present the overwhelming evidence.
(applause/rustling of leaves)
Ms. Cedar: Thank-you Mr. Douglass. If I may turn your attention to the front I have an amazing graph that simplifies the case and makes our responsibility clear.
(as the screen lights up there is an audible gasp)
Some member in the audience: It looks like a hockey stick
(some rather loud sniffling is heard in the audience)
Ms Cedar: Birch are you crying?
Mr. Birch: Sorry, I lost a relative to a pee wee hockey team that needed new equipment.
Unknown Audience Member: typical humans
Ms Cedar: As I was saying if you will notice the earth is warming at an alarming rate. But, may I also direct your attention to the accompanying increase of oxygen.
(an audible gasp)
That's right we are contributing to our own demise. We are responsible for killing our own home. I call upon my fellow plants to end this travesty.
(applause/rustling)
Unknown audience member: I blame Bush.
(Camera pans to where a Mr. Hydrangea is seated. He seems to be shrinking or shriveling on the spot with embarrassment.)
Ms. Cedar: Well, yes of course his policies certainly have increased our oxygen outtake. But, now we must concentrate on cleaning up this mess. The science is settled. And some September soon we'll be left with nothing but regret and some of Neptune's dissolved bones or something. What do we do about it? I cede the floor to Mr. Ash.
(applause/rustling)
Mr. Ash: We'd like to present some real solutions to our oxygen problem. First off Ginkgo did you prepare that handout.
(Camera pans to a Mr. Ginkgo who appears to be blushing, don't ask me how you could tell that)
good golly sir, you are completely unreliable.
Mr. Ginkgo: Sorry, I forgot.
Mr. Ash: Whatever, just take notes treeple. So, the question is how do we limit our oxygen output? First off we need to determine do we limit the growth of fruit bearers or just limit the fruit they produce.
Ms. Peach: Hold on there! Why do we have to suffer?
(a banana, a apple and a pear are seen flying up towards Mr. Ash)
Mr. Ash: My dear we all must make sacrifices it is for the good of the planet.
(murmuring is heard throughout)
Mr. Ash: Look we all knew this would have to come about. We have to make the hard decisions. We have to look at limiting the population of some of our, shall I say less desirable plants.
(a rather squeaky murmur is heard)
Mr. Ash: Oh calm down Ragweed. You too Dandelion. Its for the betterment of society. Besides I can't really understand what you're saying anyway.
(the squeaking vaguely sounds like 'suck sap jerk')
Mr. Douglass: Just how do you plan to do this Ash?
Mr. Ash: We are going to have to start rationing our water supplies. We will also have to redistribute some of the water away from the weeds.
Mr. Douglass: Sounds like quite the undertaking. How do you propose to do this.
Mr. Ash: I suggest immediately forming 5-8 bureaucracies. We than give them some grossly inappropriate amount of money and task them to do whatever they have read in various science magazines and college term papers.
A general cry from the crowd: Here Here!
Mr. Ash: Oh, and we are going to have to cap oxygen emissions. If people produce too much (looks significantly at the fruit bearers) well they are going to be taxed.
Mr. Douglass: Excellent! Well, meeting adjourned for the next hour while we all go out joy riding in our SUVS and jumbo jets. See you in a bit!
As the audience departs there several comments can be heard decrying the noxious oxygen.
The question now is, what exactly do the plants have against us?
I have to give credit to my family for contributing ideas to this particular post. My family is hilarious. Well, at least we get a kick out of each other :) Thanks guys.
Opening introduction presented by Mr. Douglas, chair of the committee to counsel about all the world's problems, but especially global warming.
Mr. Douglass: Welcome my friends and comrades in the fight against global warming. We gather to present new found information, address specific issues, discuss solutions and to pledge to take action.
My friends the science is settled. The earth is warming and it is our fault. We should have realized eons ago as we experienced ice ages and warm ups that it was really all down to us. You, I, all of us have been filling the air with noxious waste, oxygen. As I say the science is settled.
(applause that sounds strangely like the rustling of leaves)
For those who remain unconvinced, for those dummies who probably still think St. Helens didn't kill an entire forest I say wake up you saps. I will now cede the floor to cedar to present the overwhelming evidence.
(applause/rustling of leaves)
Ms. Cedar: Thank-you Mr. Douglass. If I may turn your attention to the front I have an amazing graph that simplifies the case and makes our responsibility clear.
(as the screen lights up there is an audible gasp)
Some member in the audience: It looks like a hockey stick
(some rather loud sniffling is heard in the audience)
Ms Cedar: Birch are you crying?
Mr. Birch: Sorry, I lost a relative to a pee wee hockey team that needed new equipment.
Unknown Audience Member: typical humans
Ms Cedar: As I was saying if you will notice the earth is warming at an alarming rate. But, may I also direct your attention to the accompanying increase of oxygen.
(an audible gasp)
That's right we are contributing to our own demise. We are responsible for killing our own home. I call upon my fellow plants to end this travesty.
(applause/rustling)
Unknown audience member: I blame Bush.
(Camera pans to where a Mr. Hydrangea is seated. He seems to be shrinking or shriveling on the spot with embarrassment.)
Ms. Cedar: Well, yes of course his policies certainly have increased our oxygen outtake. But, now we must concentrate on cleaning up this mess. The science is settled. And some September soon we'll be left with nothing but regret and some of Neptune's dissolved bones or something. What do we do about it? I cede the floor to Mr. Ash.
(applause/rustling)
Mr. Ash: We'd like to present some real solutions to our oxygen problem. First off Ginkgo did you prepare that handout.
(Camera pans to a Mr. Ginkgo who appears to be blushing, don't ask me how you could tell that)
good golly sir, you are completely unreliable.
Mr. Ginkgo: Sorry, I forgot.
Mr. Ash: Whatever, just take notes treeple. So, the question is how do we limit our oxygen output? First off we need to determine do we limit the growth of fruit bearers or just limit the fruit they produce.
Ms. Peach: Hold on there! Why do we have to suffer?
(a banana, a apple and a pear are seen flying up towards Mr. Ash)
Mr. Ash: My dear we all must make sacrifices it is for the good of the planet.
(murmuring is heard throughout)
Mr. Ash: Look we all knew this would have to come about. We have to make the hard decisions. We have to look at limiting the population of some of our, shall I say less desirable plants.
(a rather squeaky murmur is heard)
Mr. Ash: Oh calm down Ragweed. You too Dandelion. Its for the betterment of society. Besides I can't really understand what you're saying anyway.
(the squeaking vaguely sounds like 'suck sap jerk')
Mr. Douglass: Just how do you plan to do this Ash?
Mr. Ash: We are going to have to start rationing our water supplies. We will also have to redistribute some of the water away from the weeds.
Mr. Douglass: Sounds like quite the undertaking. How do you propose to do this.
Mr. Ash: I suggest immediately forming 5-8 bureaucracies. We than give them some grossly inappropriate amount of money and task them to do whatever they have read in various science magazines and college term papers.
A general cry from the crowd: Here Here!
Mr. Ash: Oh, and we are going to have to cap oxygen emissions. If people produce too much (looks significantly at the fruit bearers) well they are going to be taxed.
Mr. Douglass: Excellent! Well, meeting adjourned for the next hour while we all go out joy riding in our SUVS and jumbo jets. See you in a bit!
As the audience departs there several comments can be heard decrying the noxious oxygen.
The question now is, what exactly do the plants have against us?
I have to give credit to my family for contributing ideas to this particular post. My family is hilarious. Well, at least we get a kick out of each other :) Thanks guys.
I Don't Like Progressivism, In Case You Didn't Know
So, I was re-reading the Progressive Party platform of 1912. Following which I took a nice hot disinfecting shower and brushed my teeth thoroughly. So, a couple of more points to make about Progressivism.
Progressives did not win that election. Progressives have never had enough support to be their own successful party, so they have had to leach off of both parties. Compassionate Conservatives are Progressives. And unfortunately the Democratic party is riddled with Progressivism. What I wouldn't give for some real Democrats these days.
How in the world has a party that did not win the major election guided so much of our national policy in the last century +? It's beyond ridiculous.
Some of the things that the Progressive Party platform called for :
- Fundamental alterations of the law and the Constitution. They pledged themselves to "provide a more easy and expeditious method of amending the Federal Constitution."
- Social Justice. According to Progressives "The supreme duty of the Nation is the conservation of human resources through an enlightened measure of social and industrial justice." Enlightened of course meaning they themselves get to pick out exactly what social justice means. Yuck!! I kind of think the supreme duty of this particular nation is to protect freedom.
- The Direct election of Senators. This was a move to democratize our Republic and also to place more control away from the states. Senators were originally to be named by the states' legislatures. Well, check that one for the Progressives.
- Organization of the workers, i.e. Labor Unions. Check that one too. And what a fine mess they have made.
- Health Care Reform. This started with the demand to unite all existing federal agencies dealing with health. Eventually the goal would be towards a universal healthcare system. That's why you hear Nancy Pelosi speaking fondly of Teddy Roosevelt a Republican (hmmm, Progressivism is the ultimate in bi-partisan. We can certainly all get along, if you are willing to play by the Progressive rule-book).
-Interference with corporations. "We demand that the test of true prosperity shall be the benefits conferred thereby on all the citizens, not confined to individuals or classes, and that the test of corporate efficiency shall be the ability to better serve the public." Thus corporations get dragged into legislative hearings, even while the legislature is boiling over with corruption themselves.
- Income Tax. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, thank the Progressives for this gem. There used to be a time when taxes were easy enough that even the Secretary of the Treasury could handle them without that confusing Turbo Tax deal. As it is now, the income tax is a befuddled mess, and getting messier.
- Parcel Post. Again a big shout and thanks to the Progressives for this one. Hey I use the post office, and use it to send packages often. But, I betcha dollars to donuts the private sector could have come up with a better way. Oh wait. . . even our President admitted that FedEx and UPS are doing better than the USPS.
Anyway that's just a quick roundup. And it certainly seems like the Progressives have done a bang up job. Where exactly are we going again? Progress to what end?
One of my favorite smack downs of Progressivism came from one of my favorite Presidents, Calvin Coolidge. He was President Harding's Vice President. The nation was well aware of how much President Wilson and his Progressive agenda had messed things up so they elected Harding and Coolidge who were decidedly against Progressivism. After President Harding's death, President Coolidge took over. He earned himself the nickname "Silent Cal." Part of that is that he really was just a kind of reserved fellow. But, part of it also was a Progressive meme touting him as someone who just didn't do much with his government position. Well, I say "bully" for Cal. That's exactly what the country needed. And it prospered quite a bit under his hands off treatment. The roaring 20's were roaring in part because he let them. Anyway he recognized that Progressives were denigrating our founding documents. Here is his awesome smack-down speaking about the Declaration of Independence.
"About the Declaration there is a finality that is exceedingly restful. It is often asserted that the world has made a great deal of progress since 1776, that we have had new thoughts and new experiences which have given us a great advance over the people of that day, and that we may therefore very well discard their conclusions for something more modern. But that reasoning can not be applied to this great charter. If all men are created equal, that is final. If they are endowed with inalienable rights, that is final. If governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed, that is final. No advance, no progress can be made beyond these propositions. If anyone wishes to deny their truth or their soundness, the only direction in which he can proceed historically is not forward, but backward toward the time when there was no equality, no rights of the individual, no rule of the people."
For a silent guy he sure packs a punch.
So, here's the deal. Enough with the progress. Government is supposed to exist to protect our right to live and pursue happiness, and frankly to individually progress according to our own free will. Our government is not designed to take away all our boo boos and to make us a perfect society. We need to quit thinking about reforming, and start restoring the principles that already work, and that made us a strong great nation. All those Progressive ideals have just made us dependent and weaker. It's going to be tough to wade through the muck the Progressives have made, but its time to stand up and do it so future generations are not saddled with an even stinkier pile. Our country and the government set up by our Founders was the best form of government for an imperfect people. It did not need the massive changes that have been placed on it. The weight of the changes has been born by the people the government is supposed to represent. Enough already. Let's move forward instead of backwards. Let's restore freedom.
Progressives did not win that election. Progressives have never had enough support to be their own successful party, so they have had to leach off of both parties. Compassionate Conservatives are Progressives. And unfortunately the Democratic party is riddled with Progressivism. What I wouldn't give for some real Democrats these days.
How in the world has a party that did not win the major election guided so much of our national policy in the last century +? It's beyond ridiculous.
Some of the things that the Progressive Party platform called for :
- Fundamental alterations of the law and the Constitution. They pledged themselves to "provide a more easy and expeditious method of amending the Federal Constitution."
- Social Justice. According to Progressives "The supreme duty of the Nation is the conservation of human resources through an enlightened measure of social and industrial justice." Enlightened of course meaning they themselves get to pick out exactly what social justice means. Yuck!! I kind of think the supreme duty of this particular nation is to protect freedom.
- The Direct election of Senators. This was a move to democratize our Republic and also to place more control away from the states. Senators were originally to be named by the states' legislatures. Well, check that one for the Progressives.
- Organization of the workers, i.e. Labor Unions. Check that one too. And what a fine mess they have made.
- Health Care Reform. This started with the demand to unite all existing federal agencies dealing with health. Eventually the goal would be towards a universal healthcare system. That's why you hear Nancy Pelosi speaking fondly of Teddy Roosevelt a Republican (hmmm, Progressivism is the ultimate in bi-partisan. We can certainly all get along, if you are willing to play by the Progressive rule-book).
-Interference with corporations. "We demand that the test of true prosperity shall be the benefits conferred thereby on all the citizens, not confined to individuals or classes, and that the test of corporate efficiency shall be the ability to better serve the public." Thus corporations get dragged into legislative hearings, even while the legislature is boiling over with corruption themselves.
- Income Tax. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, thank the Progressives for this gem. There used to be a time when taxes were easy enough that even the Secretary of the Treasury could handle them without that confusing Turbo Tax deal. As it is now, the income tax is a befuddled mess, and getting messier.
- Parcel Post. Again a big shout and thanks to the Progressives for this one. Hey I use the post office, and use it to send packages often. But, I betcha dollars to donuts the private sector could have come up with a better way. Oh wait. . . even our President admitted that FedEx and UPS are doing better than the USPS.
Anyway that's just a quick roundup. And it certainly seems like the Progressives have done a bang up job. Where exactly are we going again? Progress to what end?
One of my favorite smack downs of Progressivism came from one of my favorite Presidents, Calvin Coolidge. He was President Harding's Vice President. The nation was well aware of how much President Wilson and his Progressive agenda had messed things up so they elected Harding and Coolidge who were decidedly against Progressivism. After President Harding's death, President Coolidge took over. He earned himself the nickname "Silent Cal." Part of that is that he really was just a kind of reserved fellow. But, part of it also was a Progressive meme touting him as someone who just didn't do much with his government position. Well, I say "bully" for Cal. That's exactly what the country needed. And it prospered quite a bit under his hands off treatment. The roaring 20's were roaring in part because he let them. Anyway he recognized that Progressives were denigrating our founding documents. Here is his awesome smack-down speaking about the Declaration of Independence.
"About the Declaration there is a finality that is exceedingly restful. It is often asserted that the world has made a great deal of progress since 1776, that we have had new thoughts and new experiences which have given us a great advance over the people of that day, and that we may therefore very well discard their conclusions for something more modern. But that reasoning can not be applied to this great charter. If all men are created equal, that is final. If they are endowed with inalienable rights, that is final. If governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed, that is final. No advance, no progress can be made beyond these propositions. If anyone wishes to deny their truth or their soundness, the only direction in which he can proceed historically is not forward, but backward toward the time when there was no equality, no rights of the individual, no rule of the people."
For a silent guy he sure packs a punch.
So, here's the deal. Enough with the progress. Government is supposed to exist to protect our right to live and pursue happiness, and frankly to individually progress according to our own free will. Our government is not designed to take away all our boo boos and to make us a perfect society. We need to quit thinking about reforming, and start restoring the principles that already work, and that made us a strong great nation. All those Progressive ideals have just made us dependent and weaker. It's going to be tough to wade through the muck the Progressives have made, but its time to stand up and do it so future generations are not saddled with an even stinkier pile. Our country and the government set up by our Founders was the best form of government for an imperfect people. It did not need the massive changes that have been placed on it. The weight of the changes has been born by the people the government is supposed to represent. Enough already. Let's move forward instead of backwards. Let's restore freedom.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Dear Government: Please Separate Yourself from Religion
Alright have you ever felt sick to your stomach and you just know that something is wrong. And you know it can't possibly have anything to do with stopping at Taco Bell on the way home. Oh wait. . . Well, anyway one of the things that I'm sick of (besides various food items) is how much the government is intruding on religion.
I think I've mentioned it before that here in Washington state the government is looking at imitating some of the religious groups programs for prison inmates. They want to do this because of the success several Churches have demonstrated in limiting recidivism. I think I've already expressed my dismay at the subject because the real answer is so glaringly obvious. If the Churches are successful let the Churches have more availability to do the job. For crying out loud, the government seems to specialize in trying to fix things that are not broken, and they invariably screw it up. It dawned on me the other day how much this action exemplifies a disturbing long lasting trend with our government. They keep trying to act like a Church.
Look at welfare. Again many Churches have phenomenally successful welfare programs. Instead of the government diving in and saying "oh me too, me too, I can save you too" the government should just get the heck out of the way. It is too late now to just completely scrap the system, there are too many people counting on government welfare being available. But, man oh man would things be better if LBJ had left his "Great Society" idea just locked up in his mind. The Churches do a better job. Again I see a trend that the government is trying to be like a Church.
There are other examples too. Consider the truth that our Founding Fathers proclaimed that we are endowed by our Creator with rights. But, government has been trying for a while to declare a bunch of new rights, job, home, health insurance etc. How very god like of you government, or maybe its more like that other guy, that maggot breeding bucket of puss who was vying for all of God's glory so people would worship him. Hmmmm. It is not your job to grant rights. We only set you up to protect the rights God gave us. Quit trying to be like a religion, separate yourself.
God is the only one that can truly offer both justice and mercy perfectly. As I've stated on numerous occasions government is supposed to limit itself solely to justice. Mercy belongs to the people. But, time and time again the government keeps diving in and trying to play the role of mercy. And of course they stink it up. You can't do both government. Trying to do both is like trying to be a Church. Knock it off!
Progressives wish to perfect society. Well, again this is not the role of government. Religion offers mankind ways to individually progress. Government protects the right to practice religion. They are not to mandate perfectibility.
Government has taken our Creator more and more out of the picture. But, they have learned that religion is successful so they are trying to emulate it without the whole God part. Neil A. Maxwell called it making secularism the state religion. You know what else government is even trying to promote a being for us to worship, the planet. Well, all one needs to do is look at history to see how well that kind of idol worship worked out.
Its beyond ridiculous. And I'm sick of it. Government needs to get back to limiting itself to law and protecting our real rights. Let us practice our religions, and worship God in whatever way we choose. If you do that you will see things get better without your help.
Well, that really was a rant. In closing I think I'll have a nice healthy salad tomorrow for lunch.
I think I've mentioned it before that here in Washington state the government is looking at imitating some of the religious groups programs for prison inmates. They want to do this because of the success several Churches have demonstrated in limiting recidivism. I think I've already expressed my dismay at the subject because the real answer is so glaringly obvious. If the Churches are successful let the Churches have more availability to do the job. For crying out loud, the government seems to specialize in trying to fix things that are not broken, and they invariably screw it up. It dawned on me the other day how much this action exemplifies a disturbing long lasting trend with our government. They keep trying to act like a Church.
Look at welfare. Again many Churches have phenomenally successful welfare programs. Instead of the government diving in and saying "oh me too, me too, I can save you too" the government should just get the heck out of the way. It is too late now to just completely scrap the system, there are too many people counting on government welfare being available. But, man oh man would things be better if LBJ had left his "Great Society" idea just locked up in his mind. The Churches do a better job. Again I see a trend that the government is trying to be like a Church.
There are other examples too. Consider the truth that our Founding Fathers proclaimed that we are endowed by our Creator with rights. But, government has been trying for a while to declare a bunch of new rights, job, home, health insurance etc. How very god like of you government, or maybe its more like that other guy, that maggot breeding bucket of puss who was vying for all of God's glory so people would worship him. Hmmmm. It is not your job to grant rights. We only set you up to protect the rights God gave us. Quit trying to be like a religion, separate yourself.
God is the only one that can truly offer both justice and mercy perfectly. As I've stated on numerous occasions government is supposed to limit itself solely to justice. Mercy belongs to the people. But, time and time again the government keeps diving in and trying to play the role of mercy. And of course they stink it up. You can't do both government. Trying to do both is like trying to be a Church. Knock it off!
Progressives wish to perfect society. Well, again this is not the role of government. Religion offers mankind ways to individually progress. Government protects the right to practice religion. They are not to mandate perfectibility.
Government has taken our Creator more and more out of the picture. But, they have learned that religion is successful so they are trying to emulate it without the whole God part. Neil A. Maxwell called it making secularism the state religion. You know what else government is even trying to promote a being for us to worship, the planet. Well, all one needs to do is look at history to see how well that kind of idol worship worked out.
Its beyond ridiculous. And I'm sick of it. Government needs to get back to limiting itself to law and protecting our real rights. Let us practice our religions, and worship God in whatever way we choose. If you do that you will see things get better without your help.
Well, that really was a rant. In closing I think I'll have a nice healthy salad tomorrow for lunch.
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