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.