Rock Band, Part 2

We played Rock Band again last night and even though I was sick I just had to play. I played bass, tried guitar - my kids nixed anymore guitar playing for me after one try. And I sang. On Rock Band 2 there are some songs familiar to those of my generation, but very few. I think it would be great if they came out with a "Pop Band" or a 70's or 80's version for those of us who enjoyed that era of "rock." I'm hoping Santa will bring us one for Christmas this year!

Advent

Today begins the Advent Season. If you have never celebrated Advent or know nothing about its special place in the Christmas season, Mark D. Roberts has written a couple of lessons about the season. Advent Approaches is the first in this series of the Introduction to Advent and Advent Devotion: The Lighting of the First Candle follows. If you are unfamiliar with Pastor Roberts' works this is the perfect time to get to know his writings. You won't be disappointed.

Giving Thanks, Part 2

Thanksgiving weekend has come and gone. There was so much to be thankful for before Thanksgiving, but even more now that it has passed. My daughter-in-law's parents and brothers joined us for the first time and what fellowship we had with them! So for their coming into our lives and our truly becoming an extended family with them, I give thanks to God.

For all our children being home together for the first time in months, I thank God.

I am thankful that our house is large enough to be able to house so many guests.

Thank you, Lord, for your provision for us to have food to feed so large a crowd.

Thank you, Lord, for my daughter, daughter-in-law, my husband and my mother for doing all the cooking, cleaning and shopping since I was sick. (By the way, my daughter is an incredible cook! She does not give herself enough credit, though. She truly is MY Martha Stewart.) I am thankful for my son who also cooked over the weekend who is also a wonderful cook.

I am thankful for President George W. Bush who has kept our country safe from terrorist attacks on our soil for 7 years. (Although I believe the next administration will be tested by terrorists and will not be able to keep us safe, I pray they will.)

I am thankful for salvation that comes from God through the blood of Jesus.

I am thankful that there is so much to be thankful for that I can't possibly list them all!

Twilight

I am not ashamed to confess that I read the book. There were 148 people before me on my library's waiting list to read it, but I waited. I didn't want to buy the book because, except for Jane Austen, I just don't re-read books. Now I'm number 81 on the library's list for the second book Blood Moon. After reading Twilight I have really been thinking about splurging and buying the remaining 3 books. Thank goodness, though, that I haven't felt well enough to go to all those after-Thanksgiving sales or I surely would have bought the books.

I thought the book was very good even though it's obvious target is teenage girls - just like Harry Potter's target was children. As way of explanation I happen to love books about vampires as long as the main vampire character is a reluctant vampire - you know, hates what he's become. I don't like explicit violence, blood and guts. I like sensitive vampires as lead characters. I did like "Underworld" because the Scott Spedman character became a vampire against his will (and a werewolf). And the Kate Beckinsale character hunted bad vampires although she was a vampire herself. It was way bloody and violent and I didn't like that, but I liked the story.

Getting back to Twilight, I thought it was enjoyable - no sex, any violence was left up to the reader's imagination. The vampire family unit were good vampires in that they drank the blood only of wild animals, no humans. I won't say anymore just in case you want to read it. I have decided to not see the movie because the book was so good, and the movie can't possibly be as good as the book. But read the book especially if you are a vampire fan!

Rock Band

I LOVE Rock Band! My son-in-law brought their X-box 360 over for Thanksgiving and all the instruments. I didn't think I'd try it because it was songs I didn't know, but I ventured out and tried the drums. Totally hooked! I haven't tried the guitars or singing yet, but if we play tonight, baby, watch out!

Giving Thanks

Tomorrow our house will be full of family for the first time since Christmas. And we will be celebrating with members of our extended family for the first time. My daughter-in-law's parents and brothers are joining us. And we'll all be under the same roof which is probably the biggest blessing of having a big house. Breakfast, lunch and dinners filled with the fellowship of those who love each other and have so much to be thankful for.

Happy Thanksgiving to you.

Mike Huckabee

I don't know about you, but I don't trust Mike Huckabee. I listened to part of his interview (the transcript is here) with Hugh Hewitt last night and I was struck by his talking around some of the questions instead of giving straight answers. I felt like he was already running for the nomination for 2012 and trying not to give answers that might come back to haunt him. I'm irritated by the way he toots his own horn and he seems a little smarmy. I am also troubled by his negative comments about Mitt Romney that are in his new book, Do the Right Thing. I speculate that he's trying to take Romney out before 2012. I also have questions about whether he is a true conservative. Romney was my guy and I'm an evangelical Christian. I just had too many questions about Huckabee's sincerity. I don't believe I could ever support him

Blind Eye On Terror

I ask you: what good is economic security if we don't win the war against Islamofascism? Why hasn't Obama ever talked about the dangers of radical Islam? Is it because Bush's policies have kept us safe since 9/11 so we no longer see terrorism a problem? I think because Bush's policies have worked to keep us safe, we have grown very complacent and are in denial about the danger. I fear we're going to come face to face with our denial at some point in the near future. I pray it isn't so, but I don't believe Obama has the fortitude to deal with it as Bush has. Like Carter I believe he'll try to endlessly and unsuccessfully negotiate with those who want to destroy us and our way of life. I pray I'm wrong.

$7 Trillion and Counting

Obama will be ready on January 20 to sign another $700 billion stimulus once he takes office. The Federal Reserve stated that when it's all over over $7 trillion dollars will be "invested." Welcome to taxpayer hell. Obama wants to create 2.5 million jobs to "get the economy going." These jobs are going to consist of repairing the infrastructure: highways and bridges. More jobs are promised in building windmill and solar facilities. That means we become employers of 2.5 million people. How does he plan to pay for all this plus a new stimulus package? Tax the rich. Windfall profit taxes on "Big Oil." But that's okay, the Treasury can just print more money.

I, for one, look forward to these new jobs. Bureaucrats are going to be needed to keep up with all the paperwork the government is famous for. I'm going to get a job as a bureaucrat. That's job security. Bureaucrats NEVER get laid off.

Word to all you "middle class" and lower class expecting tax rebates (Obama misleads the public when he says tax "cut."). Don't spend it yet. In fact start cutting back because your taxes will be going up. Payroll taxes are going to increase in order to sustain Medicare and Social Security. Even if you pay no taxes, you'll be getting hit with higher payroll taxes. So don't come crying to me that Obama broke his promise - I didn't vote for him. I knew exactly what he'd do.

Back-Room Deals

When Obama won the Democrat nomination it appeared the Clintons would be ambivalent about campaigning for Obama especially after he passed over Hillary for Veep. And at first they weren't spending much time out on the stump for Obama and there was speculation that they didn't want Obama to win so Hillary could run in 2012. But then there was a change. Bill Clinton met a couple of times with Obama. (If only I could have been a fly on the wall!)

All of a sudden there are Bill and Hill out campaigning for Obama and I seriously ponder what exactly went on during those private meetings. Obama is President-elect for not even a month and Hillary is his "choice" for Secretary of State. Hmmm. I wonder if that came up during those meetings. Of course that sort of thing is illegal because it's looks like a bribe. And of course, Democrats would never participate in anything that looked like a bribe - right? Right!

I am going to speculate on what I believe occurred during those meetings. Please take my speculations with a grain of salt. I'm as much wrong as I am right.

My conjecture: A deal was brokered that if the Clinton's campaigned actively for Obama, Hillary would become Secretary of State, the most powerful position in the Cabinet, more powerful than even the Vice-President. There had to have been another part to it that Hillary would not run against Obama in 2012 for the nomination. She'll be 68 in 2016 which is not too old to run for President.

Another possibility is that within four years Joe Biden will resign as VP for "personal reasons" and Hillary will become Obama's VP. Actually I think it's possible for Biden to resign before the Democrat convention in 2012 so Hillary would be named Obama's running mate.

I think there's another possible deal: Obama will, at some point, name Bill Clinton as US Ambassador to the UN. If Hillary were president she could not do that. but Obama can. Bill Clinton has for years expressed interest in the position.

It will be interesting to see if I read any of the tea leaves right, but I'm betting on at least one becoming true.

Hope and . . . Change?

We are now looking at Bill Clinton's third term rather than Bush's had John McCain been elected. Why? Because Obama is filling his Cabinet and other positions of power with the Clinton Adminstration's former officials. I believe he's doing this because he lacks any association with people with true government experience. Who are his peers, his advisors? Well, there's the convicted Tony Rezco who was a big contributor to Obama's various campaigns. He also helped the Obama's purchase their multi-million dollar home in one of Chicago's most exclusive subburbs. Then there's William Ayers, the unrepentent terrorist. Ayers hosted Obama's "coming out" fundraiser when he first ran for office in Illinois. His peers and associates also include most of the corrupt political figures of Chicago politics. (Chicago is known for its political corruption and cronyism.) Which of these supporters would he dare put in his Cabinet? So where does he go? Clinton's former officials and cronies.

This doesn't look like much change to me.

Don't Let the Door Hit You On the Way Out!

There's not been an official announcement from the Obama transition team, but the rumor is that our Governor, Janet Napolitano, will become the Secretary of Homeland Security. I have mixed feelings. On the plus side is that her replacement will be Secretary of State (of Arizona) Jan Brewer who is a true conservative Republican. Since Napolitano became Governor our deficit and taxes have grown. When the state ran a surplus, instead of cutting taxes and returning the money rightfully to the taxpayers, she spent it. Arizona is a balanced budget state and cannot run a surplus or a deficit. Any surplus is required to be returned to the taxpayers. She did nothing to stem the tide of illegal aliens into our state and strove rather to invite them. We have laws in Arizona to stop illegal immigration, but Napolitano defied them. In Maricopa County (Phoenix-area) we have a wonderful sheriff, Joe Arpaio, who did enforce the laws. Thank goodness for Sheriff Joe!

On the negative side of her leaving the state for Washington is that having Homeland Security in her hands is a frightening aspect. As stated above, she did practically nothing to stop illegal immigration - except when she was running for re-election 2 years ago. She has also stated that she disagrees with many of the Bush Administration's immigration laws. I don't even want to imagine what she would do in charge of homeland security. I only hope we won't look back to the new administration after another terrorist attack.

So as much as I dread her leading the Department of Homeland Security, hopefully I'll be waving her right out of the state!

Somebody, Bail ME Out, Please!

Congress is as good at managing private business as . . . well, as Tony Romo is in picking a girlfriend. Congress should stay out of the rescuing business and instead pick Romo's girlfriends for him. (Seriously, could Congress do worse than Jessica Simpson?)

Back to the rant. What is wrong with letting GM, Ford and Chrysler go into bankruptcy? The president of GM said if Congress does not bail them out there will be 3 million autoworkers unemployed. I object!

Let's do a little comparison - the cost of a worker at GM and Ford is $1500 to $1600 per car. At Toyota's American plants the cost of a worker per car is $300. Why the difference? Because the Detroit automakers are held hostage by the United Autoworkers Union. They've been held hostage for decades, but it only started hurting when Americans started driving superior Japanese autos. It took another couple of decades to get to the point of bankruptcy, but they continued to give in to the demands of the UAW. Over the past few years the UAW has given them a few concessions here and there, but $1500 in pay, benefits and pensions is breaking the companies. And Congress wants to bail them out, but really they would be bailing out the autoworkers union. Doesn't that infuriate you? Congress is so beholden to unions that they would rather give them what they want than solve the real problem.

If the 3 Detroit automakers go into bankruptcy all their contracts with the UAW are voided and would have to be renegotiated. That's a good thing, right? Not to the unions. If union contracts can be renegotiated to more reasonable pay and benefits, Detroit will be on its way to profitability. And the claim that 3 millions jobs would be lost is false because if Detroit is making cars with a lower cost per car, then people will be employed. And Detroit would be making more money with which to pay them.

And if Congress ends up not bailing them out, they can bail me out! I could really use some of that $700 billion.

Cement-Head

This morning Rush Limbaugh related a story about Eagles' quarterback, Donovan McNabb, not knowing that an NFL game can end in a tie. Some sportscaster called him a "cement-head" and another sportscaster, defending McNabb, said that calling McNabb a "cement-head" must have stood for something else. I am assuming that person thought it was a racial invective. Are you KIDDING me?

I am reminded of Joe Biden's comment about Obama early in the nomination process. About Obama, Biden noted that he was articulate. Black leaders took it to mean - "He's articulate - for a black guy."

Now it's just fine to say some white person is a cement-head when appropriate. Like Tony Romo is a cement-head for dating Jessica Simpson who IS a cement-head.

Milton Friedman's Words of Wisdom

Economist Milton Friedman wrote that some “businessmen believe that they are defending free enterprise when they declaim that business is not concerned merely with profit but also with promoting desirable social ends; that business has a social conscience and takes seriously its responsibility for providing employment, eliminating discrimination, avoiding pollution and whatever else may be the catchwords of the contemporary crop of reformers.”

Friedman added, “In fact, they are . . . preaching pure and unadulterated socialism (emphasis mine). Businessmen who talk this way are unwitting puppets of the intellectual forces that have been undermining the basis of a free society these past decades.”

He's always been my favorite economist.

Reflections About Obama

I have thought about the election of Obama quite a bit since the election - who hasn't? I've made a few conclusions about this . . .

1) Obama won the election fairly and decisively. I did not vote for him and do not really care for him either, BUT now that he will be President it becomes my job to pray for him to have wisdom and integrity and ask God to bless his presidency. I doubt any Hollywood leftist ever prayed for President Bush, but that is not an excuse for me to do the same. As a Christian we are told to submit to the authority (rulers) God has placed in our lives. I believe this means to obey the law and pray for our leaders - although it's almost impossible to pray for Senator Durbin, Kennedy, Harry Reid, Biden and so on. Still as a Christian I believe that I am to pray for our leaders' success in leading our country.

2) I believe that Obama's presidency will be as bad or a close second to that of Jimmy Carter's. Carter, arguably, was the worst president of the 20th century. Only those of us who were adults during those terrible days remember just how bad it was. Inflation, interest rates and unemployment were out of control. There were price controls on gas which meant long lines at the gas stations. There was a malaise and discouragement in the nation. Carter was one who naively believed that just being kind and talking to our enemies would keep us protected. Sound like anybody else? His administration had undercut the CIA's ability to keep up with what was going on in Iran and in 1979 our embassy in Tehran was overtaken by Islamic militants and the embassy personnel were held hostage for 444 days. Carter tried one military action that was an utter failure and then did nothing other than try to negotiate the hostages release. We were humiliated internationally. I believe Obama and liberals will negotiate until they are blue in the face, which will ultimately fail because we are dealing with Islamic fascists. I believe Obama will be a one-term president - although that will depend on whether the Republicans have a unified vision for our country and are able to get that vision to the people.

3) Obama was not my guy because I do not trust him. We know very little about him. He is not transparent. He has questionable associations which say a lot about his character. He did not release his birth certificate nor has he released his college records. If there is nothing to hide, then why not release them. President Bush has been transparent in his Presidency and in particular, during his campaign. Even John Kerry released his university records. If he refuses to be transparent it is easy to assume he is hiding something. However, I do not know what is in his heart and therefore must give him the benefit of the doubt - although liberals never gave President Bush the benefit of the doubt.

3) I am suspicious of his character because we know very little about the man. We do know he has accomplished little during his government service, yet has lied about what he has done. I repeat that I do not trust him or his character.

There are many things about Obama that are questionable, but that does not relieve me of my burden to continue to pray for him, his leadership and our great country. God is in total control and knows exactly what He is doing though we may not be able to see it now.

Have faith and pray, pray, PRAY!

Like It Is

I've added a new link to my blog. It's a little right-wing, but it's my son so what can I do? The link is here: Like It Is - you know as in he's going to tell you "Like It Is!"

New Link

I am adding a link to Victor Davis Hanson's website. He is a prolific writer and a regular guest on Hugh Hewitt's radio show. He writes for National Review Online and is an expert on military and classical history. When he is on Hugh Hewitt's show, he talks about terrorism and matters concerning it. I urge all of you to visit his site: victorhanson.com.

What Is Conservative?

Matt Lewis at Townhall.com gave this answer to a reader asking about the core principals of conservatives:

"In his classic book, "The Conservative Mind," Russell Kirk established six "cannons" of conservatism, which on Wikipedia, Russello (2004) has abbreviated as follows:

1) A belief in a transcendent order, which Kirk described variously as based in tradition, divine revelation, or natural law;

2) An affection for the "variety and mystery" of human existence;

3) A conviction that society requires orders and classes that emphasize "natural" distinctions;

4) A belief that property and freedom are closely linked;

5) A faith in custom, convention, and prescription, and

6) A recognition that innovation must be tied to existing traditions and customs, which entails a respect for the political value of prudence. "

I think that pretty well sums it up. After reading that who wouldn't want to be a conservative?

More On Attacks on Sarah Palin

Last night, CNN's Campbell Brown had this to say about the attacks on Sarah Palin:
"I find it so stunning that the very people who introduced us to Sarah Palin, who told us she would make a great Vice President, have now turned on her with a vengeance..."

There is speculation that it may have been some McCain staffers who have a "horse" in the 2012 elections and want to eliminate any competition from Palin in favor of their unnamed candidate. Interesting.

Startling Facts About Election Numbers

Michael Medved has brought to light how much the actual turnout was to what was estimated in his post "CNN FINDS 26 MILLION MISSING VOTERS!" Even the day-after estimations were wrong. Check it out.

McCain's Attack Dogs

Yesterday Carl Cameron of Fox News reported that McCain staffers were sniping about Sarah Palin. This is an attempt to destroy any future in national politics she might have. I wonder if they resent the fact that Palin was more popular than McCain; that were it not for Palin energizing the base, McCain would have lost by a landslide. Let me add that Cameron seemed to revel in reporting this gossip and failed to mention the possibility that this was simply gossip.

Rush Limbaugh speculates that these campaign staffers are covering themselves for running a lousy campaign and want to be hired for future campaigns. For the most part these staffers are "moderate" Republicans and we know from the results of the election, moderates didn't win; conservatives won. Limbaugh says it's interesting that these McCain staffers are not attacking Palin's ideas, they are attacking her personally.

Ronald Regan's 11th Commandment "Thou shalt not speak ill against your fellow Republican" fell by the wayside not long after he left office. At this point it's just a distant memory as Republicans eat their own. Democrats don't really have to try to destroy our Party - we'll do it ourselves.

To get more information abou this story, check out this link at townhall.com. Part of this article states: "Meanwhile, RedState launches "Operation Leper," focused on, "tracking down all the people from the McCain campaign now whispering smears against Governor Palin to Carl Cameron and others."

The best site to get the most information is at Michelle Malkin's site:
"The McCain campaign’s classless cowards; Update: Palin reacts."

The Future of the GOP

I believe the future of the Party lies with strong conservatives. Sarah Palin will be leading the way. Bobby Jindal, Governor of Louisiana, will be right behind her. Mitt Romeny is also a bright star of the Party.

Silver Lining

There is a silver lining to our defeats. Harry Reid did not get his super-majority in the Senate. Republicans will be able to filibuster and I hope they use it. The most important filibuster they can use is against judicial appointments. Obama will appoint far-left judges and the Republicans must use the "nuclear option." Back when Bill Frist was Senate Majority Leader he threatened it, but John McCain went around him to form the "gang of 14." I pray John McCain will stay out of it, but I'm not holding my breath. I hope he learned something from the election. I'll bet for the majority of conservatives who voted for him were actually voting for Sarah Palin. I know I did. I believe Mitch McConnell will follow through if he does threaten to use the nuclear option. Republicans need to start growing a pair.

Lessons Learned from the 2008 Elections

First, and most importantly, Republicans need to toss out the current RNC officials. We must learn from the Democrat party about how they got to this point starting in 2006. They raised a bunch of money and were able to saturate the airwaves with Congressional ads, not including Obama's $500 million he spent on his campaigns. Did you notice all the ads with the tag line "Paid by the Democratic Congressional Committee?" Did you hear any "Paid by the Republican Congressional Committee?"

The Republican National Committee needs a top-to-bottom house cleaning. There needs to be a well-known Conservative at the head of the party - Newt Gingrich, Mitt Romney, Karl Rove - who will be out there speaking and giving interviews everywhere. All are strong conservatives, and let's face it, moderate Republicans lost to liberal Democrats everywhere. Conservatives won. Those who proclaimed conservatism in the Republican party dead must be confused today. All those who proclaimed that the Party must become more moderate in order to win independent votes have been shown to be wrong. There must be changes made now in order to regroup for the next midterm election in 2010. Party officials must go back to Ronald Reagan conservatism and study the 1994 Republican takeover in Congress. There needs to be another "Contract With America." And we Republicans must start donating to the RNC as well as the Senate and Congressional Campaign Committees. Give until it hurts.

The second lesson I learned is that one can buy the Presidency. Obama reneged on his promise to take public funding like John McCain and raise something like $500 million for his primary and president campaigns. He was able to inundate the airways with ads. Public funding for presidential campaigns may be irrelevant. It will take nominees who are charismatic with organizations who can fundraise like crazy among those who are only able to donate small amounts.

Thirdly, the influence of the press can get a specific candidate elected. Those are the facts and we Republicans must find a way to counteract the left-wing press. Talk radio is one way, but there must be more outlets.

The fourth thing I gathered was to question whether the GOP has too many PACs. Might it not be better to consolidate some and have 2 or 3 huge PACs? I say this due to the success Move-On has had the past 2 elections. It took the awhile, but they are now considered successful even though their beliefs are off the charts on the left. Now it's well known that Move-On is as dirty as they come and Republicans should (and would) never duplicate their standard. My question is perhaps some PACs should join forces?

These are the immediate musings that have come to me in the day after the election. I hope all Republicans are thinking hard enough about the changes we need.

Amending My Comments About Gray's Anatomy

I failed to mention in yesterday's blog post regarding Gray's Anatomy that I rarely watched it live. I Tivo'd it to watch later in order to watch The Office at its broadcast time. It is, after all, my favorite show! Last week I discovered 30 Rock which follows The Office. In my opinion everyone is much better off spending that hour with NBC than with ABC. And that's all I have to say on the subject!

Amputating Your Arm . . .

Thomas Sowell has written a great article "A Sound Economy?" about the soundness of our economy. The article begins with an answer to that question:"Yes. We’re not even in a recession, much less a depression." It deas with how liberals seem to always mess the economy up. To put it in simple terms he states, "If the Left succeeds, it will be like amputating your arm because of a stomach ache." Over time we've sure lost a lot of arms. Read it. Sowell gets it right!

Voting Troubles

I honestly can not figure out why so many states have so many problems with voting. Arizona, I believe, has no problems or minute ones that don't affect the outcome. Our ballots are easy to fill out and easy to count. What's happening with the rest of the country? Today there are numerous problems with voting machines and ballots. Maybe we should hold a seminar for the rest of the states.

The Future Is Today

Well, the interminable campaign season is finally over. The choice is so clear, but it looks like more people have been more taken with fancy rhetoric than with rational thought. Of course I can understand their need for someone to "fix everything" and provide them with a couple of chickens in their pots. This morning I was listening to talk radio as I made my coffee and the host played an interview with a woman who had just voted for Obama. She said, and I quote, "With Obama I won't have to pay for gas or pay my mortgage anymore." WOW! No more personal responsibility. I can't wait to not pay my mortgage, too! What a wonderful world. Tomorrow I'm going to call American Express and notify them that the government will now pay my bill. I'll also call all my utilities and tell them the same. I want a car I can't afford because Obama will bail me out.

A lot of people have been hurt by the economic fallout and I understand that they blame the Bush Administration. And I also understand that because McCain is a Republican they wrongly associate him with Bush and FEEL a need for a change. That's a problem with electing a president and every other official for that matter. Our feelings change with every situation. Every situation. We wake up on the wrong side of the bed and don't feel like being nice. Just because we don't feel like being nice doesn't mean we shouldn't be nice. Doing the right thing has absolutely nothing to do with feelings, but our country now counts feelings better than rational thought.

Congress is forever enacting feel good laws without counting future costs. Why? Because being touchy-feely makes them feel good. It really is about them; getting re-elected specifically. Great harm is being done to our country. It will only get worse with an Obama presidency and Democrat majorities in Congress. Especially if Republicans lose enough Senate seats to no longer be able to filibuster bad ideas.

I'm not looking forward to this Obama presidency, but I have great comfort in the assurance that God is in control. In fact should Daffy Duck (aka Joe Biden) become President I still have assurance that God is in control. He is in control and He knows everthing that will happen. He wants us to have faith in Him that He knows what He's doing. And pray.

Goodbye Gray's Anatomy

Gray's Anatomy has been one of my favorite shows from the first episode, but episodes this season have greatly disturbed me. Two of the main characters have embarked on a lesbian relationship. And shockingly the writers have been educating us on just how to have lesbian sex. There has never been anything about how to have heterosexual sex, so why this? (I would be just as offended.) I hurt for young children whose parents let them watch this. They are being bombarded with confusing messages about sex. Instead of learning about healthy sex within the bounds of marriage, they are being told that anything goes.

I no longer watch Gray's Anatomy I'm sorry to say because its stories and character development have been compelling. This story-line, however, is not. So, goodbye Gray's Anatomy.

Lingo

Today I heard a snippet of a speech of Obama's. Don't worry; the context doesn't matter. Anyway he used a phrase that he and his wife use over and over: "... get it." As in "John McCain just doesn't get it." Or "You need someone who gets it." Gets what? I 'get it' when it comes to Obama - just say no.

This is kin to the phrase, "I'm just not feeling it." "I'm not feeling this video game right now." Or "I'm not feeling this dress." Well, I'm just not feeling Obama.

It's somewhat comforting that John McCain is a grown-up and isn't trying to relate to the kids all the time. Could you imagine him saying, "I'm just not feeling this immigration thing right now."
Obama needs a few more years around the grown-ups before he'll be ready for the top job.

The US Women's Soccer Team

Congratulations to out women's soccer team for taking the gold medal in Beijing last week at the Totalitarian Olympics. I congratulate all our medal winners, but the women's soccer team deserves a special mention. As they stood with their gold medals around their necks they actually sang our National Anthem as it played in honor of them. Of the events I watched where the US won gold medals no one knew ALL the words. I saw a "Oh say, can you see" here and there. But every member of the soccer team knew every word and they all sang. It touched me to the point of tearing up. To me this said that their win was for the country as well as the team. It also showed pride in our great country. Our country truly is the "land of the free and the home of the brave." Congratulations and God bless you!

I Am Not a Racist

Contrary to what liberals are saying, I am not voting for Barack Obama because I'm a racist. I'm not voting for him because he is a radical to the left of the far left wing of the Democrat party. Also based on statements made by Barack and especially Michelle Obama I believe he is a Marxist. Socialism solves not one problem. It's too bad they didn't learn the lessons from the decades of the Union of the Soviet Socialist Republic.

Lord Obama

In an excellent article Charles Krauthammer writes of Obama's grandiose image of himself. I, personally, have never seen a candidate like him and I've seen alot of presidential candidates. It takes powerful ambition along with a strong ego to take on the task of running for President. However, ambition and ego must be balanced with the knowledge that as President one is only human and not god-like. Obama is not the messiah although it appears that he and his wife may think he is. It also appears that there are many who agree. And the press is so invested in his candidacy that they don't have an objective eye. As the campaign goes on we're seeing more of who Obama thinks he is and it's not a pretty picture.

The Best Health Care System In the World

According to the author of an editorial in Investor's Business Daily, when she was diagnosed with a brain tumor she could have stayed in Canada and waited four to six months just to see a neurologist or "journey south of the border and benefit from an accessible, patient-oriented and compassionate facility that responds swiftly to medical emergencies." Guess what she did?

We have the best health care system in the world, but to listen to the politicians we are just this side of the third world. If that's true then why do so many from other parts of the world come here for medical care? How many of our citizens have flocked to Cuba for surgery?

If the politicans suceed in taking over the health care system, we will be looking at rationed care. They paint a lovely picture of giving us the care we need. But a look at Britain's and Canada's systems show us the future. The irony is that our lawmakers will be able to get the care they need because they will be privately insured. And, of course, the rich will always be able to buy the best health care.

Replacing Our National Anthem

In case you missed it, last week at the Denver mayor's State of the City Address, singer Rene Marie substituted the National Anthem with what has been called the Black National Anthem. This she did without prior notification to city officials. She didn't even ask permission. That city officials stood by and let it go says much about where our nation is heading. Feelings over thinking. She felt that she should sing it because it illustrated what it is like being black and being a black woman.

Radio talk show host, Dennis Prager, has written a thoughtful article about how narcissism has taken over our behavior since the 1960's. Please take the time to read it.

Obama's Veep Choice

Rightwing Nuthouse has a good post on the number of politicians who have said they're not interested in being Veep. That's interesting for the mere fact that 8 years in an Obama administration would catapault them to viable candidates for the Presidency in 8 years. (Ht: Michelle Malkin)

It's an interesting post. Check it out.

143 Days

Rush Limbaugh this morning pointed out that Obama has spent 143 days in the Senate. And this, in addition to his time as a "community activist" - whatever that is - makes him qualified to be President? Think about it.

Daily Bread

Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free. Galations 5:1

It's been a few days since July 4 but I want to write about liberty. We were liberated from the tyranny of the English monarchy, however, that liberty came at a high price. It seems we center our thoughts and celebration on our nation's birthday and the signing of the Declaration of Independence which is appropriate. But a part of that day is that we have that day at all. The men who fought for our independence should be part of our remembrance that day. Liberty is not free and there were those who gave everything for our country to be free.

The ultimate liberty we have came through Christ's sacrifice. We are no longer slaves to sin, but have been freed. Liberty is never free. We can't wish it into existence; we can't work hard enough for it; we can't earn it. Our liberty from sin demanded a sacrifice and Christ paid for our freedom from sin with His life. He paid for eternal life for us that we may be in heaven with the Lord forever. It's hard to accept such a gift - we are accustomed to working hard for what we have and sometimes feeling like we haven't earned it. But the miracle of Christ's death was given to those who accept Him. Christ has given us eternal life with His sacrifice and we celebrate that sacrifice.

"Salvation is infinitely costly but absolutely free." (RBC Ministries)

Mandatory Volunteerism

Mandatory Volunteerism. Mandatory volunteerism. Mandatory Volunteerism. Mandatory Volunteerism. What an oxymoron (definition:1657, from Gk. oxymoron, noun use of neut. of oxymoros (adj.) "pointedly foolish," from oxys "sharp" (see acrid) + moros "stupid." Rhetorical figure by which contradictory terms are conjoined so as to give point to the statement or expression.")

Sound familiar? That was John Kerry's proposal during his Presidential campaign in 2004. According to a speech, Obama pledged requiring middle and high school students "... 50 hours of service a year, and for all college students to perform 100 hours of service a year." More government interference in our lives. Less freedom to choose how to spend our time. Where has freedom of choice. It's my belief that when a teenager is forced to do something especially something like picking trash up on the highway, he will resist. There are those who a very willing to volunteer to help their country, but there will probably many more who will resent being told they have to. This happens in paying jobs. What makes liberals think something like this will work? All the young people who are ga-ga for Obama haven't really thought about having to give 100 volunteer hours during college. It may sound good as a theory, but when they have to put it into practice I believe resentment for our government will grow at lightening speed and then see what happens to those young people.

What's McCain Doing?

McCain must want to lose. That's the only explanation for his tepid campaign. He's uninspiring and doesn't know the Republican base. Does he really want conservatives to stay home this November? It sure seems like it. I heard the ad about him leading his party to address climate change. This, with gas prices approachingb $5 per gallon. I know he's for offshore drilling, but he's not keeping that at the forefront of his campaign. Why climate change when over 50% of the public is now for drilling offshore? He needs to keep pounding this everyday. He's also not pounding Obama for his flip-flops which the press reports as moderating his positions as opposed to flip-flops. My worry is that he will run a half-ass campaign thinking arrogantly that he can beat Obama with this kinder campaign. He can't. And unless he wakes up and starts campaigning vigorously he's going to lose.

Daily Bread

I am hoping to post on a scripture everydaqy. However, I may not be able to do it due to schedule or other unforseen circumstances.

Today's verse is Phillipians 4:6:

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.

I confess I am anxious more often than I am not. I know with my head the promises of the Bible, but my heart still fears the futures, whether it's today, tomorrow or a year from now. The good news is that God tells us to be faithful in all things because He is control of all things and knows all things. This doesn't mean that everything will go my way, but that everything will go God's way; God, who knows even the exact number of hairs on my hair and cares for everything about me. The big thing I noticed about this verse is praying with thanksgiving. Not just tell Him what I want or need, but to remember all that He's done in my life and praise Him as I pray. Praying with thanksgiving takes faith; thanksgiving reminds me of what He's already done for me so I can put all my requests before Him. I won't know how He intends to answer my prayers, but by faith I have confidence that He will answer in His time and in His way. The answer may be "No" or "Yes," but I will have the confidence to leave it in His hands.

I hope this helps you today.

Would Wesley Clark Please Shut Up!

According to Kathryn Jean Lopez at NRO.com, retired General Wesley Clark (who failed in his 2004 qwest to become President) stated that John McCain's military and POW experience did not qualify him to be President. This statement was made during an interview on "Face the Nation" yesterday. His reasoning behind his statement was that McCain had not been a wartime commander. My question for him is "And Obama does?" It should be noted that General Clark serves as foreign policy expert for the Obama campaign. This is the same General Clark who said that John Kerry's military experience qualified him to be President. Isn't that just like a liberal to apply one standard to Democrats and another to a Republican? And isn't it just like the MSM to ignore the hypocrisy? Addionally, in March, Clark also argued that "McCain’s military service was irrelevant and that Hillary Clinton’s experience as First Lady was somehow a more relevant presidential leadership credential." Of course the MSM was silent. Right now Obama's silence on Clark's accusation is defeaning. Obama will probably take Clark to task by saying, "He's not the person I thought I knew."

What Is This World Coming To? (Part 2)

In a French fashion show rather than emaciated female models, the show featured men wearing women's clothes. And no, it wasn't transvestite fasion. What is this world coming to?

"Drill Here. Drill Now. Drill ANWR."

To add to my previous post "Drilling In ANWR" I found an article about why drilling in ANWR is so vital to our energy needs by Paul Driessen. While the Democrats' mantra is "We can't drill our way out of our energy problem," the facts about oil drilling are clear:

"One of our best prospects is Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, which geologists say contains billions of barrels of recoverable oil. If President Clinton hadn’t bowed to Wilderness Society demands and vetoed 1995 legislation, we’d be producing a million barrels a day from ANWR right now. That’s equal to US imports from Saudi Arabia, at $50 billion annually.

Drilling in ANWR would get new oil flowing in 5-10 years, depending on how many lawsuits environmentalists file. That’s far faster than benefits would flow from supposed alternatives: devoting millions more acres of cropland to corn or cellulosic ethanol, converting our vehicle fleet to hybrid and flex-fuel cars, building
dozens of new nuclear power plants, and blanketing thousands of square miles with wind turbines and solar panels. These alternatives would take decades to
implement, and all face political, legal, technological, economic and environmental
hurdles."

And:

"The Geological Survey and Congressional Research Service say it’s 95% likely that there are 15.6 billion barrels of oil beneath ANWR. With today’s prices and technology, 60% of that is recoverable. At $135 a barrel, that represents $1.3
trillion that we would not have to send to Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia and Venezuela. It means lower prices and reduced risks of oil spills from tankers carrying foreign crude."

Democrats and some Republicans have chosen to side with the radical environmentalists. Perhaps campaign donations have something to do with this. But more likely these lawmakers believe the distortions of these groups rather than doing research on their own. I don't know exactly why they hold to this view, but it is vital to elect lawmakers this November who want to free the United States from being held hostage by these radical groups who are intent on sending us back to the dark (!) ages.

Evolving Standards of Indecency and the Supreme Court

At Townhall.com David Limbaugh has written an article about the evolving standards of decency that the Supreme Court uses to rule on moral issues. There are no longer moral absolutes but standards of decency that continue to move forever down the slippery slope. If you are on the fence about voting for John McCain, his commitment to appoint Constitionalist judges should convince you that voting for him is the right thing to do.

"The Legacy of Radical Feminism"

Charles Colson has written about "The Legacy of Radical Feminism" and what has been wrought by women who have ended up fighting perceived injustices by putting themselves first. We've gone from a nation of women who put family first to a generation of self-centered women. Check out the article.

Drilling in ANWR

While I'm happy that John McCain has changed his position on drilling on the continental shelfs of California and Florida, I think his position on drilling in the Alaska's Artic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) is absurd. He said he would no more drill in ANWR than he would the Grand Canyon. He wants to keep ANWR pristine. There are some problems with this comparison. There's no oil beneath the Grand Canyon and it is a huge tourist destination both of which can't be said about ANWR. I doubt whether it will ever be a tourist draw. If there's no people it will stay pristine because only 1 or 2% of the whole area would be drilled. Additionally the advancements made in drilling will hardly disturb the environment. I applaud McCain for changing his stance on drilling at all. This is hardly a flip-flop as Democrats would have us believe. He changed because circumstances have changed. Now if he'll just be reasonable about ANWR.

"The Greenest Show on Earth"

The Wall Street Journal reports that the Democrats have hired their first Director Of Greening, Andrea Robinson, for their upcoming convention in August. She is charged with making this the first "Green" convention ever. To assist her in this endeavor "She hired an Official Carbon Adviser, who will measure the greenhouse-gas emissions of every placard, every plane trip, every appetizer prepared and every coffee cup tossed. The Democrats hope to pay penance for those emissions by investing in renewable energy projects. Perhaps Ms. Robinson's most audacious goal is to reuse, recycle or compost at least 85% of all waste generated during the convention."

This is going to be a nightmare for the Democrats who still haven't raised enough money for their convention. This move will only raise the overall cost of the convention. There will be no fried food and all convention food must meet the Dems dietary requirements. There will also be a "trash brigade." You just have to read the whole article.

"It's All About Obama"

Check out the op-ed by Karl Rove about Obama's self-centeredness. He lists several instances of this. The one that stood out to me was why he finally cut Reverend Wright loose. It wasn't because of Wright's anti-American rants, rather it was because "I don't think he showed much concern for me." It was more about Obama than Wright's views about America. Regardless of how might feel about Karl Rove (I happen to adore him!) this article is worth checking out.

2nd Amendment Ruling

The Supreme Court got it right, finally. Although by a slim majority - 5 to 4. It's frightening to think that 4 Justices wanted to admend the 2nd amendment by judicial fiat. That the decision was so narrow ought to give us pause. It would only take Obama as President to appoint more activist justices to eventually throw out the 2nd amendment. This is why it is vital to not only elect John McCain, but to elect a majority of Republicans to the House and Senate. It will be disastrous to our individual rights should Democrats control the presidency, the House and the Senate. Obama's supported the decision - sort of - but maintained that local governments had the right to restrict gun ownership because we don't want guns in the hands of gangbangers and other criminals. He also said that individual rights can be limited by local governments "for the common good." Liberals are so upside down on this issue. They think if there guns are banned criminals won't have access to guns. Only criminals will have guns. Criminals break laws in order to be called criminals. Who thinks that they won't break gun laws as well? Liberals.

I had 2 different reactions to yesterday's ruling on the death penalty for child rapists in Lousiana. I don't believe in the death penalty where there is no murder. I think the death penalty should be restricted to murder cases and if they are extended to cases where there is no murder just how far will government go to penalize other non-murder crimes? I am most definitely for the death penality for murder and think that it's not given often enough. My second reaction was how often states' rights are subrogated by the Supreme Court. I believe in Federalism. States should have the freedom to enact their own laws without interference from the Supreme Court.

"We the people" is swiftly becoming "We the Supreme Court."

Water Weapon

I read today that Iran in its hostilities with the Kurds have decided, since their unsuccessful attempts to eliminate the Kurds with convential weapons, have started using water as a weapon. They have are building dams on the rivers that flow out of Iran into the Kurdish area of Iraq. This has already caused a hardship on those who depend on those rivers for their water supply. The Kurdish authorities are talking about evacuation from the areas affected.

10 Concerns About Barack Obama

William Bennet along with Seth Leibsohn have written the top 10 concerns we all should have about an Obama presidency. Check it out.

What Is This World Coming To?

Welcome to the first of my series, "What Is This World Coming To?" It will occur when I've heard or read something that causes me to scream "WHAT IS THIS WORLD COMING TO?" There may be more than one post on a given day or a couple of posts a month. Of course with the insanity in this world it's likely to be more of the former rather than the latter.

Today's absurdity concerns England. I heard a news story that a school "district" in northern England is now sending home notes to the parents in their kids lunchboxes. What's the big deal about that, you may ask. I'll tell you the big deal; these notes deal solely with the nutrition of the child's lunch. If a parent sends a nutitious lunch of nuts and fruits and veggies, they will receive a note of praise. ("Good boy! Sit.") If, on the other hand, they send their child to school with a roast beef sandwich, an apple and a cookie, they will get a note of rebuke. Schools have a list of acceptable food. Are you kidding me? Are you KIDDING me? So now they're shaming the parents into conforming to their norm. And how far behind will school districts in Massachusetts and San Francisco be?

Let's wake up, people! Soon we won't have any rights.

Curse of the Black Thumb

Because admitting it is the first step, I admit I have a black thumb. I have for years convinced myself that it is something I could overcome. I could become a green thumb if I just read garden books and let the death of my plants teach me what I did wrong so I could avoid the same with the next batch of plants . . . and the next . . . and the next and so on. Nothing I've done in my adult life has transformed me into a green thumb. This is even more shameful because my mother and my grandmother could grow ANYTHING. My grandmother could practically grow flowers from recycled tires. I'm glad she's gone on to the Lord and can't see the death and destruction I've wreaked in the backyard. (Please don't take that the wrong way. I'm not 'glad' she's dead - I'm just making a point about the difference between our thumbs.)

Two years ago we moved to a brand new house and the yard was a blank canvas. Knowing that I needed someone who was a professional thumb, we hired a landscaper. I asked him to plant things that required very little care and to instruct me on their care. We went to a majority Xeriscape because that's supposed to be ideal for someone like me. But Nooo. A year and a half ago we lost 7 trees and this Spring we replaced them. As I was looking at replacement trees I asked the nursery expert about ease of care. So I picked the easiest trees. Since then I've had to replace 4 of those and they aren't looking too good. Thank goodness the nursery has a 1-year warranty. I've faithfully followed the care directions, yet I'm still losing them. Oh, and by the way, I had to buy over 30 new plants several of which I need to replace already. Now I have to hire a tree professional to save my trees.

So now you know my sad plight. If only there was a 12-step program for me. We should have poured concrete over the whole yard.

Do As I Say, Not As I Do

For years Democrat hypocrisy has bothered me, to put it mildly. Liberals are especially guilty of this audacious hypocrisy. To my consternation the MSM seems to not recognize any hypocrisy on the Democrat side, only on the Republican and even inaccurately defining actions as hypocritical. Barbra Streisand, one of the great political thinkers of our generation (NOT!), suggested that everyone should use a clothesline rather than a dryer to save energy. Of course her staff doesn't have to do what she says - she lives in Malibu. (Sidenote: Can you imagine Barbra Streisand actually hanging her own laundry?) Fair and balanced (NOT!) Walter Cronkite has championed the cause of energy conservation, but when windmills were proposed on Nantucket, Cronkite vigorously protested because he would see them from his property. I bet the rest of us wouldn't be able to get away with that. I know Republican lawmakers couldn't get away with it. The press would be all over them. Hollywood stars are chauffered around in limosines and drive big SUVs, but the rules don't really apply to them - they're special. Our lawmakers who make laws limiting our energy us are also driven around by chauffers in limosines or SUVs and fly on private jets. When Nancy Pelosi became Speaker of the House she demanded a much larger jet than what previous Speakers got because she needed to fly back and forth to her home in San Francisco so frequently and a 727 didn't have to stop and refuel halfway there. I guess what's good for the goose is not good for the gander.

Senators Chris Dodd of Conneticut and Kent Conrad of North Dakota are only the latest examples of hypocrisy. It turns out that they received interest rates that none of us, regardless of credit rating, would receive. And they received these rates from none other than the CEO of Countrywide, Angelo Mozilo. Dodd happens to be Chairman of the Senate Banking Committee and is championing a $300 million bailout of the lending industry. Why is this newsworthy? Countrywide has been lobbying Democrats for this bill because they are nearly bankrupt and would benefit enormously from it. Talk about special favors. Again Republicans could never get away with the same thing. In fact there have been Republicans who have had to resign over similar acts. Rich Lowry at National Review Online has an excellent article about Dodd and Conrad. You can find it here.

I am sure this will not be the last hypocrisy of our lawmakers. Thank goodness for conservative talk radio and online sites.

Was WW II Necessary?

Patrick Buchanan has written a new book entitled Churchill, Hitler, and "The Unnecessay War": How Britain Lost Its Empire and the West Lost the World. It is a work of revisionist history that is written through Buchanan's isolationist eyes. In a new article Buchanan states that if there had been no war - for which he blames England and Churchill specifically - there would have been no holocaust. He also blames the British for the spread of Communism throughout eastern Europe. Wow - Maybe Churchill caused global warming or Hurricane Katrina. Buchanan disregards the absolute evil in Hitler. He says that Hitler did not desire world domination, that he did not want war and that the holocaust didn't begin until 2 years after the war began.

Buchanan is arrogant enough to rewrite history and look down his nose at anyone who questions his thesis. I have heard and read several interviews in which he refuses to consider any other opinion about WW II even those from experts. While there may be some truth that Hitler did not desire war, he took by force any country that would not roll over for him. It is also true that he was a rabid anti-Semite and blamed the Jews for all the ills that befell Germany after their loss in WW I. Had war not been declared on Hitler's Germany does any rational person believe that he would have let the Jews live in peace? That idea is patently ridiculous. Hitler's belief in a Germanic superior race required that anyone not fitting that ideal be disposed of, much like radical Islamists believe that infidels be killed. In fact Buchanan blames the US for Islamic hatred of the west.

I know mistakes were made by the allies before, during and after WW II, but defending the world against the evilness of Hitler was not one of them. Buchanan should go back to school.

Indiana Jones

My husband and I saw the latest intallment in the Indiana Jones saga. My recommendation is to wait for the DVD. It was disappointing. Harrison Ford is pretty much past Indiana Jones's prime. There was nothing new - just tired old plot lines and twists. It was pretty formulaic. There were funny moments, but not enough. It seemed stale and, dare I say it, boring. Never thought an Indiana Jones movie would be boring, but there it is. They should have left old Indy where he was.

Obama Spin

I don't know about you but I am SICK and TIRED of the following spin from the Obama campaign: "That was taken out of context," "He's not the person I thought I knew," "Failed policies of the past."

Well Senator Obama, exactly what did you say and how was it taken out of context? Is there anything you say that can't be taken out of context?

Senator Obama, who did you think he was and why did it take you 20 years to find out just exactly who he was?

Senator Obama, please define which policies have failed and how you would change the failed policies. Also, please name the administration under which those failed policies orginated. For example, has the welfare program failed? Did you know it was part of President Johnson's "Great Society?"

The Office

It was an interesting finale. I fully expected Jim to propose to Pam, but instead Andy proposed to Angela. Toby left for Costa Rica. Actually Toby is played by Paul Lieberstein who is one of the fine writers and producers of "The Office" is leaving to write full time for the program. He said he was uncomfortable writing for his own character. I wonder if BJ Novak is also going to be writing full time for the series since his character was last seen being arrested for embezzlement. There were plenty of cliffhangers: Angela said yes to Andy's proposal by saying "Okay," but was caught with Dwight in a compromising position by Phyllis; Jan is pregnant - she claims she went to a sperm bank, but I think it's Michael's; there's a new HR person in the office who has a similar sense of humor as Michael and who Michael was very drawn to until Jan told him she was pregnant.

I'm looking forward to the resolution of all these matters.

The Office

Next week is the season finale of "The Office." While I hate to see it go away for the summer, I am looking forward to the finale. Big surprises, they say. And it's a full hour. Will Jim ask Pam to marry him? Will Pam say "Yes.") Will Angela and Dwight (Shrute) begin their way back to each other? (Seriously, Andy is such a dweeb.) Will Toby really move to Costa Rica or will he try to break Jim and Pam up? What will happen to Ryan because of his drug habit? Will Michael get back with psychotic Jan? Will Ryan fire Jim?

All these questions. I doubt that all those questions will be answered or that any of them are relevant. I'm looking forward to next Thursday. (FYI: NBC will broadcast 2 hours - 4 back-to-back episodes - on Sunday.)

Happy Birthday, Mom!

Today is my Mother's birthday and I would like to tell the story of an incredible woman. Mom was born in Oklahoma at the beginning of the Great Depression. The family was incredibly poor and moved to Caifornia, a la Grapes of Wrath, to find a better life. Sadly it didn't work out so they returned to Oklahoma. There was tragedy in her life; my grandparents divorced, Mom lost all but one of her siblings and alcoholism ran in the family. My mother left the chaotic family as early as she could by marrying the wrong kind of man. She had two little boys, my brothers, while she still a teenager. Whenever we talk about her early life she muses about why she was the one to survive.

I can tell you why: My mom is a Survivor in every sense of the word. She was determined to have a better life than what she came from and she succeeded. She was introduced by friends to my father, a wonderful loving man. His family took her in and treated her as one of their own. Dad encouraged her to take some college courses when I was young and she gained confidence in herself.

When I left for college she decided to become a nurse and she did. She enjoyed her work and turned out to have a gift working with the elderly. She worked in a nursing home's hospital and was especially attentive to those whose families had forgotten them. When my dad had a stroke and progressed into dementia, he had to be put in a nursing home for his safety, she nursed him for the rest of his life. She was at the nursing home daily caring for him because she didn't want to leave it to the staff. She new she could take better care of him than the staff. And when he passed away she took care of all the details of his estate with the help of the lifelong friends who introduced them.

Mom is the strongest person I've ever known. Even though she had tough times she would ride them out knowing that things always get better. I have to say that my father had alot to do with that being the positive person he was.

It's been two years now that she came to live with us and let me tell you, I am so blessed to have her here. We've never been closer and I treasure our relationship. One of the things that made this so special was that she left al her friends knowing that she would have to develop brand new friendships. When my husband lost both of his parents in the span of one year, he told her that she was the only mom he had now. For those of you who think that she moved here because she is unable to take care of herself, nothing could be farther from the truth. She looks years (decades!) younger than she is. She's still sharp as a tack. We moved her out here because she needed several joints replaced and we have an excellent orthopedic clinic not far from our home.

We've had our disagreements, of course, but we always work through them. For instance she's a neat-freak and fairly obsessed with being organized. I am neither of those. She always had to tell me to clean my room. I think I'm still rebelling from the time she told me if I didn't pick up my dirty clothes she was going to empty all the clothes in my dresser and my closet. (I had a habit of just dropping my dirty clothes on the floor when I changed my clothes) . I guess she decided she was no longer going to enable my bad habit by picking up my clothes for me. I didn't take the warning seriously and sure enough, the next day when I got home from school my dresser drawers had been emptied all over the floor. I was so mad but she reminded me she had given me fair warning. It was the last time my dirty clothes were thrown on the floor!

So, to the most incredible woman I know, Happy Birthday!

Eduation Lessons Left Behind

Doing my daily perusing of National Review Online I came across George Will's latest column about the state of public education. The late Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan (D-NY) openly talked about the disintegration of the public schoool sytem, the family and the power of teacher's unions. And this was back in 1983 based on years of research that government and the NEA attempted to supress. Moynihan was an advocate of the importance of an intact family to education results. Will writes:

Moynihan also knew that schools cannot compensate for the disintegration of families and hence communities -- the primary transmitters of social capital. No reform can enable schools to cope with the 36.9 percent of all children and 69.9 percent of black children today born out of wedlock, which means, among many other things, a continually renewed cohort of unruly adolescent males.

In 1966 the year the Coleman Report was released the government refused to print it. The report concluded:

Released quietly on the Fourth of July weekend, the report concluded that the qualities of the families from which children come to school matter much more than money as predictors of schools' effectiveness. The crucial common denominator of problems of race and class -- fractured families -- would have to be faced. But it wasn't. Instead, shopworn panaceas -- larger teacher salaries, smaller class sizes -- were pursued as colleges were reduced to offering remediation to freshmen.

Will concludes that "our nation is at risk now more than ever."

Please take the time to read the article and send the link to all your friends.

Pope Benedict XVI

I am not a Catholic but I was so blessed by the Pope's visit. Benedict is the perfect pope for this day and age. When he became Pope I started reading some of his writings and found that he is a profound thinker. The reason I believe that he is so relevant today is because so much of what he has studied and written is about the decline of western culture. He sees that as the most critical issue of our age and I, as an evangelical Christian, happen to agree.

Since the sixties, since God was declared dead, moral relativism has taken hold of our culture and it's happened so slowly that even Christians have grown complacent about it. Abortion and homosexuality are accepted. Partial-birth abortion is horrible and thankfully the majority is against it. So much so that Congress and many of the states have passed legislation against it. Of course courts have consistently ruled that the legislation is unconstitutional. But the culture accepts the lie that abortion should be legal for the "health" of the mother. It won't be long before euthanasia is accepted as we debate the definition of "quality of life."

Pope Benedict is ever vocal about the sanctity of life. I was so touched on Saturday as I watched him bless the children with disabilities as he walked down the aisle. He spoke about the trials the parents encounter in raising a disabled child and compared them to the trials Jesus faced. Perservere as Jesus perservered. It was very moving.

I love this Pope because he is Christ-centered. He used his time to point people to Christ who has given us new life. He also encouraged people to daily prayer. During a "rally" before mostly young people at St. Joseph's Seminary on Saturday he called the young people to consider a spiritual vocation. Our culture is caught up in the immediate and most of the youth have never been taught to wait, especially to wait on the Lord. We want what we want now. It is a selfish lifestyle and I admit I have done more of my share of getting what I want when I want it. Waiting on the Lord does not come natural to me. He exorted us to spend time in meditation and not be frightened by silence. He said to wait in silence so we might hear the voice of God. A good message for all us, young and old.

I hope you were able to watich the beautiful mass on Sunday. I've never been to mass and it was a blessing to experience the liturgy of the Catholic Church. I am thankful for his visit. I hope many Americans were pointed back to Christ. I know I was.

$40 Million for What?

It appears that MoveOn.org and Media Matters (both George Soros organizations) will spend $40 million to smear John McCain. Unless he has some awfully big skeletons buried in a closet somewhere, how can they possibly smear a war hero? He's a man of integrity and honesty. He always tries to do the right thing, although Republicans may disagree. I was against his campaign finance reform bill and the immigration bill, but I know that he doesn't waver when opinion is against him. He's never changed his stance based on which way the wind is blowing. And he's bucked his own party numerous time so he can't be tagged as a far right ideologue.

What will George Soros get for his money? I bet there will be lots of well-placed rumors and innuendos published in the NY Times and other MSM, but I'm sure they will be of no substance. When the Times published the innuendo about McCain's relationship with a lobbyist, McCain has a news conference and answered every question. I believe he is exactly who he says he is and has nothing to hide.

Revealing Obama

I hope you watched the ABC News debate the other night. I expected the same-ole same-ole from the MSM, but I was so wrong. I thought Charlie Gibson and George Stephanopoulos did a fine, fine job. In fact my opinion is that it was the best debate of this election year. Instead of throwing softballs at Obama and Clinton and getting touchy-feely answers, Gibson and Stephanopoulos asked pointed and substantive questions with excellent follow up.

What did I learn? For one thing Hillary Clinton wiped the floor with Barack. He appeared flustered at times and struggled with some answers. Case in point - when he was asked about his relationship with Bill Ayers, an admitted and unrepentent Weather Underground terrorist, he was obviously uncomfortable as he stammered his answer, which was mostly a deflection as he compared Ayers with Senator Tom Coburn (R-OK). As though it was about disagreeing with their opinions. I was amazed that he didn't have a better response given that his campaign knew that this and other personal questions would be asked. He was remarkedly unprepared to handle them. I noticed that Senator Obama deflected this question along with questions about Reverend Wright and his "bitter" comment by saying he's already answered those questions and we needed to focus on the future and change.

Now why do these questions matter? Yesterday I heard Mark Steyn give the best answer I've heard. It matters because Obama's record is so thin. We don't really know him because he's not actually done anything other than win two elections to the Illinois state Senate and one to the US Senate. Consider this from Peggy Noonan in the Wall Street Opinion Journal Online:

It is his youth, his relative untriedness, the fact that he has not suffered, been seasoned, been beat about the head by life and left struggling back, as happens to most adults by a
certain time. This is what I hear from older people, who vote in great numbers. They are not hostile to his race, they are skeptical of his inexperience."

And this:

Sen. Obama seems honestly surprised by the furor his the-poor-cling-to-God-and-guns remarks elicited, and if one considers his background—intense marginalization followed by the establishment's embrace—this is understandable. He was only caught speaking the secret language of America's elite, and what he said was not meant as a putdown. It was an explanation aimed at ameliorating the elites' anger toward and impatience with normal people. It's a way of explaining them, of saying, "You have to remember they're not comfortable and educated like us, they're vulnerable and so we must try to understand them and feel sympathy for and solidarity with them." You could say this at any high-class dinner party in America and not cause a ruffle. But America is not a high-class dinner party.

I think she says it all. He needs time to show us who he is and what he stands for, other than hope and "a change we can believe in." He needs a legislative record rather than promises. He may sound good, but that's just it - he sounds good. I believe his record will show that he is exactly who we speculated he was.

Now regarding Hillary's performance. I said I thought she wiped the floor with him and was glad to see that the pundits had the same opinion. Still, is it too late for her? I thought her answer to each of Senator Obama's answers on those personal matters were well done. Obviously well-rehearsed. To me she came across as authoritive and strong. The only blip on her screen was her handling of the "sniper fire" lie she was caught in. Other than that I thought she did an excellent job.

Who knows what will happen in the end? I think Obama has shown that he has alot of vulnerabilites and not much substance. Whether Democrats will think twice about nominating him remains to be seen.

Call Me Bitter!

Wow! Obama seems to have acquired the dreaded "Foot-in-Mouth" disease. John Kerry had a bad case of it in 2004. It's funny that it comes around every four years and mainly to Democratic candidates for President.

In 1991 our family moved from a small city in Texas to a very small town in Arizona (Pop. 5000). Owning guns was like a prerequisite in order to live in this small western town. Our family had its ups and downs, but never did we get bitter during the tough times. We didn't cling to our guns or become prejudiced against people who weren't like us. We also didn't cling to our religion in the negative way Obama meant. Instead we clung to Jesus and placed our faith in Him. We had faith that the tough times would bring us closer to Jesus as He is our only hope. We know that He never leaves us and even when those tough times come as a consequence of bad choices we have made, we have assurance that He will get us through. I suppose some people grow bitter when they have their hopes pinned on a job or a relationship or their own control and power and they are let down. I guess some people even grow bitter because they feel the government has let them down.

I will admit to struggling with resentment and bitterness at different times in my life, but I have NEVER looked to government for salvation. That's just silly. Ronald Reagan said it best when he said that government wasn't the answer it was the problem. To that I add that Jesus is the answer. Fellowship with other believers is the answer. Holding each other up in prayer is the answer. The Bible is the answer.

I don't think Obama understands the role faith or religion plays in our lives. It makes me wonder what role faith or religion plays in his own life. He has attended an angry church for 20 years; his spiritual mentor is a man who preached that the US started the AIDS epidemic in order to wipe out black people. From the bits of his sermons that were on TV, it sure sounded like he was spewing hate at the US (translate: White America) for making all black people victims. If this is Obama's experience with religion I understand why he and so many followers believe that Obama is the answer. I wonder whether he has truly experienced a loving God. And therein lies the problem.

He has shown himself to be terribly out of touch with the average person whose faith is the answer and not an excuse. I only hope we hear more of what this man truly believes before Nov. 8.

Punishment According To Obama

In a speech over the weekend Barack Obama spoke about sex education when he made the following statement, "Look, I got two daughters -- 9 years old and 6 years old. I am going to teach them values and morals, but if they make a mistake, I don't want them punished with a baby. I don't want them punished with an STD at age 16, so it doesn't make sense to not give them information." (HT: Hugh Hewitt) (Blogger Ed Morrissey has a great take on the situation.)

Teen pregnancy is now the equivalent of STDs? Obama's handlers are now trying to back-track the statement. "It was taken out of context," they say. I find it curious that so many of his statements are taken out of context.

He did equate the two consequences of teen promiscuity and there is no doubt about what he said and meant. I think it was one of those remarks that seem to leak out which he has to later clarify. I don't believe he meant to say it, but I think it's statements like this that shows the true character of the man. Call it a "Freudian" slip.

There is another aspect to this statement I want to mention. It is that he doesn't want his daughters to face the consequences of their actions, especially pregnancy. I gathered that he would actually support a daughter getting an abortion should she get pregnant as a teen and may even facilitate it. Of course I do not know what is in his heart, but if he doesn't believe it, why would he say it?

If he really wants to prevent STDs and teen pregnancies why doesn't he support abstinence education? Abstinence is the only way to 100% prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. And statistics support the success of abstinence programs in schools but instead of supporting abstinence programs, most liberals are more concerned about condoms and a sex education program that supports teen sexual behavior. I am reminded of Surgeon General Jocelyn Elders' (Clinton) pro-abortion statement "... every child a wanted child ..." (emphasis mine.)

Last but not least I think King David said it all in Psalm 139: 13-16 (NIV).

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

The Family Gift

I am currently with our extended family. We gathered in San Angelo, Texas for my father-in-law's memorial service, which turned out to be a celebration of his life. We also celebrated his passage into the presence of Jesus where there is no more pain, no more trials and tribulation and no more disappointments. There were relatives from his family as well as my mother-in-law's family. (She passed on almost a year ago.) We learned so many things about Ron's early life and the things that influenced him to become a great and humble man. It's too bad that deaths in the family are the catalysts that bring us together because we are a great family. My sister-in-law, Becky, commented that with Ron and Faye no longer with us, we would have to be deliberate about getting together more often than funerals and weddings. Ron and Faye seemed to be the initiators of family gatherings, so with them no longer with us, it would be our responsibility to plan to be together.

My husband has 3 brothers and a sister. His brothers and sister are all married with children, and the children are growing and having children of their own. We were introduced to my nephew's new wife and the family finally got to meet our own daughter-in-law and grandson. One of the greatest aspects of our family is that we are all close; the brothers and their wives, the sister with all of us and our children are friends with each other. We live all over the country so getting together takes an effort. But what a reward when we do!

I have 2 older brothers but they are somewhat older than me so I really grew up as an only child. I longed for a big family and finally got one when I married my husband. They are a treasure to me, a blessing I do not deserve. But who deserves the gift of a large loving family? Were it not for the grace of God, we would be alone in the world. Our family doesn't share just bloodlines, we also shares the bond of the blood of Jesus and THAT is the biggest blessing.

I hope, whatever the size of your family, that you will experience the gift that family is.

Absence

My father-in-law passed away. I haven't felt much like posting to my blog. The memorial service is next week, and I'm sure after everything is taken care of, I'll be back.

Add Value To Others

"Help your brothers," is what God said to Isreal's leaders. How long were they to help their brothers? "Until they too have taken possession of the land that God is giving them" (Jos. 1:14-15.)

That's a long time. What if they were to fall on their way to the promised land? Would it be okay to move on leaving them behind? Of course not! One theme running through the Bible is endurance. We are supposed to finish the race. Sometimes we'll be running while at other times we'll just be plodding along barely able to just put one foot in front of the other. I know alot about plodding, both physically and spiritually. When I'm plodding, more often than not, I'll sit down. I'll tell myself that I just can't go on and I'll start again later. But what if I were carrying someone to safety? I'd probably want to sit down, but I'll go on to get the job done and then I'll rest.

We are told to finish. Israel was told to finish. People are depending on us to finish so they might fulfill the promises of God. Here's the question: Do I do that which is only for my benefit or do I add value to others? I know what God has commanded me to do: endure, finish, complete. And in the process add value to others.

Did You Hear This?

Yesterday Geraldine Ferraro said publicly that if Obama were white or a woman he would never be in this position. WOW! Today she's come under so much fire from Democrats but has stuck by her words.

I think she voiced what many Democrats feels, but don't dare say.

Personally I think she's right. No one would take seriously a white man or a woman who's served in the Senate a mere 2 years. But very few question Obama and he's been given a pass by the press.

Interesting.

UPDATE: Ferraro has resigned as an adivsor to the Clinton campaign. She's still standing by her words.

Last Post About Spitzer

I'm tired of the story already. I don't wish to know all the details of his trysts with prostitutes. I hope this is my last post on the subject.

I did want to make this one comment. Don't you think the silence from Democrats was deafening? Even though Spitzer was not liked by those who knew him, and I assume that means Democrats, I don't recall one Democrat on the national scene calling for his resignation.

Democrats have been pointing the finger at Republicans for being the party of corruption. There are GOP politicians who have fallen, but as soon as information about them is made public, Democrats are standing before the press calling for their resignation and linking their mistakes to all Republican politicians. And the press serves as the megaphone for the Democratic party.

How do we, as Republicans, convince the public that there is more corruption in the other party? It would be extremely difficult given the liberal preferences of the press. But there must be some way. I get discouraged when the public is ignorant of the corruption in the Democratic party. We must find a way to show who we really are despite the bias of the press.

Private Failings

He resigned. Eliot Spitzer will no longer be Governor of New York come Monday. It will be interesting to see if federal prosecutors will make a deal with him or throw the book at him. I'm sure Spitzer and his attorneys are trying to work some sort of deal. He's certainly thrown the book at corporations and officers of those corporations. He's stood before the press and accused corporate officers of receiving too much compensation. He's also prosecuted prostitution rings. I think so many Democrats voiced support for his resignation because he's not very likable. (CORRECTION: I was incorrect regarding Democrats calling for Spitzer's resignation. Actually it was Republicans in the state legislature who called for his resignation and gave him a deadline to resign or face impeachment.) For years as New York Attorney General he's presented himself as a white knight while those who found themselves targeted saw him as holier-than-thou.

I watched his press conference this morning and I was struck by his use of the words "private failings." He said it at least twice as if to convince the audience that this was simply a private matter between him and his family. He did admit to failing the people of New York, but he emphasized "private failings."

This was the same talking point of Bill Clinton. "It's just about sex. It's about his personal life and doesn't have anything to do with his presidency." It was a private failing on his part or so his minions tried to convince us.

In Spitzer's case, however, this really isn't all about private failings. While this certainly affects his family and friends, this was a public failing. He broke numerous laws. The story of how he came under suspicion is confusing to me. There seems to be a new piece of the puzzle everyday. Today I heard that banks were first suspicious when money was moved around. They are obligated to report such activity especially when it concerns a public official. Evidently at least one account was for a shell corporation. TheIRS suspects tax evasion in cases like this. I'm sure we'll learn more and more about it as time goes on. Most likely we'll be sick of hearing about it!

As much as he would like to convince us or as much as he, himself, believes it, this is not about private failings. It's about criminal behavior.

Eliott Spitzer

How could I not blog about this?

Governor Spitzer of New York was caught with his pants down yesterday as news leaked out about a federal investigation of a prostitution ring. In turns out Governor Spitzer was a patron of this ring and had been wiretapped soliciting a prostitute from the business. This is the same Spitzer who, as Attorney General of New York, prosecuted such prostitution rings because of their ties to organized crime.

Well, well, well!

Spitzer isn't even a Republican and there are cries for him to resign. This rarely happens to Democrats. Bill Clinton got away with sex with an intern in the White House and then lying under oath. William Jefferson (D-LA) seems to have gotten away with stuffing $100,000 in his freezer. He's under federal investigation for this, but there he is, still serving in the House of Representatives. I guess there's a double-standard for Democrats. What about Barney Franks (D-MA), openly gay, whose partner was running a prostitution business from their home? The last time I checked he was still there, getting re-elected time after time. Democrats seem to have a penjant for looking the other way when it concerns one of their own.

Yesterday I heard James Carville say on CNN that people shouldn't make a big deal of it if it was one of two times. Today I heard some say that this wouldn't be a big deal if prostitution was legal and that it should be legalized. (Hmmm. I'll bet murder wouldn't be that big a deal if only it was legalized!)

Spitzer is probably not going to survive this because according to press reports he's been patronizing this particular ring since 2002 and has spent somewhere around $80,000. And there's something a little fishy with these payments; they were moved around accounts. And to make it even worse these reports hint at Sptizer requesting some "special" activities of the prostitutes. Now that is truly too much information, but no one with half a brain can stick his head in the sand and say it doesn't matter.

I imagine Spitzer may be trying to figure out how to salvage his political career. I don't think he can. He has been mentioned as a possible candidate for president in the future. Will the people forget or will something like this actually become "no big deal" in the future?

It is almost a given that Spitzer is a sexual addict. Men don't spend $80,000 on hookers unless it's a compulsion. A gambler who has just lost $80,000 gambling is compulsive. Bill O'Reilly thinks Spitzer was wanting to get caught because he's self-destructive. I disagree. Yes, he's self-destructive as any addict is. But I doubt he wanted to get caught. I doubt he thought he would ever be caught. But there it is. Monday he was at a place he never thought he would be.

I pity his poor wife who had to stand at his side during a painful news conference. Most of all I feel so sorry for his children. It's too bad he didn't think twice before putting them all in this nightmarish situation.

Most of all I pity the citizens whose country is, as Robert Bork writes, is "Slouching Toward Gomorrah."

The Apartment

I've added "The Apartment" to my list of movies to see at least once. It is directed by Billy Wilder who wrote "Sabrina," "Some Like It Hot" and "Stalag 17" in addition to "The Apartment." These are just a few of his screenplays and there are many of his screenplays that he directed and/or produced as well.

A favorite of mine, "The Apartment" is about a not-so-good girl who meets a rather nebbish good man in an interesting way. Jack Lemmon and Shirley MacLaine are believable in their roles. All in all a really good movie to put on your "Must See" list.

"The Apartment" is on TCM tomorrow night (Saturday, March 8) at 8:00 EST.

"A Spoonful of Rhetoric"

Today at National Review Online, Charles Krauthammer writes about Obama and whether we really know him. In fact he says the only way McCain and Clinton can defeat an opponent as dazzlingly new and fresh as Obama is to ask: Do you really know this guy?

Good point. If you ask people who support Obama why they support him you'll not hear actual accomplishments as a freshman Senator. You'll hear an adoration and awe as one might experience in church. Of course in the church setting the object of awe and adoration is God, not man. Ask any supporter why he supports Obama and you'll hear things like he's articulate, that he will unite the country (the how seems unimportant), that he gives us hope. So basically supporters swoon for his rhetoric. Really, they swoon, if you've been watching the reporters following his campaign. Women have fainted as they are as overcome with his rhetoric. His rallies have been likened to religious revivals.

"Obama coats the bitter pill of his myopic leftism in super-sweet sophistry," says Krauthammer. In grandiose terms he says he is a healer, a uniter, a conciliator, but never gives us the details. Yes, there will be college education for everyone, healthcare for everyone and a chicken in every pot. Who he is will be found in the details. So far there have been no details; what does that tell us about who he is?

Big Brother Is Watching

Yesterday as I watched coverage of the bombing of the military recruiting office in New York City, I saw the photographs of the bomber approach the building. It bothered me even though I know cameras are all around us. I wonder if those cameras will become 'Big Brother.'

I support whatever it takes to defeat terrorism. However, I am concerned that one day terrorism will be interpreted to include the activities in our lives that we take for granted. I wonder what will happen with a federal government that wants to control more and more of our lives, Will attending church be considered a terrorist activity or bad for society? What about smoking or home-schooling or having a carbon footprint too large?

I trust the Bush administration to respect our right to privacy, but I wouldn't trust any liberal administration. That may seem biased but it's liberals who don't seem to trust an individual to make choices for himself. Which is why they are bent on expanding a federal government where the left hand doesn't know what the right is doing. It only takes a liberal federal judiciary to redefine privacy that limits just about everything we do.

We need to be vigilant and vocal about our right to privacy and elect conservative representatives who will respect and defend our right to privacy. We need to elect a President who will appoint Supreme Court Justices who are strict constructionists of the Constitution and who won't redefine privacy. Or we may find Big Brother watching us.