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.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
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.
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)
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)
Monday, July 7, 2008
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.
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.
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.
Monday, June 30, 2008
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?
Saturday, June 28, 2008
"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:
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.
"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.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
"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.
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."
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.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
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.
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.
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.